Kingsbury kicks off International Food Triathlon

Honorary Consul for Mexico in Sri Lanka Mohan Pandithage (second from left) addresses the media on Monday. Others from left are Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Harimawan Suyitno, Kingsbury Hotel GM Scott Mawhinney, Kingsbury Hotel Culinary Services Director Chef Kithsiri De Silva and Mexican Chef Gabriela Ruiz Lugo at the Press Conference – Pic by Upul Abayasekara

By Hiruni Dabarera

In a bid to uplift Sri Lanka’s image as a popular tourist destination in the world, the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo, in collaboration with the Consulate of Mexico in Colombo, Indonesian Embassy in Colombo and the Royal Thai Embassy of Colombo is holding an International Food Triathlon during the month of September. 

“We also expect this exciting cultural exchange to foster good relations between these countries and Sri Lanka,” stated the Kingsbury Hotel General Manager Scott Mawhinney. 

Mexican contemporary gourmet culinary art will be displayed in Sri Lanka by the Mexican celebrity chef Gabriela Ruiz Lugo in celebration of Mexico’s first ever-National Day in Sri Lanka (7 September). This will be held under the theme of ‘Who’s the hottest?’ where the guests will be given a platform to revel on the spicy dishes from Mexico. 

“In Mexico, we give priority to the sauce and not to the meat in a dish. I will be preparing the authentic Mexican ‘Mole’ sauce by using our famous chilli peppers and chocolate during my stay here,” said Lugo. 

She further clarified how Mexican food that is popular around the world and available in Sri Lanka like burritos and fajita are what they term ‘Tex-Mex’ food or food from the borders between Mexico and the United States. Lugo stated how the food she will be preparing is of traditional Mexican origin. 

This venture of exposing Mexican gastronomy to the world is a result of the National Policy brought by the Mexican government in 2010 by the name ‘Ven a Comer’ (Come to eat). In 2010, UNESCO singled out traditional Mexican cuisine as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Kingsbury will carry the Mexican theme to the Sky Lounge and The Kings with Mexican signature spirits in rare brands and in exciting business. 

A rare opportunity to watch a collection of Mexican Vintage films directed by Ismael Rodriguez will begin from 7 September at Kingsbury Pool Café. The inauguration of the Mexican Film Festival will be held under the patronage of Mexican Ambassador to India Melba Pria as a prelude to the Mexican National Day celebrations at Kingsbury. 

In addition to Mexican food, the food triathlon is also hoping to feature Indonesian cuisine. It will be spearheaded by the Indonesian celebrity chef, food consultant and critic William Wongso and held from 15 to 18 September at Kingsbury’s Yue Chuan restaurant (lunch and dinner buffet). The Indonesian food festival hopes to represent the rich diversity in Indonesian culinary and also increase connectivity between Sri Lanka and Indonesia. 

“You might find some of the dishes quite similar to the Sri Lankan palate and others a new experience,” expressed Indonesian Ambassador Harimawan Suyito. 

The Royal embassy of Thailand is also gearing up for a spectacular promotion of their culture and cuisine with traditional Thai dancers performing at the Kingsbury from 23 to 25 September during high tea at Gourmet station. Thereafter, Thai celebrations continue at The Ocean Seafood Restaurant from 26 September to 2 October. This year they are hoping to give special attention to seafood. 

While both Mexican and Thailand cuisines will be presented in A La Carte menu format the Indonesian cuisine will be presented in a buffet.