124 June 2013 www.bahrainthismonth.com diningf&bhappenings MAKI RESTAURANT Changing Asian Cuisine Initially opening in the sophisticated Kuwait market, Maki Restaurant’s founder was the first person ever to present house-grown extra virgin olive oil to a cuisine that had its ‘boundaries’. Creating nutritious dishes such as Amer Maki, Oze Akami Maki and Tara II Maki, Oliver not only brought a new taste to this already rich cuisine but also opened the door for experimentation with Asian cuisine as a whole. Later, Maki introduced extravagant international ingredients such as balsamic vinegar, wild thyme and black truffles to maki rolls and noodle dishes, thus changing this traditional cuisine forever. Oliver also complemented the wonderful tastes of Japanese dishes with Mediterranean and French flavours. The result of this fusion of ingredients was the restaurant’s business expanding to Bahrain and Lebanon. Boosted by awards for ‘Best New Japanese’ and ‘Best Japanese Restaurant’ for the Bahrain outlet, the brand ventured into new territory. Bottling their house-made extra virgin olive oil, Maki took their new brand, ‘Oliver’s Table’ to the Olive Japan exhibition. Curious visitors and judges alike were awestruck by the combination of this wonderful tasting, healthy ingredients and Japanese and Asian seafood favourites. A gold medal was won in the process. Recently, Maki celebrated the Japanese Hanami (flower viewing) festival by garnishing some of their most delectable creations with delightful, edible flowers. The Bahrain restaurant is the first to launch this colourful festival, proving yet again to be an innovator with this traditionalist cuisine. E Call 17 522-733, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.olivermaki.com. In 2002, Mohamad (Oliver) Zeitoun dared to apply his touch to Japanese cuisine, introducing indigenous ingredients to traditional Japanese dishes. LANTERNS RESTAURANT Seasoned and Spiced Lanterns Restaurant and Lounge in Adliya’s 338 district may be one of the newer entrants in the fine dining cuisine of the area, but its premier location on Budaiya Highway has been on the must-visit lists of Indian cuisine devotees for decades. Today, Lanterns in Adliya continues the quality of its name and serves authentic ‘fusion’ Indian dishes, lavish buffets and more. With the warmth of Bahrain around you, an overhead mist spray to keep you cool and a decadent setting of waterfalls, greenery and seating, you could forget you are in the Kingdom. This venue is not only an escape into fine dining but a way to forget the world. Like a friend in whose company you can melt away the hours, so too Lanterns Restaurant and Lounge is a friend to those who enjoy its cuisine. With indoor, outdoor and rooftop dining, buffets, à la carte and bar snack menus, it allows for every visit to be styled by yourself into a memory never to be forgotten. In similar style to the iconic Lanterns of nearly three decades on the Budaiya Highway, this branch is peppered with nostalgia of India, reminiscent of the grandeur of old and modern embellishments of the homeland, all hand-picked by managing director Lalit Kapur. His influence has not only made the restaurants the icons of cuisine that they are; his knowledge has led to the modernisation of Indian fare, perfected to suit the taste buds of all. E Call 17 250-999 (Budaiya) or 17 590-591 (Adliya). There are few greater joys in the world than munching on delicious food in an ambience that takes you far from the everyday routine.
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