Brunch for grown-ups

Bored of the noisy Friday brunch scene? Well, there is an alternative … The Domain Bahrain, a multi-million dinar hotel-club concept located in Manama’s Diplomatic district, is offering guests a unique ‘brunch for grown-ups’.

Located on the 34th floor is Le Domain restaurant, a sleek and contemporary venue that boasts breath-taking views of Manama. Its spacious design, friendly staff and elegant ambiance add to the dining experience, of which the crowning jewel is the cuisine.

When I first arrived in Bahrain, I quickly got acquainted with the concept of Friday brunch. It’s an institution in itself that is known and loved by many on the island. During my younger years, brunch was about enjoying live entertainment at deafening volume and occasionally snacking on the luke warm, superfluous selection of fare in between the free-flowing beverages.

However, as time went by, that particular type of brunch lost its appeal and I found myself craving the opportunity to converse with friends (without needing to learn sign language) and enjoy sumptuous, fresh cuisine.

Enter the Domain’s new brunch concept, light background music and fine fare that can only be described as exquisite.

There are an array of starters, including soups and salads as well as seafood so fresh you’d swear it was still swimming an hour before it arrived on your plate.

Since freshness is what this brunch is all about, there is a menu offering a selection of dishes. While the options are not exactly numerous, they offer something for everyone and are a testament to the fact this brunch is all about quality, rather than quantity.

The Domain’s executive assistant manager F&B, Kim Andersen, said: “We are focusing on quality of food and service.

We use products flown in from Europe and the US and have a wide range of appetisers and main courses and desserts.

“The appetisers are set up as a buffet counter, which incorporates a small live station where we have anything from lobster guspacio to pan-fried foie gras.

“Main courses are prepared in the back of the kitchen and we have a variety of six to eight dishes depending on what the chef has gotten hold of in the market and what we can bring in, these dishes are ordered on an a la cart basis.

“The desserts section also boasts a small live station with flambés, crepes etc and these items vary from week-to-week.

“The grown-up brunch is for people who want a nice peaceful brunch where they’re able to savour good food and beverages while enjoying themselves and relaxing.”

Mr Andersen hit the nail on the head and I figured that out the second I sat down to enjoy the food.

I started off with some of the prime beef alongside some baby new potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The beef was juicy and succulent and accompanied by a jus sauce which gave it a little kick of added flavour.

The French onion soup was rich and delicious with just enough tang to keep things interesting. Complimented by a slice of thick crusty bread with just a hint of butter, it hit the spot.

Choosing a main course was a challenge but I went with the beef bourguignon, which arrived at the table in a copper pan. It was heavenly, so soft and tender that it practically melted in my mouth. Each mouthful was more exquisite than the last and the portion was the perfect size for someone who has already taken advantage of the wide array of starters.

No meal is complete without a little something sweet and I was truly spoilt for choice. I made the most of the buffet set up and enjoyed some fluffy waffles, sensational flan and a selection of mixed fruit and dark chocolate, which incidentally, is made by the onsite chocolatier.

By the end of the afternoon I was full and without being able to take another bite, all that was left to do was sit back and admire the view … a stunning end to a remarkable brunch.

Brunch is priced at BD19 without beverages and BD27 with.

For details, call 16000000 or email connect@thedomainhotels.com. You can follow them on facebook.com/thedomainhotels.com and Twitter @domainbahrain.

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The Royal Golf Club has created new refreshment packages at its award-winning Links Friday Carvery. Now guests can choose between an unlimited selected soft drinks option at BD18 net per person or the unlimited selected beverages option at BD27 net per person. Children under the age of 12 can still enjoy the brunch for BD9.500 net.  For details call 17751262.