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FRIDAY’S Family Brunch at the Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel in Bahrain City Centre has changed location to the more intimate surroundings of its recently-opened Baharat Restaurant and it’s proving to be a recipe for success.
Judging from last weekend’s impressive number of diners the move from the slick Savaur setting, close to the mass of shoppers in the mall, to the new more discreet dining destination has struck a chord with families and groups of friends.
Of all the hotel Friday brunch experiences available on the island the Kempinski offering, in my opinion, has always been a less raucous affair which sometimes is exactly what you want.
There’s classiness about the surroundings but it is by no means stuffy or formal. The friendliness and attentiveness of the waiters, serving staff, the chatty chefs at the live cooking stations and the delightful duo playing background music and serenading diners ensure an informal, friendly sparkle shines brightly.
Amongst the diners were families with young children, couples entertaining friends and a group of the Middle East’s leading educationalists enjoying a meeting of minds and giving food for thought to the next classroom challenges awaiting them in September.
It’s also a superb place to bring visiting elderly in-laws, so you can impress on them how well you are doing in the sunshine, what a lucky girl their daughter is and what a catch she made when she married you. We were entertaining my father-in-law and his brother on a trip from the UK and they were impressed.
I’m always impressed too with a brunch if my starter is warm and full of flavour. Top marks go to the ladle containing Lobster Essence Soup with root vegetables, seafood and delicious dumplings.
Superb, or should I say, soup-erb!
There was an impressive choice of fare and the seafood platter was extremely tempting with a beautifully designed Shrimp Martini in a tall glass and a smoked mackerel pate to fit alongside the salad dishes. It was a temptation I could not resist, healthy and light was my excuse, and I’m sticking to it.
Now, for the main courses, I like meat and fish, which often puts me in a pickle, you chose one and your partner starts raving about the other.
I played it safe by having a little bit on both, not on the same plate; of course, I simply went back for more!
The roast rib eye with black pepper and English mustard crust was calling for me from afar. It was mouth-watering and magnificent. And the grilled hamour in an olive salsa and basil sauce was equally sensational.
It’s easy; you simply need a little rest between courses.
By this time, the Friday brunch rounded feeling was beginning to set in and I was in need of a little lie down. Not before the dessert, of course. And, forget the carrot cake and tarts, I went straight for the plum crumble with ice cream. Perfect choice.
Everyone who attends the brunch gets a raffle ticket for a prize and the receipt grants you entry to the swimming pool area and its famous waterside lounge beds to enjoy afterwards. I shall not boast about who won the draw, suffice to say … we’ll be back!
The price of the brunch is BD19++ with soft drinks and BD 28++ with selected beverages.
