Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
We lead such busy lives it’s sometimes hard to catch your breath.
We spend so much time in front of our computer screens and mobile devices checking emails and messages it’s easy to forget how important human contact can be, especially in this part of the world where building relationships and onfiene reall ont
But I still cannot remember the last time I had a really long ‘business lunch’ in the old sense of the occasion in which time didn’t play a part in the proceedings. That aside, it is still important to meet face-toface with business associates, outside an office setting.
The FURN Bistro at the Westin Hotel, City Centre Bahrain, has come up with a creative concept which simply ticks all the boxes. It’s quick, comfortable and affordable with slick service and pure quality cuisine.
The aim is to provide space and combine ‘stimulating business meetings with a stimulating business lunch experience’ and it starts from the word go. Fortunately, the trip to the popular mall, midweek and midday, is a far less stressful experience than trying to reach the destination over the weekend and, as soon as you drive up to the hotel, you are greeted with a prompt and polite valet parking service.
The FURN Bistro is already one of my well-established divine eating out destinations on the island and executive chef Andreas Gober, executive sous chef, Hany Mostafa and Bahraini head chef Manaf Al Ghanim have been in sparklingly creative form creating Khaleeji fare, the traditional cuisine of the Arabian Peninsula, with a Western twist, as previous reviews bare testament.
They have also pulled out all the stops to serve up a delightfully quick 30-minute Express Business Lunch menu for busy executives which offered me an ideal opportunity to catch up with a visiting motoring industry analyst who was on a short stay visit to the kingdom from the UK.
My contact John knows all about the global auto scene which seems to be heading in an all-electric and computer led direction like most other things but he couldn’t stay long to chat and was under strict instructions from ‘she who must be obeyed’, his good lady wife, to eat healthily during his trek to the Gulf region.
hat suited me fine too as continue my weight-watching endeavours alongside a new fitness regime. does not disappoint on this front. The starters included Hummus Duo, Basilo Tomato and Lentil Soup but our eyes lit up over the Salmon Fattoush, a Middle Eastern version of the Italian panzanella salad, and local favourite Lamb Hawawshi, a delicious local meat and
bread snack, and, as a service to our readers, I also sampled the sensation Shrimps Falafel, breaded seafood sensations covered in a special crunchy dynamic dough.
The range of main courses was impressive and plenty healthy too - of the mind invigorating variety rather than the ‘let me sleep all afternoon’ alternative - with vegetarian and meat choices.
The menu featured Vegetable Couscous, Chicken Maklouba, Sirloin Steak, Sea Bass Singary and a Smoked Salmon Sandwich. The steak, cooked to ordered perfection ‘medium rare’,
sat superbly on a cushion of lettuce with spring vegetables balanced on top and divine pieces of Stilton cheese temptingly circling on the plate in strategically-placed positions.
It must be noted that these dishes are presented with such precision that they look like works of art before you slice into them and the taste sensations temporarily interrupt all conversation.
The choice of desserts are a delight with fresh sliced fruits as an option alongside Bahraini Um Ali but, can I suggest you make room for the terrific iramisu, a popular coffee flavoured Italian specialty.
It is made of ladyfingers dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of eggs, sugar and mascarpone cheese, with a touch of cocoa. Amazing! What’s particularly cute about this lunch experience is that you have the option to order the desserts and coffee to go!
And the price of the Express Business Lunch will even bring a smile to the office accounts department! The two-course option costs BD7.500++ and if you, like me and John, have a sweet tooth, the three-course meal comes at BD9.500++, which includes water and a soft drink.
For more information or to reserve a table, call 17171441, you will not be disappointed!
