CALORIE COUNTER!

BAHRAIN'S battered hospitality sector has received a much-needed boost with the arrival of a unique restaurant in the heart of the kingdom's favourite dining district.

Salad Boutique Bahrain is the kingdom's first ever venue to specialise in serving salads 'as a main course' and has been launched by six daughters as a tribute to their late, loving father.

As clear evidence that Bahrain is back in business the sisters have joined forces and made a six-figure investment to turn their entrepreneurial dream into reality.

Doa'a Essa Abdul Wahab, one of the women who is spearheading the family enterprise, said: "Our father always said that although he had worked within an organisation all his life, the best thing to do was to start a business.

"We wanted to start one and Salad Boutique was a concept we could truly believe in - something that had a soul in it. Generally in this part of the world, salads are often considered a side dish - we are hoping to try and change this impression.

"This is food prepared with passion and served as a 'piece of art'. We design our recipes using a variety of exotic flavours to suit everyone's palate, using the finest ingredients to assure the very best quality."

Doa'a and her sisters Amira, Ayda, Amel, Hana and Wala wanted to introduce a dining out experience that was not only known for its distinctive decor, iPad menus and funky music but for its creative approach to food and service.

Salad Boutique was suggested by a friend of Doa'a's who lives in Kuwait where the first restaurant was launched in 2009. After conducting extensive research into the concept and negotiating with its owners to set up a Bahrain franchise, a deal was struck.

Salad Boutique is certainly a one-of-a-kind destination, valued for its gourmet delights ... priced from as little as BD3 to a staggering BD100 for an exclusive Bulga Caviar Salad.

"Our menu caters to whatever salad your heart desires, ranging from green, chicken, steak, pasta and even fruit salads," explained Doa'a. "Or customers can let their imaginations go wild and create their own custom salads, the options are limitless!"

With bulging waistlines and obesity a major concern in the kingdom, the girls are confident their trendy restaurant will attract health-conscious diners who want to eat well and enjoy the finest of food without piling on the pounds.

Doa'a, from Isa Town, explained: "We cannot compare ourselves with anyone else as we have zero competition. We received several proposals when we went in search of the right restaurant concept but most were already available in Bahrain.

"We can honestly tell diners to prepare to enjoy a healthy meal in a lively, glamorous atmosphere. Salad Boutique has the versatility of being a vibrant gathering place during the day and is transformed to an edgy and intimate restaurant at night. A delicious guilt-free feast is guaranteed and the aim is for everyone to leave satisfied."

The original bistro was created in 2009 in Kuwait by three young food-loving entrepreneurs - Ghadeer Khajah, Laila Al Kandrai, and Mohamed Qabzard. They were looking at the possibility of expanding the brand across the Gulf after successfully launching a second restaurant in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Doa'a said: "When I met them I realised instantly that we were on the same wavelength. During our meeting we were offered their cucumber juice and I knew right then that this was it - a very refreshing choice! It also clicked because they happened to be looking for a prospective partner in Bahrain at the same time."

After the franchise negotiations initiated in March last year, the sisters sought out an ideal location and once they had decided upon the venue, signed the deal in May. This month they opened and ensured it stood out from the crowd with its elegant white interior with the occasional dash of pink and silver seat fabric.

Doa'a added: "This was an old house. Initially, we planned to have it renovated but then decided to rebuild it as it had to suit the Salad Boutique theme."

The entrepreneurs, and their team of six chefs, are now planning to start home deliveries as well as offering online services. A membership scheme is also set to be introduced alongside a breakfast menu.

Doa'a said her mother Badira Mohammad Al Haddad has also been extremely supportive. "Our success is because of the unity and strength of our family," she explained. "The support from our family is our backbone.

"I am also extremely grateful to my sisters who have put their trust in me and given me a chance to develop the idea. Each one has been extremely supportive - emotionally as well as financially. We have also had one sister break into her child's education fund to invest into the business."

Alongside salads, the restaurant's also offers healthy sandwich options, hot and cold drinks and a range of desserts. Customers are also being urged to suggest their own recipes which if proven popular by fellow diners, will be added to the menu.

The outlet is currently open daily from noon to 11pm.