Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Christ, but it’s also a much-older Avurudu-like harvest and fertility festival. Hence the bunnies and eggs. Here’s YAMU’s guide to celebrating the season in Colombo.
Places For Sweets
Gerard Mendis
Gerard Mendis is a lovely chocolatier (and restaurant) on Horton Place. They did some unique Avurudu treats and they have some really creative options for Easter. Pictured here are their solid chocolate eggs, weighing 70 grams and costing Rs. 450 each.
They also have classic chocolate bunnies (Rs. 1,500 for 200 grams) and cakes (Rs. 2,600 upwards). Gerard Mendis is one of the more interesting sweet shops in town and we recommend them in general.
Gerard Mendis (115238588) is on Horton Place near Wijerama junction. They start selling these items from the 18th (Friday). You can also order online.
Pitstop Cafe (Hilton Residences)
Layered chocolate chip cookies, Rs. 350 for threeThe Pitstop Cafe is within the Hilton Residences (also called the JAIC Hilton). They sell a range of Easter items – Easter bunnies (Rs. 750), chocolate egg baskets (Rs. 1,500 for five pieces), carrot cake (Rs. 2,500), Easter cupcakes (Rs. 180), and more.
The Pitstop is inside the Hilton Residences. You can enter from the Staple Street side, on the corner of Union Place. To order call 115-344-644, extension 701.
ODEL
ODEL has been celebrating Easter for a long time, starting with their Easter Funday on April 6th. In store they have a range of Easter items – eggs, bunnies, cupcakes and more. The only price we could find online was for cupcakes, Rs. 230 each. If you’re looking for a range of stuff, Colombo’s main department store is the best bet.
The English Cake Company
Hot cross buns are more of a Good Friday thing, but the English Cake Company is amazing and we’re sure they’re delectable. That’s their announced offering for this season, but we think any of their regular chocolate cakes, cheesecakes and tart lemon offerings would be welcome this weekend.
The Cakery is on Sulaiman Terrace, off Jawatta Road (near Thimbirigasaya). You can call them on 11 2 501344.
Others
Basically any place with a bakery will be doing something for Easter. The five-star hotels will all have something – notably the Cinnamon Grand as well as the Lakeside.
Activities
If you’re looking for stuff to do (Easter egg hunts, etc) again the five star hotels are a good bet. They all offer their regular brunches with some degree of Eastering up.
Verandah Bistro & Poolside (Hilton Residences)
The little known (to us) Verandah is a space on the third floor of the Hilton Residences. The pool is up there and it’s quite nice. This Sunday (20th April) they’re hosting an Easter buffet with egg-hunt, bouncy castle and face-painting for kids. It’s Rs. 3,500 per person. Half price for kids under 12, free for kids under 6.
Call 115-344-644 for reservations and call Oliver on 777-568-718 if you want spots in the egg hunt.
Water’s Edge
Waters Edge Battaramulla is flying an Easter Bunny in via seaplane and having an Easter egg hunt plus buffet. Costs. Rs. 2,950 per head.
For more details call Mahinda on 770402962
Others
Basically all of the five stars have Easter celebration. Check out the Mount Lavinia Hotel, the Hilton, Cinnamon Grand, etc.
Also, for something non-hotely, check out Park Street Mews or Bayleaf.
Church
Last but certainly not least, the logical place to be for Easter Sunday is church. If you have your own church that would be the place, but if you haven’t been in a while, St. Andrew Scots Kirk (next to the Cinnamon Grand on Galle Road) has a service at 9:30 AM with readings and music. It’s a beautiful old church and a very modern service.
