Beaujolais Nouveau makes way to the Paradise Beach

Mount Lavinia Hotel in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka and the Alliance Francaise de Kotte is proud to release it in Sri Lanka on 15^th November 2012, for the third consecutive year.

“MLH loves to make people aware of traditions that make sense from across the world. And when French food marries with a fun wine it certainly needs to be celebrated, when it is paired with traditional Burgundy region dishes, and believe me as a Chef myself the dishes complementing the wine is out of this world,” states Anura Dewapura of Mount Lavinia Hotel.

This vintage seems different than previous ones, and is worth a taste as a Michelin Star Chef from France will create the French cuisine that blends well with the Beaujolais 2012” avers Mr Anura Dewapura, General Manager, Mount Lavinia Hotel.

Boeuf Bourguignon, Filet De Sole A La Dieppoise, Coq Au Vin, Les Fromages, Terrine de poisons sauce bourguignonne, Soupe a l’oignon, Gigot d’agneau roti a l’ail, Blanquette de legumes and not forgetting the Escargot are some of the items that will be paired with the French Wine at MLH.

Usually the festival in France occurs in a farm however MLH that always brings out the best of a product will unveil it at their very own Paradise Beach with a guest appearance of a Michelin Star Chef from France who is said to lay out a delicious spread.  So let 15^th November be a date to celebrate fine foods especially celebrating fine French cuisine, culture and a premium beverage and, it also serves as a reminder to celebrate the end of another harvest season; to celebrate the growers who toiled all season to produce the highest quality grapes; and to celebrate the bounty of that harvest, hence may a spirit of celebration fill your heart, at 8pm at the Mount Lavinia Hotel from LKR3200/-nett for the Dinner.

Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé!

Gospel and Thanksgiving at MLH

As Thanksgiving is celebrated in the US and known for being the celebration for the harvest of the year, MLH has taken the same notion to thank all their patrons for a good year. Yes, 22^nd November 2012 – Thanksgiving will be celebrated with a Gospel Pianist from the US: Allan Tate will celebrate the day with gospels specifically written for the occasion, serving as a reminder of the significance of thanks. The entertainment for the evening at MLH will be provided by Sri Lanka’s much sought after all boy acapella group VOICE PRINT along with the Olivier Franc Jazz Ensemble and the sultry voice of beautiful Gabrielle Jeanselme, too.

Gabrielle Jeanselme

Professional classical concert pianist and jazz singer.

Completed her studies at the National Conservatory of Music of Lyon, France.

Aside from performing regularly as a classical concert pianist, she developed skills as a jazz singer and is featured in both kinds of festivals and concert halls nowadays. A well recognized artist in both worlds. Is a great admirer of Billie Holiday, she sings also standards made popular by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, but also Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, etc. She performs in prestigious Parisian Jazz Clubs like Le Petit Journal Montparnasse or le Lionel Hampton Jazz Club at Meridien Hotel Paris. A beautiful lady with a natural grace, bringing a lot of emotion in her singing.

Allan Tate

A master of Gospel and Blues music. Very moving singer and virtuoso piano player. He started to play in churches across the US in places like New Orleans in the late 50's and stayed there up to the 60's.

He played for a while in duo with the Legendary Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Then he moved to New York City, where he is based nowadays.His career took a new direction in 2011 with successful European concerts and festivals in France and Germany.

Thanksgiving Dinner – LKR4000/-nett

Cold

Cheese with Apple Salad

Vegetable Chop Salad

Cold Roast Beef with Horseradish Sauce

Assorted Sausage Salad

Apple and Potato Salad

Red Cabbage and Apple Summer slaw

BBQ Pork Salad with Fruit and Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ranch Style Chicken Salad

B.L.T. Salad with Basil Dressing and Croutons

Spicy Corn and Pepper Salad

Carvery

Whole Roasted Turkey with Natural Jus and Cranberry Sauce

Roasted Lamb Leg with Rosemary Jus

Glazed Studded Ham with Grain Mustard Sauce

Soup

Fall Spice Pumpkin Soup

Bread Station

Country Corn Bread

Herbed Cheese Biscuits

Assorted Breads

Sides

Bourbon Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta

Green Bean Casserole

Cinnamon & Honey Glazed Carrots

Chorizo and Corn Hash

Sage and Sausage Stuffing

Traditional Herbed Stuffing

Herb Smashed Potato with Country Gravy

Baked Sweet Potato

Dessert

Pecan Pie

Caramelized Apple Pie

Pumpkin Pie

Fall Berry Mousse

Chocolate Fudge Cake

Cream Cheese Iced Red Velvet Cake

Traditional Spiced Carrot Cake

Because of the longstanding traditions of the holiday, the celebration has extended to the weekend. The lighting of the Christmas Tree will occur on the 23^rd November followed by on the 24^th November a Tribute to Jazz legend Sidney Bechet will occur at the Terrace with Olivier France’s Jazz Ensemble will ignite the Terrace. Historically, Thanksgiving looks like MLH’s door to the festive season as they seem to have their act together when they surface iconic traditions that are rooted in religious and cultural traditions, into the season and the excitement of the season.

Call the Special Events desk at 2711 711 for reservations.

Poya Veggie Buffet!

MLH begins the festive preparations with the International Expatriate Association(IEA)

Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka – The ever so dynamic team of Mount Lavinia Hotel, known for thinking out of the box, takes the traditions to the next level, this time with the support of forward thinking organization, the International Expatriate Association of Colombo (IEA).

“The Christmas and New Year festivities are celebrated by many people in the world, despite their religion and background and that makes it a colorful event with the objective of true spirit of Christmas. We at the Mount Lavinia Hotel have been actively promoting the unity among all for several years now, where the traditional tree lighting ceremony, on the day after the Thanksgiving Day, is being attended by the clergy, representing diverse denominations and faith. Hence starting the festive season with the traditional cake mixing and inviting the members of the International Expatriate Association of Colombo (IEA) is just putting another unique spin on the year end festivities,” said Anura Dewapura, General Manager of Mount Lavinia Hotel.

The International Expatriate Association of Colombo (IEA) was established in October 2007 as a diverse group of expatriates living in Colombo, Sri Lanka and ever since its inception, the group operated with the same purpose. The IEA is a non-profit, non-political association which aims to help expatriates find their way around this lovely island. Close to 180 members from 41 different countries make the IEA and indeed a truly “global group”. The IEA’s membership is open to all expatriates living in Sri Lanka, or Sri Lankans with a foreign passport.

“We are a social forum that is engaged in a array of activities organized by our members for our members and with the generosity of our members, sponsors and partners, we also support four local charities: the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation, the Victory Special Studies Centre, the Cerebral Palsy Lanka Foundation and the Home of Compassion,” said Karla Christensen, IEA’s Charity Coordinator.

“What a great opportunity for the IEA to participate at the cake mixing event, one of the many iconic traditions at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. Having had the opportunity to work hand in hand with the pastry team on creating “the traditional sweet delicacy” for the upcoming holidays not only showcased our support but also displayed “the international camaraderie” the IEA is known for,” said Blanka Dewapura, President of IEA.

The fun began at 11 AM in the pastry kitchen where the experienced pastry chefs and members of the IEA got their hands dirty and started mixing the enormous amount of ingredients for the holiday cake.  Among the twelve members of the IEA was seen Mrs. Karla Christensen – Charity Coordinator, Mrs. Shazi Salie – Treasurer, Mrs. Maya Khosla – Membership Coordinator, Mrs. Rukshana Nelson – Activity Hostess, Mrs. Marleen Billen – Activity Hostess, Mrs. Brenda Brennan – Former Board Member, Mrs. Blanka Dewapura – President, Mrs. Barbra Young, Mrs. Latika Alok, and Mrs. Gail Fraser – members of the IEA.

For more information about IEA visit www.ieacolombo.org

Oktoberfest 2012 – begins with a Hammerschlagen

Where could you find whole five days of fanfare, festivities and frolic with the best of the ‘wursts’(bratwursts) sizzling away, liver pate with a typical German Salad, Apple Strudel Oktoberfest style, the frothiest of brews brimming over, and a whole lot of ‘oompah’? Yes, Oktoberfest Colombo lifted off in style from the 17^th to the 21^st of October 2012 at the CR&FC grounds, starting at 6pm daily. Sponsored by CR&FC, Yes FM, Elephant House, Mount Lavinia Hotel and SriLankan Airlines.  

“It is indeed time that an authentic Oktoberfest took place with the right kind of brew and the food to complement it,” stated an Oktoberfest fan.

A host of unusual games typical of Oktoberfest were also on the cards, barrel rolling, hammer strength testing, brew drinking and a host of others were ready for the whole family to enjoy. In addition, firework displays every night added sparks to the carnival buzz.

Cajun and Creole slow food night a remarkable success

The slow food night in October was focused solely on Cajun and Creole, where the menu was presented by Chef Antony Bradley who specializes in Louisiana cuisine. The Slow Food concept which rides on the farm to table motto, offers the freshest dishes prepared from local ingredients found within the destination. The culinary team at Mount Lavinia Hotel made the experience an entertaining one which was creatively presented in a casual ambiance at the horizon rooftop. The guest list comprised of some well known slow food enthusiasts and ardent members.