Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
WE all love surprises and a taste of adventure and there are plenty of pleasant ones in store this summer at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Friday Brunch experience.
One of the top family-favourite weekend hotspots has created an impressive niche in this highly-competitive scene and in a short time built up a handsome reputation for its lavish culinary offerings, including five unique food stations serving Arabic, Western, Indian, Japanese and Chinese delicacies.
Guests get to choose from traditional Arabic items such as shawarma or kibbeh (there was even an impressive Lamb Ouzi for anyone still missing their recent Iftar celebrations), true Asian bites such as hand-rolled sushi and dim sum, house-made pastas and farmers’ market-inspired salads, as well as from savoury, slow-cooked short ribs and mouthwatering Peking duck.
And the Four Seasons likes to add a touch of class to proceedings in the shape of its table-serving tidbits. They are a welcome delight and a taste sensation. According to Executive Sous Chef Ravneet Singh Manchanda, who kindly offered me a station-to-station tour of Friday’s offerings, regular diners absolutely love this ever-changing addition.
It’s clear to see why … the Mexican chicken bites were magnificent and the deep-fried octopus with spring onion an impressive treat too.
The choice across the restaurant is so varied it’s hard not to feel a little put out if you miss out on something, so the answer is simple … have a little bit of everything!
As regular readers of the Eating Out page reviews will appreciate, I’m a little partial to sushi, nowadays, and the oysters, mussels and the lobsters fresh from Oman act like magnets to my plate too. Add a little green goodness on the side from the Guacamole Station and my starter proved to be the perfectly healthy combination.
The good lady wife Kathryn and our daughter Immy followed in my footsteps but little Stan, on a high-protein kick before his week football training with Manchester United, headed straight for the slow-cooked roast beef – he’s a little tease at times.
However, as I walked back to my table, the culinary wizardry of the chef making a Masala Dosa was too magical to miss. I quickly returned for a thinly-sliced, flat rice-bread creation filled with spicy potato and a favourite from South India, I was informed. There’s one word for it … wonderful.
The hotel’s brunch is available every Friday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, when the entire Bahrain Bay Kitchen restaurant and terrace transforms to accommodate guests, who can choose between indoor seating or dining ‘al fresco’ on the terrace enjoying the views of the Manama skyline.
Although I’m a sunshine fan, I didn’t want to miss the music, currently being performed by soulful singer Mo Zwayed and percussionist Iba Almohsen over the summer, producing a chilled sound at just the right volume level.
I was on a misson to mix, so once again broke all the rules and went for a main course which consisted of a sliver of superbly-baked whole salmon, a slice of little Stan’s favourite roast beef, two small potatoes, plus a large helping of stir-fried beef … all on the same plate.
For dessert, guests are invited to indulge in sinfully delicious treats ranging from sweet and fruity tarts to a luscious chocolate fountain. All sweets are freshly made right in the hotel’s very own pastry kitchen.
The Majestic Cake was simply that … majestic … and worked well with a small helping of Crunchy Chocolate Cake and a slice of the local star, The Dates Cake.
This was once again mixing and matching at its most magnificent. Director of food and beverage George Safi had earlier told me: “With the team we have on board and the brunch concepts we’re bringing to the market, we are giving our guests and Bahrain locals a special dining experience.”
On the day, Robert Souter, Bay View Lounge manager, was conducting the show on the ground with prompt and polite service which remains a hallmark of the property.
Now, it is your turn to kick off your weekend with an irresistible meat and seafood feast all prepared to perfection. And, don’t forget the selection of cheese and biscuits, either!
Brunch prices are BD27++ including soft drinks, BHD 37++ including selected beverages, children below five, free of charge, and aged from six to 11, half price.
