Oktoberfest at Havelock SC
Colombo Oktoberfest is back again this year, bigger and better than ever, with five full days of fun and celebration at a new venue, the Havelock Sports Club Grounds. The fun begins on October 9 and will continue till October 13, offering an excellent blend of music, food and beverages for fun-loving people.
The delicious food available at the festival will include must-have Oktoberfest specialties and authentic German cuisine prepared exclusively by German Chef Andreas Pflugmacher of the Mount Lavinia Hotel, who has been flown in for the occasion. “People who come to Colombo Oktoberfest at the Havelock Sports Club Grounds will be able to experience a traditional German feast and Chef Andreas will definitely provide the best fare possible,” said General Manager of Mount Lavinia Hotel Basheer Cassim,.
Bavarian hostesses and a traditional Bavarian ‘Oompah’ band called The October Stad`l Hubers will be flown in by SriLankan Airlines to share the true spirit of Oktoberfest. The Bavarian hostesses dressed in traditional Oktoberfest costumes will join the festivities and hand out drinks to the crowds. The October Stad`l Hubers will provide live music, an essential item at any Oktoberfest. Popular local band Glory will also perform, bringing more variety to the mix of musical styles.
This five day celebration will include traditional Oktoberfest games such as barrel rolling, hammer strength testing, pretzel tossing and more. There will be firework displays and carnival rides to add to the excitement. For motor enthusiasts, Mercedes-Benz will display several cars including the A- Class from their latest collection.
Hilton Colombo announced the appointment of their new executive chef Daniel Leah last month. Originally from Manchester in UK, he has been with Hilton Worldwide for 16 years sharing his expertise in Saudi Arabia, India and the United Kingdom.
Chef Leah replaces Rohan Fernandopulle who has left Hilton Worldwide to further pursue his career in the hospitality industry. Leah’s notable achievements in his career have been his stints in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, namely; Hilton Jeddah famous for catering to large banquets of 35, 000 covers and dealing with international dignitaries for governments and visiting Royal families from around the world. He has also been part of the opening team of the seven- star Hilton Waldorf Astoria Qasr Al Sharq, and many properties in the UK. Chef Leah has a diploma in professional cookery from North Area College, Stockport, United Kingdom.
Daniel Leah served up a three course lunch for the media that started off with culinary delights like Slipper lobster cocktail and Crustacean Cappuccino, followed by Pan fried sea bass crusted with sun dried tomato and Scallop and Asparagus Wellington, finished off with a delectable Bailey’s Caramel Mousse with Trilogy and Berry Salsa. He had wanted to make his first meal here as English as possible. He said he doesn’t like pastry cooking but rather enjoys the hot kitchen. He loves French cuisine and to cook for informal social events where people all eat together rather than for formal showcase events.
“I’m looking forward to working in Sri Lanka. I have been here a couple of times before on family vacations and I think I have the general idea of Sri Lankan cuisine. I want to experiment with fusions, adding Sri Lankan elements into British food. I think it’s a good combination. I love to work with spices and sea food,” he said. “It’s a different culture here but I’m sure I’ll get used to it. Even though I just arrived I already have two big projects in my hand- the upcoming Commonwealth Summit and October Fest. I’m already looking for new concepts and I hope to give my best contribution not only to the hotel but also to the industry in Sri Lanka.” October fest will take place from October 24 till November 02.
Daniel Leah will be responsible for the hotel’s overall kitchen operations - its restaurants, bars as well as banqueting. “We are happy to have Daniel on the team and we look forward to introducing a variety of concepts in our food and beverage areas of the hotel and deliver a unique experience to the discerning diner,” General Manager of Hilton Colombo Rudolf Troestler said.