Glimpse of Nish's world

The manager of a top Sri Lankan hotel has defended the decision to charge $14,500 (£10,269) for what it calls the world's most expensive dessert.

Axel Jarosh, general manager of The Fortress hotel in the southern town of Galle, said that the chocolate pudding was not obscene in a poor country.

He said that the desert contains a gemstone and was "especially designed for the hotel's exclusive clientele".

Aid workers say the idea is offensive when there is so much suffering.

"For many people in Sri Lanka it is a struggle of life or death, mostly because of the war but also because of the aftermath of the tsunami of 2004," one Colombo-based development worker said.

"In these circumstances such a publicity stunt is in extremely bad taste."

But Mr Jarosh insisted there was nothing excessive about his pricey puddings.

"We have had a positive reaction both locally and internationally to the dessert which we don't think is out of place, even in a country where there is considerable poverty," he told the BBC News website.

"This is not an idea imported by foreigners and imposed on Sri Lankans, nor is it a marketing gimmick.

"The idea was created by a local design team as suitable for guests staying in one of the country's most up-market hotels."

Mr Jarosh said that the dessert consists of a pedestal upon which is placed a model of a fisherman clinging to a stilt - an image for which Sri Lanka is famous. Ingredients include chocolate, champagne and caramelised sugar.

He said the reason why the pudding is so expensive is because it contains an 80 carat aquamarine stone about the same diameter as the head of a soup spoon.

"We felt that there has been so much negative news emerging from Sri Lanka in recent months in relation to the war," said Mr Jarosh, "and wanted to come up with something that was upbeat and fun."

Mr Jarosh said that one serving of the dessert had already been made.

The general manager said that while the conflict had hit tourism in the country, most European countries are no longer warning their citizens against travelling to Sri Lanka.

"We are optimistic that when the high tourism season starts in December, bookings from abroad will be significantly up."

The Fortress is one of the most expensive hotels in Sri Lanka, charging up to $1,700 per night.

Galle, some 100km (70 miles) south of the capital, Colombo, is a popular destination for tourists. It also suffered badly during the Asian tsunami.

Labels: Galle, Sri Lanka Hotels, Sri Lanka Tourism

Dangling like a dewdrop from the southern tip of India, the island nation of Sri Lanka is a topographical marvel, where rolling emerald plains gently blend into forested hills, and colorful Buddhist and Hindu temples dot the landscape like jewelry. But the beaches that fringe the perimeter of Sri Lanka are what best capture hearts, especially the sloping sands of Bentota, on the island’s southwestern ridge. Tucked between the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and a lazy blue river just behind it, Bentota Beach is a top choice among sun worshippers who know a garden paradise when they see one.

Labels: Beaches, Bentota, Galle, Sri Lanka Holiday, Sri Lanka Tourism

Rocking the culinary scene with its innovative style

Located on the southern golden coast of Sri Lanka, this 49 roomed luxury resort has carved itself on the world map by creating the most expensive dessert in the world.

Priced at USD 14,500, ‘The Fortress Stilt Fisherman Indulgence’ is a combined effort by the resort’s culinary team to create a one of a kind dessert that is intrinsically linked with the destination, offering both long lasting memories and a keepsake of the experience. Available now on special request, the dessert’s inspiration comes from the resort’s logo of the ‘stilt fisherman’, a centuries old fishing practice that continues to this day and can still be seen along this spectacular coastline.

A combination of a gold leaf Italian kasata flavored with Baileys and served with a mango and pomegranate compote and a champagne sabayon enlighten, forms the mouthwatering base of this delicious desert, however, the finishing touch is the 80 carat aquamarine stone nestled on the handmade chocolate stilt fisherman. This one of a kind culinary delight has definitely got people around the world buzzing with awe.

Legend has it that an aquamarine has the power to calm, sooth and heal. Its blue colour is often reflective of the ocean and the life giving properties of water and has been used over the years by sailors and fishermen for protection and luck. It also has a soothing effect on relationships and is said to endow the owner with foresight, courage and happiness, the recipe for a long and happy marriage and the perfect gift for those looking to surprise their loved one.

This dessert is served at Wine³, The Fortress’ sensational glass wine cave which houses over 2,000 of the world’s finest vintages and is accompanied by handmade studio flared glass cutlery – the first glass cutlery of its kind in the world which has been exclusively designed for The Fortress by Glass Studio.
Website: http://www.thefortress.lk/home.html

source:http://www.dailymirror.lk

Labels: Galle, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Holiday, Sri Lanka Hotels, Sri Lanka Tourism

UNAWATUNA beach, in the Galle district, is classified as one of the most beautiful and fascinating beaches in the world. Unawatuna is a paradise for beach lovers, both foreign and Sri Lankan.

The beach is surrounded by a number of star class hotels, and cabanas and is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destinations. Most of the hotels which were damaged by the tsunami, have now been completely refurbished, and Unawatuna has regained its glamor and splendor.

True to its name, Hotel Flower Garden, at Unawatuna, has been built on a marvellously landscaped one-acre garden which resembles a min-flower garden. It is located within walking distance to the world famous Unawatuna beach, in Galle district.

The hotel which began with nine cabanas in 2003, now offers 25 luxury cabanas with all modern facilities to the discerning traveller.

All cabanas are equipped with A/C, hot/cold water, mini-bar and room service. Hotel Flower Garden has a beautiful and large swimming pool and a well stocked bar.

The restaurant offers the very best in Western, Eastern and Sri Lankan cuisine, together with an ‘A-la-carte’ menu.

The restaurant specialises in French, Italian and German cuisine, the preparation of which is personally supervised by the young owner of the hotel, K. Sassi, who holds a Degree in Food and Beverage, having successfully completed a course in Hotel at Ricken, St. Gallen, Switzerland, for five years as its Food and Beverage Adviser from 1992 to 1996. The hotel offers tours to Koggala Lake, Turtle Farm, fishing in Weligama Bay Beach.

A visit to the ‘jungle beach’ is a unique feature offered by the hotel to tourists.

Labels: Galle, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Holiday, Sri Lanka Hotels, Sri Lanka Places of Interest, Sri Lanka Tourism, Turtle Farm, Unawatuna, Weligama Bay Beach