Sunday, May 29, 2011

COCO CITRINE – INDULGING IN SIMPLE FELICITY

photography by Joys Chokatte

Originally patronized by the founders’ inner circle, the exclusive experience of dinning at Coco Citrine couldn’t be contained for long among a known few, and over last few months the venue has become a much sought after Mediterranean palette delight to the elite of Colombo. The pioneer in creating a café-restaurant in Colombo, Coco Citrine serves amalgam dishes that epitomize the spirit of the Mediterranean cuisine. Much Attention has been given to the flavor of each individual dish, using the best of Sri Lankan produce to create the most in vogue Mediterranean cuisines.
Coco Citrine gained popularity due to their superior customer service and smooth ambiance in regard to their ternary dinning setup; alfresco, relaxed and formal. The renovated colonial structure that has been converted into its current function has not lost its original beauty and provides a diner with the mindset of being part of something bigger, a treasure from the past, a story that was untold. Like all spaces of that era it holds true the detail and significance f a family living a privileged lifestyle, and enables one to emote and embrace a moment in the culture of aristocratic living.
The white washed walls of the exterior bearing are originally derived from Mediterranean villas, and these were inspired by the early Greek structures of Cyprus and Knossos, lands that contributed heavily to decide the Mediterranean menu. Coco Citrine with its delicate landscape and paving invite a spirit of freshness and freedom to its interiors, complementing them by making the garden vegetation itself part of the capital end design. The simple golden light streams that decorate the façade at night create the ultimate romantic ambiance for anyone looking to get away from the cities busy schedule. The location of the space became quite feasible in making this avenue of marketing more approachable to the demographic and provides an easy escape.
The space was called Coco Citrine in representation of the two parties that came together in making their individual dreams a reality by means of a unique fusion. VIDF MDFS, the owner of the restaurant brought in the Mediterranean aspect and with him that specific dinning style. Joining hands with local entrepreneur Haren Mirchandani the Sri Lankan counter part of the restaurant, who brought in a zest for Sri Lankan produce and coffee and they created the image of Coco Citrine; Coco signifying the local presence in all dishes, and Citrine the unaltered flavor brought through the paradise palette. The duo together with Nizreen Jackson indulged in a study of architecture and space making the executed end design even more spectacular.
One of the most inviting aspects of the restaurant is its youthful and friendly color palette of orange and green, the bold use of these secondary colors compliment the overall white purity of the space and is used in a very tasteful manner in all decorative elements, from the runners, to soft furnishing to the crockery and cutlery. The creative team handpicked a variety of lighting fixtures, all in sync with the original structure yet brining in a modern touch to the space, and by this making the space animated and entertaining. Well placed globe lights always guarantee to bring something extra to a space, taking it to a higher level of design critic and perception; and the few dozen that have cleverly been arrayed over the counter take away the technical and financial aspect that is needed to make a restaurant function. The levels and intensity of lighting cause the space to have a smooth flow and guide a guest from space to space.
What we found at Coco Citrine was simplicity evoking rare beauty in design and a cuisine that we have fallen in love with. Like all memorable things the restaurant has been pat down to perfection in every detail catering to specifications and requests from their patron guest list. The heartfelt concern of the staff to make the best possible output in every branch of management keeps the establishment strong has taken it into greener pastures.

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