Dreaming of the Med!

A bright and breezy new restaurant has opened in a popular dining out strip to help capture those balmy days enjoyed holidaying around the Mediterranean Sea.

Rather and wait until after the holy month, the Mawasim Restaurant & Lounge enjoyed its soft opening last weekend joining the growing Galleria Mall food scene in Zinj.

The restaurant attracted appreciative diners looking for something a little different to break their fast but still capturing a taste of home comforts.

Celebrated Jordanian Chef Maher Ramzi, 42, who commands a strong following after spellbinding work over a five year spell at popular dining destinations in Bahrain, explained: “It’s a medley, it’s a fusion actually, it’s my creativity plated. There are Arabic touches with bold yet simple flavours of the Mediterranean.

“The Arabic name of the restaurant means ‘seasons’ and our aim is to create meals for all seasons covering all the glorious seasons across the Mediterranean coast.”

Mediterranean Cuisine combines a vast range taking in all the countries that border the sea - Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia and Morocco.

French and Italian foods are so well-known in Bahrain, it’s almost like diners don’t think of them as Mediterranean anymore, even though they are, especially Italy, which as a peninsula is virtually surrounded by the Med. Though some have carved out distinct niches, Tunisian, Turkish, Lebanese, Moroccan, Egyptian and Spanish cuisine all play a part in adding to the explosion of flavour.

At one point the Turkish based Ottoman Empire ruled all the Mediterranean South and East of Greece leaving a common cultural influence. And Spain for about 700 years, was ruled by the Moors, a name for peoples of North Africa and the Middle East.

The Mawasim Restaurant & Lounge comes under the umbrella of Chrome Concept Restaurant Management Company, the F&B division of the Dadabhai business family, the same company that brought the popular WOK Station concept to the kingdom.

The aim has been to capture a growing audience of Gulf-based families who visit the Med during the holidays and want to enjoy the taste of the cuisine and a touch of the ambience when they return home.

No expense has been spared to deliver a tasteful dining destination. The restaurant décor compliments the theme of Seasons. The interior is inviting, elegant and is inspired by the use of many natural finishes. The warm lightings with hint of colours gives a contemporary, comfortable and cozy environment. The blue and yellow coloured seating have cushions thrown in for that extra comfy feel.

Statement carved wooden lanterns adorn the ceiling adding to the warmth factor and the sheer drapes allow privacy or a great view while dining.

The menu designed by Chef Maher combines all the insight he has gained on his travels. His culinary journey has taken him across Europe, meandering into the lap of royal experience at the Al Baraka Palace, Jordan and eventually making way to other Middle Eastern countries in managerial and executive chef roles.

The menu is simple yet features the many flavours and ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine famed for its wide use of seasonal vegetables, olive oil, grains, fish and meat. Other important ingredients include olives, cheese, aubergine, courgette, lemon juice, vegetables, herbs, freshly-baked bread and yoghurt.

Pizza lovers are in for a treat too with not only traditional toppings but some special localised treats too. Pasta and risotto are also specialties alongside gourmet sandwiches. 

Some of the stand-out dishes include a Pesca Salad, Legendary Burger, Tikka Bahraini Pizza, Spinach le Gratin, Porterhouse Lamb Chops and Chef Maher’s Med twist to the classic Sayadieh Lebanese fish with rice family favourite dish.

The all-day restaurant can seat more than 200 guests. To honour Ramadan, Mawasim Restaurant & Lounge has a special launch deal offering guests 50 per cent off their food and beverage bill until tomorrow. The restaurant is open from 6pm to 2am during the holy month. Call 77232377 for more details.