Unmistakable brunch

Thinking about brunch? There’s a tremendous variety available in Bahrain and as ‘dining out’ confidence returns following the recent unrest, the kingdom’s hotels and restaurants are working overtime to entice the Friday crowd back.

The leader of the pack for some years has arguably been Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain and established venues as well as aspiring new ones will have to match the fare and atmosphere on offer to challenge the number one spot.

It’s certainly a tough challenge. Demand has never been greater to secure a seat at the Mövenpick table and customers have to book well in advance.

This is quite an achievement because its location, close to the airport, is ideal if you’re stepping off a plane but hardly the most convenient for many of the island’s residents.

But it would appear little detracts from the pulling power of the Silk’s Restaurant Friday Family brunch … even if the only space available is outside the main dining area.

There were 320 guests set to dine when the Szecowka family arrived and staff members were still fielding calls from folk trying to trick their way in shortly before dining commenced … “What do you mean, you haven’t got my booking? I made one for six,” one frustrated fraudster was overheard to mutter, his nose probably growing larger ‘Pinocchio-style’ every second the conversation continued.

‘It has been a long and hard working week, chill out, now is the weekend. Get some quality time with your family’ is the message delivered by the management and by arriving early I was able to see how they ensure the staff members prepare to deliver on that promise.

Jessie Navidad, restaurants and bar manager, led the pre-brunch briefing and it appeared almost like a military affair.

“We always discuss previous brunch experiences, highlight any issues and make sure we work towards ensuring our guests have a truly enjoyable experience,” he explained.

Francesco Agus, food and beverage manager, was close at hand as the diners started arriving, overseeing the delivery like a commander-in-chief on the field of battle.

And, the food really is to die for. That’s the venue’s ace card – a range of international cuisine, fresh fish and steak cooked to order, salads, sushi and sensational sweets accompanied by a flowing selection of beverages. At the end of the meal, an Irish coffee of the finest order rounded off a perfect platter.

Family Brunch is served every Friday from 12.30pm to 4pm but it doesn’t come cheap, priced at BD23.200++ per person with 50 per cent off for children aged six to 12. Children under six eat for free.