Aussie delights with a Sri Lankan flavour
Cantaloupe Hotels Group broadens its base in Colombo, Sri Lanka with the launch of its new rooftop restaurant Botanik overlooking the city’s skyline.
Opened this month on the top floor of Fairway Colombo, Botanik sees the hotel group collaborating with Sri Lankan-born Chef Rishi Naleendra of Cheek by Jowl fame in Singapore. The rustic-chic restaurant features a centrepiece 11-metre-long island bar, a main dining area with a show kitchen seating 40, and an al fresco terrace with spectacular views.
“It's a match made in heaven. As a hospitality group we have always believed in offering stylish and innovative cuisine and who better to partner with to cater to the huge demand here than one of the hottest chefs in Asia,” said Cantaloupe Hotels Group's founder and chief executive officer Dimitri Jayasuriya.
“Rishi is a class act and the restaurant has been packed since opening. The huge success of Cheek by Jowl made him something of a culinary celebrity in Sri Lanka and we are delighted to bring his talents to diners in Colombo at Botanik.”
Naleendra takes inspiration from his modern Australian menu in Singapore to deliver a contemporary bistro concept, which offers prime meats such as steaks and lamb and local seafood, while harnessing the freshest seasonal ingredients.
A choice of starters includes Steak Tartare with chilli, peanuts and wonton skins, Sri Lankan Buffalo with greenhouse tomatoes, basil and anchovies and Roasted Beetroot accompanied by hummus, wild rice and date dressing; main signatures are highlighted by Roasted Mahi Mahi, Braised Lamb Shoulder and Cape Grim Sirloin.
An extensive and appealing drinks list is created by French native and food &beverage manager, Mathieu Delin, who drew on his experiences in London and Dubai to create an outstanding cocktail menu.
The restaurant brand will make its debut as a dining destination at its award-winning Cantaloupe Aqua and Cantaloupe Levels in Galle early next year. This is the latest step in Cantaloupe Hotels Group’s Sri Lankan growth strategy aiming to deliver lifestyle experiences that showcase the country’s culture and cuisine.
Cantaloupe Hotels Group’s expansion will continue in the coming months with the launch of Cantaloupe Veralu Verala and a beach house in Midigama, Weligama, a popular surfing destination.
