SHANGRI-LA COLOMBO TO HOST MICHELIN- STARRED CHEF LAHIRU JAYASEKERA

The very first Sri Lankan origin Michelin-Starred chef, Chef Lahiru (or Larry as he’s more fondly known) is one of only two Sri Lankan chefs to hold the distinction. A Hikkaduwa native who migrated to London as a teenager, Chef Larry has steadily been working his way up the culinary world serving up stunning dishes at some of UK’s most celebrated restaurants including Marcus Wareing’s The Berkeley, Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir and Michel Bras. The former Head Chef of Gordon Ramsay’s famed Michelin Starred restaurant – Pétrus, he is the recipient of several highly acclaimed accolades such as National Chef of the Year 2016 (UK) and Young Chef Of The Year 2007 (UK).

 

‘An Evening with Chef Lahiru Jayasekera’ will offer guests a first-hand experience into the world of Michelin star dining and Chef Larry’s celebrated gourmet cooking and gastronomic flair. Chef Larry’s curated menu for Shangri La Colombo will be paired by Sommelier Elvis Ziakos; who has been named “Sommelier Of The Year – UK” in 2018 and 2019.

 

In an exclusive interview with Daily Mirror, Chef Larry shares his thoughts on the collaboration and hints at what’s in store for guests. 

 

 

It is fantastic to collaborate with Shangri-La Colombo. I met with the team in 2019 and have kept in touch since then so I am certainly looking forward to working with them. We are curating a guest experience which focuses on complementing excellent local ingredients with fine cooking skills and techniques. 

 

 

Yes, that is correct. I enjoy giving back and sharing my knowledge with aspiring chefs back home in Sri Lanka. Previously my visits were focused on this where I conducted trainings, supported schools and so on. This time, I really hope we can showcase the beautiful produce and local ingredients that Sri Lanka has to offer. We are looking at a menu focused primarily on locally sourced, sustainable, gourmet dishes. 

 

 

For three days only, I will be crafting an exceptional Michelin Star dining experience for our guests to enjoy here in the heart of Sri Lanka, at Shangri-La Colombo’s Capital Bar & Grill. We are going to focus purely on the seasonal produce of Sri Lanka, paired with extraordinary culinary techniques and distinctive flavour combinations. 

 

 

I am someone who is very passionate about identifying precise flavour combinations. I spend a lot of time perfecting the right flavours and creating unique taste profiles for my dishes. I look forward to bringing my perspective on looking at the diversity of ingredients found here in Sri Lanka and I am excited to create some delicious dishes for guests to enjoy. 

 

 

Yes, definitely! There will be a hint of Sri Lankan influence in the menu as well. 

 

 

I am really looking forward to experimenting with taste, exploring the wonderful produce and infusing it with innovative techniques. I am also looking forward for my team and I to meet Shangri-La Colombo’s culinary team and spend some time sharing with each other, being inspired by each other and working together.