Baking has taken a whole new dimension at BBB. Located along Alfred House Avenue in Colombo 4 is perhaps the most happening venue for sweet delights. One walks into a busy atmosphere with young people eating cupcakes and sipping cake shakes. I met up with Melissa Dharmadasa the dynamic young woman behind this creative culinary enterprise. Sporting one of her famous dresses she is busy talking and taking selfies with customers. So how did this all come about?
Melissa has enjoyed baking as a child with her mother and grandmother Angela. Moving to London at age 14 she continued to develop her skills, though she graduated with a degree in bio-medical science. She said “Once I returned to SL, I could not find a job that I like in my field of study, so I began as a home baker making cool stuff”. Realizing that there was a demand for certain products she began her café in February 2013, along with her husband Mahesh. Melissa added “My brother Kevin is a chef, and he works with me here and we turn out our special jar desserts and naked cakes”. Melissa has earned a name for herself in creating unique wedding cakes.
The second half of the venue opens into a lovely dining area with 35 covers known as Blue Velvet, themed in a color concept from Alice in Wonderland of which Melissa is an ardent fan. The walls are adorned with paintings and lamp stands that are mounted upside down, just as in the book. A blissful high tea is served here, paired with the right tea. Mahesh adds “Most of Colombo’s venues are densely saturated and we try to offer you a unique dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere”. The signature dishes for dinner include Beef short rib, crisp Atlantic salmon and honey glazed chicken. Melissa is the first person to use Instagram to promote a business of this nature and has been duly recognized by them. Her consistent updates have been creating some major raves in town! So how did you come up with the name Bella? Apparently that is what Mahesh used to call Melissa!