Crowning glory for the hospitality hotshots
By Kristian
The kingdom’s hospitality hotshots descended on the InterContinental Regency Bahrain as they toasted successes and decried narrow defeats at the 2017 Food and Travel Bahrain Awards.
Held under the patronage of Zayed bin Rashid Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism, it was the second edition of the event and saw the Al Rifaa Ballroom packed with hotel general managers, marketing staff, food and beverage aficionados and chefs as they vied for crowns in more than 30 categories.
“Hosting these awards is a testament of Bahrain’s position as a destination of choice for the best hotels, restaurants and cafes in the region,” the minister said, adding that the nation was ‘steeped in history, rich in culture, with a passion for food & hospitality dating back millennia’.
The votes were cast by the public, with an impressive 121,000 voices heard as the finest and most exquisite hospitality havens and restaurants were shortlisted, with a little help from a panel of inspectors who have been reviewing, researching and visiting the finalists for the past 12 months.
In between a scrumptious three-course meal consisting of salmon, veal tenderloin, and strawberry and lime cheesecake, a vast range of winners were called up to claim their awards, from major franchises, popular chains, independent outlets and upcoming gems.
The Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay scooped two major gongs, Hotel of the Year and Best 5-Star Hotel, to retain the titles they won last year. Furthermore, its Bahrain Bay Kitchen restaurant won the award for Best International Restaurant and it also took the prize for Best Ramadan Tent.
General Manager Richard Raab, accompanied on stage by hotel manager Bob Suri, said the team was ‘extremely humbled’ to have been recognised with four awards for the ‘outstanding service and product delivered by our people’.
“On behalf of the entire team, we are looking forward to welcoming all the local citizens and international visitors to experience our award-winning service at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay,” he added.
The Swiss-Belhotel Seef was in a similarly jubilant mood as it retained its crown for the Best 4-Star Hotel. General manager Herve Peyre, clutching the award and wearing a beaming smile, waxed lyrical about his team.
He said: “We are extremely proud to win twice-in-a-row. What makes the recognition even more outstanding is knowing that the nominations and votes came from customers who have visited us and been satisfied with our service. We’re so happy for everyone at the hotel, from the individuals at our location in Seef, to the wider chain across the world. This is everyone’s achievement, not just management. Of course, our next goal is to complete the hat-trick! We are working hard every day to improve, introduce new facilities and work on the finer details.
“We don’t consider ourselves 4-star, we’re pushing the limit. It’s hard work but very rewarding.”
The Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa took the hotly-contested Best Brunch prize, as well as the Best Spa and Best Weekend Destination accolades.
“It is very gratifying to receive the awards,” said director of operations Mehdi Hanayen. “We have strived to provide our guests with an experience that exceeds their expectations.
“The awards encourage and inspire us to continue delivering the best service and quality in the hospitality industry of Bahrain.”
The organisers said it was ‘one of the tightest’ ever judged, with the winners of so many categories being down to ‘additional visits and hot debate’.
The Winners
Top Table
Bahrain Chef of the Year Michael Sang-Kyu Lee - Meisei
International Chef of the Year Oliver Glowig – Ritz-Carlton
Breakthrough Chef of the Year Cesar De Leon Torres – Ritz-Carlton
Restaurant of the Year Rasoi by Vineet – The Gulf Hotel
Hotel of Year Four Seasons Bahrain Bay
Fine Dining Award La Vinoteca Barcelona – Adliya
Hotels
Best 5 Star Hotel Four Seasons Bahrain Bay
Best Resort Hotel Ritz-Carlton Bahrain
Best City Hotel InterContinental Regency Bahrain
Best Weekend Destination Hotel Sofitel Bahrain
Best 4 Star Hotel Swiss-Belhotel
Best Banqueting & Events The Gulf Hotel
Best Spa Thalassa Sea and Spa - Sofitel Bahrain
Service Award Downtown Rotana – Manama
Restaurants
Best Indian Rasoi by Vineet – The Gulf Hotel
Best Asian Fusion Meisei - Adliya
Best Japanese Mirai - Adliya
Best Chinese David’s Stir Fry Crazy
Best Thai Royal Thai – The Gulf Hotel
Best Middle Eastern Takht Jamsheed – The Gulf Hotel
Best International Bahrain Bay Kitchen – Four Seasons
Best Steakhouse & Grill Meat Co - Adliya
Best Brunch Sofitel Bahrain
Best Ramadan Tent Four Seasons Bahrain Bay
Best Mediterranean Masso – The Palace Hotel
Best On the Town Bushido - Seef
Best Casual Chic Camelot - Adliya
Best Family La Plage – Ritz-Carlton Bahrain
Best All Day Casual The Orangery – The Palace Hotel
Best Afternoon Tea The Ritz Gourmet Lounge – Ritz-Carlton
Best Gourmet Fast Food Gold Label Burger - Saar
Specialist
Carême Award InterContinental Regency Bahrain
Peoples Choice Café Lilou - Adliya
Rising Star My Café - Adliya
Newcomer Nomad Eatery - Seef
Specialist Retailer Bateel – City Centre
