Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Friday has been deemed family fun day for the Al Khatib-Camille clan for as long as I can remember. It’s when the hubby, Sam, and I join the folks for a family feast followed by coffee, desserts and, obviously, an afternoon food coma. It’s the best mode for a refresh and catch-up with the ‘fab fam’ after a long work week.
However, Saturday is starting to look like an even better contender to ‘chow, chat and chill’ thanks to the launch of InterContinental Regency Bahrain’s Lazy Legendary Lunch.
As of the beginning of the month, the five-star hotel’s award-winning Legendz Steakhouse has been dishing out melt-in-your-mouth steaks, artistically creative appetisers and eggs as well as sumptuous chicken and seafood for food lovers to savour in a four-and-a-half hour contemporary, fine dining setting.
Guests simply have to sit back and enjoy the culinary creations from an all-you can eat a la carte menu prepared by Bahraini Executive Sous Chef Mohammed Samara and his three-strong cooking crew.
According to Chef Mohammed, who is of Jordanian descent and has lived in the kingdom for 29 years, the aim of this bountiful brunch is to feel at home and unwind with family and friends.
He said: “My team and I prepare these meals using the freshest and highest quality of ingredients to put smiles on diners’ faces, not forgetting the most important element, and that is cooking with love.
“There is no need to rush when eating. We want our guests to feel at home here and stay for as long as they want. Just relax, enjoy every bite and your time with your loved ones. We are here to serve you whatever you want to your heart’s content.
“Since launching the lunch, families have been particularly appreciating their afternoons with us and the children love it too because we have a special menu just for them. We just want everyone to be happy with their food, their company and their entertainment.”
There were no complaints coming from the Al Khatib-Camille’s table as the food was tasty, the ambiance was warm and the music performed by members from the hotel’s resident band, DD & the Groove, was captivating to say the least.
The cool couple set the melodic mood from the moment we entered the elegantly-designed venue with sweet and sultry songs from Prince, Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra and more.
We were greeted by the lovely outlet manager, Rica Espanto, and her colleague, who escorted us to our table.
Needless to say, we are no strangers to having a hearty family brunch. However, this was our first sit-down brunch in which we didn’t need to leave the table at all. That allowed us to indulge in long conversations that were interrupted, of course, by bites of happiness.
I was fascinated by the breadsticks and toothpaste-like looking tubes full of olive oil butter that was delish. It definitely got our appetite purring for more. It didn’t hurt watching the chefs in full fiery swing from the kitchen’s glass window partition either. Seeing the cooks in action only amplified our cravings and prepared us for a fine feast for the senses.
My mum Hana and tata (known as granny in my dialect) Theresa kicked off their lazy afternoon adventure with a rocket pear salad starter featuring shaved Manchego cheese, pomegranate and toasted walnuts.
My dad Maan opted for a chili and salt spiced calamari with pickled green papaya, coriander, fried chili and caramelised dressing. Sam chose the oak smoked Atlantic salmon with pickled fennel, orange, radish salad, avocado and olive crumb while I decided to sample their steak tartar of Black Angus tenderloin. It’s not what I’d usually go for but when in an award-winning steakhouse…opt for the signature and it was delightfully light and flavourful.
As we dug into our starters, the carving trolley boasting braised Texas style BBQ spiced rub beef ribs was being rolled around; enticing diners to nab a slab. And that we did! The ribs were smoked and basted in Legendz famous BBQ sauce and it came with a side of baby potato, broccoli and a carrot. It was tender and juicy to the last bite.
The speciality eggs also looked tempting but I had my eyes set on the steaks. The mama and tata went for free-range sautéed chicken breast including creamy parsnip, shallots, baby vegetables and its own jus. My mum was in awe of how the platter was beautifully and colourfully presented and prepared. The baba (aka dad) went for the Australian 100gm tenderloin cooked medium-well from the fire grill. It comes with country-style grilled tomatoes, celery root puree and a lemon. Sam and I also opted for items from the grill with his steak of choice being the signature fillet mignon wrapped in beef bacon while mine was a 150gm Australian rib eye- both grilled to medium perfection. Our sauce of choice was mushroom cream. For our sides, we chose baked potatoes with sour cream and chives, French fries, Cajun sweet potato wedges and sautéed buttery greens.
We devoured our steaks in no time and left every plate and side bare. Although I thought Sam and I would go for seconds, we tapped out after the steaks and ribs. However, there is always room for dessert and we chose a mini pistachio panna cotta, a red velvet cake, a vanilla macaroon, a cheesecake and a slice of brie cheese. Did you really think I would be too full for cheese? Ha!
My fam and I enjoyed a wonderful three-hour food fiesta followed by our regular cuisine coma…except this time it fell on a Saturday and I think this new family gathering day might stick.
The Lazy Legenday Lunch is on every Saturday from 11:30am to 4pm and is priced BD19net inclusive of food and soft drinks or for BD29net inclusive of free flow of grape beverages.
For details, contact 17227777.
