www.bahrainthismonth.com November 2013 139 James Claire To simply say that Oliveto’s is reopening is an understatement. This is not the rebirth of an old favourite but the birth of brand-new experience. The Oliveto’s Restaurant of years gone by was a treasured gem; tucked away in a back street in Adliya it was an acquired experience. The new version stands out as a symbol of the new Block 338 dining area. With the restaurant lost in an early morning fire in 2011, business partners Abdullatif Abdul Hadi and executive chef Paulo Arca have ensured that the new Oliveto’s will shake up the restaurant market and re-establish this long-lost friend as a primary dining destination. The reopening will be one of the major launch events of the year on the local culinary scene. When the restaurant closed the Block 338 district was starting to emerge and has changed significantly in the past couple of years. When Oliveto’s opens its door the most obvious change will be the easier access, as a result of a new road, and the ample parking now available to diners. On arrival at the restaurant you are immediately struck by the size of the new venue. This is no longer just a cosy eatery for a handful of guests. Designed by famed Milanese architectural firm Enrico Mari Grego, the restaurant features sandstone flooring and a glass-walled main dining area, with three of the largest lighting fixtures Bahrain has ever seen. Almost all of the new features and furnishings have been brought in from Italy to make Oliveto’s Italian to the core; even the dozen large olive trees planted over a year ago on the site are direct from Sardinia. While the restaurant itself is a vision of splendour, the size of the outdoor patio, pool deck and outdoor bar captivates the senses. No restaurant has ever had such a large entertainment area outdoors with such decor. Cloth-covered private pergolas serve as dining areas for either large groups or private meetings. An expansive bar, aged olive trees surrounding a fish-filled pond and a state-of-the-art Bose sound system will be the talk of the town from opening day onwards. But the new venue is more than just gorgeous interiors, Italian decor and wonderment at every corner. The restaurant that now seats up to 250 people also has a separate bar area, additional rear patio, a wine room and a retail area for all things Italian. Oliveto’s is, though, first and foremost about the finest Italian cuisine and Paulo has added to his team of Italian experts. Pizza chef Manolo Carta, who hold court at the wood-fired pizza oven, and pastry chef Simon Cabulato will ensure traditions and authenticity are spot on every step of the way as we experience the ‘new’ Oliveto’s. Resurrecting an Icon diningthismonth Also this month 140 x Happenings - 149 x Theme Nights - 150 x Restaurant Listing When? November 5-8 Event? Visiting chef Venue? Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Sample the gourmet preparations of chef Gilles Choukroun. E Call 17 636-364. When? November 28 Event? Thanksgiving dinner Venue? Al Safir Restaurant, The Sheraton An eclectic selection of holiday favourites are served at this buffet. E Call 17 533-533. When? November 28 Event? Thanksgiving buffet Venue? Saveur, Kempinski A variety of festive fare, laid out in plush settings for BD16++. E Call 17 171-000. When? November 29 Event? Thanksgiving brunch Venue? Crowne Plaza Traditional turkey roast with all its trimmings for BD 19.950++. E Call 17 171-000. Paulo Arca
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