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Food lovers and social butterflies that are looking for a great way to kick start the weekend need not look any further as the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain’s Thursday Night Out dining experience ticks all the right boxes when it comes to food and fun.
From the moment guests step into the glitzy five-star-hotel they are whisked away in a party-like atmosphere with a DJ spinning the latest hits, dimmed lights and several cooking stations boasting beautifully plated dishes, seafood and chargrilled meats to devour.
Frankly, it sounds like the perfect night out to me which is why my husband Sam and I couldn’t pass up an invitation to put Executive Chef Iain Joyce’s bountiful buffet offering to the test.
Just like the hotel’s famous Friday brunch, diners were either seated in the lobby area surrounded by food stations or in Silk’s Restaurant where the culinary magic all happens.
As we made our way to the venue to find our table we were greeted by our dear friend Sumaya Dashti Droddy who is the hotel’s communications and brand manager, and by the director of sales and marketing Karim El Berkchi. The duo were going to be joining us at our table along with Sumaya’s husband Andrew and the general manager Pasquale Baiguera and his wife Claire. Also joining us was my colleague Jalal and his wife Zainab. We were surely in for a delightful evening and an entertaining gathering which is just what the doctor ordered after a long work week.
As Sam and I began plotting our feasting strategy, friendly waitresses made sure our glasses were filled to the brim and Chef Iain and his team were cooking up a storm in the open-kitchen design.
There were a few food stations in the lobby such as the tapas and South American section and not forgetting the tantalising desserts area that had my name written all over it. The chocolates, cakes, candies, sweet breads, chocolate sculptures and other desserts were all presented neatly under a large tree in the middle of the lobby. It was a beautiful sight to behold. Perhaps next year I’ll make sure to have chocolates under my tree rather than presents because it’s just a lot tastier.
The salmon and sushi section was also on the ‘going to make it on my plate’ list along with a few meals from the buffet.
Sam, however, had his sights set on the chargrilled BBQ station which Chef Iain explained is the focal point of the Thursday Night Out.
He said: “People like a great steak but some can’t eat a whole piece which is why we decided to offer a bit of everything including beef, chicken and lamb but prepare it like a steak. It’s all cooked fresh and to order just the way you like it. Our slow cooked beef brisket and the Picanha is quite popular.
“We also do have a variety of seafood and there is always a Live Fish Dish cooking station as well as other cuisines.
“Guests that come to our Thursday Night Out do so to enjoy the quality and freshness of our food, our tender steaks and to simply have a great night out. Some even check in afterwards and then continue onto Friday Brunch and stay another night and leave on Saturday. We carry different items on Thursday night from Friday so they are able to taste a bit of everything. The atmosphere is different. However, the quality and standards will always be the same.”
As Sam and I made our rounds we could see why the carving Brazilian style station was popular as there was a plethora of meat choices and cuts. Nonetheless, we decided to be a little healthy and get our fix of salads and greens before parking ourselves at the carving area.
As predicted, sushi found its way on my plate along with salmon, lobster salad, shredded sweet corn and a shrimp concoction from the tapaz station as well as a chicken croquette. The starters and salad were bursting with flavours. Next up were the stars of the evening…the meats! People smiled away as cooks carved up tender morsels of lamb and steaks to serve on their plates while others queued at the Live Fish Dish station which was offering diners a pan seared salmon served with mashed potato, asparagus, capers and lemon butter.
I couldn’t decide what cut I wanted and instead took a little of everything which I battled to finish all night. Sam on the other hand cleaned off his plate like a champ and gushed over the meat at every bite. I don’t blame him as it was juicy and flavourful. The brisket and Picanha was melt-in-your mouth delicious and the lamb chop was scrumptious.
After my meat overload, I stepped out to the pool area for some fresh air where hotel guests were seated and watching a football game on the big screen. Next up was dessert and I decided to sample the vanilla burnt custard with mascarpone quenelle, mango thyme sauce and raspberry miso sauce. It was so velvety and sweet that I could have had four more. However, my meat food baby didn’t allow it.
Unfortunately I had to leave behind the pies, chocolate lollipops and mini cakes as well as the signature Mövenpick ice cream….something to look forward to next time.
As I looked around the lobby I noticed some people laughing and singing away while others were busy stuffing their faces. There truly is something for everyone and Sam and I had a lovely time with the Mövenpick team.
The themed evening, which is priced at BD32net per person, starts at 7pm and ends at 11pm giving party goers the rest of the night to paint the kingdom red. It’s BD16 for children aged six to 12 and free for those under six.
For details, contact Silk’s Restaurant on 17460017.
