An al fresco adventure

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of indulging in the Under the Stars evening brunch at The Merchant House, Manama, an experience that exceeded all expectations.

Served à la carte every Friday, the timing from 7.30pm to 11pm allowed us to pace ourselves, whilst breathing in the beauty of the rooftop terrace.

This new evening concept can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors; we opted for the outdoor garden terrace setting, adorned with twinkling lights and lush greenery, creating a romantic and intimate ambience. With its colourful floral British-garden inspired decor, The Merchant House is undoubtedly Manama’s most stylish downtown entertainment spot. The gentle breeze and the soothing melodies of the live singer added to the charm.

Fusing Mediterranean and Asian authentic delicacies with exceptional blends and flavours, the brunch menu offers a diverse selection of dishes to suit every palate. Starting with the Chilled Beginnings, the Wild Mushroom Bruschetta was a symphony of earthy notes, while the Burrata d’Andria was a creamy delight. The Confit Corn Fed Chicken and Foie Gras Terrine was a rich and indulgent treat.

The Warm Temptations continued to impress. The Stuffed Calamari was a seafood lover’s dream, filled with a flavourful mixture and served with a delicious chilli garlic brown butter sauce.

The Crab and Corn Fritter was a crispy delight, complemented by avocado and spicy mayo.

The Beef Ribs Ssamjang was incredibly tender, served with little gem lettuce and a Korean barbecue marinade.

The Ocean’s Finest course showcased the freshest seafood. The Jumbo Shrimp and Lobster Tail were cooked to perfection, accompanied by a citrus beurre blanc, vegetable cannelloni, balsamic pearls, and a drizzle of herb oil.

The Saffron Risotto was creamy and rich, with the earthy black truffle and tender asparagus adding a delightful depth.

For the Butcher’s Selection, we delighted in the Seared Lamb Chops and Ribeye. The lamb chops were perfectly cooked, and the meat tender and juicy. The ribeye was also excellent, with a rich and flavourful taste. The accompanying crispy pave potato, carrot purée, baby carrots, confit shallots, lamb jus, baked baby potato, and grilled asparagus were all delicious and complemented the meats beautifully.

The Sweet Finale was the perfect ending to the brunch. The Lemon Tartlet was tangy and refreshing, the home-made traditional baklawa was a sweet indulgence, the Pistachio Choux was light and airy, and the Baked Cheesecake was balanced yet decadent.

The Under the Stars brunch at The Merchant House Bahrain is a culinary masterpiece. The exquisite myriad of flavours, enchanting ambience, and impeccable service make it an ideal choice for a special occasion or a luxurious evening out.

With prices starting at BD28net for soft drinks and BD36net for house beverages, the experience is well worth the investment.

The Merchant House Bahrain is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of Manama. Features include a unique collection of contemporary art and bursts with exciting work by well-established Bahraini and international artists alongside talent from around the Gulf. It offers a combination of modern elegance and traditional charm, with stunning design and a prime location near the vibrant Bab Al Bahrain suq.

For reservations, call 1667 1000 and follow @themerchanthousebahrain on Instagram for the latest updates.