February 2013 111 www.bahrainthismonth.com Elma bartholomew Serving a culinary cross-section of Indonesian, Malaysian, Thai and Vietnamese, a restaurant at a five-star hotel in the Kingdom satisfies your longing for Asian cuisine. Wok, the Southeast Asian restaurant at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, is a spectacle in itself. As soon as you walk into the striking venue, you will be spellbound by the exotic aromas and the shadow play of lights. Like all dining venues at the five-star hotel, this restaurant boasts a unique terrace perfect for an outdoor experience when the weather allows it. Whether you choose to dine on the wooden benches facing the sea, with a splendid view of the night sky, or you find the open kitchen indoors more enticing, one thing is guaranteed — you will be in for a special treat. The perfect combination of stones and wood reflect Wok’s true Asian origin. Add to this a new à la carte, and you have every reason to take in the experience. Redefining a cuisine One bite into any of their appetisers and it is evident that their creator is passionate about food. Chef Phuc Nguyen shares his ardour for Far Eastern flavours with the food fanatics of Bahrain and its visitors through his menu. A key to the deliciousness of his preparations, aside from over seven years of experience in five-star establishments, is the freshness of the ingredients used to create them. One of the most popular starters is the sate ponogoro. This is, put simply, sliced and marinated chicken or beef served with onions, cucumbers, peanut sauce and ketupat — East Java style. Soup lovers, who can handle a little spice, ought to try their laksa lemak, a curry-flavoured broth with chicken, prawns and noodles. It would be scandalous not to try some wok-fried noodles; the mien xao thit cua is a Vietnamese speciality. Bringing traditional tastes from his home town, Phuc makes this dish by combining fried vermicelli with crab meat and fragrant herbs. There’s no doubt that you’ll be spoilt for choice with the restaurants selection of dishes. So, if you’re finding it hard to pick one, opt for the ca kho to. This is stewed mackerel fish in a clay pot with caramelised fish sauce and a share of chicken, galangal and chilli. You don’t always need to end your Asian dining experience with banana fritters. Finish your meal with the subtle sweetness of longan and lotus seeds in light syrup. For the daring diner, the black coconut rice pudding cooked with sago is a perfect choice. Indulge in fine gastronomic wonders in the midst of art and craft works that mirror the beauty of Asian lands, rich in culture and hospitality. E Call 17 636-363. Asian Delicacies diningthismonth Also this month 112 x Happenings - 114 x Valentine’s Happenings When? February 1-16 Event? Cancer campaign Venue? Maya La Chocolaterie Fight cancer in children by indulging in chocolate truffles! E Call 17 583-368. When? February 4-8 Event? Food festival Venue? Café Sayah, Delmon International Hotel The Sri Lankan National Day is celebrated in style. E Call 17 224-000. When? February 8 Event? Food festival Venue? Links, Royal Golf Club The carvery buffet honours the Chinese New Year. E Call 17 751-262. When? February 11-23 Event? Food festival Venue? China Garden, Gulf Hotel Celebrate the Chinese New Year with a festive menu. E Call 17 713-000. When? February 15 Event? Food promotion Venue? Maki Enjoy 15 different kinds of maki dishes, including their newest ‘caviaroli’. E Call 17 522-733. Wok Southeast Asian Restaurant
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