Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
THE InterContinental Regency Bahrain steps back in time this coming holy month with a nostalgic walk down memory lane to a magnificent specially-constructed structure set alongside the five star property’s main building in the heart of Manama.
A decade ago, its Ramadan tent was the focus of attention for many wishing to break their fast but following a major multi-million dinar refurbishment, although an Arabesque-style stage was set, the feast took place inside one of the restaurants or in its ballroom.
This year the outside ambience and traditional gathering setting returns with style. The new Regency Ramadan Tent is stunning, as invited guests witnessed last week at a special preview event, much to the delight of its recently-appointed director of food & beverage, Jae Hak Lee.
“Everyone is so excited about the tent, the staff members and customers have been talking about little else,” he said. “There was obviously a huge demand to take the traditional route back and we’re all so thrilled with the positive reaction we have received in the buildup and during the launch event.”
Built in 1980, the InterContinental Regency was the kingdom’s first five-star international chain hotel aimed at serving Bahrain’s growing financial and trading sector. In the decades that followed, guests have included some of the world’s royal families, movie stars, politicians and dignitaries travelling both in an official and unofficial capacity.
The hotel offers 321 spacious rooms including three club floors and 31 luxurious suites and a wide selection of dining options ranging from international, Italian, steakhouse and lounges.
The atmosphere is clearly important and, if you add superb service and culinary perfection to the Ramadan tent format, it was little wonder why everyone was smiling last Tuesday evening.
Korean Jae has made a step on to the rungs of hotel management after a career cooking up delights at some of the finest hotels across the globe. He started his hospitality adventure in New Zealand, moved on to Beirut, before heading to the Gulf region for roles which included executive sous chef at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi and executive chef for the pre-opening of the InterContinental Fujairah Resort.
He was well impressed, alongside the gathered members of the media, over the authentic culinary dishes prepared by Bahrain TV cooking show star Executive Sous Chef Mohammed Samara and his team.
Chef Mohammed, a Bahraini who has Jordanian roots and has lived in the kingdom for 29 years, is a seasoned hand and his cuisine has been highlighted and celebrated on this page on more than one occasion.
“I love cooking for people and I’m happy that they love my food,” he said. “I just want people to feel happy and at home.”
His legendary cuisine attracts visitors from near and far, including many from across the causeway, and this year’s biggest draw, in my opinion, will be the Ramadan staple, the Lamb Ouzi, which comes with an oriental twist.
Slowly-cooked with chef’s special spices added and you have a dream dish. You can tell the quality by the way it slices and melts in the mouth as you listen to the Arabic music being played by a fabulous four-piece band.
Of course, there’s plenty more besides. The giant lamb dish may take pride of place amongst the selection of fare in the Ramadan Tent arena, which is split into two areas, but even more delicacies and salad options are available at the buffet section of the adjoining Selections restaurant.
My favourite healthier options were the Spinach Salad, Labneh with Mint and a beautiful Beetroot Moutabel, with slices of fresh salmon on the side. The clear vegetable and chicken soup made a change from the usual lentil offering, and there was quickly a queue at the live Shawarma Station and for the pick of the Arabic mix grill.
Grilled fish, Chicken Machbous and Vegetable Korma, Beef Harees and Lamb Thareed were other popular choices.
Those with a sweet tooth were catered for with assorted mini pastries, Cheese Kunafa, ice cream and a dazzling display of fruit jellies.
The InterContinental Regency Bahrain’s Ramadan tent prices are sweet too.
An Iftar buffet costs BD12++ from Sunday to Wednesday and BD14++ on weekends, with children aged four to 12 eating for BD6.500++ and children under four eating for free. A daily Ghabga takes place from 9pm-2am with an a la carte menu or a set-menu.
For details and reservations, call 17208308 or email selections.icbahrain@ihg.com
