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A FRESH dining concept has been created enticing Bahrain's food connoisseurs to three of the island's most popular cuisines 'under one umbrella'.
People'z Place at Seef Mall has opened the doors to two of its restaurants, Ching - offering Chinese delicacies and Papadom - catering to lovers of Indian food. Italian restaurant, Mia Mia, is also set to open for business soon.
The mastermind behind the unique concept is Firas Al Khour, managing director of F K International, and his team of designers.
Mr Al Khour, 31, said: "We thought of having a dining destination featuring different cuisines with the same identity offering a high-standard, fine-dining ambience at casual dining prices."
He explained that the themed concept has taken more than a year to become reality. "I travelled a lot," he explained, "to various cities and locations to acquire the best resources and manpower.
"Our chefs and staff hail from various parts of the world such as India, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Lebanon and Italy. We then got together to design and implement the concept from A to Z."
Ching is an Oriental haven, decorated in red and black and the walls are accentuated with Chinese drawings. Guests can entertain themselves as they wait for their food by checking out their Chinese horoscopes - provided on a leaflet on the table. The menu features an extensive range of delicacies, covering all the regions of the republic.
Papadom is eye catching with its bright pink embroidery seats and black background. The restaurant features a live tandoor traditional oven, allowing guests to watch as the chefs produce plates of grilled bites and freshly-baked naan bread or roti.
Mia Mia displays a contemporary image with subtle yet enticing black and white interiors. At the centre of the venue is a 'pizzeria bar' where guests can watch as their pizza is freshly prepared.
Mr Al Khour, from Budaiya, explained: "In the future we hope to add more cuisines and restaurants under the People's Plaza umbrella, for instance Lebanese food. We are also working on plans for a food retail outlet in Saar by the end of next year."
La Maison cafŽ, Metro Pizza, Isis CafŽ, Frangipani and Shawarma Xpress are also under the umbrella of the company.
Mr Al Khour said: "My father, Faisal Al Khour, the chairman of FK International Group of Companies, has been in the food and hospitality business since the early 1980s when he acquired the franchise rights for an international fast food brand.
"Thanks to our father, My brother Saleh and I grew up being exposed to great food from different countries, both at home as well as from our various trips around the world.
"Hence, we now have the expertise and know-how of this sector. By adding some creativity to it, we have come up with our own concepts and ideas.
"Shawarma Xpress was one such concept. It was created by SAF Co, a joint venture by my brother and I.
"The brand was very well accepted by the Bahraini market and we are now planning to franchise it across the region."
