Romance is in the air at Pontoon

Pontoon, the floating restaurant which sails along the Benthara Ganga creates a unique and romantic dining atmosphere.

The restaurant which is run by Bentota Beach Hotel offers some of the finest cuisine, while the service on board is undoubtedly five star. Five course romantic dinners aside you can also book the boat for small dinner parties and gatherings with menus that are tailor-made just for you. The dining experience I was offered was a two hour cruise with a five course sit down dinner for two.

From the moment the live band starts playing and you are nibbling on some fine cheese and crackers while sipping on some red, you really do feel special.

Our appetiser that of Tempura of King Prawns, Assorted Maki and Smoked Norwegian Salmon Rosette accompanied with Fresh Greens was a fine treat. Dip them in some Soy Reduction, Wasabi Mayonnaise and Sour Fruit Compote and this little starter will just take your taste buds to the next level.

I loved the tomato base of the creamy, yet light Rock Lobster Bisque and Asparagus Cream soup with crispy Lavash.  With all these flavours now embedded on my taste buds, my palate needed cleansing and the Guava and Champagne Sorbet was the perfect solution. Served in a bowl made of ice and decorated with cute flowers, it was the perfect palate cleaner which was also pleasing on the eyes.

The service offered on board Pontoon was fantastic and for the time I was on board, I did feel like a princess. The atmosphere, created with the breeze from the Indian Ocean and the Benthara Ganga flowing through my hair made me truly appreciate the island life while also creating an elegant dining setting.

The main course consisted of Slow Roasted Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb and Pan Seared Roulade of Chicken with Truffle Hinted Potato Puree and Steamed Vegetables served with Minted Lamb Jus and Romesco Sauce. The juicy, sweet yet savoury lamb and the chicken with a hint of rosemary complimented with the lightly buttered vegetables and sauce was delightful and quite filling.

My fear was that I wouldn’t be able to devour my dessert as I was pretty full by this time but I must say that the dessert wasn’t too heavy at all. It consisted of a smooth Chocolate Velveteen, a Kahlua Flavoured Passion Surprise with Almond Crunchy, Raspberry Coulis and Crispy Coconut Ball with Treacle.

A few sips of green tea and some handmade chocolates later (I simply had no room for the latter in my tummy though), it was time to head back to the hotel. What is beautiful about what is offered through the Pontoon dining experience is the attention to detail while the atmosphere created the perfect prelude for a romantic stay at Bentota Beach Hotel.

Ratings:

Variety of food: 5 stars
Value for money: 5 stars
Cleanliness: 5 stars
Friendly staff: 5 stars

By Natasha Fernandopulle
Pics by Kanishke Ganewatte