Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
I know it’s been said a million times before by far greater literary practitioners ... but there’s probably never been a truer saying than: sometimes the little things in life mean the most.
Take the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel for example. Known for its complete Ramadan experience, its vast Awali Ballroom boasts stunning Arabic décor, palatial arches engraved with fine mosaic, carved mahogany wood panelling and a twin tent roof with wrought iron chandeliers creating a distinct and sophisticated ambience.
The five-star hotel’s dashing general manager Thomas Flindt stayed late to welcome me and he’s every reason to be delighted with the diners’ response to this year’s Ramadan creation.
The venue was buzzing at Thursday night’s Iftar as families and friends joined to break their fast, alongside hotel guests and expats savouring the atmosphere.
The spread of food on the buffet areas was as spectacular as the surroundings but it was those little touches of excellence and acquisitive culinary presentation performed by the hotel’s sensational Swedish Executive Chef Magnus Falk and his team which made the experience so memorable.
Sure, there was the impressively large Whole Lamb Ouzi ready to be gently pulled from the bone and placed on the plate alongside a helping of aromatic rice and the venue’s legendary Chicken Biryani, masterfully conjured up using decades’ old Bahraini family recipes.
Other main courses were attracting the diners too such as the Pan-fried Steak in Garlic Butter Sauce, Beef Pojasky and Fillet of Hammour with Lime and Coriander and the live pasta station chefs didn’t appear to be getting a minute’s rest.
But it would be wrong for these delightful dishes to overshadow the perfectly formed helpings of salad sensations, displayed like works-of-art in little glass structures that, although small and delicate, delivered a taste that exploded with flavour.
My favourites were the Watermelon & Feta Shooter, Crab Stick Vegetable Salad and the stupendous Grilled Prawns with Tomato Salsa, truly outstanding examples.
This particular venue is also renowned for its legendary Chocolate Brunches which will no doubt be fully-booked the weekend after Eid. I remember attending the launch event with my old buddy and former Radio Bahrain DJ Krazy Kevin who was visiting the island from Down Under.
The man is a mighty motor-mouth (no doubt the reason he secured the role of Town Crier in the Australian outback location where he now resides) and this was the only time in the years that I’ve known him when he appeared to be lost for words – either that, or he was silenced by a mouthful of chocolate.
He’d have been mightily jealous about missing out on the latest desserts offerings … once again delicately designed like editable works of art, particularly the Chocolate Opera with its sail-like structure. It looked like it could quite easily have sailed across the Arabian Gulf instead of straight into my mouth.
Other beautiful bites included a Chocolate Snickers Cake and a magnificent Chocolate Fruit Cup with fresh slices on strawberries and pineapple sinking slowly into a sea of custard. And I still managed a fresh fruit filled crepe cooked as you waited at another live station.
The Iftar buffet is served from sunset to 8.30pm and costs BD16++ from Sunday to Wednesday and BD17++ from Thursday to Saturday. Children from four to 12 are charged BD8.500++ and those under four dine for free.
Guest can call 17533533 for reservations and more information or book online at https://bit.ly/SheratonRamadan
A Ghabga buffet is also being served at Al Safir Restaurant from 9pm to 2am for BHD 12.900++.
