Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
A beachside pop-up restaurant showing off the culinary creations of Italy and France has reopened for food lovers at the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. The Riviera has unveiled a new menu showcasing the delectable delights of the Mediterranean. The dishes have been curated by the property’s chef de cuisine Alexis Knecht, through the vision of food and beverage director Yann Bernard Lejard, and prepared by a team of chefs with fresh ingredients. GDN Media’s feature writer Zainab Almahdi taste-tested some of the new additions for Gulf Weekly … here is her verdict:
My first aperitif was an artisan garlic bread (BD6), shaped like a monstera leaf. Crispy on the outside but soft on the inside, the expertly-crafted bread is served alongside tangy olives.
My favourite followed, a mild, comforting cold appetiser called the Buratta ‘Fior di Latte’ (BD14) which consisted of a combination of French and Italian culinary heritages.
It featured fresh mozzarella cheese resting on a bed of fluffy mashed avocado, served with sweet-sour cherry tomatoes and a slice of focaccia topped with an olive spread.
After placing the dish on the table, the server poured a rich, maroon-coloured consommé made of tomatoes and berries which brought the entire dish together.
The entrée we picked out was a Parisian-style Chicken Escalope (BD20), which was another blend of France and Italy culinary wizardry.
Drizzled with truffle oil, the breaded chicken fillets were fried in butter and sat atop a creamy tagliatelle pasta.
GulfWeekly marketing and sales manager Jalal Muradi, who dined at the venue a few days earlier at the grand opening event, raved about the tenderness of the chicken and its juiciness, adding that as far as he was concerned it was cooked to ‘perfection.’
Other entrées on the menu included the Famous Bouillabaisse Fish Soup (BD18), clam-based Spaghetti Alle Vongole (BD14), and Grilled Octopus with chimichurri (BD18).
Don’t miss the signature mocktails at a mere BD5.
For the selection of desserts, all priced at BD7, and my standout dish was a Strawberry, Pomegranate and Chantilly Financier, a small French almond cake providing a refreshing conclusion to the evening thanks to its fresh, flavourful fruits and light marinate.
In my opinion, these final treats are best enjoyed with a pot of tea, which accentuates the warm and cosy feeling of the restaurant’s ambience.
The Riviera will be open until the third week of November from Wednesdays to Saturdays from 5pm to 11pm. Reservations and walk-ins alike are welcomed.
Every Friday, the pop-up is hosting a themed soiree featuring various live performances. Additionally, there will be two ‘spooktacular’ Halloween parties and a White Party.
For further information, gastronomical enthusiasts can call 17586499 or visit ritzcarlton.com/Bahrain.
