Amidst the stately white facade, a door decked in wooden tones catches the eye. As the door opens, one can glimpse a flight of stairs draped in red and bathed in the soft glow of yellow light leading and disappearing around a corner where the replica of a merry sun beckons cheerfully to carry onwards. Thus begins the journey to La Fiesta, a restaurant that imparts a delightful gastronomical experience in authentic Mexican Cuisine right here in Colombo.
Words Krishani Peris Photographs Indika De Silva
Housed in the newly renovated Brown & Co building in Chatham Street, La Fiesta with its dark trimmings conveys its own distinctive style amidst the architecture reminiscent of the Victorian Era. La Fiesta is a venture by Bathiya & Santhush, celebrated artists and Chandana Silva, who is well versed in Mexican culinary and the owner of La Fiesta Restaurant & Bar in Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan and is fast becoming a favourite haunt of many.
Upon stepping into the restaurant the eye is at once drawn to the bright colours adorning the walls. The setting is further complemented by an adeptly set seating area and together with a muted yet calming ambience, portray the diverse and vibrant nature of Mexico. Knick knacks such as sombreros decorating the walls and at times lively and at times soothing music imparts a sense of the Mexican culture going the extra mile to provide a true sense of an exotic culture that goes beyond just a culinary experience.
The Restaurant is divided into three separate sections, the main restaurant, the bar area and the VIP lounge equipped with a separate entrance. When seated in the main restaurant area, one could easily witness the preparations of the cuisine through the open kitchen located towards the back of the restaurant. A dedicated team of chefs busy about in the kitchen doing their utmost to provide the best possible fare for the customers. The specialty of the bar area exists in the musical entertainment that it provides from Wednesday to Sunday with popular bands while the VIP area arranged with comfy sofas provides the perfect getaway for a private get together or to relax with a few choice friends.
However, the allure of the restaurant lies in the scrumptious menu comprising of a variety of Mexican dishes. These dishes range from popular dishes and favourites such as nachos, burritos, fajitas, chimichangas to less common ones such as Mole Poblano, Chiles Rellenos and Carne Asada a la Tampiquena to name a few. Fused with jalapeños, melting cheese and a variety of other appetising ingredients—mostly imported to impart that true taste of Mexico—the dishes are feisty and flavoursome. Further, all plates prepared with attention to detail, to taste and quality, once tasted, will have guests coming back for more. A much loved dish among many is the Mole Poblano, a traditional Mexican dish that fuses an exotic collection of ingredients such as a special chocolate sauce made of seven different types of chilies, nuts and spices that goes on top of a Puebla style grilled chicken. This special sauce provides a unique flavour that is rich yet spicy with a slight kick of tanginess. Completing the feast, the dish is served with Mexican rice, refined beans and corn tortillas.
La Fiesta packs an equally delicious as well as an adventurous range of beverages comprising of mocktails and cocktails that appeal to any palate. Further, the restaurant and the bar area combined can accommodate nearly 500 guests, which makes La Fiesta an ideal location for parties and get togethers. Food lovers would be able to spice up their special event with the spirit of Mexico while the tunes of meringue, salsa, bachata and much more provide an enticing sound to the festivities.
Step into La Fiesta, where a Mexican feast awaits your indulgence while you revel in the true vivacity of Mexican cuisine and culture!
62/4, Chatham Street, Colombo 1
Tel: (+94 11) 233 9955
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