Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
FAMILY matters are the order of the day at the new-look Ramadan tent - Khaimat Al Khaleej - serving Iftar and Ghabgah daily at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa.
There are also some fabulous international additions to traditional fare conjured up by Executive Chef Carlo Cirone and his team of chefs in a vastly extended structure which includes several live cooking stations.
It’s an impressive set-up and the reaction of guests at last Wednesday evening’s media launch must have delighted general manager Rahim Abu Omar who was joined by his daughter, Sawsan, an international public relations consultant, who flew in from Jordan, via Dubai, to support her dad for the occasion.
As I suggested earlier, family matters. And that’s very much the theme, with a superbly-designed section set aside especially for little ones, who can play to their hearts content in a safe area, with parents able to watch on through a window.
It’s apparent every detail has been analysed and acted upon, from the easily-accessible prayer rooms to the five-star bathroom facilities and gazebo-style sections for families to gather together – all very thoughtful touches.
Mind you, the Gulf Hotel is a past master of handling this date on the diary and experience helps. Rahim told me that he had recently found an old menu produced for the occasion dating back more than 25 years!
You’ll find there is as much demand today as there was then for some of the traditional fare and true Bahraini dishes can be found in abundance in the bright buffet area.
Check out the superb Safi fish and the magnificently-marinated lamb Qoozi pieces settled in a bed of spiced rice, as well as the Harees wheaty-meaty dish, although most of my hearty Bahraini friends headed first to the hot mezza table for a fearsome Falafel, a favourite deep-fried ball made from ground chickpeas, alongside a selection of spring rolls.
Many of the hot dishes are contained in an impressive display of hammered-coppered chafing dishes with lids that can be removed and handily placed on high rising hooks, another nice touch that avoids the lift, remove and replace dilemma facing buffet diners elsewhere when the rush to fill plates is on.
Italian Chef Carlo, the culinary virtuoso from Verona, has added an international touch to the occasion with a fresh pasta station featuring an awesome Lasagna Cannelloni with Ricotta Spinach making the taste-buds tingle.
But my favourite live cooking station, made possible with the introduction of special smoke extractors on site, featured a fusion of Brazilian and Argentinian meaty marvels, with mouthwatering steak slices and a beef sausage to truly savour. It was fine dining at its best with fresh vegetables, a magnificent potato mash and a grilled smokin’ cheese side-bite.
For the health conscious the salad fare was colourfully magnificent too in every sense as all dishes deserve a helping of hummus and some stuffed vine leaves in my humble opinion.
Those with a sweet tooth will not be disappointed either with the Esh Al Saray, a swirly delight, and the tantalising Tiramisu. The mango tango and date & saffon roll were also being quickly snapped up from the desserts display.
Talking of dates, there was a fascinating display with information cards for the traditional fast-breaking treat. The varieties to sample include the large Anbara, yellow Bahri, dark brown Khudri, sweet Sukkari, crisp Saghai, soft and firm Ajwa, the ‘queen of dates’ Mejdool and the caramel-flavoured Kholas … not matter, there’s just one thing for it – make a date for this tent over the holy month.
Surrounded by bespoke décor and Arabian inspiration, guests can also share precious family moments playing classic board games, plus other relaxing elements, against a background of traditional Arabic music.
Khaimat Al Khaleej Tent - Iftar BD19++ / Ghabgah BD17++ (weekends BD19++), half-price for children aged between six and 12, and free for five-year-olds and under.
For more details call 17713000 or email info@gulfhotelbahrain.com - several options are also available for both Ghabgah and Iftar packages, with special rates for corporate groups and Prestige Club members.
Check out Editor Stan’s interview with Chef Carlo by scanning the QR code with your smart phone or by visiting www.gulfweekly.com and our Facebook page.
