Mediterranean Affair with French Flair
The Ritz- Carlton, Bahrain has recently opened La Terrace, an outdoor dining concept designed to make any day feel special. Nestled by the poolside amidst lush greenery, the chirping of birds, and the gentle rustling of leaves, this open-air restaurant is a haven for nature lovers. Imagine a place where you can close your eyes, feel a soft breeze on your skin, and let your palate savour flavours that transport you to the French Riviera or the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. Here, worries simply melt away.
I began my meal with a Caesar salad with crispy chicken and a truffle croque monsieur. The salad featured crunchy romaine lettuce tossed in classic Caesar dressing, topped with perfectly breaded chicken scented with rosemary, croutons and grated parmesan—a delight in every bite. The truffle croque monsieur, combines comfort and luxury. It is unmissable and best when eaten warm. This dish promises a bite of comfort, a smear of luxury, with the truffle bechamel. There is no skimping on that unique, warming truffle taste. The velvety smooth bechamel is slathered on white bread, with smoked turkey ham and a layer of sautéed mushrooms. The sandwich, blanketed with Emmental cheese, is toasted until the cheese melts perfectly.
No Mediterranean lunch is complete without fresh seafood. In a candid conversation with Executive Chef Joergen Sodemann, I learned that the hotel sources seafood locally or regionally whenever possible, ensuring freshness shines through in every dish. I opted for the seafood platter and the catch of the day- seabream. The seafood platter featured salmon, shrimp, and seabass, grilled simply with salt and pepper to highlight their natural flavours, served in beautiful, locally made clay crockery. Paired with a velvety lemon butter sauce, sautéed broccolini, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and perfectly fried French fries, it was a vibrant and uplifting combination. The minty mango drink provided a refreshing finish.
Venturing into surfand-turf territory, I selected the Black Angus ribeye steak with mushroom and béarnaise sauce (Choice of any one sauce), served with a side of sautéed asparagus. The dish is accompanied by salad, broccolini, French fries, and onion rings and is ideal for a romantic dinner under the stars, enhanced by a glass of red and DJ music.
Dessert is equally indulgent. The profiteroles are irresistible and perfect for sharing: three flawless choux buns filled with creamy vanilla ice cream, topped with toasted almond slivers, and drenched in hot chocolate sauce for a stunning hot-and-cold effect. Yum! The crème brûlée (serves two) and chocolate mousse are equally delightful, while a sundae bar with a variety of toppings offers a fun alternative.
Whether you choose La Terrace for lunch or dinner, solo or with company, it promises a remarkable experience. From a relaxed business lunch to a family gathering, a romantic date night, or a quiet evening alone, this is a destination where fine dining meets the serenity of nature, leaving every guest with a lasting memory. Contact the hotel to know more about the chef ’s 3 or 4-course tasting menu.
La Terrace is open Monday to Saturday, 1 pm to 11 pm. Contact 17586499 for bookings.
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