Monthly Archives: August 2012

A place called “The Sizzle”…

I must make a rather drastic confession. I truly am a food aficionado. An aficionado to the point of being embarrassed, when stepping into restaurants, since nearly all the waiters know me by my first name. This according to a friend of mine should be re-christened “Pigorius”. But that’s alright. I embrace my lust for food wholeheartedly, even if my waistband makes its protestations known verbally. Alas, this may happen sooner than later, since I have discovered the “The Sizzle”.

On the kind invitation of Mr. Tushar Amalean, one which I was not about to decline, I ended up at the dinner table at “The Sizzle” to experience this new concept in Sri Lanka. To describe it simply, it’s a concept that is quite zany and let’s just say, rather “inimitable”. Just imagine a restaurant that serves you drinks, main meals and desserts that literally sizzle.

The place per se is quite aesthetic, with handcrafted clay cutlery and Barefoot-esque colours adorning the dining area. Authentic in its approach, “The Sizzle” maintains this particular promise when it comes to the Indian chefs and the cuisine that it offers. Always smiling amiably, my gentle host traversed the challenging task of elucidating the menu whilst it took a herculean effort from me not to salivate onto the table cloth. Having been told to order whatever I desired, I set about with gusto to make my choices.

The beverage list boasts a plethora of mocktails which sends you to dizzying heights, even though there are no alcoholic concoctions available. I ordered a “Sizzling Ashley’s KO”, which according to the beverage list is a bubbling orange juice and grenadine syrup mixture with lime juice and lemonade. It was served, as promised sizzling with fervor. Being afraid to even take a sip lest I burn my tongue, I was gently prodded by my amiable host to take a sip of faith. It turned out to be refreshingly cool and tangy, sending my saliva glands into overdrive. The mocktail, I could swear seemed to be a thing that was alive, pulsating and blushing orange as bubbles emanated from within.

Whilst still recovering from the shock of seeing a volcanic drink, I moved onto the main meal. My host was telling me that this is one place where the menu constantly evolves in order to be more interesting to its clientele. Being very family oriented and Halal friendly, the ambience and environs are mild and pleasing.

As extensive as the beverage list, the main menu offers a veritable buffet of dishes that are sure to find fans everywhere. Every meal is a “pick and choose” affair, with a choice of Starch (fries, potatoes, potato wedges or baked potatoes), Carbs (rice, noodles, spaghetti or pasta) and Sauces (pepper, garlic, hot chilli, ginger or oyster). I opted for “Mohammed Ali’s Choice”. It was grilled boneless chicken with baby corn, mushroom, cheese and fresh cream. Grilled vegetables are offered on all the dishes. And yes, this too was delivered sizzling! There is no instant fast food gratification here, just a pure indulgence in fine food. And indulge I did. The meat was tender having been grilled perfectly with the fresh cream adding a tangy fillip to each mouthful. Mushrooms have always been a favourite of mine and this preparation does it honourable justice. The addition of sweet baby corn just goes to prove that the chefs know the perfect balance of tastes when it comes to a meal. Other fresh condiments served on the table such as chillie paste, adds that spicy element which we locals love so much. Proper care though must be taken when eating, since unlike the mocktail, this was one warm meal with the sizzling aspect assuring you of burning your tongue if not treated with respect.

Finally it was time for dessert. Having been a chocolate addict, it was no surprise that I chose “Katie’s Favourite”. It was a heavenly chocolate almond brownie with vanilla ice cream dressed in chocolate sauce. Served sizzling yet again, the extreme opposites of hot coupled with cold cream sent my senses out of kilter.

For Mr. Tushar Amalean, this venture was certainly a labour of love, and that is evident in every corner of this place.Boasting 80 odd dining seats, 3 private dining rooms with star class meals that are truly economically priced, “The Sizzle” is the perfect place for a romantic lunch or dinner or even for a gastronomic family outing. With a solid infrastructure where the establishment provides ample parking and are constantly eager to please, one would dare say this certainly is a place that has no equal in the dining haunts of Colombo.

The Sizzle
32, Walukarama Road, Colombo 3
Hotline 0716 888 777
Lunch: 12.00 Noon – 3.00pm
Dinner: 7pm – 12.00 Midnight

Note: This review was previously published in the Esteem Magazine.

31 things I am grateful for…

I am a happy person; a contented person. However, there are those rare days when you are embraced by some nefarious urge to feel depressed for no apparent reason. And that could just ruin your entire day. So I am writing this post to remind myself that there is a lot to be grateful for and that I daren’t be unhappy at all. Maybe this post will find you in a discontent state as well. If it does, remember that there is a lot you too should be grateful for.

So here goes. I am grateful…

  1. For the fact that all my limbs are intact.
  2. That I do not have cancer, heart disease or some other form of sickness.
  3. That I have a roof over my head, food to eat and water to drink.
  4. For parents who do care and love me no matter what.
  5. That I’m single and ready to mingle.
  6. I have amazing friends who I can rely on and talk to and who would understand me.
  7. That I am independent and do not have to rely on anyone for anything.
  8. I do not have any debts or loans.
  9. That I do not own a car and own the headaches that come with it i.e. high fuel cost, maintenance, insurance, morose agents, accidents and corrupt cops.
  10. For having no political connections and thus will live to see another day.
  11. That I am not filthy rich since this means you really do not know who your true friends are.
  12. That I am not poor.
  13. That I am not a devout Muslim, Hindu, Catholic or Buddhist since religion and how it has been interpreted has divided this world up in more ways than one.
  14. I am not a woman in Sri Lanka, Egypt, Pakistan or the Middle East in general.
  15. That I have been born nice, sincere, compassionate, kind and genuine.
  16. That I am an awesome cook who can dish up just about anything.
  17. For not being riddled with ambition and the need to earn, earn and earn.
  18. For the fact that I do not backstab or backbite others.
  19. For an incredible imagination, thanks to which I have driven all the cars I ever wanted, eaten all the foods I desire, slept with the most gorgeous people, owned Forbes 500 companies and been a rock star.
  20. That even if I die right now, I can do so with a smile. Why? Well, simply because I have had an amazing life with much happiness and joy. Don’t misunderstand me, there are lot of things I can be unhappy about yet it all depends on how you look at it.
  21.  For being a 80s child, where the music was simply the best.
  22. For the simple fact that I am alive and can witness the sunrise and sunset.
  23. That I got a garden teeming with fruits and vegetables and plenty of space to run about in.
  24. For the opportunity to visit many countries and locations around the world.
  25. For the invention of (and access to) red wine and beer.
  26. That I have always been a bookworm and that authors like Stephen King and L. P. Hartley made it a point to write.
  27. That I am slow to anger.
  28. That I smile a lot and am always quick to laugh and make friends quite easily.
  29. For an amazing career spanning 10 years (and counting).
  30. For having no siblings.
  31. That you cannot keep me down for too long. Even if one door closes another one always opens – and that is the story of my life. :-)