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THERE’S a sweet new addition to the hospitality scene with an interesting twist on some of the most popular European cuisine with an Arabic touch and a taste that will both surprise and delight at the same time.
Marzipan is an Italian and French fusion restaurant bearing a name that comes with Germanic history that recently opened at the glorious Galleria Mall in Zinj which has firmly established itself as a perfect dining out destination with a dizzy array of choice.
And, whilst the menu is a marvellous mixture of tastes and textures, the venue itself is a hybrid of fine dining, cool bistro café and cake shop all rolled into one downstairs with a trendy lounge on the first floor … and it’s a clever, charming concept that certainly appears to be working.
Orchestrating the fare is the amazing Abhijit Avhad, a talented 29-year-old from Mumbai who trained and worked his way through the kitchens of a five-star hotel in London, to the heady heights of a US cruise line, and worked under the direction of two European Michelin Star chefs before gaining a local taste with three years of experience in Bahrain.
“I love both French and Italian cuisine and know that classic tastes will always be triumphant with the help of the very best cuts combined with fresh local ingredients,” he said. “Add a touch of presentational elegance to the flavour and you have a winning combination.”
The dishes are indeed dynamite from the very first second the good lady wife Kathryn and I sat down at the table with wonderful warm bread placed before us accompanied by the most delicious buttery spreads.
The taste buds were on full-alert and ready for a fabulous classic French soup starter – a Duo of Mushroom & Asparagus Cappuccino. Oh la la and only one word for the taste sensation: magnifique. It was a medley of five distinct mushrooms perfectly pureed with my favourite vegetable made into shots with a truffle milk foam and French baguette croutons at just BD2.900.
For the salad dish I went for the Bahraini favourite of Beet & Feta Salad containing a sensational beetroot ravioli for the Italian touch, served with honey & dry fig dressing. Kathryn quickly sang the praises of the Goat Cheese Brulee Salad with its fashionable caramelised flame flavour, both priced BD3.800.
The triple star turn followed in my opinion. If you think rice is nice you must try the Trio Risotto, the chance to savour the flavour of Italy in three amazing versions with one helping.
First, The Capuccino made a return, this time with classic Italian Arborio rice cooked with mascarpone and hint of coffee.
Second, the Milanase, a rich saffron flavour to the same rice service with chunks of goat cheese on top.
And, thirdly, the Beetroot, another welcome return to the table this time with slow cooked risotto with beetroot puree, quenelle of sour cream and caramelised walnut for a crunchy extra bite. Absolutely amazing at BD3.200.
I promise you, you would not find a better dish for flavour and presentation anywhere in the world, let alone Bahrain, in my humble opinion.
We also shared some pizza. Guests get to choose a spreader sauce of tomato, green basil or the house special, cheese & cream, then add to a pick of four from 18 vegetarian (BD3.600), meat and fish (BD4.200) topping options.
We were ready to explore but had earlier a stunning photograph featured in the menu of a main course of Crusted Lamb Chops (BD7.800) which was served with aubergine, known locally as eggplant, and zucchini ragout, fondant potato and pomegranate sauce. Just add the minty gravy to the mix for a touch of culinary mastery.
Kathryn settled for the Salmon with wild berry sauce which was cooked to perfection, she added.
I was ready to wave the white flag of surrender until I stepped over towards the magnificent display of baked delights. In just three weeks the outlet has gained a glowing reputation for its cakes and has even started creating special wedding day wonders to meet the demand.
My hot apple crumble was a masterpiece. We were full and feeling fabulous. This is a classy establishment where diners are really spoiled for choice whatever their mood may be.
As for drinks, there is also a vast collection of teas, coffees and hot and cold beverages. The Ginger Fizz tea mocktail (BD2.600) is sensational.
To book a table or more information call 17504050.
