Rooftop revelations

California Grill at Galadari offers a fine dining experience like no other

By Uditha Jayasinghe

The basics of a good time are a combination of three things. Good food, fluid conversation and beautiful ambience. The California Grill makes sure that you have two of those three things in abundance so that the company becomes enhanced to assure a memorable occasion. Can fine dining offer more?
Secluded and romantic, overlooking the skyline of Fort with the sea on one side and fairy lighted landscape on the other California Grill provides the perfect location for that special event be it a romantic dinner or an executive hobnobbing session the restaurant is geared to provide the very best for each client. Built on three levels with a private room adjacent to a comfortable foyer to enjoy drinks from the bar before treating taste buds, The California Grill aims to please all senses.
The dimly lit space with deep carpets and stylish seating topped with lighted lamps beckons the diner. Once seated and drinks are ordered, a perusal of the varied menu will send senses reeling with choice. Would one prefer the adventurous pan-seared Escargots with diced garlic, shallots and tomato in white wine titled Magnificent Six as a starter or indulge in the more conservative Smoke Hill with fresh herbs, olive marinated smoked salmon and cucumber in acidulated cream with caviar, capers and Melba toast? There are a total of nine appetisers to kick off the menu with and one can nibble on the delectable bread basket with a range of butter as they wait.
The Vermont Caesar Salad was prepared as we watched with caring simplicity and thoughtfully presented while we vacillated over the recommended favorites by Chef Anushan. Having headed The California Grill team for over a decade and a half he is a firm believer in integrated service. “Lamb chops, steaks and the seafood section are the most popular,” he noted adding that the diner could always request that a dish be prepared in a certain manner, “I will always allow for the considerations of the diner.”
Without stopping there Chef Anushan explained that he would assist in designing the décor for events and even go to the extent of training the serving staff in preparing dishes such as the flambé for diners. “We have an amazing team here and everyone helps the others out. Up here on the rooftop we are a small family and that has ensured higher standards and wonderful service that clients have grown to trust.” This means that Chef Anushan plans everything from the promotions to Valentines Day and is already plotting next year’s event with a theme of ‘Ice on Fire.’ Certainly an evening no couple would want to miss. It is this level of dedication that has seen events being booked weeks ahead of schedule.
Next we were introduced to Lagoon Crust, which is crab flakes and mushroom in mustard cream baked the traditional way, melted on the tongue but did not overwhelm. The food was rich in flavour and made to savour not stuff the diner into an uncomfortable state. A block of rice and vegetables accompany all the seafood dishes with lagoon prawns, Lobster Thermidor, fillet of Sole, Mullet, Seer and Tuna all being available for the discerning diner.
For those who prefer their dishes sourced from land there is the Grill range and Vegetarian. The former provides a selection that includes steaks, chicken, lamb Fillet Minion and honey marinated roast duck while the latter dazzles with a range of sautéed and creamed vegetables. The California Grill true to its name retains its flamboyant style with references to its origins. Flambé called Texas Power House, Yankees, Colorado Fire and San Diego Combination dot the menu and provide a taste conundrum.
Flambé desserts are limited to three choices thankfully and they do not disappoint. The Strawberry Fantasy was simply amazing with fresh strawberries flamed with Kirsch, simmered in strawberry sauce and served with crepes, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. More indescribable sensations can be experienced with Tiramisu, Warm Apple and Cranberry Crumble, Pear Belle Hellene and the traditional fresh fruit platter.
So if you are in the mood to treat yourself to a dining experience par excellence then a booking at the California Grill is the combination of a perfect experience.