Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain’s transparent dome-like structure is a stunning affair, striking in appearance, a triumph of design combined with a welcoming ambience – living up to its grand billing after featuring in this newspaper’s last issue.
The look is right and that’s not the only thing that strikes you as sweet … just wait till you get to the desserts … but more of that later!
I recall when I first introduced readers to new GM Spencer H. Wadama, he was very excited about the special attraction. “It’s a unique see-through dome and its Arabesque-style will make it the perfect venue for Iftar and Ghabga between friends, family and colleagues.”
He was spot on. The grand entrance to the superbly-lit Al Saraya Tent, has the added bonus of a majestic Mercedes-Benz on display supplied in partnership with Al Haddad Motors.
The experience oozed excellence from the start and it passed the taste test with flying colours too thanks to the talents of Executive Chef Jocelyn Argaud.
With 19 years of experience in French Michelin star restaurants and international fine dining establishments, he also boasts a royal seal of approval having dished up delights exclusively for members of a Gulf state’s royal family too, according to reliable sources.
There were touches to the buffet that were quite unique to the property in both content and appearance, although all the expected break-fasting favourites were available in abundance.
My favourite was a delicate Seafood with Garlic Croutons offering, fabulous with a crunchy helping of fresh salad on the side. The flavoursome Mushroom Soup also made for a nice alternative to the usual Lentil.
Just outside the tent were live grilling stations, featuring magnificent meaty lamb chops amid the Arabic Mixed Grill options, cooked to perfection, and superb with a help of freshly-sliced succulent shawarma.
There’s something for everyone, of course, with a pasta station with Italian classics, a sushi station and even a fresh fruit station too, alongside Indian and oriental chicken dishes, and the obligatory Lamb Ouzi.
I was sharing my table with a colleague who has recently undergone surgery and I was reeling from far worse, the dreaded remains of ‘man flu’. We didn’t look the healthiest of fellas but like true troopers we soldiered on.
The multi-choice ice-cream station and the desserts selection were a delight with Tiramisu, Karabij with Pistachio and chocolate cake on offer, but then we spotted the Apple, Date & Almond Crumble and the Sticky Toffee Pudding and suddenly everything was all right with the world.
Now, I like to consider myself a Sticky Toffee Pudding connoisseur and I have never seen a finer example as chef’s special creation. Normally, you have to spoon out or cut into a slab of pudding. Not here. There were individual mountains of magnificence ready to be placed on the plate with a spoon of delicious sauce.
It looked good and tasted even better.
Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain, the beach property in Seef, may be a newcomer to the Ramadan scene on the island, but first impressions certainly show there’s a serious contender in town for holy month honours.
Iftar is priced at BD27net, Ghabga is BD29net, a double package for BD50net and children, aged between four and 12, eat for half price and there’s traditional live Arabic music to enjoy too. For more information and reservations call 77707070 or email jrsb.brasserieroyale@jumeirah.com
