January 2016 95 www.bahrainthismonth.com finedining A long way from its typical hushed environs, BTM takes a closer look at the island’s fine dining culture and how it is more focused than ever on ‘keeping it real’. The traditional idea of fine dining conjures the image of a confusing number of knives and forks, crisp linen, shiny crystal ware, stiff etiquette, an overall air of seriousness and a long list of rules to be followed both by the diner and the host. This, almost snooty, picture is gradually fading away. There has been a massive shift in the concept and some of the biggest chefs and restaurant owners are moving towards a casual and more organic and artisan approach. If your food weaves magic, you no longer have to worry about serving it in an overly posh setting. Sukiyabashi, the most famous sushi spot on the planet, is a three-star Michelin restaurant located in the basement of an office building near the Ginza station in Tokyo. Despite its modest wooden counter, 10 tables and a waiting list that may stretch up to several months, people go there because, apparently, there is no other sushi like that served up by master chef Jiro Ono. The last year saw a number of great restaurants join the island’s fine dining brigade. Chef to the stars and a celebrity himself, Wolfgang Puck opened three outlets at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. These are the famous Beverly Hills steakhouse, CUT, along with Re Asian Cuisine and Blue Moon Lounge, located at the hotel’s 50th floor. He’s the second Michelin-starred chef to have entered the Bahrain market after Vineet Bhatia who opened Rasoi by Vineet at the Gulf Hotel. We’ve also got an enviable army of hotels that boast outstanding food and beverage venues. Five-star boutique, The Domain Hotel & Spa’s Level 34 is dedicated to the cuisine of the South of France and houses a chic steakhouse. Imari on level 35 serves contemporary Japanese with extraordinary views of the Manama skyline. The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa spoils you with choice with restaurants such as the tranquil La Med to Plums, Nirvana and Primevara, which is partnered with another Michelin chef, Oliver Glowig. Connoisseurs of authentic Japanese food, and especially Japanese visitors craving a taste of home, swear by Kei, a charming restaurant located in the Golden Tulip. Other hotels that contribute to the list of options include The Sheraton Bahrain, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thallasa Sea and Spa, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, Al Areen Palace & Spa, Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residences & Spa, Ramada Bahrain and Juffair’s The K Hotel and Ramee Rose Hotel, each of which is home to numerous up-market outlets. Adliya’s Block 338 is a unique spot where a colony of some of the best boutique restaurants has emerged. La Vinoteca Barcelona and Café Amsterdam have garnered a large and loyal customer base. Nicole’s offers the eclectic flavours of Mediterranean cuisine. Oliveto is an elegant venue serving authentic Italian cuisine and Upstairs Downstairs continues to be a firm favourite with islanders while Maki, in the Diplomatic Area, pushes the boundaries of innovation with its contemporary Japanese fare. The common thread running through all of these is the emphasis on creativity while operating within the realm of authenticity. As the fine-print of fine dining continues to evolve, we’re optimistic that more delicious times lie ahead for anyone who can afford them, irrespective of whether you are dressed in a suit or jeans and trainers. Fine Fare Without the Fuss
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