Ambience (******)
Contemporary music with a jazzy blues mix, mismatched chairs, pink ruffles and floral undertones – Flamingo House is definitely a restaurant like no other in Colombo. Situated where the restaurant for Gerard Mendis Chocolatier was, the whole place has changed giving it a mad and eclectic feel which you will only understand when you know the story behind it. As romantic as it is, I have no space to elaborate. The part fable and part factual story of Sir Alfred Clark is woven into every aspect of the restaurant so if you make your way there, (and I think you definitely should) read the placemat, as it will help you understand what Flamingo House is all about.
Taste and Value for money (******)
The food represents the restaurant – Eurasian cuisine. The menu reflects authentic Asian and European dishes with a unique Flamingo twist.
Among their Starters is the dreamy Deep Fried Camembert (Rs 1,300). This dish itself gives you a sense of Old Europe as the warm and crunchy camembert compliments the sweet and slightly tart caramelised apples and cranberry jam.
A more Asian starter is the lip smacking Shredded Duck Crepes (Rs 950). The crepes are accompanied with a Hoisin and plum sauce and shreds of cucumber and spring onion – it is said to have been one of Sir Clark’s favourites during his trading visits to the East.
The sandwiches sound amazing so we tried out the Grilled Eggplant, Zucchini and Parmesan Sandwich (Rs 950). This mouth-watering sandwich with it’s perfectly grilled slices of eggplant and zucchini, strewn with loads of parmesan and mozzarella was the perfect sandwich with that slight crunch and soft bread along with the perfect filling.
Our mains consisted of a juicy Lamb Chop with Dark Cherry and Port Wine (Rs 1,900). This soft shoulder chop with a fresh green salad and creamy mashed potato was so delicious. Each aspect was woven so well into the other making it a beautiful dish.
A simpler but still flavoursome dish was the Stuffed Calamari with Lime and Chilli Sauce (Rs 1,700). The zesty lime and chilli sauce was the ideal accompaniment to the calamari stuffed with minced lamb, served with Jasmin rice and a tangy green mango salad – it was sheer bliss.
The desserts curated by Gerard Mendis Chocolatier, and are nothing short of stunning. We opted for the Cortes (Rs 750). It looked as fabulous as it tasted – a large almond macaron was the bed for a scoop of creamy dark chocolate ice cream with hints of chilli, topped with a caramelised red chilli dipped in dark chocolate. Bite into the chilli and then taste the ice cream with a bit of the macaron and you will be in dessert heaven. While the Flamingo Sutra (Rs 750) – the restaurant’s signature chocolate biscuit pudding infused with a generous helping of rum, topped with nougat and whipped cream, is a dark temptation like no other.
Parking (****)
Hours of operation: 11am till late (Monday to Sunday)
Address: 58A, Horton Place, Colombo 7
Tel: 077 859 7766
By Natasha Fernandopulle
Photographs by Kanishke Ganewatte
.jpg)
.jpg)
0 Comments