By Rahma Rifkhan
A couple of days back, we walked into The Avenue for dinner and we haven’t stopped talking about it since. Allow me to take you through those two hours of culinary perfection.
The Ambience
The golden rule for any restaurant to follow: Make them fall in love with the ambience first before you blow them away with the food. By the looks of it, The Avenue simply lives by this rule, because, wow.
The garden setting hosts moon-light, accompanied by the flicker of candles and the glow of fairy lights adorning the trees. A calming breeze and scented mist surrounds the whole garden. To heighten this already perfect setting, there’s live music playing throughout. It’s a sight, to say the least.
For those who prefer dining indoors, fear not, there’s an equally beautiful interior. The Avenue tastefully avoids all the bright lights and flashy colours, opting for a rather minimalistic and rustic vibe that hangs subtly in the air. The dimly-lit dining area, the elegant art-work that graces the walls and the soft music floating around amounts to a truly sensational dining experience.
Now that you have been familiarised with the setting , let’s dive into the food!
Beverages
- Strawberry Mojito
Fizzy, Fruity and Fresh. The Strawberry mojito summed up for you in three words. The freshness of the mint leaves was perfectly set off by the sweetness of the strawberries and punch of the lime. A refreshing start to what turned out to be an amazing meal.
The Salads
If this is what eating healthy tastes like, I’m down.
- Couscous Salad
This dish did its Mediterranean heritage complete justice with its beautiful harmony of flavours. The nutrient-packed plate of fluffy couscous with sun-dried tomatoes, black olives and roasted veggies was top of its game.
- The Wedge Salad
Da Vinci wasn’t kidding when he said: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. It’s impressive how such basic ingredients can bring forth an explosion of richness. The crunchy lettuce leaves doused in creamy cheese and topped with flakes of crispy bread was truly a treat for the taste-buds.
The Mains
- Chilli Lobster Junior
A sight for the eyes and a feast for the palate: this dish was definitely the star of the show.
The lobster was deliciously tender and the sauce had just the right level of tanginess to it. The Texas toast that accompanied the lobster was grilled to golden-brown perfection.
For all the fans of the TV show “Friends” out there, trust me, THIS is your lobster.
- New York strips
This steak was an infusion of flavours, with the smoky succulence of the meat beautifully complemented by the seared garlic and the freshness of the herbs. The steak was perfectly paired with a side of mashed potatoes. Overall, this dish was just a *Chef’s kiss*
The Desserts
- Blueberry Panna Cotta
Now for the highlight of any meal: dessert!
The creamy richness of the Panna Cotta together with the juicy kick of blueberries created a delicious balance in every spoon. The dark chocolate shard tied this dessert together beautifully with a touch of sophistication.
The Nutshell
The Avenue checks all the boxes required to give you a memorable dining experience.
Their menu is a beautiful ode to heritages around the world which includes American, Asian, Italian and French cuisines. The ambience is exceptionally calming. The staff adds to the allure of the restaurant with their excellent service and courteous conversation.
For a candle-lit date or a laugh with friends, here’s your ideal location.
Location: No 24, Alfred House Avenue, Colombo 00300
Contact Number: 0112 555 066
Click to see Full menu: Full Menu
Check out their Instagram for more information: theavenuelk
