Longstanding love affair with chocolate at MLH this Valentine season

Chocolate is as big a part of anyone’s life and indeed has the power to captivate like no other food. But its roots run much deeper. It begins to melt, giving your mind and body a wonderful sensation…

So why chocolate for the month of February? General Manager of the Mount Lavinia Hotel Anura Dewapura believes that something like chocolate that creates such emotional bonds – and actually can also be good for you – is just another reason to enjoy chocolate for the month of February.

Chocolate cravers need not fear, the month of February is once again ruled by Mount Lavinia Hotel. When the whole hotel will be covered with chocolate and it will be chocolate cravers and chocoholics, preferred choice. The chocolate menu for the month is as follows:

Truffles for couples from 11 a.m. to 2230hrs at the Terrace from 3 to 5 February: Rich, chocolate truffles are a decadent treat for any occasion, especially romantic and delicious ones with frappes and milkshakes to complement the delicacy. While the classic chocolate truffle appeals to many couples, there is a wide range of truffle flavors and rich combinations to tickle any taste buds.

Truffles at MLH will be enrobed in white chocolate – a smooth butter cream with no actual cocoa, sweet milk chocolate, or more luxurious dark chocolate, and couples can choose from dozens of popular flavors for a gourmet treat.

Chocolate Beverage Menu throughout the whole month from 11 a.m. to 2230hrs at the Terrace: Looking for a way to brighten up your evenings? Try some alcoholic hot chocolate drink recipes. Hot chocolate is a staple for kids, but these recipes will turn it into a treat that adults will also crave. These drinks are great for entertaining or just getting cozy with that special someone this Valentine season.

Want hot cocoa that tastes like a candy bar? You have to check it out at MLH.

Chocolate High Tea at the Terrace 1430hrs to 1730hrs; “We call it high tea with a twist” – On regular offer are cucumber sandwiches, crumpets, traditional scones, cakes and other finger sandwiches. However, the menu will combine healthy interpretations of old classics, such as sweet and savoury cup-cakes and ‘no bread’ sandwiches, using healthy-alternative ingredients such as flour substitutes and créme fraîche instead of cream. Fresh fruit purees replace unrefined sugar and olive oil is used instead of butter.

And not forgetting, to drink is a selection of fruit infusions, mocktails and eco-tinis made with London Gin. The Ultimate Iced Tea is highly recommended.

12 February – Chocolate Dinner Extraordinaire – with Fabio Federico… A dinner with Slowcore, ambient and melancholic music to serenade you, for Rs. 4,000 nett

19 February – Tour of Cacao and Chocolate Martini Mixology session – One will learn to pour like a pro and mix like a master, to properly set up a bar, different ways to serve drinks, what garnishes go with which cocktails, and how to make some favorites including a selection of chocolate and dessert cocktails. After the class, a complimentary hour open bar will be held to mix and mingle, and indeed a tour on the cacao producing countries.

26 February – Chocolate and Wine pairing with Slow food Mexican – Some say it can’t be done, pairing wine with chocolate, but once the right wine is found to complement the right chocolate, it can be a match made in heaven! Whether pairing a delicate white chocolate or a lively dark chocolate with wine, there are a few pairing tips that will be tried at the Mexican Slow Food Night where guests can indulge in a Chocolate and Wine pairing session topped with a Mexican Slow Food Night.

27 February – Italian Winemakers Night dinner – Rs. 4,500 nett – From 8 p.m. onwards at the Maitland State Room. The Winemaker from Castello Banfi Enrico Viglierchio and Mount Lavinia Hotels and Resort’s very own Chef Riccardo Rossili will be preparing the meal.

Then the Weekend of Love from 12 to 14 February with the Beach Huts on the Lavinia Beach and the Baywatch Tower igniting for two.

The Chocolate Covered Sunday Jazz Brunch on 13 February – “We got some great event partners with us who have confirmed their participation in getting this great initiative from strength to strength,” said Dewapura, who Who is a chocoholic himself.

His Hershey experience in the US has added to the birth of ‘An Affair with Chocolate’ at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, which has now become an annual event.

Dewapura adds: “I didn’t think I could enhance the chocolate experience, but this is definitely a new sensual experience. Various tastes can either interconnect or collide with the flavors of different bars of chocolates, so you might want to experiment this wonderful initiative.”

There is a lot to experience. Call 2711430 for further details.