My review of La Mediterranee restaurant at the Ritz Carlton, Bahrain Hotel

My review of La Mediterranee restaurant at the Ritz Carlton, Bahrain Hotel

My review of La Mediterranee restaurant at the Ritz Carlton, Bahrain Hotel

My review of La Mediterranee restaurant at the Ritz Carlton, Bahrain Hotel

Thursday night is seafood night!

Each month our food critic and long time Bahrain resident, Paul Mercer, will review one of Bahrain’s best restaurants and provide you with his culinary observations.  This month Paul reviews the opulent Thursday night seafood buffet at the La Mediterranee restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain hotel.

Menu

“The selection of seafood is truly spectacular and will definitely satisfy the most discerning palates as well as the largest of appetites”

The range of appetizers and starters on offer is vast.

If you are looking for that quintessential taste of the sea I suggest that you first pay a visit to the generous “raw bar” where you can partake of steamed lobster, shrimps and mussels with lashings of cocktail sauce. Depending on availability in the local market you might also find delectable fresh oysters.

For a true gourmet experience I recommend you visit the ceviche station. I was very impressed with the shrimp and hammour, each one made in a South American style with a hint of chilli and marinated in citrus juices – deliciously refreshing.  I also sampled the salmon and prawn terrine, the chicken galantine and the chilled mixed fruit soup. Each dish, delicate, light, tasty and prepared to the highest order.

There is also a wide selection of European, Tropical and Oriental salads. I tried the shrimp and fruit salad and the roasted pumpkin salad with pine nuts and asparagus – absolutely fantastic.

I must also mention the packed sushi bar, the seafood fritter and Arabic mezzah station, an assortment of smoked and marinated fish, an Oriental selection of tabouleh, hommous, mutabell and babaganoush and a choice of two types of soup.  My particular favourites are the lobster bisque soup and the flavoursome and juicy shrimp tempura with either sweet chilli sauce or soy sauce.

For the main course there is a fabulous array of Western, Oriental and Indian dishes accompanied with a range of side dishes.  With the buffet format you can blend the various cooking styles and create your very own unique fusion dish.

My main course combination comprised of roasted hammour draped in lemon butter sauce and pine nuts, a portion of Cajun grilled lobster in a butter sauce and a slice of salmon crusted ratatouille on a bed of couscous drizzled in tomato sauce and roasted vegetables. Each dish was cooked to perfection! My compliments to the chef!

If you like pasta there is a pasta station and a dedicated chef standing to attention ready to prepare a seafood pasta dish to your exact requirements.

Other dishes worthy of a mention include the sumptuous hammour bouillabaisse and the fulsome paella bursting with flavours from the ocean.

It will come to no surprise that the range of desserts on offer is also voluminous with something for every taste. There is a well-stocked international cheese board together with seasonal fruits which you can liven up with a gushing chocolate fountain. Or, if you prefer, there are more traditional desserts such as Umm Ali, apple cobbler or good old fashioned bread and butter pudding.

If you are inclined to fancy petite desserts there is a wide range of pastries and French and Italian style offerings. Of particular note is the crème caramel, mint panna cotta, choux pastries and tarts, cheese cake, chocolate mousse, and wild berry mousse – just to mention a few!

Mood

“The mood is welcoming and relaxed encapsulated in a nautical theme”

Upon entering the restaurant you are immediately put at ease by the attentive maitre d’ who greets you with a welcoming smile and quickly and effortlessly guides you to your table. The waiting staff add to the easy going nature of the restaurant with their helpful disposition and accommodating attitude. Of further comfort is the chef de cuisine who often comes out of the kitchen to engage with guests and discuss his culinary masterpieces.

The restaurant is comfortable, clean and bright and exudes a five star image. The décor is distinctly marine complemented by the waiting staff dressed immaculately in bright white sailor outfits.  The layout of the tables is spacious and allows for different seating combinations.  Neither formal nor casual, just right if you want a relaxing fine dining experience.

The patrons are a combination of travelers staying in the hotel and Bahrain residents both locals and expats. You see couples, friends, business associates and families.

Value

“Worth every fils”

At BD16 per person (plus 15% service charge and 5% tax) I believe that the La Mediterranee Thursday night seafood buffet provides exceptional value especially when you consider the limitless choice and superb quality.  You can easily pay much more elsewhere for much less.

Conclusion

“A great start to your weekend”

If you love seafood and want to treat your taste buds to an evening of fine dining in a relaxing and easy environment then I strongly recommend the lavish Thursday night seafood feast at the La Mediterranee.  The restaurant is suitable for family dining, relaxing with business associates or friends or even taking out that special someone.