Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
A new Al Qahawah Coffee Shop has opened up in a hotel undergoing BD1.5 million worth of renovations in the heart of Manama … and there’s so much more to it than name alone.
Originally opened in 1990, the Arabic word Qahawah means ‘coffee’ but the picturesque and quaint dining room in the 4-star Gulf Gate Hotel is now a gourmet gift from the heavens for hungry businessmen.
Featuring a blend of Parisian and oriental interior designs created by Zakir Ahmed Mohammed Sulaiman, chairman of the Maria Group of Hotel Management which operates the hotel, the restaurant-cum-coffee shop, opened with a cocktail reception last week.
“Al Qahawah highlights a fabulous range of buffet choices and diners can also enjoy a la carte cuisine. With our revamped coffee shop we do expect our customers to notice and experience the difference not just in the ambiance but also in the food array,” he said.
The work has taken seven months and is the combination of ideas collected by the well-travelled businessman on his trips to Europe and Asia with a touch of Middle Eastern inspiration which is described as a ‘statement of minimalist indulgence’ and a crossroads of traditional values and modern comforts.
Comfortable and classy it certainly is with a fabulous stained glass door with exotic fish serenely swimming in between pond plants.
The Al Qahawah Coffee Shop, within an easy walking distance of the Gold Souq and a short drive from the buzzing business district, the dining destination is aimed at people of all age groups and professionals to spend time with their families, acquaintances and business associates.
Accommodating more than 80 diners at a time, the coffee shop highlights a multi-cuisine buffet and an a la carte menu that features fare from all over the world.
Head Chef Sharma has launched a five-course business lunch at an unbeatable price of just BD2.700++ a head which comes with a complimentary soft drink.
With over 15 years of experience at the hotel, Chef Sharma and his 27-strong kitchen team have created the perfect menu featuring a selection of international delicacies.
“The price is right, the ambience spot on and it is my job to deliver the quality of food that will entice our customers back time and time again,” said the 46-year-old chef who started his career with the acclaimed Taj Hotel Group in Delhi. “The fine taste is something I can guarantee.”
And it’s a gilt-edge guarantee if the food is anything to go by when GulfWeekly sampled the fare last Wednesday lunch time.
The seafood soup is sensational, clear, meaty and with a refreshing zing only bettered by a crispy prawn pancake which melted in the mouth. The marinated king prawn was also the ultimate companion to the crispy salad.
The chicken tikka, lamb chop and kebab alongside the traditional Arabic majboos rice dish was transformed with a spoonful of chef’s special yogurt topping from simply good to gorgeous.
A refreshing fruit salad followed alongside an extravagant orange mousse placed back inside the scooped out peel.
Coffee followed, of course, the house special, a creamy, frosty cappuccino concoction that is not for the faint-hearted.
Five courses … far out!
Open throughout the day, the refurbished coffee shop forms part of Gulf Gate’s renovations that commenced earlier last year. The work involves the complete refurbishment of interiors and exteriors including the guest rooms and restaurants.
Many of the wall decorations and designs have been inspired by the chairman’s creativity. At a time when the hospitality sector has been severely damaged by the unrest and damning international press coverage, he remains bullish about the company’s future and that of the country. “Everyone asks me the same question,” said Mr Sulaiman. “One must be positive – the future is bright for Bahrain.”
The Gulf Gate Hotel is all set to complete its refurbishment plans by the end of the year. Currently, the hotel is planning the construction of a new banqueting hall that will accommodate 500 guests at a time. It will be fully-equipped with conference and meeting facilities along with a host of amenities.
The hotel boasts 124 rooms and suites, a fully-equipped gymnasium, an adult and children’s swimming pool and parking facilities for more than 100 cars.The hotel also comprises of seven other outlets including Oasis, Marakesh, Al Salam Corner, Pool Bar, Wendy’s Café, Equal City Lounge and Club A1.
