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K 3 4 5 KAMU PLACES TO EAT IN

Harbour Court (Kingsbury) 48 Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 1

Open: Open: 6 to 10 AM (Breakfast), 11:30 AM to 3 PM (Lunch/Brunch), 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM (Tea), 6:30 PM to Midnight (Dinner)

Price Range: 1500+ Rs

771087720 6

Harbour Court (Kingsbury) 48 Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 1 | 771087720

The Kingsbury (Sunday) buffet is pretty good. It’s the best in terms of salads and veg, highly competitive in seafood, and good for everything else. It’s Rs. 3,500 all in. We think it’s good value.

The Food We’ll go through the sections we been to treat salad and veg as a What else, right? Sri Lankans love tried one by one. sort of wilted garnish and they (and buffets and it’s ultimately about the you) deserve better. The Kingsbury food. The Sunday hotel brunch is a Salads and veg are given step-moth- curates and elevates veg and they veritable institution and Kingsbury, erly treatment at most buffets. We offer a lot of it. Respect. Their focus as a newcomer, has had to differenti- really appreciate that the Kings pays on veg means you can eat and enjoy ate itself to compete. a lot of attention to this section. If a lot at this buffet without getting full you are a vegetarian this is by far the on starch or meat. It’s healthier and a They’ve done this, as far as we can best buffet for you and even if you’re much better experience. tell, by offering the best salad and not, you should try it out. veg spread we’ve ever seen and by Seafood focusing on seafood, including oys- Their salads, baba ganoush, hum- We’d also venture that this is the ters and caviar. The other buffets mous, beet-root, beans, corn, etc - all best buffet if you’re a pescetarian. can be better for different things, but excellent. Each dish is thought out, Their signature dish is oysters and we think that the Kings has success- well seasoned and made with high caviar and, if you like oysters, they fully carved out a niche. quality produce. Most buffets we’ve have them. We also like mussels 7

and they have a tasty selection of Desserts You can eat in the main area but this somewhat rare treat. In addition, We thought the desserts section what we actually did (and recom- there’s a lot of prawn, crab, cuttlefish was the least impressive. The waf- mend) is going to The Ocean res- and other fruits of the sea. fles were served were cold and the taurant next door. It’s basically the cakes weren’t especially attractive. same distance and secluded from The sushi, however, is not very good. the madding crowd. A bit drab in appearance and served Overall by someone behind a counter so This is a unique and thoughtful buf- Service you feel bad getting at it. No ginger fet which we think bodes well for It’s a buffet, so you’re serving your- either. Sushi buffet, as awesome as their all-day dining. They’ve focused self. The greeters and waiters we it sounds, still isn’t really economical on a few things and done them re- encountered were nice and items and rarely works out. ally well. As long as you’re aware of seem to always be monitored and that, we think it’s a good value for Rs. refilled. Meats And Mains 3,500 (which also includes a glass of The mains and meats was the least bubbly). Conclusion interesting section to us. They had The Harbour Court has a rare quality Indian, some meat carving stations, Location among buffets - focus. The salad/ rice, etc. Honestly, we just spent less The Kingsbury itself has a nice loca- veggies and seafood are excellent time in this section. It’s off to the side tion at the end of Galle Face Green, and, apart from the desserts, the and it’s not the focus of the Sunday near Dutch Hospital. The buffet is in rest is good. We think it bodes well brunch as far as we could tell. the best part of the hotel, overlook- for the quality of the all-day restau- ing the sea. rant overall. Cheeses and things Their selection of bread, cheese and The main buffet question is how Tips cured meats and pickles is pretty many aunties will I be elbowing. By The salad and veggies are re- good. Average compared to the keeping the buffet line long the Kings ally worth a try. You can seat in the other hotels, but they do have a nice manages to reduce the crowd, but it nearby Ocean restaurant for more range of pickled things. still gets elbowy around the seafood. privacy. 8

Salad Guru Diyatha Uyana, Battaramulla | 0718710887

Salad Guru is a fun little new enter- tosses fresh salad to order at the prise trying its wings at the Good stall itself, the boxes are conveni- Market. Run by a trained nutrition- ent for take away and to refill with ist, Shayana, the stall has a whole snacks. The specialty soups in a range of stuff that’s good for you. jar look great but would probably They range from salads, pastas be best to take home and heat up. and soups to quiches and healthy It’s worth mentioning that their tacos. Apart from that, they do branding is very cool for a fledgling these interesting “power shots” at business. Rs. 100 each – maca root, lecithin granules, golden linseed, murunga However, the best aspect of the powder. These are supposed to stall is the owner herself, who fulfill your daily intake of key vita- helps you choose the best salad/ mins and minerals. power shot depending on dietary twist on honey chicken salad) but requirements, ailments and al- Their most popular dish is the su- unfortunately it was sold out. For a lergies. If you’re looking for your perfood mix salad, comprised of salad place, there are a lot of non- weekly health kick before the dec- ruby beetroots and quinoa salad vegetarian options, which is nice adent weekend, you know where with a delicious homemade bal- for those of us who need a bit of to go. samic vinaigrette. It’s fresh and meat to make a meal. tangy, and even the small box at Tips Rs. 350 was fairly filling. The big- At these prices for servings, the Since Salad Guru is only operating ger serving at Rs. 650 should be salads are very well priced for the at the Good Market for now, they enough for two. We wanted to try quality (and health factor) they of- sell out pretty quickly. Get there in the kitul chicken salad (a Lankan fer. While the owner creates and the early afternoon for variety! 9

Ceylan Crêperie Diyatha Uyana, Battaramulla

Yet another of the Good Market’s shows real dedication to the pan- fabulous finds, the Ceylan Crêperie The fillings include the standard cake cause if you ask me). All the is a superb little stall that started up brown sugar/butter and sugar, sugar sauces, jams and mixes are home a couple of months ago. The French and lemon, honey, kithul syrup, choc- made as well, which means that owner, Naomi, is effervescent and olate, jam of the day, compote, and it’s all fairly good for you if not your passionate about her product. With salted butter caramel. Everything is waistline. no gluten or dairy, the sweet pan- between Rs. 250 and Rs. 350, which cakes are totally vegetarian, vegan, strikes me as incredibly reasonable The Crêperie is hoping to expand and yum. You can find them at the for the size and brilliant taste. They into savouries soon, but will probably Good Market, either at Diyatha Uy- also add on some of Foody Goody’s start slow with one new ingredient ana on Thursdays or Racecourse on natural ice cream on if you request per week to make sure there’s no Saturdays. it. On Naomi’s suggestion, I tried the wastage and to see what catches salted butter caramel at Rs. 350. She on. They don’t cater or deliver yet (it’s The first authentic French crêperie in also added a bit of applesauce to the just a one-woman operation), which , the stall does a standard mix, which was complemented the is okay because we hope they keep crêpe (either soft or crispy, depend- taste perfectly. Possibly one of the their quality and charm. ing on your preferences), with a vari- best crêpes I’ve ever had, hands ety of fillings and toppings. Of course down. We recommend you not eat for a the chocolate and fruit (banana or couple of days, and then just gorge strawberry) toppings are the most The crêpe was really thin, and made yourself every stall at the Good Mar- popular and aesthetically pleasing, on a crêpe pan she actually brought ket and end here for a sublime des- but there’s a lot more to it. all the way from France (which sert. 10

Ginza On The Edge 316 Ethul Kotte Road, Battaramulla | 112863863

Ginza On The Edge is the sub- Food standard, served with wasabi urban successor to the Hilton’s Ginza is a high-end Japanese and Japanese ginger so you infamous Ginza Hohsen, which restaurant, competing with the can’t go wrong there. has now been converted into a likes of Nihonbashi and YUMI conference room. The restau- so expect high prices. The menu Moving on to the pricier sushi, rant seems to be in the middle is a little disorderly with the à la the Dynamite Maki is unique to of an identity crisis right now carte and dessert options both Ginza and is a must-eat. This because the sign outside says out of their usual spots. Regard- maki is filled with spicy tuna and “Ginza On The Edge” while the less, the menu is quite extensive topped off with vibrant orange chopstick covers say “Hohsen”. with probably every single Japa- flying fish eggs that make the We’ll just continue calling it nese food item you could think dish look great. For Rs. 1140, Ginza. of. Even the ice cream is written you get served 6 large rolls. The as aisukurimu (Say it as if you’re Ebifurai Maki (fried prawn) is a The new Ginza is on the 2nd floor speaking Japanese). Points for more expensive option at Rs. of the stylish new Water’s Edge authenticity right there. 1460 but is an excellent dish. (hence the “On The Edge”), over- The large rolls make for a gener- looking the green and the sea- For starters, the gyoza (dump- ous serving and the filling just plane runway on the Diyawanna lings) for Rs. 675 is good if you melts in your mouth. Both dish- Oya. When you enter Water’s want to start hot. On the cooler es are highly recommended. Edge from the main entrance, side of things the usual sushi walk up the stairs, turn right and is always a good option. The 6 Ginza gets their sashimi right take another set of stairs or turn pieces of Kappa Maki (cucum- too. The shiromi sashimi (white left and take the lift. ber sushi) for Rs. 410 is pretty raw fish) at Rs. 1320 was served 11

fresh and cold, along with thin- the bill. When you enter, they an excess amount of starch used cut pieces of lime for an extra greet you with a hearty irashai- in the wash, but they do their job kick with each piece of fish. mase! (welcome!), and when nevertheless. Ginza attracts a you leave, with an appreciative diverse crowd though, ranging Onto the mains, one portion of arigatogozaimasu (thank you from families to couples to busi- Garlic Rice at Rs. 720 is enough very much). More points for au- ness partners, etc. The place was for two but was a tad bit too thenticity. quite busy on a weekend night. garlicky in my opinion. The zaru soba (cold buckwheat noodles) I’d say the quality of the staff Ginza On The Edge at Rs. 945 is somewhat pricey extends right through Water’s They also have a seating area at for a mediocre dish that loses Edge. The concierge at the re- the back where you remove your points for authenticity. Instead ception was both friendly and shoes and sit in a separate area of serving the noodles on a helpful in guiding us to the res- from the main restaurant. The bamboo tray or zaru as its name taurant. When we got off at the only thing missing there is the dictates, the dish was served on 2nd floor, another staff member traditional tatamimat flooring. a bento-style tray with separate greeted us and even recom- But the dedicated sushi/sashimi sections for the noodles, the mended the all-new Mediterra- bar, outdoor teppanyaki coun- tsuyu (dipping sauce) and the nean Buffet in case we change ters and yakitori bar (coming leeks that go inside it. The tsuyu our mind. soon), makes up for the loss in was placed in a cupholder which authenticity over there. You can actually proved to be quite use- also choose to sit at a small bar ful. Zaru soba has a very plain near the lounge area that you and simple flavor, so I wouldn’t enter as soon as you exit the lift. recommend it for the palates Value for Money and Conclusion of people who want that multi- High-end restaurants come with layered taste experience you get high-end prices, so value for from a donburi or ramen. money is a tough call.

Every table also comes with au- Anyone who’s been to the old thentic ceramic tableware that Ginza at Hilton would know. It’s hold the shoyu (soy sauce) and expensive, no doubt. But I’d say shichimi, a Japanese condiment for the quality of food you’re made from seven spices. getting, it’s a nice place to treat yourself in groups, but only Service Ambience every once in a while. There are The service at Ginza is excellent. The setting is presented well, vy- cheaper options for Japanese The staff is attentive and help- ing to be as authentic as possible. cuisine around Colombo, but if ful, taking orders quickly with You can tell with the Japanese you’re still looking for an upmar- ease and serving them to your music playing. All the furniture is ket Japanese restaurant other table just as fast. We had asked wooden, giving it the character of than Nihonbashi and you’re will- for some teriyaki sauce on the a Japanese restaurant, but the ing to drive into the suburbs, side and even though it wasn’t backrests on the chairs are quite Ginza is definitely worth a visit. served with any of the dishes we narrow and as a result, a little un- ordered, they gladly served us a comfortable. The cold napkins Tips bowl in an instant. They’ve also served as soon as you sit down If you’re willing to spend, try out got a cool gadget on each table are refreshing, but quite rough the expensive sushi options. Es- with buttons to call the waiter, on the skin and the table napkins pecially the Dynamite Maki and order some water and ask for are way too stiff, possibly due to Ebifurai Maki. 12

Kottuville Keells Super, , Colombo | 775479949

So quirky Kottu is a permanent Colombo fixture now. Literally, because the Kottuville truck has dropped its wheels and set up its first permanent shop in a convertainer adjoining the Union Place Keells Super. Open from lunch till about 10:30 crispy chicken and paneer all ever, cheese is an add-on at Rs. PM, the shop doesn’t have any at Rs. 350. Brockwurst kottu is 100 which I grumbled about be- seating space (as yet) but you at Rs. 300 and the garlic mus- cause it’s a pretty widespread can stand about and eat at the tard prawn is at Rs. 400. They belief that cheese is a birthright counter if you’re really deter- have a couple of other non-kottu of any proud kottu-devouring mined to not get take away. choices, crispy chilli chicken rice being. at Rs. 250, chicken and cheese Their menu is succinct and to wrap at Rs. 300 and a sausage Following The Flavour the point, kottu options and a & egg wrap at Rs. 200. We had three kottus in order couple of drinks – orange juice to widen the sample pool for or a milo shake at Rs. 150. For the quantity/quality, the the sake of science. The crispy They also do some dessert price is well worth it. Also chicken kottu was almost KFC- rotis, chocolate or chocolate helps that it’s all made in front esque in its batter, and was en- and mint with marshmallows. of you so the hygiene factor is hanced greatly by the oodles Their normal kottu options are exponentially higher than any of molten cheese embedded standard chicken kottu at Rs. of the Pilawoos and Pilawoos in it. The curry that came with 250, and hot butter cuttlefish, offshoots (presumably). How- it spiced it up a bit and added 13

a bit more flavour. The HBC it spiced things up a bit too and while the chaps running the kottu didn’t look like HBC at all could be added as per your taste show made friendly conversa- but bordered in both visual and and discretion. tion and recommended dishes. taste on a chilli-szechuan sort It has a comfortable, street food of thing. It was quite good and Ambience & Service vibe we liked quite a bit. Hope- nice and spicy, but definitely not This is essentially a food truck fully they manage to set up a bit HBC. Maybe we got an over- without wheels, or a conver- of seating soon. fried batch, I’m not sure. The tainer, so expecting ambience curry that came with it was would be a little silly. They have Conclusion slightly sweetish and tempered done their best by setting up Kottu is one of those things the spice well. some slick music and using in- that’s good even when it’s bad. teresting black forks and straws I’m sure if these chaps had a The third was my clear favourite, though. I was a little disappoint- truck that trawled the nightclub the garlic mustard prawn kottu. ed they didn’t have the fun Chi- circuit from midnight to dawn, It was also the most expensive nese takeout boxes from their they’d make enough money in one on the menu at Rs. 400, launch and served in rigifoam a fortnight to buy one of those and although they carefully ra- boxes instead, but they said the rock islands off the Bentota tioned out exactly seven prawns boxes would be back in action coast. Luckily this place is yum (maybe they’re religious West- soon. not just by default. You’ll get erosis?) it was totally worth it. your takeout quick, with a smile The flavour was layered and the The real staff was silently and and great flavour. prawns succulent and well sea- efficiently lurking in the back- soned. The curry that came with ground, getting our order ready, 14

Oro 1889 Liberty Arcade, 282, R A De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 3 | 112575287

We visited the brand new Oro 1889 and were thoroughly im- pressed. With straightforward, authentic Neapolitan pizzas made in a wood fired oven and simple yet chic décor, the family-run restaurant is a treat.

1889 is the year the first margarita baked bread, which was fresh and Although we ordered two main pizza was invented, and oro simply tangy but standard at Rs. 550. courses because they were recom- means gold, so it symbolizes the mended as personal servings, I hon- golden year that kicked off the cui- For the main course, we ordered one estly think one main is enough to sine. of their specialties, a Pulcinella pizza share between two because all that featuring tomatoes, fresh mozza- cheese and meat makes them really Food & Prices rella, pork sausage, red chilli, black filling, especially if you order starters The menu isn’t particularly exten- olives, water spinach (kankung!) and and dessert. sive, but this means they’re great extra virgin olive oil, which was rich The dessert was just perfect – we with everything on it. It’s pretty un- in flavor for Rs. 1350. We also got ordered one tiramisu to share and complicated and makes ordering a calzone napoletano which didn’t ended up getting another just be- easy – pizzas (their forte), starters, look that great presentation-wise, cause it was unshareably good. It drinks and dessert. There’s no dubi- but was absolutely delicious on the was Rs. 550 but so great this might ous fusion but they are pretty flexible inside. The fresh mozzarella, sau- even mark Oro 1889 as worthwhile so they will switch up the toppings sage, Neapolitan piccante salami, for a dessert stop. All in all, you can if you ask (if you have a particular mushrooms, olives and fresh basil expect a delicious and authentic meat preference etc). Everything we all fused into a molten delight inside meal for around Rs. 5000 for two. tasted seemed very fresh and ar- the casing. It was a tad expensive at rived pleasantly quickly. We started Rs. 2000 but we enjoyed it. They don’t have a liquor license but off with a bruschetta with freshly- there’s no corkage so you’re encour- 15

aged to bring your own bottle of The music was a whole range of arrived post-haste), you’d be happier wine. There’s a convenient Prema- discreet yet ambient stuff, from having a chat and drink and leisurely siri supermarket across the road in lounge to languid Italian vocals. The making your way out, as most pa- case you forget. We didn’t try the place was quite crowded for a Tues- trons did. drinks but they have the standard day evening, but the spacing was soft drinks plus some nice boutique enough to not feel intruded upon Tiny gripe: It was a bit annoying to teas and coffees. although it’s a fairly modest number have to park in the Liberty Plaza/ of square meters. Arcade parking lot and be charged Service & Ambience some amount by a grumpy lot at- The décor and ambience are great. Don’t let the Liberty Arcade location tendant. After such a laidback and Chic yet rustic, it’s almost a DIY fool you into thinking this is a food classy meal, it just seemed tacky. project because most of the furni- court sort of place. It’s a versatile Perhaps the restaurant could waive ture and adornments were hand- vibe and space so it would be per- parking nonsense for patrons in the made by the owners. Yet it retains fect for a date or quiet dinner with future. a smooth, elegant vibe with its a couple of friends. The seating brushed cement floors with deco- lends itself to smaller, more intimate Conclusion rative tile insets and open red brick groups though. We were very pleased with every- walls. The tables and chairs are all thing the restaurant served up, in created from scrap wood, and the The service, for now, is just the terms of ambience, service, décor, lamps are some quirky rusted tins owner scuttling about and attend- and of course food. All their ingredi- hanging from an open beam. The ing to everyone. This means that ents are authentic, and the owners table setting is pretty minimalist as your order will be taken impeccably (a young Italian-Sri Lankan couple) well, with no superfluous plates and and you’ll get in depth advice on are very earnest and make the res- cutlery. Meals are served on austere your menu options, but it takes a taurant really feel like a labour of white plates or pastoral wooden bit of time for her to get around to love. This is the sort of place you chopping boards, with traditional everyone. So this isn’t really a quick really hope sticks around and be- southern Italian wine goblets. meal restaurant (although the food comes a Colombo staple. 16 17

The Long Bar Water’s Edge, 316 Ethul Kotte Road, Battaramulla, Colombo | 112863863

The Water’s Edge premises are and laminated in a punch folder - pricey side, but given the quality sprawling and has a stunning lo- not quite befitting the swanky sur- and general bar pricing, it seemed cation in Battaramulla. It’s a bit roundings. While the entirety of the fair. far away for the average Colombo food menu fit on one page (which resident, but is a perfect respite for is fine for a bar, but not for a bar/ The drinks on the other hand could the massive /Battaram- restaurant) - and the choices were have done with some improve- ulla suburbs. They’ve always had a pretty standard bar fare plus some ment. The main disappointment fairly decent restaurant and gym, Japanese and platter options - the was the lack of options – there but recently opened up a swanky actual food was very good. were just about a dozen standard new bar/restaurant overlooking cocktails and a couple of cham- the golf course. This is the sort of We ordered a lemon-brewed corn- pagne cocktails. place that has all the ingredients fed chicken at Rs. 950 (which for a superb establishment but came as a sizzler) and mixed To make it worse, they didn’t have lost out a bit on the details. seafood platter at Rs. 1100, both the ingredients to make a few of of which were well presented and them so I had to order again. We Food & Drink delicious. The food also arrived finally settled for Kir Royales (a The menu itself was uninspiring to quickly and appeared to be freshly yum champagne and crème de look at as it was printed off a PC made. I did think it was a bit on the cassis concoction) and Bloody 18

14 Reid Avenue, Colombo 7 | 775148907

amanté premium lingerie is available at the amanté Boutique - Racecourse Mall, Colombo 7 & leading retailers. Marys which tasted a bit like wa- Lanka’s longest at 100 feet (we really suited the place, especially The amanté Boutique also oers an extensive collection of sportswear, swimwear and sleepwear. tery Tabasco but were otherwise didn’t measure, so let’s just take as the ambient music ranged Visit us at www.amanté.lk & join us on www.facebook.com/amantéSriLanka alright. The cognacs on the menu their word for it), backed by a fairly from Buddha Bar remixes to jar- deserve a special mention for their impressive looking alcohol collec- ring borderline techo. www.loontao.com prices – 25ml of garden variety tion. Hennessy was priced at about Rs. Service 1400. Why? As for the crowd, we went at about The bar was on the emptier side, 9 PM on a Wednesday night and with the staff equaling the pa- Ambience expected a sort of date night trons. However, it was pretty diffi- While it looks like a lot of money ambience given the photos and cult to get service, and the waiters went into the décor and furniture, general buzz, but it seemed to be were friendly but simply not com- a little more attention to detail filled with families with children. petent. We had about three differ- would have gone a long way at This was fairly confusing, and I ent waiters serving us throughout the Long Bar. The warm brown assume this is why the lighting the night, and none of them were and gold theme was great, and was bright too. To make things familiar with the menu or seemed the wide glass windows offered a even more odd, at about 11 PM, confused at what was on offer. fairly enchanting view of the golf a whole bunch of 7 to 8 year old course lawn and pond and all the children entered unattended and One kept giving me a Bloody wildlife that comes with it. proceeded to prop themselves up Mary, insisting it was champagne, - OPENING SOON on the bar and order soft drinks. which was more funny than an- “Tao’s60s, 70s, Banquets” 80s live acoustic music daily from 7pm - 11pm The seating arrangements lend As adorable as this was, I felt as noying. Proper training would go a themselves to a membership club though it left the purpose of the long way here. While it was a truly sort of vibe, with a lot of low arm- bar up for questioning. special experience to sip on cham- LOON TAO chairs clustered together around pagne while watching a porcupine Chinese Seafood on the beach coffee tables, and nice bar chairs There’s a stage inbuilt at the cen- scuttle around the course, it is a lit- lined up against the bar counter. tre of the place, and some nice tle less special to have to wait 10 43/12 College Avenue, Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka. The bar itself is touted to be Sri acoustic/jazz music would have minutes for each flute to arrive! Reservations: (011) 2 722 723 | E: [email protected] Open daily: Lunch 11am - 3pm | Dinner 6pm - 11pm 19

amanté premium lingerie is available at the amanté Boutique - Racecourse Mall, Colombo 7 & leading retailers. The amanté Boutique also oers an extensive collection of sportswear, swimwear and sleepwear. Visit us at www.amanté.lk & join us on www.facebook.com/amantéSriLanka

www.loontao.com

- OPENING SOON “Tao’s60s, 70s, Banquets” 80s live acoustic music daily from 7pm - 11pm

LOON TAO Chinese Seafood on the beach 43/12 College Avenue, Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka. Reservations: (011) 2 722 723 | E: [email protected] Open daily: Lunch 11am - 3pm | Dinner 6pm - 11pm 20 GAMU PLACES TO shop IN COLOMBO

Stick No Bills (Galle) 35 Church Street, Galle Open: 8 AM to 8 PM

Price Range: Rs. 1500+

912242504 21

Stick No Bills (Galle) 35 Church Street, Galle Fort | 912242504

Stick No Bills has a really cool collection of vintage posters, prints and postcards. They’re mad expensive for originals but their prints and postcards are affordable gifts.

The Stuff very cool and cost Rs. 2,500 each Service Let’s start with the good stuff. (unframed). Can’t complain. The guy working They have original movie posters there when we went wasn’t espe- which costs hundreds of dollars. They also have postcards for Rs. cially knowledgable or anything, These include western posters 350 each or Rs. 3,000 for 10. but he was efficient enough. (like Bond ones) that are printed Overall we think they’ve done a posters from the original run and damn good job of curating cool Conclusion handpainted ones, which are usu- stuff and offering products at dif- Stick No Bills has a sick collections ally Indian. ferent price ranges. of posters and prints at different price points. They’ve preserved They market these as an invest- The Location some really cool artwork and de- ment and are priced accordingly. The main shop is on Church Street sign and are worth a visit (in the For hotels or people who are into in the Galle Fort. Quite central, Galle Fort). art, these are good finds, but they near Barefoot, Pedlar’s street, are expensive. Besides that they etc. They’re also quite accessible Tips have poster prints of Sri Lanka/ online. It’s a nice shop, small but The posters prints are the best Ceylon tourist type stuff which are pleasant to browse in. value. 22

Deen The Bookman , Justice Akbar Mawatha, Colombo 2 | 722150250

A legendary figure on Colombo’s regular at every book fair Colombo You’ll find stacks of old Archies and secondhand book scene, Deen has to offer, like the big annual one pulp fiction, and even more heaps the Bookman has a vast selec- at BMICH. He’s also started a stall of romance paperbacks that have tion of titles, from run-of-the-mills at Good Market that’s quite popu- been through the grubby fingers of & boons to obscure medical titles. lar. many a schoolgirl. But there are a He runs a bookshop and a book couple of hidden gems here and lending centre located at there, if you have the heart Slave Island, with a whole to dig a bit and spend a bit variety of new and old of time. Finding a book with tomes looking for a home. a heartfelt inscription holds an unbeatable thrill for me, Deen’s been around for and is worth every shoal of over three decades, and silverfish. used to be one of the stops on the used So swing by his shop or book circuit, as any die-hard stalls if you see them, and second hand book aficiona- have a chat with Deen. do would know. His Slave At best he’ll recommend Island place is mostly stationery His entire stock is divided between something perfect for you, at the and text books and the like, but this, the physical store, and the vast very least you get to sniff delicious his stalls are great. His shop has a amounts at his home in Wellampiti- old books. renting service of sorts, where you ya. I met Deen at the Good Market can take a used paperback, read it and he added that if people want a Tips and get most of your money back specific book they should give him Give Deen a call if you have a spe- or take another one. Deen is a a call and he’ll let them know. cific title in mind. 23

Sense Photo 66-2/6 1st Rohini Ln, off Front Street, Colombo 11 | 112447313

Hidden in Pettah there’s a large and full-featured photo sup- ply shop. As a bonus, they also sell telescopes. This place is also called Batik Center, or its branch is.

Pettah is weird. They have every- the clock tower, hidden inside. Front but the small ones are still available thing you could want there, but if you Street is where you can get watches, for Rs. 13,000. What we noticed don’t know your way around all you bags, all of dubious quality. If you upon arriving there is that this is pri- see is plastic buckets and fake hair. walk down you’ll then spot a place marily a camera supply shop. They For example, Sense Photo is the called Batik Center near the end. have solid camera bags for around only place we know of in Colombo 10k, those huge photographer box- to get a telescope (tell us if you know This shop no longer sells batiks, it es, tripods, lights, spare batteries, more). sells camera equipment and stuff lens caps, etc. The stuff isn’t cheap and is the front for Sense Photo. If though. They also have most camera mem- you ask they’ll direct you down a nar- ory card and batteries as well as tri- row lane just before them (Mayuri A lens cap was like Rs. 1,000 which pods, lights, camera bags, etc. The Lane we think, not sure) and there we negotiated down. Still, they do stuff ain’t cheap (about Rs. 10,000 you have Sense Photo. have everything we could imagine. If for bags, 10,000+ for telescopes, you’re a tourist and you’ve lost a bat- even Rs. 750 for a lens cap) but they Sense Photo, in contrast to the box tery or charger or something it can do have almost everything. that is Batik Center, is a big, cool and be a godsend. quite modern camera store. And The Location there you are. One of Pettah’s hidden Regarding the telescope, which we We’ll cover the location first because wonders. bought, it’s pretty good and not way it’s, well, weird. As you enter Pettah over-priced. You can see mad detail from Fort you hit the Khan Clock The Stuffs on the moon. We haven’t really tried Tower and Front Street. Note that We went for the telescopes. They’re the stars yet, heading out to Yala to there’s a big parking lot just before out of the big (few feet long) ones, give them a gander this weekend. 24 BALAMU PLACES TO VISIT IN Kosgoda

Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project 13A Galle Road, Mahapelena, Kosgoda

Open: 9 AM TO 5 PM

Price Range: 200-500 Rs

776007302 25

Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project 13A Galle Road, Mahapelena, Kosgoda | 094776007302

Turtle hatcheries are good for the sand and slide into the sea. We ing vital nesting-grounds (particu- environment, save lives, and in- were extra lucky because we were larly important after the devasta- credibly fun. There are a few lovely just in time to see a hatching, but tion of the Tsunami) and releases ones down the coast, especially this doesn’t always happen at the thousands of hatchlings”. in and around the Kosgoda area. same time everyday. We visited the Kosgoda Sea Tur- The hatchery project collects tle Conservation Project (our fa- The KSTCP has about 10 tanks and rescues eggs so they can vourite) this weekend. They have filled with turtles, either new hatch safely away from preda- a great sustainability model and hatchlings waiting their turn to be tors. A certain percentage is also a very friendly owner, Dudley. The released or older ones who can’t kept back for a short period for place is run by the locals, with in- make it in the big bad sea them- ‘headstarting’. The program is in- ternational volunteers helping out selves and have been rescued. Ac- tended to maximize the number throughout the year. cording to the site, of hatchlings reaching the sea and surviving the The experience for critical stages of tourists (regardless of their life (the first nationality) is just bril- few days). Accord- liant. If you swing by ing to Dudley, the during the day you’ll hatchery releases get to see all the ador- thousands of tur- able little hatchlings tles a year! or the older and wiser turtles doing their The hatchery is thing in the tanks. But close to a lot of the real fun is being touristy areas in part of the release! It Galle and the sur- goes down almost rounding areas, everyday around so try and visit be- sunset. The staff will cause it’s abso- pick out the ones fit for release, lutely worth the stop. You may feel put them in little buckets and hand “Only a few hatchlings from tempted to steal a tiny turtle but them to you. each batch will ever make it to this is both wrong and illegal, so adulthood. Therefore every nest- probably best to avoid it. Entrance You then trek a couple of meters ground, every egg, every hatchling is on admission, at Rs. 500. Call down to the beach, where Dudley’s and every turtle is crucial to the ahead to make sure it’s a release wife draws a starting line in the survival of the species. Unfor- day. sand which you’re not allowed to tunately, sea turtles face many cross. One by one, the turtles are dangers. The project’s work relies Tips released. It is genuinely one of on fundraising and grants. Every Try to be there just before 6 AM. the coolest experiences to watch year, the project helps clear and You’ll get to experience a turtle re- them eagerly scuttle down the maintain the local beach, protect- lease, and hatching if you’re lucky. 26

Wolvendaal Church Wolvendaal Lane, Colombo 13

The Wolvendaal Church is probably the most impressive piece of Dutch architecture in Colombo. It’s very, very solid - five foot thick Lakpahana.The Home of Art & Crafts walls, high ceilings - and full of history.

A reasonable walk away from Pet- who died young, like in their thirties. to chat. tah stands the Wolvendaal Church. A lot of wives actually. It seemed sri lankan It’s named as a den of wolves, what like a hard life, and you can read it Location the Dutch called street jackals, (in Dutch) on the floor. I looked up We walked to the church from Pet- but now it’s a fairly urbanized area some of the family names and their tah, but that’s about a kilometer. with only street dogs. The church descendants are in Sri Lanka still. You can of course drive and park sterling itself is a bit crumbly and not well there, it’s not especially busy. The maintained, but it is quite impres- Lonely Planet also highlights the church is on a somewhat triangu- sive. They started building it in 1749 church’s old Dutch furniture, which lar plot of land and there are tomb- and it was completed in 1757. This is also pretty cool. stones and carvings and little bits of silver church is built like a fortress and history around the grounds. built to last. The walls are thick, the Service ceiling high and the very floor paved We’ll discuss the service in the Conclusion Pichcha Mal ( Jasmine Flower) Cu jewellery with occasionally ornate tomb- church sense - they have an Eng- If you’re into history, this 1757 stones.You can spend a good bit lish language service at 9:30 AM on church is an important part of Co- of time just wandering around look- Sundays. When we went there was lombo. It’s heavy, lasting architec- ing at the stories beneath your feet. a kind and knowledgeable man ture that they don’t make anymore 14 Philip Gunawardena Mw (Reid Ave) Mon-Sat: 9:30 AM to 6 PM There’s an awful lot of colonists working there and he’s quite happy and we think it’s worth a visit. Colombo 7 Sun & Poyas: 10 AM to 5 PM

[email protected] / www.lakpahana.lk / Tel: 011 2698211 / Fax: 011 2692554 27

Lakpahana.The Home of Art & Crafts sri lankan sterling silver

Pichcha Mal ( Jasmine Flower) Cu jewellery

14 Philip Gunawardena Mw (Reid Ave) Mon-Sat: 9:30 AM to 6 PM Colombo 7 Sun & Poyas: 10 AM to 5 PM [email protected] / www.lakpahana.lk / Tel: 011 2698211 / Fax: 011 2692554 28 29

88 112593017 Pasta Hut 112814474 98/1 Havelock Rd Colombo 5 285/1/C S. Thilakarathne 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 SA NDWICHE S+ 26 Thurstan Road Colombo 3 Slave Island, Col 3, 7 CHINE S E Chinese Dragon 117808080 Arabian Knights 112301032 Col 1, Col 4, Galkisa Rajagiriya A R B 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 A NE S E 112323847 11 Galle Face Terrace Harpo’s 114869000 Siam House (Dinner) 112595966 Michaelangelo’s () 722612612 17 Melbourne Avenue

Rocco’s (Nawala) 722012121 P AS I A N /JA Jack Tree 115747788 Park Rd Colombo 5 Domino’s 117777888

LI A N I TA Pot Biriyani 777330938 Pizza Hut 112729729 Shanmugas 112361384 Bayleaf 112695920 79 Gregory’s Road Colombo 7 Mathura 112556889 INDI A N 185 Havelock Road Colombo 5 30

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 31 32