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RAMADAN is almost upon us and the kingdom’s hotels are preparing to provide fabulous feasts in traditional style when our Muslim friends break their fasts.
These are joyous occasions also enjoyed by expatriates as the community joins together in harmony and business acquaintances get to know each other better in an informal environment.
One of the top destinations which proves the old adage that ‘traditions are better when shared’ is the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel where families and friends annually gather and meet at the table for a lavish Iftar buffet with local and international dishes, featuring a live cooking station, at its Awali Ballroom.
Francis Gomes, deputy executive chef, and his team, this week gave the good lady wife, Kathryn, and me, a tasteful sample of some of the cuisine being lined-up for the big occasion.
Chef Francis started his career back in 1976 in the Indian city of Bangalore, moved to Mumbai before travelling to the Gulf for a stint in Oman and Bahrain before setting sail for life on the ocean waves around the US.
He returned to the Sheraton in 1989 and loves nothing better than the culinary challenges that the holy month provides as Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim year, during which strict fasting is observed from dawn to sunset and the buffet becomes an ideal way to break the fast with family and friends.
“The Sheraton Bahrain Hotel has always been known as the Iftar gathering place for locals, expats and visitors from neighbouring Saudi Arabia,” he said.
“They love the food and the ambience which is why they keep coming back to us every year and we want to keep that going by creating sumptuous dishes that they love and are connected to the tradition. We are looking forward to serving our guests during Ramadan.”
We started with an exquisite cream of asparagus soup, followed by a seafood salad, plus a superbly-decorated salmon slice with an impressive chilli kick.
Next came a small portion of red snapper and Shrimp Jareesh so that we could leave room for the one main course offering everyone savours at this time of year, the sensational Lamb Shank Thareed.
For newcomers who are about to indulge in their first Iftar buffet on the island I highly recommend this delightful dish.
It’s like Betty’s Hotpot and Irish Stew all rolled into one, with slowly-cooked lamb that tenderly slips off the bone and melts in the mouth.
Magnificent and truly marvellous.
Try to make room for the desserts too. Strawberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Gateau and magical mini glasses of sweet marvels may be tempting but nothing beats Um Ali, an Arabic version of bread pudding with a combination of croissant pieces, raisins, coconut, almonds and pistachio brought to life in a baking dish.
Enjoy … it’s coming your way!
The Awali Ballroom is located on the hotel’s ground floor. This spacious function area with a tiled floor and traditional Arabic decor in a neutral pallete, features palatial arches engraved with fine mosaic, carved mahogany wood-panelling and a twin tent roof with stunning wrought iron chandeliers to create a distinct and sophisticated ambience.
In partnership with VIVA, guests will get a chance to win the latest devices and many more exciting prizes. The more you dine the more chances of winning, the management tells me.
The Iftar buffet will cost BD15.900++ on weekdays and BD16.900++ on weekends, with children, aged four to 12, charged BD8.500++ and those under four, free.
* Book online by visiting https://upg.starwoodpromos.com/?u=C838B498CECBAB2 or www.sheratonbahrain.com or call 17533533.
