Colombo’s discerning gourmets keep looking for new places to check out and indulge in. Such a cool place exists in the heart of the city- a culinary oasis. AYU is the newest venue in Colombo. The very design of the name board captures to an extent the concept of their “all day dining” . The food is a beautiful mix of contemporary and chic cuisine, with a Srilankan touch- which is important, as local cuisine is often neglected in the city’s eating venues.
The moment I got off the elevator my eyes zeroed in on the refreshing view of vintage wines, neatly stacked from floor to ceiling.
The wine list is extensive. Hopefully, the local diners have today come to appreciate wine, rather than simply gulp it down by the glass! The lunch buffet is thoughtfully laid out and gives the guest a chance to walk around. The aura of the sunlight gently reflects the interior to supplement the food. The terrace would be a nice option at night, to sit under the night sky.
AYU has two action stations- one chef transforming kebabs into juicy delights and the other adding that Italian radiance by making pasta and spaghetti – al dente style. The element of action cooking is nice to watch- a beautiful diversion from a busy office routine! The main course has an even mix of dishes not too heavy or overpowering with spice. The kimchi, presented in a glass was immaculately layered. The Lebanese lamb kofta was awesome, although the yoghurt sauce could express more colours. The wok fried pork was good, done to perfection while still maintaining the moisture within the meat. The duck liver terrine was a surprise on a lunch menu! This is the kind of taste that local gourmets must learn to relish.
The Sri Lankan dishes were presented in a unique manner, with the table covered in dried red chilies- a sure way to impress foreign guests. The portion sizes of the main dishes were good, as a busy executive will not sit and eat for a longer time, and thus, can enjoy a wholesome lunch without having to count the calories. Desserts are always a delight. The two outstanding ones at AYU are the Green Tea Mousse which was divine, with brilliant texture (an additional spatula or dessert fork would have made it easier to lift off the tray) and the crème brulee presented in cute individual miniature boiling pans- a novel treat! Many are eagerly awaiting the world class Movenpick ice cream. AYU has surely set the trend to redefine eating trends in Colombo.
- Dishan Joseph
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