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The stars came out to play in more ways than one when the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa unveiled its air-conditioned Layali Al Zallaq Ramadan Tent.
An impressive light display twinkled in the sky above and the Ramadan menu proved just as charming with a spread of traditional fare in the adjoining restaurant.
Last week’s launch event was attended by media personalities, corporate clients and invited guests.
The elegantly-decorated ghabga tent, on the terrace of the popular Saraya Restaurant, could not fail to impress. It is open every day during Ramadan from 10pm serving a vast selection of Arabic cuisine from across the region, as well as offering live entertainment from the hat-spinning Lebanese trio, Tarrabish.
For two hours after sunset, visitors can break their fast at the restaurant with a buffet of Arabic food and Ramadan delicacies such as Tabouleh, Hammour Machbous, Chicken Molokhia, Lamb Tangine, kofta bil la ban and Lamb Ouzi.
Having been almost overdosed on lamb dishes in recent days, the hammour was a superb change of direction and a delightfully tasty dish. Fresh salads added to the healthy options available too.
But just to ruin all my good intentions, I could not ignore the impressive sweet station which featured many delicacies, including the local favourite Um Ali, assorted cakes and creamy surprises.
After Iftar, Ramadan can be celebrated by engaging in the local custom of ghabga while reinforcing the meaning of ‘friendship and kinship’ in the tent. The hotel has done its best to relive a storybook ‘1,001 nights experience’ and guests can also enjoy games such as cards, dominos and darts with family and friends after the food.
Charbel Hanna, director of food and beverage, explained: “We have created an incredibly-unique Ramadan tent this year, with the theme ‘Ramadan under the stars’.
“The tent is glass-walled and can accommodate close to 200 people. Guests can enjoy the comfort and pleasure of being outdoors in an air-conditioned tent, surrounded by the palm tree-studded and neatly-manicured greenery.
“There are also huge comfortable red couches for guests who would like to gather comfortably while enjoying their ghabga meals to play indoor games, or simply enjoy good times with friends and family while listening to background music.
“Our location is easily accessible, especially during Iftar time when some roads are chock-a-block with people driving around town to go to their various locations.
“Every night, we have 14 variations of hot dishes from across the region, Middle East and North Africa. During ghabga there are a number of live stations and freshly-baked bread including Manakech and falafel stations.
“We also have our staff serving Arabic coffee, Moroccan tea, Ramadan juices, as well as flavoured laban.”
Prices for both Iftar and Ghabga are BD17++ weekdays and BD19++ weekends per person.
Call 17636363 for more details.
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To celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, the Royal Golf Club’s head chef Theo Botha has added an Arabic flavour to the menu in Prego Restaurant.
Guests will be able to enjoy a number of traditional Egyptian and Turkish delicacies baked in the restaurant’s ‘Wood Stone’ oven as well as popular Arabic desserts.
During Ramadan, Prego will be open from sunset until midnight and all are welcome. To reserve a table, call 17750777.
