Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
FAMILY fun is the order of the day as the new Executive Chef at the Royal Golf Club, Paul Gindra, starts to make his mark with some tasty new ingredients to the Friday brunch formula at the Links international restaurant.
The venue has received accolades and praise in the past but the feedback I had received from friends was that although the food was top-notch, the venue was not particularly child-friendly.
Well, as far as I’m concerned Friday is family day and that one comment put me off visiting until last weekend. I’m delighted to report Paul and his team’s tempting fare and a little extra care when it comes to keeping the children entertained is proving to be a winning combination.
The food is absolutely fabulous and is on par with the venue, with tables overlooking the vast green of the Colin Montgomerie-designed golf course.
At this time of year the facility is looking absolutely lush and, if there’s anybody missing the green, green grass of home this will provide just the tonic.
Remember, you don’t have to be a golf club member to enjoy the restaurant facilities.
What I particularly liked was how well signposted the cooking stations were, there’s no hunting around trying to work out where to find the fare that takes your fancy. It’s simple and efficient and quite a clever way of indicating just how much choice the diner has.
There’s a truly phenomenal variety of cuisine and cooking methods on display with attentive staff waiting in the wings to assist.
But before I go into that, I must mention the brunch breakfast bits available as a little extra aside. Now, I play golf badly at least once a month and not only is the Wee Monty nine-hole executive course a huge draw, it’s the thought of savouring a sausage and egg butty at the end of play that is another major attraction.
So, if you’re coming for the brunch, my tip is don’t have any breakfast beforehand, instead treat yourself to the selection of bites from a side menu featuring hotcakes, omelettes, rolls, poached eggs and, of course, a bite-sized version of the famous butties.
Now, let’s take the next step on this journey. Kathryn, the good lady wife, headed for the salad section, my son little Stan went straight to the roasts as I settled down to slurp a creamy pumpkin soup.
The band, sometimes a duo, occasionally a trio, played in the background although I think a blast of David Bowie’s classic Station to Station would have been more apt.
My culinary capers took me on a ride of quality cuisine, calling in at an Italian Station (pasta and pizzas), BBQ Station and selection of roasts with beef medallion and spatch-cooked chicken on the side, everyone’s favourite Sushi Station, as well as a fish counter boasting lobster, mussels, baby hammour and shrimps cooked to perfection.
The sweet selection was just as divine, the Crepe-making station had little Stan’s undivided attention as I negotiated around the Green Velvet Cake, Nougat Cheese Cake, Baked Flan and Black Forest Gateau available in the German Dessert Section, before settling for the apple crumble with vanilla custard cleverly combined in a large hot pot.
Children of all ages had fun making their own cupcakes in a special kiddies section. Again, a very cute and very clever way of attracting families to come and enjoy one of the best Friday feasts on the island.
All aboard please for the next flight up the highway towards Riffa Views … for first class cuisine, excellent service and a family-friendly ambience for added charm and satisfaction.
Prices for adults are BD18 with unlimited soft drinks and BD27 with unlimited selected beverages. Children under 12, pay BD9.500 and those under four eat for free. All prices are net.
To book a table at the Royal Golf Club’s Links international brunch call 17750777.
