Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
The hotly-contested Bahrain brunch scene has a new contender in town with The Gulf Hotel Bahrain taking up the challenge by delivering a multi-cuisine combination to wow guests and a unique approach to ensuring everyone gets a taste of the delights in store.
There’s an old adage that you can’t be all things to all men but this venue may well be the exception to the rule with The Gulf Grand Brunch.
It features live cooking and carvery stations, a tantalising array of delicacies from its award-winning Italian, Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Lebanese restaurants and others, and there is even a butcher’s shop for added meaty magnificence.
And there’s a secret weapon too - a fantastic fruit juicing and chocolate room of immense creativity.
As for catering for what mood you are in, The Gulf Grand Brunch offers diners’ triple choices of location, each with their own special ambiance.
If romance or simple relaxation after a busy week is on your mind, you can dine in the quiet atmosphere of La Pergola, the well-loved and traditional Italian setting.
If Friday, however, means party time head towards Margarita Mexicana and be entertained by a lively Mexican duo. Or you can choose to be part of the whole brunch action, like the good lady wife, Kathryn, and our friends the Thornley family, settle down at Al Waha, the comfortable all-day diner.
Live music comes in the shape of the QBA house-band who not only entertain the guests but, as I caught from the corner of my eye on more than one occasion, the chefs and waiting staff too. I always wanted to be a Pip in my youth, one of soul singer Gladys Knight’s backing band, and I was well impressed by some of the moves I witnessed last Friday.
I recall raving about the Gulf Hotel’s Ramadan offering earlier this year and one of its key attractions for families with young children was an amazing play area. They’ve cleverly copied the concept by creating a fabulous Kids Play Area with bouncy castle, tables and glorious gaming on site.
The concept is clever and well thought out and, fortunately, it is matched by the fabulous fare on offer.
Congratulations must go to Executive Chef Carlo Cirone, the Italian maestro in charge of a full kitchen operation of 16 outlets, for creating a competitive arena where the excellent chefs from all the participating restaurants are going all out to impress.
The foyer is overflowing with a rich array of offerings and I started my feast with a selection of salad and a helping of a superb Smoked Mackerel with Mango Avocado, a taste sensation.
The sushi station was equally impressive and the seafood sitting on ice beds tempting with marvellous mussels, crab and oysters.
This was going to be a long, enjoyable session and, as a well-seasoned bruncher, I indulged in little helpings. First the poached farmed hammour, then Lamb Tagine and one of the stand-out dishes of the day that I desperately need the recipe for, the Steak & Mushroom Pie.
I was informed by food & beverage manager Sunuj Deen, pictured below left, that it’s a best-selling British dish from the kitchens of the adjoining Sherlock Holmes. Happiness guaranteed with every bite.
I would have had more … much, much more but I was determined to join my friends along butcher’s row, ordering steaks to be delivered to the table. The accompanying vegetables were perfectly cooked and uncomplicated, making a match made in heaven for the main courses.
I also spotted a row of fresh fish and somehow found space for a delightful grilled hammour with a slice of salmon on the side.
There was so much more I wanted to sample and I suppose that’s part of the clever marketing … because we’ve just got to go back again for a taste of Thai or to sample the superb-looking Salsa Roja ready to be poured over a mighty Mexican dish.
Once hooked, you’ll also want to go back and try the restaurants individually, I’m sure.
There was only one cure for that sense of longing and that was to tuck into a dynamic dessert. The apple crumble with two helpings of home-made ice-cream did the trick - pure bliss in a bowl.
That just left enough time to follow the sign marked Fruit and Chocolate Room to pick up a pair of perfect chocolate mice, cleverly located on a cheese mountain, to accompany my parting coffee.
It makes you smile and it makes for a perfect afternoon.
The Gulf Grand Brunch costs BD32net, inclusive of selected beverages.
There are special rates for Gulf Hotel partners and Prestige Club members and the After Party In Typhoon lounge comes inclusive of a drink voucher for each brunch guest.
For bookings call.17713000 or email info@gulfhotelbahrain.com
