Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
ENTERING La Table Krug at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain is akin to stepping into an exclusive French country estate, amidst the heart of Manama. As the first establishment of its kind in the Middle East, and the fourth Krug restaurant concept globally, La Table Krug is a masterpiece of ‘rough luxury,’ a symphony of raw materials and refined details that orchestrates a dining experience unlike any other.
Our epicurean odyssey commenced with bespoke mocktails, their ethereal matcha foam a prelude to the culinary artistry that awaited. The churned French butter with cardamom seed masterfully spread over the sourdough bread, its airy crumb interior accompanied by a charming anecdote about the correlation between its holes and its baked excellence.
Under the helm of chef de cuisine Alexis Knecht, who brings a wealth of experience from his native Alsace, France, the kitchen delivers a symphony of French modernity and innovation, showcasing the sublime quality of each ingredient. Food and beverage director, William Fily, is a seasoned food and beverage professional, who brings an additional dynamic and innovation to the culinary team.
The five-course tasting menu unfolded as a meticulously crafted narrative of flavours and textures. We embarked with a decadent foie gras poached in mango coulis, a harmonious marriage of sweet and savoury notes atop a delicate brioche from the Périgord region. We indulged translucent slices of Scottish salmon, glistening with a delicate sheen from the dill cure, the notes of the salmon harmonising with the herbaceous dill. A visual feast, the vibrant orange contrasting beautifully with the verdant sprigs.
The US prime beef tenderloin steak, cooked to exquisite tenderness and adorned with a Sichuan white pepper and teriyaki sauce, was a masterpiece of technique and taste, each bite a revelation. The seabass fillet, a pristine white canvas, was cooked to flaky perfection; a delicate, subtly sweet flavour. The succulent texture yielded effortlessly to the touch of a fork.
The palate cleanser was a theatrical crescendo; a tableside performance that created a unique mint cloud creation. An ephemeral whisper of sweetness to the lemon sorbet, a multi sensorial experience that engages the imagination.
The chocolate fondant, a dark, decadent dome, concealed a rich molten heart. Its intense, bittersweet symphony of cocoa, balanced with sweetness, was pure indulgence. The warm, gooey centre oozed onto the plate. A visual delight, the dark exterior contrasted with the chocolate within, promising a decadent finale to the meal.
A thoughtfully curated selection of fresh and matured cheeses, sourced from the world’s finest purveyors, such as Rungis Market in Paris, provided an enjoyable counterpoint. For anyone wishing for a premium drinks pairing, the experience is expertly curated by an interactive sommelier through Krug’s innovative app, elevating each course.
La Table Krug transcends the mere definition of a restaurant; it is an immersive experience. The ambience, a curated blend of French art and music selected by Krug, exudes sophistication and warmth. The service is impeccable, a ballet of attentiveness and discretion. The Krug Ambassade, a private dining room, can be tailored for special occasions or business gatherings, showcasing the versatility of the space.
With a heritage dating back to 1843 in the vineyards of Reims, France, Krug is renowned for its exceptional range of premium bubbles, a legacy reflected in La Table Krug’s exquisite cuisine and unparalleled drinks list, a curated collection boasting some of the rarest and most coveted vintages.
For those seeking a more casual setting, the Go Bistro Corner offers a charming refuge, while the extended seating provides an alternate ambience for a leisurely dining experience.
Whether commemorating a momentous occasion, conducting a business affair, or simply indulging in the finer things in life, La Table Krug promises an extraordinary experience that will linger in your memory.
La Table Krug at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain is open from 7pm to 10:30pm from Tuesday to Saturday, mirroring the typical operations of restaurants in France.
For reservations and more information, call 1758 6499.
