Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
SOMETIMES you live in a bubble. Monday is my grumpy night. It’s ‘press day’ and the pages of this wonderful publication have to be ready to send to the printers with a 7pm deadline.
I’ve sadly fallen into working ‘Bahrain-time’ and we’re normally ready to roll by 10pm. By the time I’ve archived everything, sorted out next week’s computer work folder and read through the last of my hundreds of emails, I usually roll home around midnight hoping not to set the dogs off barking as I sneak in through the door.
Surely, nothing-else happens on a Monday night? How wrong could I be – the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain is buzzing and the big attraction is Seafood Night orchestrated by Executive Chef Alfred Zuberbuehler and his team.
How do I know? Well, last week, using the powers of delegation, I left the team behind to finish the job and set off to Muharraq with the good lady wife (quite an adventure for her too on a ‘school night’) Kathryn to sample the delights.
Silk’s restaurant was steaming with a crowd of seafood connoisseurs, couples, businessmen and even regulars who travel over from neighbouring Saudi Arabia such is the draw of the delights on offer.
As I picked up my plate I got chatting to one gentleman in the queue for the sushi. He pointed in a knowing manner, smiled and advised me to choose a little package of perfection, neatly rolled behind the glass screen. Kind Sir, thank you.
If the atmosphere was hotting up nothing could compare with a bite of this little delicacy which had two little shoots sprouting from the roll, I can only assume to let the heat funnel out in case it combusted on the plate.
Marvellous … but there were some mellow moments too. The Watermelon and Cucumber Cancasse with Lobster Mousse was a delicate little number and worked well with the Salmon Crouton with Fruit Salsa.
Other side treats to admire were the Tuna Tataki and a rather splendid crab concoction that didn’t have a name tag attached to it. Top marks also go to the Lemon-marinated Seafood Salad.
Kathryn sent me back up for another round of fresh oysters and had me thinking of afters until she reminded me it was a school night. Still, it’s the thought that counts so I settled on concentrating on the delightful display on the fish counter. What to choose? There were shrimps, grouper, hammam, fasker, squid, red snapper and a superb-looking red mullet. I crammed my plate with a selection of specimens and requested them grilled with some stir-fried vegetables on the side.
I was filling my body with enough Omega goodness to last me the month and although tempted by hot dishes such as Tuna Carpoccio, Hammour Ceviche and Seafood Panacotta I decided to save a little room for the dessert dishes in the corner.
A very wise decision indeed. The Coconut Madeline, Green Apple Creweux and Milk Chocolate Miso were magnificent but my supreme sweet on the evening was the Apple Strudel with a pouring of a delicate vanilla sauce.
Service once again at this award-winning dining out destination was spot on, with a special mention to Gideon Leon Fung, from the graduate development management team, doing a superb welcoming job in the role of assistant restaurant manager. You’re learning from the best, young man.
As for me, it’s back to the Monday night grindstone and I’m more miserable than ever, knowing what I’m missing out on.
Included in the fresh catch buffet is a vast range of aquatic delicacies. Seafood nights are priced at BD27 net per person, including unlimited selected beverages and soft drinks, and BD22 net without, from 7pm to 11pm. Call 17460000 for more information and to book a table.
