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California Grill at the Galadari Hotel brings to you Journeys, which is a Friday evening treat for anyone looking for an exclusive fine dining experience. This long and winding magical journey is something you need to indulge in and experience. When we tried it out, I realised that it’s aptly called Journeys because true to the name we were transported through this long exciting gastronomic journey that never seemed to end. Here’s what we thought of our experience. 

 

Ambience 

For those of you who have not been here, the California Grill, on the rooftop of Hotel Galadari is a picturesque venue with a splendid panoramic view of Colombo by night. 

 

Entertainment 

Adding beautiful sound vibes to Journey is the two piece band Jazzmataz with none other than the Mignonne of the former Jetliners playing the grand piano joined by Suraj on guitar. They kept us entertained with soft jazz through the meal. 

 

Food and Beverages 

You can enjoy a cocktail before moving onto the dining area as they have a well stacked bar and a cosy sitting area. 

The eight course meal which pairs well with a choice of wine started with the first starter, Poached Red Lobster, Pink Norwegian Fresh Salmon and Blue Water Lagoon Prawns. 

Then came another starter Mille Feuille of Ham and Cheese, Smoked Duck wrapped in prunes soaked in white vinegar and Sun Dried Kiwi and Celery Salad was crunchy and tangy. 

Following the first two starters was the soup. There were three little cups with three different types of soup. There was the Essence of Fish which was a light soup and had a tinge of tomato in it. This was my favourite of the soups as the other two were a tad too heavy for me. The Golden Butter Pumpkin Cream and the Clams and Prawn Chowder were tasty, rich and creamy. 

Then two more appetisers followed. There was Smoked Seer and Vegetarian Sushi, Yellow Tuna Nikini, Smoked and Cheese Mousse Roulande which was mouth-watering, and Pan Seared Scallops with cucumber and dill sauce, Crab Stick Gratin with Scampi Butter and Flash Fried Shoe Lobster in sweet chili dressing. It was after all this that the Passion Fruit and Vodka Sorbet was served, to prepare our palates for the main meal. That was also super. 

Then came the main meal. Here again there was Fish, Chicken and Lamb. Each item was absolutely delicious. The Red Mullet was fresh and soft and it was topped with sun dried tomato butter cream. The Roasted Chicken included bell peppers with Remy Martin Reduction. The Victorian Lamb Chop was well marinated, oven roasted and topped with orange sauce. 

After this, we had dessert which consisted of three items. There was a Spicy Chocolate Fondant with Cheese Ice Cream and Apricot and Poached Pear in Red Wine which were tasty, and my favourite was the Bailey's and Coffee Panna Cotta with Walnut Brownie in Fudge Sauce. This one was an absolute treat. 

 

Service 

The service was excellent. The team at California Grill under the guidance of expert Sous Chef Anushan, who needs no introduction as he has been a pillar of the Galadari for many many years, have really mastered the art of service in the arena of fine dining. Special mention must be made of Eranga who served us. He was really good at what he did. 

To sum it up, here’s a great place to give way to a little pampering and enjoy exquisite fine dining. This is definitely not an option for a quick meal. You’ve got to have a couple of hours to relax and enjoy this to the fullest, as this ‘Journey’ is a fairly long one. It is something you really must try out! 

Open for dinner from 7:00PM - 11:00PM 

Price: Rs 3500/- +++ 
Phone: (011) 2 544544 

 

Photographs by Nisal Baduge