Introducing The Avenue

By Dimithri WIjesinghe

The Avenue is a brand new restaurant located in Alfred House Gardens, Colombo 3. The space opened its doors to the public on 8 October, hosting a homey launch party which was anything but laid-back when it came to its glamorous guest list; veteran Sri Lankan cricketer Mahela Jayawardene, fashion and business mogul Otara Gunewardene, and many others made an appearance. The event was quite the affair.

However, it would seem that the restaurant does not hope to simply woo its customers with elaborately staged events; the establishment is a bona fide eatery with a to-die-for menu listing food that is absolutely delicious.

We helped ourselves to a few options – perfectly cooked Australian beef doused in a rich special sauce on a bed of creamy mash, fried macaroni and cheese cutlets, and beef sliders, just to name a few. The desserts were even more impressive. We ate the most understated lemon meringue we’ve ever had and the only chocolate cheesecake you’d ever want.

The restaurant was conceptualised and is managed by Charitha Sham, Vindika Oshan Jayasundara, and Shanika Nanayakkara, who collectively have over a decade of experience in the restaurant industry.

It is also important to note how sleek and comforting the interior décor of the venue is, with its classic café feel, not going overboard with embellishments and traditional restaurant stylings. The place looks modern and inviting.

Most importantly, the restaurant’s farm-to-table philosophy is what truly sets this new establishment apart. The philosophy entails adopting a sustainable approach which embraces agriculture and dining, provided there is a value in dining locally. The movement, which gained traction during the first 10 years of the 21st Century, touts the benefits reaped by the environment and those who both produce and consume local food as well.

Photos Krishan Kariyawasam