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This festive season has been one of the most hectic in my professional life. With events every day, new culinary delights every week and of course tons of writing to do, it’s not a bad problem or rather, even a problem. But every once in a while, it’s good to have a relaxing weekend day, that is both productive and rejuvenating.
It’s one of those things I didn’t even realise I needed until I spent the day at the Diplomat Radisson Blu’s Christmas Market Bliss, last Friday, by the poolside.
With a mix of upbeat and smooth songs emanating from the live band, the twinkling light-speckled vendor huts induced the perfect ambience for a desert Christmas.
To get ourselves properly hungry, we walked around the festive vendor huts. Even though we had passed by last weekend, the vendors this week were different. One which caught my eye was the American Women’s Association hut which was selling affordable stocking stuffers and nutcracker knick-knacks to raise money for a host of local charities including the Bahrain Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA).
Very soon our bellies began to grumble about the extra attention our wallets were getting. We started our culinary adventure with the tandoori chicken (BD2) and tandoori naan (BD1).
With a great char and a delicious coriander chutney, it was delicious. And best of all, easy to walk around with as we checked out a few more stalls, before stopping by to pick up some fish and chips (BD2).
Not only was the tartar sauce delicious, the batter was fantastic. Uniquely, it was structured in such a way that I didn’t need a fork and knife to eat them, even though cutlery was provided.
At this point, I was feeling full, but for you dear readers, I decided to renovate my belly and add a couple of extra rooms – one for burgers and of course, the always open guest room for dessert.
The burger (BD4) was cooked perfectly and came with fries, thinner than the chips accompanying the fish and chips but just as delicious.
For dessert, we had a choice of crepes (BD2), waffles (BD2), candied apple (BD1) and candied almonds (BD0.5). I went with the waffles, topped with chocolate chips and a raspberry compote.
I had to do dessert justice so I retired to our table by the poolside to devour its devilish goodness. What struck me was how affordable the food at the Christmas Market Bliss was, the wide variety and of course, how easy it was to walk around with it.
Even the select beverages (BD2 – BD3) were incredible value for money, especially considering we were sitting by the pool of a five star hotel, enjoying tantalising tunes and of course, getting our festive shopping done, all in one location.
As the band changed and evening wrapped its starry cloak around us, I got some writing done, as our colleague’s children played in the kids’ playground and rode on the mini-train.
In the evening, I grabbed a shawarma (BD1) as a mid-work snack, pairing it with a ginger ale, which I have found sadly rare in Bahrain.
As I wrapped up the evening with a delectable hot chocolate with marshmallows (BD2), I realised I wasn’t the only one who had spent a good five hours there soaking in the ambience as some of my compatriots from the morning, retired with me. With something for the entire family to do together and independently, I wasn’t surprised but glad to find my festive work space for at least the next weekend.
The final iteration of the Christmas Market Bliss takes place this Friday and Saturday at the Diplomat Radisson Blu from noon to 10pm. Entry is free. For details, call 17531666.
Scan the QR code below to chek out the christmas at the Diplomat.
