The new Calorie Counter in Ward Place has better parking facilities than its sister branch in Thimbirigasyaya, but that’s pretty much the best thing I can say about the place. Note that it has just opened and we’re not rating the place. We’ll try back again in a month or so.
The service was rapid and friendly, something the restaurant is known for, but the food failed to live up to the restaurant’s promise of healthy food that also tastes good.
Food & Drinks
There was a couple of new things on the menu since the last time we were at Calorie Counter. We ordered the Pulled Beef Sandwich (Rs. 650) and the Broccoli Lentil Salad (Rs. 450 for a medium portion).
The beef was dry and rubbery, and didn’t really retain any flavor. The bread lacked life and tasted a little stale. Which means the whole sandwich pretty much disappointed, with the avocado and greens not doing much to save it.
The salad also lacked flavor. The ingredients (chickpeas, black eyed beans, red kidney beans and kale) were not as fresh as they could have been.
We also tried a smoothie, the cleverly named ‘Un Beet Able’ (Rs. 590) that predictably included beetroot and also carrot and orange. It was alright, but slightly on the acidic side.
Not many of the dessert items on the menu were available. The Banana Watermelon Split (Rs. 300) was one of the only options. So we got it, and immediately regretted it. The watermelon had been frozen for too long and the strawberries were slightly too old.
Much of the ingredients look like they’ve been kept in storage for too long. Food here is definitely no longer as fresh as it was when the chain opened up.
Service
Service is quick, helpful and friendly. Nothing much has changed here.
Ambience
The restaurant is located at Ward Place, a few hundred meters past Wijerama Mawatha when you approach it from Town Hall. It’s not hard to spot, and is located about twenty meters from the top of the lane.
This Calorie Counter has a huge amount of space outside which was completely empty on a Tuesday night. There was only one solitary table placed in the rather nice porch area however, and the boring exterior did not reflect the general aesthetic inside.
Conclusion
I remember when they used to make healthy food that was actually tasty. But now it feels like you’re a child again and your mother is forcing you to “eat your mallung”, except here you’re also paying hundreds of rupees per item for the privilege.