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MAR / 2014 WWW.YAMU.LK

kamu | gamu | balamu there are no holidays in march but april makes up for it

EDITORIAL Hope you’re enjoying March. Sadly, there are no actual holidays this month. Shruthi Mathews Poya falls on a Sunday (the 16th, not fair) and that’s it. The weather is also Indi Samarajiva (probably) getting hotter leading up to Avurudu. LAYOUT Indika Sriyan Gammudali

March is one of the better months (season wise) island-wide. The southern ADVERTISING beaches are still happening, and also have some great eating. Check out our [email protected] reviews of places in Thalpe and Galle inside. It’s also a good time to visit Kandy 773936719 or the cultural triangle. QUESTIONS [email protected]

And don’t let the lack of holidays get you down. Half of April is basically a holi- PRINTED BY day (with Avurudu), so you might as well get some work done while you can. Ramanayake Impressions © 2014 YAMU (Pvt) Ltd

5 9 12

Park Street Mews 5 Fortazleza 12 Crusty’s 8 Talpe Beach 14 KAMU Alerics 9 Gloria Jeans 16 The Fat Crab 10

PR 19 The Party Station 21

GAMU The Nail Anatomy 22 19 The Om Space 23

BALAMU Old Town Hall 24 25

WANT TO WRITE FOR YAMU? email [email protected] with a writing and photo sample (of food, not yourself)

5 KAMU PLACES TO EAT IN SRI LANKA

Park Street Mews R.

Open: 8 AM to 11 PM

Price Range: Rs.500-1000

112300133 6

Park Street Mews Restaurant 50/1 Park Street, Colombo 2 | 112300133

The Park Street Mews Restaurant has food that looks amaz- ing and tastes great, all in a happening location. Probably the most modern of Colombo restaurants.

As the signature restaurant for the above. Now the plating matches tomato and microgreens spread now vibrant Park Street Mews (a up with really interesting and happy throughout. The chunks of feta were strip with shops, a bar, events, etc), tastes. The camembert pictured big and flavorful and the whole thing the PSM Restaurant is already here is warm and oozy and pairs was really well seasoned and tasty. blessed with a great location. On our nicely with the sweet of the walnut, past visit the food didn’t measure up, apples and applesauce. It looks For a main we tried the slow cooked but on our most recent visit it really beautiful and tastes good, which is soy and anise pork (Rs. 1,400). Their really did. basically perfect. mains aren’t cheap, but we think this is because all the meat is imported. The FOOD We tried another appetizer, the chick It’s certainly good. The pork was Park Street always had amazing pea salad (Rs. 500) which was also meltingly soft and, again, beauti- plating, as you can see from the excellent. Beautifully presented with fully presented with roasted beets, deep fried camembert (Rs. 650) curly onion rings on top and feta, mashed potatoes, carrots and two 7

dipping options, an anise sauce and a white-washed IKEA style and gets ment is present at all of their various applesauce. Reminded me of those plenty of natural light. There’s bean- locations so the standards stay high. dishes they call ‘wonderfully’ rustic bag seating in the center and regular The staff we’ve interacted with are on MasterChef. A real treat, and gen- tables around. genuinely nice, but they also know erous portions. the menu and can answer ques- tions, which is actually LOCATION the next level towards The Park Street loca- professional rather than tion can’t be beat. This merely pleasant service. small cobblestone path is one of the only Overall we think the ser- walking/shopping/ vice is quite good, and dining areas in the if you have problems city. They’ve actually you can escalate it with divided the original some confidence of Park Street restau- resolution. rant into this and the bar Curve and there CONCLUSION are now shops and Upon re-review, Park almost constant events down the SERVICE Street Mews has creative, tasty food strip. When we went they were host- The service was had was beyond with amazing plating in a happening ing the Colombo Art Biennale. excellent, but we think they recog- spot. Cool scene. nized us from YAMU. The staff is The restaurant itself is decorated in well trained and the overall manage- 8

Crusty’s 536 Havelock Road, Colombo 6 | 112366645

Crusty’s is a new healthy submarine shop on Havelock Road (near Wellawatte).

As Colombo gets more restau- pings and sauce. We tried the 4 rants (a lot more), they tend to inch Roasted Grilled Chicken with Service skew towards the oily, fatty and southwest sauce (Rs. 290) and The staff is quite nice and knows unhealthy. It’s nice to get a new the 4 inch tandoori chicken (Rs. the menu. Should be default, but eatery that’s trying to be healthy. 290). We went back a second surprisingly rare in Colombo res- time and it was good, especially taurants, and welcome. Colombo has gone from no dedi- the teriyaki. The owner also men- cated sandwich shops to quite a tioned that they bake their own Location few. Paan Paan is probably the bread next door. Crusty’s is on the Wellawatte best, and Leesh in Nugegoda is end of Havelock Road. For peo- really good. Crusty’s is a worthy Both subs were pretty good. ple heading to or from Dehiwala/ addition. They’re healthy in the sense that Nugegoda it’s quite convenient. they’re not huge and come with a The Food lot of veg, but they still pack a lot Conclusion Our main impression of Crusty’s of flavor. Crusty’s makes some pretty good submarines are that they’re warm and relatively healthy subs. and saucy. The bread and meats They also do short eats (from 6 are good if not spectacular, but AM to 6 PM) and cakes and stuff. Tips the whole thing is stitched to- We tried a ganache sweet (Rs. The southwest sauce is nice. gether with a generosity of top- 100) which was pretty good. 9

Alerics Liberty Arcade, Colombo 3 | 114387630, 332257472

Alerics was the original Sri Lan- olate chip, pina colada, etc. small mall that’s under construc- kan ice cream, started in 1949, tion right next to Liberty Plaza and reaching peak popularity Colorwise, the Alerics flavors are (on Duplication Road). It’s a sim- with the Piccadilly Café in the neon, veering more towards the ple spot, few bar chairs around 1960s. After that it declined and artificial Rio/Carnival look. We an ice cream display. basically disappeared. Now it’s tried a pina colada cone which back, under new management, was sweet and nice with chunks Service with a new branch in the new of pineapple. This is main- Generally one person there and Liberty Arcade. New new new. stream, mass-market ice cream, they’re quite nice. not fancy stuff like Carino’s and The Ice Cream Il Gelato. While I generally prefer Conclusion Alerics has two tiers of flavors, the more natural tasting stuff, The old Alerics is finally back the basic (Rs. 70 for a stand- after a hot day there’s a certain with a new location in (the also ard cone) and the premium (Rs. satisfaction to this sort of blend. new) Liberty Arcade. It’s a bit ar- 120). The basic are, well, basic. tificial, but a nice treat on a hot Strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, Location day, of which there’s plenty more mint. The premium has mint The new Alerics is tucked inside to come. chocolate chip, strawberry choc- the new Liberty Arcade, another 10

the fat crab 53 Haig Road, Colombo 4 | 727777755

The Fat Crab is an unpretentious seafood bistro that is a valuable addition to the growing restaurant scene along Marine Drive and fills the need for a mid-range crab specialist in Colombo.

The Fat Crab calls itself a seafood (three options). The minimum or- former Sea Anglers’ Club in Trinco- bistro. Its menu is not extensive, der quantity serves two, and since malee and the occasional Sunday but it certainly is exciting. Options there were six of us, we decided lunch with family, this was one of include some standard fare, but to share the Sri Lankan Murunga the tastiest and most authentic also more unusual appetizers like Leaf Crab Curry, Black Pepper Murunga Crab Curries we have Fresh Bentota Oysters Shucked Crab and Steaming Crab with dip- ever had. with Raspberry Vinegar (Rs 825), ping sauces, choosing the middle soups like Curried Prawn Bisque “large” crab option (approximately The crab was succulent and ten- (Rs 625), mains like Mrs. Floges- six inches across). As accompani- der. Not overdone, the flesh was teen’s Seafood Pie (Rs 980) and ments, we chose to be traditional firm and fresh and the flavours desserts like Grilled fresh Pineap- and basic: Crusty Kadé Paan with were strong, but not overpowering, ple with Cinnamon & Vodka Ice butter, Pol Sambol, Steamed rice balanced well to allow the natural Cream (Rs 475). These pleasures, and Dhal. taste of the crab to come through we left undiscovered for another the spices, chili and murunga fla- day to focus on the reason we had Along with four cokes and a couple vours. The gravy was thick and made this pilgrimage in the first of beers, the bill came to approxi- generously infused with murunga place: crab. mately Rs 3350 each. The quanti- leaves. Soaked up with the crusty ties were enough to satisfy even bread, the fine two-step dhal and Patrons seeking crab have three the most acute of crab cravings. pol sambol, it was absolute heav- choices to make: size of crab (three en. The pepper crab as well, was options), preparation method (five The quality of the meal was ex- excellent, and well balanced. The options) and accompaniment cellent. After the versions at the steaming crab option is perhaps 11

for a more subtle palate that is ily accessible and its proximity to provement. They were not stingy averse to the stronger spice con- the ocean adds to the experience with the accompaniments. They tent of the other options. Still, the of the seafood. filled up the dhal bowl three times flesh was perfectly done and the without hesitation or extra charge, choice of six varied dipping sauces Service which gets a big thumbs up from meant you could tailor your taste The service was professional, as us. experience. can be expected from one of the Don Stanley’s group of restaurants, Conclusion LOCATION which this is. There was some mi- I came away from the experience Although the address is officially nor confusion about appropriate thinking: this place understands on Haig Road, it is on the cor- quantities and crab sizes before their crab. Seafood fans should ner with Marine Drive, facing the ordering, but this was sorted out definitely go and explore! ocean, between Majestic City and with the waiter without too much Keells Super. It is above Don’s Café of a fuss. A couple of unfinished TIPS: Take the advice on the menu and on the same premises as Cokes were cleared away while and follow their motto, “No fuss Genghis, the Mongolian wok res- some of us were away from the – Make a Mess.” Crab cannot taurant, from which menu you can table washing fingers, but again, be enjoyed if you are pernickety also order. this was a minor detraction from about table manners. If you are an otherwise pleasing experience. new to the Sri Lankan crab eating It is an unassuming wooden struc- experience, you may want to take ture, with soft lighting, tasteful While we are on the topic: the an experienced hand with you to décor and nice cutlery. It has tats hand-washing sink is behind the show you the ropes about crack- to keep out the rain and is open bar, which is not an ideal location ing shells and dining with bibs! to the sea breeze, with no fans or for it. One of our diners desperately Also, if you were once a fan of air-conditioning. Although at first wanted to wipe her nose as she Don Stanley’s Philadelphia Cream we were concerned about the lack had the spice drips, but she didn’t Cheese Cake with Berry Topping, of fans, we did not find it uncom- want to cover her face with crab. be informed that it is making a fortably hot, even in the middle of Easily accessible finger bowls or comeback on the Fat Crab’s des- February. Also, the location is eas- a dedicated sink would be an im- sert section at Rs 595! 12

Fortaleza 9 Church Cross Street, Galle | 912233415

Fortaleza is a boutique hotel which also runs an excellent restaurant in the Galle Fort.

Many Sri Lankan boutique hotels which, while not cheap at Rs. 1000, rado with pumpkin mash. Never had tend to have better food (and ser- was a quite delectable selection of a pumpkin mash before. This one vice) than a lot of restaurants. That’s hummus, olives, roasted peppers, was nice, mashy with a bit of bite why it’s nice that the Fortaleza res- baba ghanoush and more (all served in it. The fish was perfectly cooked, taurant is open to anyone in the Galle with pita). meaty and flavorful. It’s simple ingre- Fort. It has excellent, modern food, a dients well done. It’s not cheap, but great ambiance, and good service. For mains we tried mainly fish items, for the dining experience we think it’s Not cheap, but it’s about average for being close to the sea and all. They a good value. the upscale Fort. do have a range of roll your own fajitas (Rs. 1,100 - Rs. 1,300) a Sin- We also tried the seared tuna with The Food gaporean chicken burger (Rs. 1,100) wasabi (Rs. 1,500). Again, a simple We’ve tried a range of things here, as well as BLT, chicken and other dish carried by quality ingredients the soups we can say are excellent, sandwiches (around Rs. 950). and good preparation. The tuna was as is the fresh bread that comes fresh, well cooked (just raw in the with. We also tried a mezze platter What we tried was the pan fried do- middle) and served with a simple 13

sauce and wasabi. It worked. around. It’s a nice space with ex- menu and how to serve courses, etc. posed coral visible in the walls. It’s They’re well trained and polite.. For dessert we tried a banoffee pie different from the usual colonial which in hindsight I shouldn’t really style places in the Fort, more open Conclusion comment on cause I’m not crazy and modern. There’s cool music and Fortaleza is a modern addition to about banana. Should have thought a really hip ambience there. the Galle Fort. They have simple and about that before ordering. They tasty food, excellent service and a make a solid espresso. Service beautiful, hip location. We wish it The service is excellent. We were was in Colombo. Location in Galle with our big drooly dog and Fortaleza is down a side street from they were kind enough to let him Tips the All Saints Church right within hang around. We wouldn’t neces- The sodas are nice, try the Elder- the Galle Fort. You step down into sarily recommend doing this, but flower. the restaurant, which is basically they were more accomodating than a courtyard with seating in and they had to be. The staff knows the 14

Talpe Beach Restaurant 1042 Matara Road, Talpe | 912282647, 778830080

The Talpe Beach Restaurant serves sophisticated food in a beautiful location in Talpe (near Galle). While the nearby Wijaya Beach is famous for its pizza, we highly recommend this spot for what we’ll call beach fine dining.

If you want a truly interesting simple, relying on the freshness pared with an attention to detail culinary experience, the south- of the ingredients and the acidity that makes for a delightful expe- ern coast of Sri Lanka is in many of the cucumber pickle to make rience. ways better than Colombo. From it pop. It was refreshing, light and Fortaleza in Galle to Kingfisher in a properly classy appetizer. The We also tried the steak. This Unawatuna, there are a number quality of the tuna was first rate was seasoned perfectly but the of interesting and tasty places (they said the fisherman was meat, despite being imported to eat. To that company add the literally next door) and the dish from Australia, remained tough. Talpe Beach Restaurant, a bit worked together to really bring Steak is really hard to do right in further down the coast. it out. Sri Lanka and this preparation, while good, still didn’t approach The Food For mains we tried the prawn, the tenderness of someplace like The food is excellent. Creative, lime and curd risotto (Rs. 1,200). London Grill. The sides (grilled flavorful and fresh. We started It was wonderful. The lime and veg and mashed potatoes) were with the tuna tartare with avo- curd pull the savory rice up and amazing. cado and cucumber pickle (Rs. give it bite. The prawns give it 900). This dish came with gen- a good meaty chew. It was all We should also mention that the erous hunks of fresh, raw tuna served atop a thin layer of excel- plating was excellent all around. sandwiched around a layer of lent olive oil that bound and tied The dishes not only looked pret- avocado, all served in a pleasing all the flavors together. A simple ty, there was thought given to cookie-cutter circle. It was very dish, simple ingredients, but pre- sauces, dipping, and how you’d 15

be moving elements around the beach side. The beach itself is with food photography because dish. The risotto had olive oil beautiful and a good place to a lot of restaurants are dark, es- around the side so that you could catch the sunset. pecially for outdoor dining. With- customize how saucy you want- out asking they brought a small ed to get, as did the steak. The The Service wireless table lamp to the table, tuna tartare gave space in the TBR is run by a couple (German which really makes a difference middle to mix the whether you’re tak- cucumber pickle ing photos or not. in. Very smart We also asked ques- presentation all tions, changed an or- around, and pres- der, etc, no problem. entation that fur- Initially we thought thered the content the owner knew we of the dish. were coming for a review because she They serve beer was so welcoming and wine and and nice. But no, should have a that’s just the way liquor license for she is. cocktails soon. Conclusion The Location Talpe Beach Resort TBR (formerly Fleurts) is a beau- we think) with the wife running serves tasty, intelligent food in a tifully designed building. The front of house, essentially, and beautiful location on the beach. dining area is all set around a the husband doing the cook- We’re calling this beach fine polished cement swimming pool ing. The staff are all genial and dining cause the food has high with tables between columns well-trained and pay attention to attention to detail and you can and more casual seating on the detail. For example, we struggle wear a swimsuit. 16

Gloria Jean’s Coffees 505 Union Place, Colombo 2 | 114344285, 724846471

Gloria Jean’s is the latest coffee franchise to hit Colombo (after Barista, Coffee Bean, Cioconat, etc). It’s in its soft opening phase now. It’s an average franchise - good loca- tion, expensive coffee and food, average taste. If you want quirky quality the Cup Cafe around the street is better, but for a meeting or gathering, it’s a central spot.

The Food/Drinks some chili mayo. They were OK, We tried cold drinks cause it was Food wise they have a limited menu decent bread (mini-baguette and very hot out - the Creme Brulee (Rs. (which is good), but it’s rather basic. ciabatta, respectively) and fine ingre- 540) and Chocolate Macademia Seems like a kids menu, almost. dients. (Rs. 480), both essentially iced cof- We tried the chef’s special chicken fee with syrups. As you can see, they sandwich (Rs. 650) and the smoked The chef’s special had a lot of melt- were rather expensive. Taste-wise chicken sandwich (Rs. 650). Both ed cheese and was warm, which is they were fine, but quite sweet. came with a few potato chips and nice. The smoked chicken was rath- 17

er bland. Nothing wrong with the food, but you are getting a pretty ba- sic sandwich for a rather high price.

Service We were the only people there so there were like 5 people to serve us. They were quite nice and, since it’s a soft opening, obviously trying to learn, which is good. The person tak- ing our order didn’t quite know the menu but the person behind her did.

Location traffic divider - you have to be heading furniture is arranged in a way condu- Gloria Jean’s is next to the Baskin up (towards ODEL) to turn in. cive to hanging out with groups, so Robbins on Union Place. It’s near the it’s not a bad place to chill. Dialog head office and HSBC, Union The space inside is big and airy Motors, etc, so they should have a enough. They have comfy furniture As a plus point, they have plug good supply of office workers. They but it’s not especially high quality. A points on the floor and enough semi- have ample parking around back (big weird mix of pleather and fabric. The isolated space that it’s a good spot plus), but - since Union Place has a overall color palette is brown. The to work. 18 19 GAMU PLACES TO shop IN COLOMBO

PR

Open: 10 AM to 6 PM

Price Range: Rs. 1,500+

112699921 20

PR 41 Horton Place, Colombo 7 | 112699921

PR is the new, fashion-oriented extension of the Paradise Road brand onto Horton Place. They have charmingly cu- rated stuff, for a price.

PR is the next generation of Paradise Road. It is a ‘fashion concept store’, meaning it stocks clothes, jewelry, bags, accessories and some fancy soaps and grooming items. It’s pret- ty expensive but you get what you pay for, in this case creative design and a lot of unique items. It’s a well curated store.

The Stuff PR has items for men, women and kids. The body of the store is wom- en’s items - clothes, jewelry and the like. The clothes include their own designs (Maus by Annika Fernando - look out for the wonderfully billowy quality stuff but again, it ain’t cheap. going to the gift shop, and this is a parachute skirt) as well as those of They have a good selection of stuff bit like that. Horton Place is pretty local and international designers. It’s from Tuktuk, ranging from t-shirts to happening (Coffee Bean and Gerard all quite unique and creative (and ex- shirts to bags. The clothing is mostly Mendis are nearby, as is the JDA pensive). They have beautiful stone pushing Rs. 7,000, as far as I saw. Perera school and gallery. rings pushing Rs. 25,000 (Papillon They also have Friskybox socks (Rs. du The by Saskia Fernando), neck- 675 a pair). Service laces from Ayne Nalir for Rs. 18,000 The service is quite good and knowl- upwards, etc. Saskia’s range starts Local brands (like Arugam Bay) are edgeable about the somewhat eso- from 16,500 and Maus starts at cheaper. In addition to what I’ve men- teric wares. They also don’t follow 2,500. tioned they also have kids clothes , you around and are there as much soaps and other fancy things. as they’re needed, which is nice. Some other notables we saw were these tuna fish skin leather wal- The Location Conclusion lets and shoes (Rs. 15,000 up for It’s convenient that PR and the Sas- PR is the fashion extension of Para- the shoes, I think the wallet was kia Fernando Gallery are right next dise Road on Horton Place. They Rs. 9,000, not sure). Sounds weird, to each other. Though you might have a well curated collection of de- I know, but they actually looked re- look at art, you’re not always looking signer ware, but it ain’t cheap. ally cool. A really innovative use of to buy. Now you can look at the art materials. and buy arty objects next door. In my Tips memory, one of my favorite things Check out the fish skin leather. Pretty On the mens side they have a lot of about going to the art museum was cool. 21

The Party Station Liberty Arcade, 282 Duplication Road, Colombo 3

Colombo has a few party supply We haven’t bought anything so can’t stores, but most of the products are vouch for it, but the products do look not of especially high quality. Party solid. They also do bubble/smoke/ Station is a new shop in the new Lib- fog machines, strobe lights, gas bal- erty Arcade which has glow sticks, loons, balloon bouquets, etc. Party balloons, party hats, costumes - ba- plates, party cups, stuffed animals, sically whatever you’d need for any whatever. celebration. It all seems high quality and is priced accordingly. The Location The new Liberty Arcade (next to the The Supplies original Liberty Plaza) is conveniently The Party Station has a lot of cool located on Duplication Road with stuff which is also a bit expensive. parking in the bigger mall. The shop We’re presuming because they’re of itself is next to the Alerics. good quality. The items that caught The shop itself is nicely laid out com- our eye were glowsticks (bracelets, The prices can feel a bit high here. pared to feeling like you’re in some- necklaces, etc), costumes (Marilyn We asked at the counter and Gehan one’s garage. Monroe and ‘Pimptress’), disco balls, there said it was because they were balloons, signs, everything you could importing Grade A stuff rather than Tips need for festivities. the Grade B stuff you usually get in Ask for Gehan, if he’s around. Pettah and then everywhere else. 22

The Nail Anatomy 14 Reid Avenue, Colombo 7 (inside Lakpahana) | 775148907

The Nail Anatomy is a new(ish - nail art - as well as a small range of to the big salons, the prices are more opened last August) nail salon on spa treatments. You can even get or less similar. Reid Avenue, located inside Lakpa- some Swarovski crystals whacked hana, just opposite the Colombo on - or a plastic Hello Kitty. I had both the Anatomicouture Racecourse. They offer a highly pedicure (Rs. 2500), manicure (Rs. professional service and can pretty The Nail Anatomy is also in pos- 2,200) and french tips (Rs. 800), with much do anything with your nails. session of a neat little piece of tech two technicians working on my nails - a nail printer. It’s a contraption that and feet. They were polite, friendly This isn’t Colombo’s first nail bar, but can print any design or image from and knowledgable and it was a relax- I’ll venture to say it’s the best. The a photograph onto your nails - even ing experience. Nail Anatomy offers a service that’s your face. We haven’t tried this yet, as good as the best nail bars I’ve but it seems cool. It costs Rs. 350 Overall, the Nail Anatomy is a very been to in the great ‘abroad’ - ie, they per nail, so Rs. 3500 for a full set. pleasant space to spend time in - it’s have very high standards of hygiene, calm and quiet, the chairs are comfy well trained technicians, an exten- Pricewise, it isn’t cheap - a full set of and, most importantly, you’re in ex- sive range of colours and the latest acrylic nails sets you back Rs. 6000 perienced, professional hands. The in technology, all accompanied by - compared to Rs. 3750 at a very in- main sell for me here is the seem- great design and packaging. formal place I went to in Nugegoda ingly endless range of things they recently - but that’s because, in what can do with your nails in terms of art They offer the usual services - mani- appears to be every aspect, NA does and design. We highly recommend a cure, pedicure, acrylic extensions, a significantly better job. In relation visit. It’s a cool place. 23

The Om Space 185/9 Havelock Road, Colombo 5 | 112507515

The Om Space is a yoga studio - They hold about 15 classes per The Space also offers reiki, re- they claim to be “Sri Lanka’s first week offering Hatha, Vinyasa, flexology, Indian head massage, dedicated yoga and well-being Sivandanda and Kundalini yoga and oracle card readings. space” - located off Havelock as well as pre-natal and chil- Road, near the Royal Institute. dren’s sessions. Each class can Here’s a quick look at the prices: It’s a comfortable and bright accommodate about 20 and a Drop in class: Rs. 900; 4 class space, decked out in white and drop in class costs Rs. 900. pass: Rs. 800 per class, Rs. turquoise and filled with recycled 3200 total (valid for 6 weeks); furniture. The teaching style seems gen- 8 class pass: Rs. 750 per class, erally friendly and informal, ie. Rs. 6000 total (valid for 6 weeks) Unfurling into sun salutations not at all intimidating if it’s your without too much self con- first time and the overall vibe is So overall, the Om Space is a sciousness can be a task, and fun and relaxed - although the lovely - if teeny bit expensive - this being tiny Colombo, the yoga can get quite hardcore de- option for a satisfying yoga ses- prospect of bending over in your pending on the class you attend sion. The class is friendly and yoga pants can be extra daunt- (they offer different classes for welcoming and Serena is a fun ing. The classes at the Om Space different levels of experience). and gentle instructor. If you have are chilled out and friendly, and I particularly enjoyed an even- the time (and rupees), do check while you may bump into people ing Hatha session with Serena it out. Only thing, no A/C. So take you know, everyone seems very which involved some calming a sweat wiper and water along nice. chamomile tea post-class. with you. 24 BALAMU THINGS TO SEE IN COLOMBO

Old Town Hall

Open: Roughly business hours

Price Range:0-200 Rupees 25

Old Town Hall Main Street Roundabout, Pettah | 729247562

Old Town Hall isn’t a museum, at original 1906 town councillors, be rented out. It’s a beautiful airy least not an intentional one, but now preserved in wood and wax space, but not much besides that. there is some cool stuff to see, if and some decaying hair pieces. you’re patient and have an open It’s a bit creepy, especially at night, The Location mind. There are no guarantees as but awesome in its own way. Old Town Hall itself is at the end of to when and if it’ll be open, but if Main Street in Pettah. It’s a beauti- you do get in there is some amaz- The interior has name-boards ful old building, completed in 1873. ing architecture, some old and for all of the figures and, as Sam- It was declared a museum in 1984 awesome maps and - the pièce de son (the guy usually minding the but it’s been basically neglected résistance - an incredibly creepy place) is happy to tell you, they since then. set of life-sized wood figurines de- were a diverse bunch, Muslims, picting the 1906 town council. Tamils, Sinhalese, etc. As the town The Service council still is. What sets these Service perhaps isn’t the right The Stuff guys apart is mainly their hats word here. You can ask for entry Old Town Hall isn’t actually a mu- and mustaches, and the fact that from whoever is working upstairs, seum. There is a sort of museum they’re made out of wood. You usually Samson. next door, but this just is the Old can also walk around the balcony Town Hall. There’s the fire de- sort of thing that goes around the Conclusion partment and what seems to be council room. The Old Town Hall is a quirky and a hostel on the ground-floor. The largely neglected museum. It’s re- notable part is upstairs. Up there, if This has beautiful glass windows ally interesting to see the life size you can get into the rooms, there’s and some amazing old maps of dummies of the 1906 town coun- an old meeting room to your right. the city. Opposite this room there’s cil, but in a weird kinda way, this is It has been preserved down to the a bigger hall which we think can in no way a proper museum. 26

COUPONS ARE FUN why don’t you run one?

Run your coupon here AND online for Rs. 10,000.

email [email protected] or call 773 936 719 27

88 112593017 Pasta Hut 112814474 98/1 Havelock Rd Colombo 5 285/1/C S. Thilakarathne Nugegoda China Doll 117777800 Sandwich Factory 112676020 8 Alfred House Colombo 3 25 Wijerama Mawatha Colombo 7 Jade 112818181 Paan Paan 117220522 238 Kotte Rd Nugegoda 6B Alfred House Rd Colombo 3 Flower Drum 112574811 Dine More 115661661 SANDWI CH ES+ 26 Thurstan Road Colombo 3 Slave Island, Col 3, 7 Wellawatte CH INESE Chinese Dragon 117808080 Arabian Knights 112301032 Col 1, Col 4, Galkisa Rajagiriya ARAB Mama Aidas (Takeaway) 777005808 Suki’s Wok 114740877 Cafe Japan (Takeaway) 777263564 411/5 Havelock Rd Colombo 6 7, 10th Ln (Marine Dr) Colpetty

FOOD DELIVERY Great Wall 112508555 Nihonbashi (Takeaway)

3 Edward Lane Colombo 3 ANESE 112323847 11 Galle Face Terrace Harpo’s 114869000 Siam House (Dinner) 112595966 Michaelangelo’s (Nawala) 722612612 17 Melbourne Avenue

Rocco’s (Nawala) 722012121 P ASIAN/JA Jack Tree 115747788 Park Rd Colombo 5 Domino’s 117777888

ITALIAN Pot Biriyani 777330938 Pizza Hut 112729729 Shanmugas 112361384 Bayleaf 112695920 79 Gregory’s Road Colombo 7 Mathura 112556889 INDIAN 185 Havelock Road Colombo 5 SHAZE Coffee, Cakes & Sandwiches

Twenty Percent Off 20% off

Offer valid from 10 AM - 6 PM all March. Bring cou- pon or show your phone. Visit the cafe to redeem.

112553337 | 65 Thimbirigasaya Road

POT BIRIYANI Chicken Pot Biriyani (Serves 4)

Rs. 2,000 Rs. 1,600 20% off

Offer valid all March. Bring coupon or show your phone. PB does takeaway, so call.

777330938 | 21A 1st Lane Kirillapone 28

OTHER DELIVERY railway.gov.lk 112434215

Quickee.lk 117324 325 Best to go to Fort in person.

24 hour weekend and late night service. Rs. 100 ticketslk.com 772363333

Hotwheels.lk 114886622 Most movie tickets and a lot of events.

Delivers from partner restaurants for Rs. 300, Sri Lankan Airlines 1979 any restaurant from Rs. 450 Central Bus Stand 112328081

Roomservice.lk 115768768 Fort Railway 112434215 Bit expensive, but does delivery from all the posh places. INFO/EMERGENCIES TICKETS/TRAVEL Government Info 1919 444 (Dialog) 365 (Mobitel, etc) Suprisingly helpful

Movie tickets, etc. Natl Hospital 112691111

Superline 113150151 St. John Ambulance 777805944

Buses to Badulla, Trinco, and Batti. CEB Breakdown 112498498

Exporail.lk 115225050 Water Breakdown 112672222

Comfortable trains to Kandy, Badulla, Vavuniya Pets V Care 112303554 and Trinco. Book online. IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS IMPORTANT

TRISHAWS 1st K Next GNTC 112688688 72 72

Quick Taxi 777553553 40 32 Budget Cab 112669669 100 45

Fair Taxi 117588588 50 32 Fair Cabs 777555221 45 45

Home Taxi 112816814 50 32 Ideal Cabs 117700700 60 60

Romaka Taxi 713836000 50 32 Budget Cabs 112592592 100 50

Necessary Taxi 773480680 50 32 Green Cabs 112735735 100 45

Sanway 777535343 50 33 Ace Cabs 112818818 140 69

Speed Taxi 777227223 50 32 Excellent Cabs 117988988 100 50

Onlinecabslk 721820820 50 32 JK Cabs 112533533 250 45

Wellcome Taxi 117899899 50 32 Kango Cabs 112577577 150 69

Dial A Taxi 117855855 50 32 Casons Taxi 113300400 200 60

NANOS/CARS Red Cabs 112248888 50 50

Budget Taxi Nano 117299299 50 50 Q Cabs 117317317 300 50 s Sonit Cabs 112816816 45 45 Excel Cabs 112889889 350 45

Nano Cabs 112676767 585 50

Kangaroo Cab 112588588 74 74 TAXI 29 30 www.yamu.lk HANWELLA ATHURUGIRIYA KADUWELA RUKMALGAMA MEEGODA

MALABE ANGODA 993 KOTTE HOMAGAMA MAHARAGAMA KOTTAWA BATTARAMULLA WELLAMPITIYA NUGEGODA RAJAGIRIYA PANNIPITIYA KIRULAPONE 143 MATTEGODA

NARAHENPITA 177 138 BORELLA 103 190 TOWN HALL TOWN

GAMPAHA MIRISWATTA KIRILLAWALA KADAWATHA KIRIBATHGODA

THIMBIRIGASYAYA COLOMBO CAMPUS HORTON PLACE HORTON PAMANKADA KOHUWALA BORALESGAMUWA 200 120 PUBLIC 154 LIBRARY

187

FORT AND FORT PETTAH 100 141 WATTALA

163 GALLE FACE WELISARA 119 KOLLUPITIYA KANDANA JA-ELA BAMBALAPITIYA WELLAWATTA DEHIWALA 31 www.yamu.lk HANWELLA ATHURUGIRIYA KADUWELA RUKMALGAMA MEEGODA

MALABE ANGODA 993 KOTTE HOMAGAMA MAHARAGAMA KOTTAWA BATTARAMULLA WELLAMPITIYA NUGEGODA RAJAGIRIYA PANNIPITIYA KIRULAPONE 143 MATTEGODA

OLOMBO BUS ROUTES C OLOMBO NARAHENPITA 177 138 BORELLA 103 190 TOWN HALL TOWN

GAMPAHA MIRISWATTA KIRILLAWALA KADAWATHA KIRIBATHGODA

THIMBIRIGASYAYA COLOMBO CAMPUS HORTON PLACE HORTON PAMANKADA KOHUWALA BORALESGAMUWA 200 120 PUBLIC 154 LIBRARY

187

FORT AND FORT PETTAH 100 141 WATTALA

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