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There is something for every member of the family to feast on and enjoy at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s opulent VIVA Masaya Pavilion this Ramadan as it boasts a bountiful buffet full of traditional Arabic cuisine and international fare.
The 40m x 40m pavilion, elegantly designed by scenographer Ammar Basheir, can accommodate 500 guests, and is situated by the resort’s Seaside Villas.
The octagon-shaped venue has been split up into three dining areas and combines elements of traditional Islamic architecture with modern design to capture the ambience of a welcoming Moroccan courtyard.
Rich hues of gold, blue and turquoise add touches of Arabesque glamour throughout, for example as centre pieces, to match the geometrically patterned walls and Moroccan-style lamps that light the way to sumptuous buffets.
Andrea Colla, the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s executive assistant manager – food & beverage, said: “This year we have a beautifully-designed pavilion representing a Moroccan courtyard which is said to provide a welcoming feeling when you enter any home. Well, this is ours and we welcome you all to our house.”
Aside from the dazzling décor, the buffet equally impressed with cuisine from across the globe created by more than 30 chefs and lead by the resort’s own social media sensation Executive Chef Yann Bernard Lejard.
“Anything you can think of from cuisine, you will find it in our buffet,” said Andrea, top right. “Live stations offer great pasta, Mexican food, grills and more. Our Indian food is also fantastic and we even have an Egyptian chef baking fresh breash. We can proudly say we have something for everyone.”
He wasn’t kidding. There were more than 200 food items to choose from with those live stations carving succulent slices of seasoned meat, poultry and fish for example.
The hot and cold mezzeh station and salad section offered plenty of choice too alongside the traditional offerings of lamb ouzi, chicken madhrouba and lamb thareed.
The Ramadan desserts were also delightful with traditional Arabic treats such as Um Ali and sweet doughy luqaimat. There are also gourmet sweets from cheesecakes to carrot cakes and a Turkish ice cream trolley.
After breaking my fast with a sip of gahwa with Andrea, I zip-lined to the buffet to plate up. Andrea recommended the pasta and the four cheese truffle risotto was to die for!
The penne with onion, beef bacon and tomato sauce was also tasty, as well as the sushi.
The California Maki Roll was refreshing and the Grilled Sea Bass with Potato Scales, lemon topped with a basil tomato sauce, was yummy too. The Chicken Pad Thai was spicy and a small helping of the Beef Harees proved just as memorable.
Diners can also enjoy the musical-styling of a traditional band from Lebanon while feasting. The superb singer on hand was Margo Kassar.
The iftar, from sunset to 8pm, is priced for BD32net and the ghabga, from 9pm to 2am, is priced at BD35net. Guests can also book Pergola seating areas for BD360 and enjoy silver service for up to eight guests.
For details, contact 17586499, visit ritzcarlton.com/bahrain or email at rc.bahrz.restaurant.reservations@ritzcarlton.com. Follow the Ramadan celebrations on Instagram @masayapavilion and hashtag #MasayaRamadan.
