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The hotels of the island are really pulling out all the stops during the holy month and the Al Areen Palace and Spa is living up to its promise of producing an unforgettable ‘1001 Arabian Nights’ Ramadan experience.
The resort looks a welcoming picture, with water cascading down from the entrance towards the palace and an Olympic-style flame burning brightly into the night sky alongside elegantly lit palm trees that appear to be wearing sparkling skirts.
Experience is the word that hits the nail on the head for its lavishly-designed Al Qasr Tent. It has so much going on that breaking your fast and gathering with friends is only part of the package.
The customary cultural festivities not only include an impressive range of Arabic and international cuisine but also live cooking stations, a Souq experience, entertainment and so much more.
There was henna-painting and craft-making and a talented quick-on-the-draw artist by the door displaying a stunning array of paintings, including an impressive Arabic horse, and ready for sittings offering a take-home memento.
And, to top it off, you can dine and fly away with Al Areen Palace and Spa ... but I’ll come to that later because you have to remember, I was here to eat!
As soon as I spotted one of my favourite culinary maestros, Executive Chef Janardan Das busy conducting proceedings with his talented team by the outside grill, I knew a tasty treat was in store.
The kebabs were cooking nicely and the sizzling Shawarma was ready to be sliced so I took a plate full and moseyed over to where Syrian Chef Wael Aldarwish was carefully carving the Leg of Lamb Ouzi in its bed of oriental rice.
I think I was overcome by emotion … or was it the fact that I was starving having joined my Muslim colleagues fasting in a show of solidarity.
As the hunger pangs abated I slipped back to a more refined routine and sipped my first Ramadan helping of luscious Lentil soup, a real Iftar buffet staple.
The salad selection was superb, in particular a Three Bean offering which featured superb cut asparagus, and there was also a refreshing Beetroot & Orange or Roma Tomatoes & Mozzarella choice too.
Now regular readers of the Eating Out section may recall that I recently met up with Chef Das for lunch at Roti Boti, the resort’s Indian restaurant, and his amazing Butter Chicken is, of course, one of the international cuisine choices that should not be ignored. It’s magnificent.
Pastry Chef Radhakrishaan has also excelled with the challenge of keeping diners sweet throughout Ghabga too with a stunning dessert display. The Apple Ridge was excellent as was the Orange Mango Mousse and the Arabic Crepes, cooked fresh by request, could not be resisted, and neither could the melted chocolate fountain.
It was time to leave and look towards the heavens. Some will soon be looking at the stars too as guests dining in the Al Qasr Tent at Al Areen Palace and Spa will not only experience local cultural traditions but also enter weekly raffle draws.
It gives them an opportunity to win prizes including Gulf Air tickets and a week-day ‘royal staycation-for-two’.
The regular raffle draw takes place every Friday and the grand draw will be staged during the brunch on the second day of Eid.
During week days, Iftar will be BD15++ and Ghabga is BD13.5++. On the weekends, Iftar is priced at BD17++ and the Ghabga is BD15++. Iftar starts from sundown to 9pm and the Ghabga runs from 9.30pm until 2am.
Children up to six enter for free and its 50 per cent off on children aged between seven and 12. There are special group rates too upon request.
Call 17845000 for more details.
Check Editor Stan’s interview with Chef Das by scanning the QR code with your smart phone or by visiting www.gulfweekly.com and our Facebook page.
