Travel

The Zetter a dream come true

by Surekha Galagoda

The Zetter, the latest restaurant inclusive of a Karaoke lounge and pool was opened at Maitland Crescent, Colombo 7 last week.

Owned by Deepthi Perera it is described as somewhere between five stars and heaven. Built at a cost of Rs. 65 mln the project took six months to complete and is dedicated to an Australian, one of his friends.

Perera said that this is a dream come true as he wanted to open a place where the whole family could enjoy and from decor to the pool everything was built locally and was personally supervised by him .His personal collection of CDs and photographs are displayed as he wants everybody to enjoy.

Executive Director Dushyanth Weeraman said that the Zetter consists of three restaurants - Elements,Zetter and Altitude. Elements, the fine dining restaurant offers a whole range of fusion style food and all dishes are signature created.

He said that customers' requests are always welcome and any dish will be prepared as and when the customer wants.

A live band consisting of a pianist, flutist, percussionist and violinist perform at the Elements. It also consists of one of the most exclusive wine zellers. Perera said that the name Elements was given since it consists of a collection of elements from his home together with Polynesian food.

Adjacent to the Elements restaurant is the Signature room, the private dining room where you can entertain your loved ones in a cosy environment. The decor completed in red is just right to lavish your love.

A live band performs at the Zetter except on Mondays and you can enjoy the most exclusive cocktails prepared by our chefs. In addition we can make any drink the customer wants. This is a party place and there are no rules and regulations here, he said.

The studio, The karaoke lounge is ideal for those who want to sing along or book for private parties. It offers free membership and there are musical instruments for anyone while there are audio and video facilities as well.

Altitude, the roof top restaurant is for those who want privacy. There are no chairs but a stage and bean bags to sit on. A two-piece band keeps the visitors entertained.

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Festive season at Taj Airport Garden Hotel

Taj Airport Garden Hotel Seeduwa recently unveiled a series of festivities for the forthcoming Christmas and New Year holiday season.

General Manager Sanjay Singh said that celebrations will commence with the special Christmas "Gingerbread House" in the Hotel lobby and also at the Drive-In in front of the hotel on the main Colombo-Negombo Road on Monday, December 10. "This is one of the first signs that Christmas is round the corner.

The Gingerbread House will be filled with festive delicacies and goodies such as chunky Chocolate Yule Logs, butter soft Breudhers, Mince Pies, Christmas Puddings, Cakes and Cookies. Christmas trees and the strains of Yuletide carols in the background until New Year's Day enrich the ambiance", he said.

The children's Christmas Carnival on Saturday, December 15 invites children to a festive carnival of unlimited fun and games. Watch spellbound as our magician transports you into another realm with his magic wand.

Play with Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and other well loved characters. There'll also be cartoon shows, stalls with fun games and prizes, hidden treasures to be found in the "jungles" and many more surprises for the lucky ones.

The Taj Airport Garden celebrates the spirit of a traditional Christmas with a gala Christmas eve dinner replete with an exclusive five course including an array of mouthwatering Christmas delicacies such as roasted stuffed turkey, smoked ham, duck in orange sauce.

For lovers of Oriental gastronomy, a special menu conjures exotic delights at the Golden Dragon Chinese Specialty Restaurant, together with a complimentary glass of house wine.

Free stay in Toronto for Emirates' customers

Emirates is celebrating its launch to Toronto with a free hotel stay offer for all its customers in all three classes of travel. The offer is valid for journeys booked from November 1 to January 31.

Emirates' First Class customers to Toronto receive three nights stay at the InterContinental Toronto Yorkville, Business Class passengers two nights and Economy Class passengers one night at the same hotel.

Emirates' Executive Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide Ghaith Al Ghaith said: "We are pleased to offer our customers yet another irresistible offer to a wonderful new destination. We expect a lot of traffic to Toronto from all over our network with our new service there.

This offer of complimentary accommodation is our way of thanking our customers for their loyalty to our world-class airline. We promise the best and deliver it."

Emirates will fly its Boeing 777-300ER state-of-the art on the Toronto-Dubai three-times-weekly route, offering 12 First Class, 42 Business Class and 304 Economy Class seats: 358 seats in a three-class configuration.

The aircraft also features the airline's award-winning entertainment and communications system, ice (information, communication, entertainment), on which passengers can enjoy over 600 channels of entertainment.

Emirates takes off for Houston

Emirates will celebrate the launch of its services to Houston, its third North American destination, with the introduction of a fare and complimentary hotel stay offer for passengers in all three classes of travel.

Colombo-based travellers who make their reservations before December 3, the day Emirates begins its three times a week service to Houston, will pay only for an Economy Class return ticket, valid for travel up to February 28, 2008.

The Dubai-based airline is also offering complimentary three nights stay at the Granduca Hotel, Houston for First Class passengers, two nights for Business Class and one night for Economy Class passengers.

The accommodation offer is valid for journeys booked from December 3, 2007 to February 28, 2008. Single or double room occupancy is available to passengers who fly all sectors between Colombo and Houston on Emirates operated flights.

The offer includes room, breakfast, room taxes and service charges.

Austrian Airlines resumes operations

The first Boeing 767 Austrian Airlines non stop flight from Vienna to Colombo landed at the Bandaranaike International Airport, at 9.30 a.m. on November 1, when the airline resumed its operation after the short interruption of services to Colombo.

Country Manager in Sri Lanka Rajitha Seneviratne along with the Station staff headed by Station Manager Samantha Gamage were at the airport to welcome the passengers and crew on board this flight.

The most attractive feature were the cabin crew dressed in their striking red uniform created by the famous Austrian designer Sabine Kreuzspiegel highlighting an elegant look blending in both classic and modern styles.

Austrian Airline is known for its exclusive standards and the airline recently launched its new business class seats on their Boeing 767 and 777 fleets with fully stretchable beds and generously proportioned table or desk which can bring the seat from sleep position to relax position at the touch of a button.

The other unique feature of the cabin service is having your own personal chef on board business class offering meticulously prepared six to eight course gourmet food on board.

Brown and Company are the General sales agents for Austrian Airlines in Sri Lanka.