Burger bonanza

By Uditha Jayasinghe

A burger at first glance does not seem to be the type of food that needs much thought. However the latest burger promotion at the Ceylon Continental Hotel proves contrary to this theory. 

The Heist Bar is offering a range of scrumptious burgers to expand their lunch menu and provide diners with a quick option on a busy day.

Earlier the Heist Bar had a wraps promotion and we were told by Senior Executive Chef Tilak Senaratne that this is part of a plan to expand the lunch menu. “We introduced the wraps and fine tuned them to what the diners liked and included them in the menu.

Now we are doing the same for the burgers. The selection has been made by putting together internationally loved combinations with a Lankan twist and we have received very good reviews so far,” he said joining us for a short chat.

Burgers are all about variety. Just a glance at the menu shows that the concept has been to match quality food with reasonable prices. Each of the burgers is priced at a very reasonable Rs.399 and Rs.450 with a drink.

Pamper your taste buds with a La bamba – corn beef and fresh ground beef patty with caramelized onions, tomato, horseradish, Dijon-Haze and cheese. Since burgers are all about meat the “Legend” is aptly named.

It has a huge chunk of beef patty with fried egg and bacon, a leaf of crunchy lettuce and the standard fresh tomato, onions and cheese. Set your conscience at ease by promising to hit the gym and enjoy its comforting taste.

Given how the Legend meets burger standards it is no surprise that it is one of the favourites in the menu.  All burgers come with a portion of French fries and coleslaw – a full meal.     

Everything from the concept, ingredients to bun making has been thought out to precision assured Chef Senaratne stressing that the buns have distinct curry leaf and another flavours that add taste. Burgers like the quirkily named Leaning Tower is a base of pizza Napolitana topped with cheese, beef patty and other essentials. There is a curry crunch for those that love Sri Lanka’s own cuisine along with two seafood burgers and vegetarian selection to accommodate everyone’s preferences.

Vienna – chicken schnitzel topped with caramelized onions, bacon rinds and relish, Worth Sharing – chicken patty with smoked chicken, cheese, iceberg lettuce, tomato and fresh avocado, Hawaii Five – chicken patty with grilled pineapple, cheese, smoked bacon and relish, La bamba – corn beef and fresh ground beef patty with caramelized onions, tomato, horseradish, Dijon-Haze and cheese, Creole - Seafood croquette with Creole spiced vegetables, iceberg, and tomato, pickles and Tabasco mayo,  Fire Station - seafood burger with fresh coriander, cheese, chili salsa, relish and jalapeno peppers, Green globe  – vegetable croquette burger with relish and pickles for veggie lovers are the others that can be chosen from.

Ceylon Continental is keen to continue expanding their selections and is eyeing the possibility of launching a rice menu next so watch out for that. At the moment Heist Bar is an enticing location for a relaxed lunch in a cosy yet light atmosphere.   To experience all that Ceylon Continental has to offer, call 242 1221, Ext: 1410 or visit www.ceyloncontinental.com.

Pix by Daminda Harsha Perera