Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
FANCY a taste of Italy? Then head over to Jawad Business Group's Romano's Macaroni Grill located in Juffair for a taste of Tuscany that you will never forget. I know I won't, writes Mai Al Khatib.
This ristorante (ree-sto-RAHN-tay) is a full-fledged, full-service bistro based in 'American Alley' offering affordable prices and mouth-watering cuisine for true Italian food lovers.
Their philosophy and way of cooking is inspired by the Mediterranean along Italy's coast. Their simple recipes are made up of the finest ingredients such as imported artisan pastas, vine-ripened tomatoes, colourful vegetables, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemons, select seafood, grilled meats and fresh fragrant Italian herbs.
From the twinkling lights hanging from the ceiling to the crooning styles of Frank Sinatra and authentic classical music in the background ... this rustic setting gives off the illusion of dining in a tavern on the outskirts of Italy. But the reality is ... you are surrounded by fast food chains and cafes in Bahrain.
My fiancŽ, Sam, and I were greeted by a friendly hostess who seated us in a comfortable booth. Our waitress, Gen, presented us with a delightful olive oil medley to dip my herb bread into for starters. While introducing herself, she wrote her name with crayons on the paper table cloth, an element that proved handy and fun for the kids around ... and me.
We then ordered Romano's special artichoke shrimp dip with croutons for dipping to start the dinner. As I filled up on the creamy shrimp, I anxiously awaited my extravagant three course meal which was made up of chicken cannelloni stuffed with delicious ricotta cheese, a meaty lasagna filled with Italian sausage and a breaded chicken primavera smothered in tomato sauce. I absolutely loved the tomato sauce.
Sam, more of a carnivore than an Italian connoisseur, ordered the rib eye with a side of garlic herb mash and steamed broccoli. The steak had an interesting rub on it while the fresh and flavourful broccoli was steamed to perfection.
After we were done with our meal, we doodled away on the table cloth while waiting for our New York cheese cake and my tarantini (a mixture of vanilla ice cream, cocoa shavings, chocolate ganache and amaretto) otherwise known as heaven in a martini glass. After I gulpped it down, we then satisfied our sweet tooth with a delicious caramel glazed cheese cake surrounded by chocolate ganache.
The restaurant had a wide selection of beverages and and even wider variety of ethnic families and couples all enjoying their dishes.
This is certainly a place for all to dive into the flavours of Italy and escape for a proper and nutritious home cooked meal.
