Issue 85

30 November

Meal Deals and Food Offers 

It's always good to hear of a new place opening, so it's a big, warm welcome to Spinneys Cafe who will be opening next week on 9 December. They are located in Nugegoda, on Old Kottawa Road by Jubilee Post and will offer a selection of fast food (burgers, pizza and pasta), local rolls and pastries, salads, as well as breakfast waffles and pancakes, home-made croissants and a full cooked breakfast. And a selection of coffees and teas of course. They will be open from 7am to 7pm and the grand opening is on 9 December at 9.30am. See you there?

If you enjoyed the Sri Lankan Hoppers Night at The Joint last week, or indeed if you missed it and would like another chance to go - good news! It's on again this week! Yes, a range of delicious hoppers, freshly made to order, with classic fillings, to be enjoyed with a selection of cocktails and some great live music. It's on this Thursday 1 December from 7.00pm.

There's an International Lunch Buffet with live cooking station at ME Colombo on both Saturday and Sunday, from 12.00pm to 3.00pm. If you go on Sunday, you'll also get a free apple pie as an extra dessert.

Drinks Deals

Allstar have launched a midweek "Wine and Dine" offer. On Wednesdays, if you buy two main courses, you get 50% off a bottle of wine. Half price wine is always a good offer, yes?

The Steuart have relaunched their happy hours which apply for both international and local drinks. The happy hours are 5.00pm to 8.30pm on Monday, 5.00pm to 7.00pm from Tuesday to Saturday and from 11.00am to 11.00pm on Sunday - yup, that's a 12hour happy hour, almost a whole day.

Breeze Bar at the Cinnamon Grand has a daily Happy Hour from 6.00pm to 8.00pm.

Allstar have relaunched their Ladies' Night on Thursdays, with buy one, get one free on classic cocktails from 9.00pm to 11.00pm.

Live Music and DJs

If you planned to go to the "Sangeera" gig on Saturday, it has been postponed to 13 January. But fear not, there are plenty of other things to enjoy this weekend.

Metal legends Stigmata are back onstage this Saturday - but with a difference: this time "unplugged". As well as a plethora of their own hits, they will also be performing some classics by other great metal bands. This unmissable gig is at Re.pub.lk, on Saturday night from 7.00pm.

Also on Saturday, Infinity will be at Excel World for "Concerto December" with several guests, from 6.00pm.

On Sunday, "Night of Glory" at BMICH has four performers with Point5, from 7.00pm.

For some live jazz, head to The Grove on Friday night for an evening with Take 5 in a relaxed outdoor setting.

For classical music, the Chamber Music Society Orchestra will be performing with pianist Shani Diluka, at the Wendt Theatre on 6 December, 7.30pm.

There's Christmas concerts happening and on Sunday at Cinnamon Lakeside, "Jingle Bell Rockout" has Chandani with C&C plus six guests getting the Christmas celebrations started.

EDM music and there are some big events, starting with "Pixieland" on Friday 2nd December which will be on the 3rd Floor of Lotus Tower, featuring guest DJ Aman Anand with eight local DJs. Also on Friday, "Reflection" at the Rio Cinema Hall has guest DJ Greenage, with five local DJs. The new pub, Floatz, at Marino Mall will be opening on Friday and the launch party, "Glow" will feature seven DJs. And, if you're really rather more into Indian music, then head to Base Night Club on Galle Road as they have Indian Night this Friday.

On Saturday, the Reflection afterparty continues from 8am to 3.30pm at Rio Cinema. Also during the day, there's a Pool Party at Cinnamon Lakeside with three bands and three DJs, from 11.00am

The newly opened Floatz are going for it with "Saturday Vibes" with guest DJ Olena and three local DJs. Cafe Francais is hosting Jon Sa Trinxa on the decks for the evening. And overlooking it all at Virtcle (see what I did there?) is Solaris, with 6 DJs through the night.

Next week, the NR 11 Altitude EDM Music Festival has three international DJs: Lovra, Mesto and Keanu Silva plus Sri Lanka's own DJ Mass at the CR&FC grounds from 5pm. First phase tickets are from Rs3,500 for general admission, with premium tickets from Rs6,500.

For more events next week, check our homepage diary.

Other Events

There are a lot of Christmas markets happening this weekend and next. One by AccelerateHer, who support female entrepreneurs, has not only lots of stalls selling products by women-led business, but also has events through the day including craft workshops, business advice sessions and kids' activities. It's at Asylum Courtyard, Independence Arcade on Saturday from 10.00am to 9.00pm.

Also on Saturday, the Tropical Market supporting local small businesses is in Mount Lavinia, at La Langousterie from 10.00am to 5.00pm

On Sunday, Harpo's Christmas Market at the Bayleaf has small businesses selling clothes, accessories, gifts, food and drink, while you jingle and mingle. It's from 11.00am to 5.00pm.

The International Charity Christmas Bazaar with stalls, gifts and treats from many international communities is also on Sunday, at Galle Face Hotel from 11am.

Not a Christmas market - well, you might still get some gifts here: On Friday and Saturday, 2 & 3 December, there's a pre-owned sale in aid of Justice for Animals, at 17 Skelton Gardens. It's 11.30-6.30 on Friday and 1.30-6.30 on Saturday.

OK, something else...fun for the kids (and grown-ups), Christmas Tree Lighting at Crescat Boulevard. Thursday 1 December at 5.30pm.

Also on Thursday the PappaRich Quiz is back at the Park Street branch. You're welcome to BYOB and it starts at 7.00pm.

Theatre: Stages Junior Ensemble have created a show, "Am I Important?" using clowning and comedy to ask pertinent questions. There are two performances, at 3.30pm and 6.30pm on Sunday at NADA.

There's a European Film Festival taking place this weekend. From Friday to Monday, a total of nine films will be shown. It's at the National Film Corporation Cinema. Follow the link to see the schedule.

Next week on Tuesday there's a Beer Pong tournament, plus Open Mic, on Tuesday at Colombo City Centre Food Studio.

Do you have any shoes that you don't wear any more? Sole Mates are collecting shoes to donate to less fortunate communities. Follow the link for details.

Next week there's more live music, DJ festivals, food and music fests, Christmas Markets and more. Check the diary on our home page for details.