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I’M HOOKED. ART Rotana has introduced a ‘Fisherman’s Voyage’ and seafood lovers are in for a tasty treat when they head out to Amwaj Islands.
Every Thursday evening the five-star luxury hotel’s Choices Terrace is being transformed into a cleverly-crafted themed affair offering a triple treat of gastronomic delight.
Diners are being promised a selection of fish and seafood hand-picked by Executive Chef Theodor Rudiferia and his team from the ‘very best’ daily catch to the imported rest and ‘cooked together with premium ingredients in quality dishes stretching to the four corners of the world’.
Good to his word, Chef Theodor, is full of seasonal advice, tips and suggestions and pointed me in the right direction when it came to a choice of oysters. Surely an oyster is an oyster … but apparently not at this time of year. When it comes to choosing between the Netherlands Fin de Zalande, the French Fin de Claire or the good ol’ British Rock Oyster, there is only one winner according to the master chef, who, through being a neutral Italian, could be relied upon to be an unbiased judge.
The Brit is best because of its chillier summer water, because the warmer it gets, the milkier the oyster’s flavour. So, finally it pays off coming from a country renowned for its miserable summer.
And, apart from Brexit, our European neighbours have got even more to be annoyed with us about. I thought the reason the French were so depressed was because the light at the end of the tunnel was England … but no, they have to travel through to get a decent oyster!
All I needed was a pearl to be embedded in my rock and the evening would have started off in spectacular fashion. However, I had to settle for simply swallowing a superb example of quality seafood and I even managed to get my 13-year-old son Stan to sample one for the first time. Judging by the look on his face afterwards, perhaps it’s an acquired taste. Like most things in life, it gets better the more you give it a go.
Next stop was a three-wheeled wagon holding fresh fish displayed on ice ready for the outside grill.
This was the opening night of the ‘Fisherman’s Voyage’ experience and it’s obviously a work in progress. The wagon was a great touch and should be manned throughout and more fuss should be made of the outside grill too which was dismally lit.
I helped myself to a plate full of fare and stepped out to the grill with it full of a random selection. The team took my table number, and within a few minutes it was returned cooked to perfection.
When the good lady wife, Kathryn, went up shortly afterwards the stall was manned and she was offered a full flavour description of the various fish on offer. The selection was impressive - Sherri, Black Pomfret, Safi, Kingfish slices, Hammour, my personal favourite Sultan Inbrahim and more, including Calamari and Shrimps.
“With the highly-creative menu tailored to suit every palette, the seafood night will offer guests a memorable gastronomic experience,” promised Patrice Cornee, resident manager at ART Rotana. “Guests will be able to enjoy three diverse dining concepts under one roof; the French Quarter, the Fisherman’s Wharf and the Hawaiian Surf Bar. Each offering a unique experience, evoking the many moods associated to seafood night.”
Other top dishes to take advantage of were the sensational sushi selection, perfect paella and the marvellous mussels cooked in cream.
Seafood biryani and Kerala Fish Curry dishes were available from the main restaurant. Ice-cream was served in the terrace but I couldn’t miss my favourite in the Choices’ dessert section, a slice of perfect Peanut Butter, Banana & Almond Pie.
The ‘seafood extraordinaire’ also offers guests a selection of distinct island-style drinks, designed to complement the notes of each dish. The setting was superb with big screens showing images of the ocean and the decoration inside, such as the hanging lifebelts, added to the ambiance.
* The Fisherman’s Voyage’ takes place at Choices Terrace every Thursday evening from 7pm – 10.30pm. Live entertainment is also coming. Buffet packages are priced at BD16++ including soft drinks and juices or BD25++ with selected house beverages. For more information or table reservations, email at fb.art@rotana.com or call 16000111.
