A different Blue

By Ayesha R. Rafiq

If you're someone like me, who loves good music but doesn't know of any place you can go to relax without hearing disco, rock n' roll and rap being blared over any available sound system, I know exactly what you need.

And so apparently does Russel Fernando, owner of the new Rhythm & Blues restaurant and pool bar on Duplication Road.

A former singer with Pro-Arrangement, this is a man who knows good music when he hears it. That is why any time you drop in at the Rhythm & Blues you're in for a treat with soft and soulful Blues personally picked by Russell sure to sooth and entertain you.

And that's not all the entertainment you'll find. The four pool tables are also a major part of the attraction and you'd be hard put to get to them if you saunter in any time after 10 p.m. But since the restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. there's plenty of time to hang around and wait for your turn.

While the menu is nothing extraordinary, you'll find the old favourites such as pasta, Chicken Maryland and seafood for anything between Rs. 150 to Rs. 400, all prepared by a former chef at the Grand Oriental Hotel in Nuwara Eliya. Need I say more?

Dinner takes place under the stars with candlelight adding a flavour of romance to the evening. What's more Russell plans on buying an old railway carriage and converting it into a restaurant - there's atmosphere for you.

But watch out, if you're planing on dropping in at night, shorts are a no-no. If you do happen to saunter in there in your shorts though, Russell keeps five spare trousers at the entrance just for that purpose, and you can change into one of your choice.

The entire interior decor has been handled by Russell himself and the effect is one of cozy relaxation. With good music, good food and great atmosphere. I finally think I've found my place in the nightlife of this country.

More Mirror Magazine

Return to Mirror Magazine Contents