Bahrain Confidential - February 2023

P UBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Nicholas C. Cooksey

E DITORIAL

Deepika Rao

E DITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Vinita V

SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Charlie Cooksey

D ESIGN

James Dhanraj S

P HOTOGRAPHY

Angelo Acosta

Fadhel Yusuf

A DMIN & FINANCE

Nikesh Pola

D ISTRIBUTION

Mohammed Yousif

Aramex

Al Ayam

For Advertising Opportunities Call

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M. +973 3652 0004 charlie@gulf-insider.com

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Bahrain Confidential’s February edition is full of ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day in Bahrain - from lavish dinners to meaningful presents. No matter how you plan to spend the shortest month of the year, we’ve got you covered!

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Printed at Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej, Bahrain.

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Established since 2001, Bahrain Confidential is a Bahrain-based monthly publication available both in print and online editions. It is the definitive guide to high-end Arabian luxury and lifestyle. It covers the best in lifestyle, luxury, fashion and dining, as well as local events, art, society, fashion, beauty and travel.

The monthly print edition of Bahrain Confidential is distributed to Bahrain’s highest spending consumers and decision makers.

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DATE NIGHT GUIDE

Planning the perfect Valentine’s celebration with your partner? We have the ultimate guide for you to enjoy a great full-course dinner with appetizers, sides, entrees, and desserts, with a romantic playlist in the background, a bouquet of flowers and more on 14 February 2023! Whether you want to spend it indoors or out by the beach – the options are plenty. Pick your best and plan the perfect evening for two!

(Psst…! Make sure you leave room for conversation).

InterContinental Regency

Have a romantic dining experience at The Regency! Love is in the Air and Legendz Steakhouse is the place to be with Chef Emmanuel, F&B Director with a dinner that includes Lobster and chocolate sauce!

T ime: 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM on 14th February

Contact: 17208308, 36967701

Cost: BD 31 net* with selected house wine pairing

The Gulf Hotel Bahrain

Celebrate with your loved ones at Al Waha Restaurant, China Garden, La Pergola, Margarita Mexicana, Rasoi by Vineet, Sato, Takht Jamsheed, Zahle Lebanese Restaurant, or Royal Thai Restaurant. Each restaurant brings to you a tailormade experience for a night to remember!

Contact: 36551333

The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain

Celebrate the season of love in a special environment at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain. Cantina Kahlo, the award-winning Mexican restaurant at the hotel is setting up a fourcourse dinner on 14 February!

Contact: 17586499 / 17586401

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

The Four Seasons is hosting multiple celebrations for Valentine’s Day at its restaurants. Book beach tables or cabanas by the Pool Side; relish in a special menu set by Chef Brian Becher at CUT by Wolfgang Puck; or enjoy amidst the clouds at re/Asian on the 14th.

The hotel is also hosting Valentine’s Brunches all month – on 10, 17, and 24 February at the Bahrain Bay Kitchen.

Book a Night Spa and treat yourself and your special one to a one-of-a-kind gift on Valentine’s Day.

Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain

Spend a romantic night at the beach with a unique meal, candlelight, and an intimate table setting.

Date: 14 February 2023

Time: 5:00 pm onwards

Contact: 77771000

Hilton Bahrain

A romantic dinner with a spectacular view –truly struck by cupid! Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a four-course dinner and live entertainment, some wine, and a bouquet of roses.

Contact: 33692013

Sofitel Bahrain

Celebrate love the French Way at Sofitel Bahrain this month!

Valentine’s Dinner at Maison on 14 February (7:00 PM – 11:00 PM)

Valentine’s Night at Pashawat on 14 February (9:30 PM – 2:00 AM)

Valentine’s Traffic Light Brunch on 17 February (12:30 PM – 4:00 PM)

Romantic Dinner at Cabana every Saturday to Thursday (6:00 PM –10:00 PM)

Contact: 38885789 or 17636363

Movenpick Hotel Bahrain

Indulge your loved one with some fine dining at Silk’s Restaurant. A four-course set menu awaits you with live entertainment and an elaborate dessert selection from 7:00 PM TO 11:00 PM

Contact: 33640032

Treat yourself and your significant other to a Valentine’s Spa Date at Rimal Spa between 14 to 18 February (10:00 AM – 10:00 PM),

Contact: 33640031

Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel

Book a weekend getaway or dine by the pool and enjoy an Italian culinary journey. The Hotel is running Valentine’s Day offers from 9 -14 February.

Contact: 17531666, 33644011

The Westin City Centre Bahrain

Pick up a variety of Valentine-themed cakes from Furn Bistro and Bakery located on the ground floor of the hotel.

Wyndham Grand

Plan a romantic getaway to Wyndham Grand Manama or enjoy a dinner for 2 at the Hotel’s Atmosphere Restaurant. Fancy a spa date? Relax with a couple’s treatment at the Hotel.

Elite Seef Residence and Hotel

Make your valentine’s night memorable with a special three-course menu and a bottle of wine at Julio's Specialty Restaurant!

Contact: 36020600

Palmyard Hotel

Spend a beautiful Valentine’s under the stars at The Orangery Conservatory on the 14th. The dinner includes a candle-lit table with rose petals, two starters, two mains, and two desserts.

Contact: 17369696 / 39719696

Flower Shops in Bahrain 8

Love has many languages and so do flowers…

If you’re looking for a beautiful bouquet to express your adoration for that special someone, florists on the island are plenty; offering special bouquets, online ordering, and same-day deliveries.

Floward

Floward is an online store delivering beautiful floral arrangements, curated gift packages and more! Floward also offers cakes, chocolate and perfumes curated by the most exciting local designers. Express your love and plan your special surprise smoothly with their innovative offerings!

Alia Flowers

Alia Flowers is the biggest and most established florist in Bahrain. They are offering bright, bold and beautiful flowers or plants that are sourced locally and internationally.

Locations: Adliya / Hamala / Seef / Riffa: Majid Centre Contact: 17714696 / 17611696 / 17820555 / 17405696

Fleur

Fleur is dedicated to making every moment special and memorable by offering a wide array of beautiful blooms and more.

Locations: Umm Al Hassam / Riffa

Contact: 17811222 / 17686663

La Marquise

La Marquise Chocolates and Floral art were established in 2002. The shop imports chocolates and fresh flowers which are very unique in colour and quality.

Location: Manama Contact: 77103444

Maison Des Fleurs

Maison Des Fleurs offers a full-scale floral design services. They also have mood boards, giveaway items and custom boxes.

Location: Al Maro Shops, West Riffa and The Avenues

Kaia Flowers

Kaia is a contemporary floral concept store in Bahrain with beautiful thematic arrangements

Location: Aali Mall

Contact: 66705701

Flour & Flower

This flower shop and soonto-be bakery offers different arrangements such as bouquets, vases, planters, and more.

Location: West Riffa

Contact: 33633322 / 33088808

Vintage Flora

Get flowers, chocolates, cakes, and hampers at your doorstep with same day delivery options. Visit Bahrain Greetings to place your order.

Location: Tubli Contact: 39030118

Stores and Brands to Check Out for Gifting Ideas 5

V Designs

V DESIGNS is a Bahrain-based brand inspired by nature. The brand features a modern minimalist approach to traditional craftsmanship while working hand-in-hand with local artisans. Here, you can find homeware pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and sustainable!

Annada

Annada is a local brand offering a range of designer items including scarves, accessories, stationary as well as home and lifestyle pieces. The brand brings art to life through each of its creative collections.

Kindness Delivered

Kindness Delivered is an e-gift shop that creates special gifts based on how you want to express your love. Get your gift boxes delivered in a day!

Natural Spells

Natural Spell is a brand offering homemade, cruelty free and vegan bath bombs. Each bath bomb is made with skin-safe oils and natural ingredients, according to its owner Tess. What are you waiting for? Give your mom the gift of relaxation with these bath treats!

The Wraperie

If your special someone has a love for art supplies, get them something unique from The Wraperie.

Location: Riffa

WhatsApp: 32206669

More Gifting Ideas Jewellery Stores to Check Out

in Bahrain!

Traditional pieces, modern designs, gold, silver, or something very simple - jewellery options on the island are endless. We’ve narrowed it down to 6 stores we think you should check out if you’re looking for gifting ideas this Valentine’s Day.

Bahrain Jewellery Centre

Bahrain Jewellery Centre is the official retailer of the top luxury watches and jewellery brands since 1978. Located at Al Aali Mall, Bahrain City Centre, Moda Mall, and Manama Souq, you can find some exquisite pieces of jewellery and watches at the store.

Pandora Bahrain

What we love about Pandora’s collection is how every piece is designed for anywhere, anytime. Charm bracelets, finger rings, lockets, necklaces, and more. Visit the store at Bahrain City Centre, Avenues Mall, Oasis Mall, or Enma Mall.

Al Zain Jewellery

From pearl merchants to an international jewellery brand, Al Zain has a rich history and collection of the finest jewellery in Bahrain. Run by a family of jewellers for over 4 generations, Al Zain is one of the oldest in Bahrain and offers a unique collection of jewellery.

Aisha Jewels

Aisha Abdulmalik is a Bahraini talent who launched her brand at the young age of 17. Her jewellery boutique has some elegant and unique collections - mixing Bahraini culture with modern designs.

Sham Silver

If you’re looking for great silver pieces of jewellery, Sham Silver has some great collections in store for you. Located at Gold City, Manama, the store has an array of jewellery collections - whether you’re looking for bracelets, necklaces, rings, or earrings.

TinyOm

T inyOm is a jewellery and lifestyle brand by Virginie Dreyer. Named after the ‘Om mantra’, the brand aims to create pieces with symbolic value and meaning.

T inyOm creations, available in 18-carat rose or white gold, are handcrafted in the workshops of the Al Zain jewellery house of Bahrain.

Valentine’s Day Recipes for Your Dinner Party! 3

HessaHumood

Recipes by: Hessa Humood

AKA @curiouslyhungry

Photo Credit: Mashael Al Absi (@themish)

Mission: Create a Valentine’s menu that would wow your significant other, or even your friends for a lovely Valentine’s dinner party.

Star Ingredient: Raspberries

Why raspberries? Well, I personally happen to love them, but also raspberries have that mysterious allure to them. They’re quite an interesting fruit if you really look at the details; little pockets of juice so miraculously stacked on top of one another, perfectly blush-coloured, and exquisitely flavoured by nature. They’re indigenous to Asia Minor, or what we know as modern-day Turkey, and were gathered in the foothills of Mt. Ida by the people of Troy. The Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus), is just a marvel of natural selection, and a wonderfully tart and sweet ingredient that’s perfect for an indulgent dinner.

The Mocktail

Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade

Ingredients:

 250 ml lemonade (either homemade or storebought)

 7-8 raspberries

 1 bottle of sparkling grape juice (non-alcoholic) or sparkling water

Preparation:

1 In a small bowl, muddle some raspberries.

2 Add the lemonade.

3 Sprinkle some raspberries in your ice cube tray, and slowly pour the raspberry lemonade mixture over them. Freeze. Reserve the rest of the liquid for the mocktails.

4 When ready to serve, add the ice cubes to your glass, pour some of the raspberry lemonade mix, and top with the sparkling grape juice. Serve.

The Main Course

Pan Fried Salmon with Raspberry Citrus Salsa, Lemon Cream and Dill Oil

Serves 2

Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes (not counting the dill oil)

Ingredients for the Lemon Cream Sauce:

 2 cups chicken stock

 2 garlic cloves, minced

 1 1/2 lemons, juice of (about 5-6 tbsp, adjust to taste)

 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

Preparation:

1 In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the chicken stock, minced garlic, lemon juice and heavy cream. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

2 Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency. This may take 20-30 minutes when using stock because there is more liquid that needs to evaporate.

3 After you are satisfied with the consistency of the creamy lemon-infused sauce (it should coat the back of the spoon and you draw a line through it), taste it and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Ingredients for the Raspberry Salsa:

 1/2 cup frozen, partially thawed or fresh red raspberries

 2 limes, juiced

 1 green onions (green part only), sliced

 1/2 red onion, diced small

 1/2 small chili pepper, finely diced

 ¼ cup chopped cilantro

 Pinch: sea salt, cumin, and black pepper

Preparation:

1 Place raspberries in a small mixing bowl and mash slightly.

2 Stir in lime juice, green onions and chopped red onion, chilli pepper, cilantro, sea salt, cumin and black pepper.

Ingredients for the Dill Oil:

 2 bunches fresh dill

 75 ml olive oil

 Water

 Ice

Preparation:

1 In a saucepan, add some water and bring to boil. Prepare a bowl filled with ice and water on the side.

2 Blanch the dill in the boiling water for no more than 60 seconds. Remove immediately and place in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

3 Squeeze all the water out and place it on a sheet lined with kitchen napkins to absorb the excess water. Leave to dry for 6 hours or overnight.

4 When the dill is dry place them in the food processor with olive oil and blend.

5 Strain the liquid and place it in a plastic bottle to serve with the salmon and keep it in the fridge to use for salads later.

Ingredients for the Salmon:

 2 Salmon filets (85g each), with skin on

 Salt

 Ground pepper

 Oranges, sliced into segments

 Olive oil

Preparation:

1 Thoroughly wash salmon and remove scales and bones if any.

2 In a shallow frying pan, add some olive oil and turn on the heat to med-high.

3 Season the salmon filets with salt and pepper.

4 When the oil is hot enough, add the salmon skin side down. Cook for 2-3 mins or until achieved desired crispness on the skin.

5 Turn filets over and cook for another 2 mins or desired doneness (I like them medium pink in the centre).

6 Take off the heat and prepare to serve.

7 For presentation, add the lemon cream on the bottom of the plate, top with salmon and raspberry salsa and the orange segments, and drop some dill oil around the lemon cream. Add a sprig of dill for aesthetics. And dig in!

The Dessert

Chocolate Fondant

Serves: 4

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

 25g unsalted butter, (at room temperature), plus extra for greasing

 200g quality dark chocolate (70%)

 75g caster sugar

 2 large free-range eggs

 35g plain flour

 25ml espresso, cooled

 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

 1 tsp icing sugar for decoration

 Raspberries for garnish

Preparation:

1 Preheat the oven to 200ºC. Place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up, and grease 4 x 160ml ramekins or moulds

2 Break up the chocolate and let melt in Bain Marie, then remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly.

3 Cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy, then beat in the eggs, one at a time.

4 Stir in the flour until just combined, then gently mix in the melted chocolate – the mixture should thicken quite a bit.

5 Add the vanilla and a pinch of sea salt.

6 Divide between the moulds and bake on the preheated baking sheet for 7 minutes.

7 Serve immediately to ensure that the centre is still gooey. Decorate with raspberries and icing sugar. Enjoy!

These Bahrain-based Restaurants are among MENA’s Top 50!

When it comes to dining, Bahrain’s abundant options never fail to impress. Catering to different tastes and varying in ambience, cuisines, and culinary talents, restaurants on the island add to the reasons that make Bahrain a must-visit!

Three Bahrain-based restaurants recently proved this right by forging their way to MENA’s best dining destinations! The list includes Fusions by Tala, CUT By Wolfgang Puck, and

Masso.

The second edition of Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants in Abu Dhabi was attended by big names from the culinary community in the region on 30 January. While Dubai’s Orfali Bros Bistro and Restaurant sat right at the top of the list, we were proud to see some of Bahrain’s favourite restaurants make their mark on the entire region!

Fusions by Tala, Highest Climber Award 2023

In 2022, Tala Bashmi, a Bahraini chef was Middle East & North Africa’s Best Female Chef. Her dining space in Manama’s iconic five-star Gulf Hotel Bahrain, marked a record climb of 36 spots since last year, earning the Highest Climber Award 2023.

Location: The Gulf Hotel Bahrain, Manama

#25

Cut by Wolfgang Puck

One of eight CUT by Wolfgang Puck restaurants worldwide, the restaurant was a new entry to this year’s MENA Best 50. Philadelphia-born Brian Becher is at the helm of the awardwinning restaurant which is part of the Four Seasons offerings, serving a wide selection of steakhouse classics, from prime dry and wet-aged beef to premium shellfish.

Location: The Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

#31

Masso

Inspired by the French Riviera and the Amalfi Coast, Masso brings fresh flavours and a vibrant dining experience to Bahrain. The concept is best described as contemporary cuisine from Italy and the surrounding Mediterranean region. Masso has its own organic garden where produce is harvested daily and its seasonal menu is designed to feature the ingredients when they are at their best.

Location: Palmyard Hotel, Adliya

Pastries Galore at Hilton Bahrain's Lamar Cafe & Lounge

If you love discovering new places on the island for sweet somethings, stop by Lamar Cafe & Lounge the next time you’re in Juffair. We tried this little pastry cafe and found truly delicious baked goods with creamy fillings, chocolate toppings, and fruity flavours and definitely recommend it to the sweet-toothed on the island!

Lamar is located on the ground floor of the recently

opened Hilton Bahrain Juffair. A simple, cosy little space that serves coffee, croissants, macaroons, and a variety of pastries. Presented with perfection, these pastries looked every bit as delicious as they tasted.

Lamar's Pastry Chef, Ismail Bin Joned told us that the Cafe prides in using the highest quality of ingredients in every pastry they make.

A bite of each sweet treat reminded us why pastries are a go-to, no matter the occasion (making some of our calorie-conscious friends forget their goals for a while).

Our collective favourite was the melt-in-the-mouth Vanilla Caramel Choux with a creamy-crispy texture. The Seasonal Berries & Pistachio Cream Tartlet was a fruity surprise we got to indulge in. The tartlet was topped with strawberries and had a pistachio basethe combination of the two was delicious.

Lamar Opera, with a hint of coffee, offered a whole different taste and reminded us of some of the best tiramisu pastries we’ve ever tasted. Finally, the Dark & White Chocolate Dome was intriguing at first look. As we dug in, the berry filling and the two types of chocolates were a sweet combination, we’re going to take a really long time to forget.

W ith Valentine’s Day around the corner, we think it’s the perfect time to bring home a box of goodies from Lamar for your special someone. We fell in love with Lamar’s pastries and we’re definitely going back for more! Make sure you stop by in the evenings for coffee and some sweet treats. Lamar also has exciting offers and discounts so keep a lookout for them on Instagram. n

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we think it’s the perfect time to bring home a box of goodies from Lamar for your special someone.

February Celebrations at Elite

This Valentine's Day, Elite Hospitality Group's hotels are hosting a variety of celebrations you need to check out! Elite Resort and Spa's La Brasserie Specialty Restaurant will offer a fivecourse set menu accompanied by a selection of house beverages at BD 32 net per couple.

Indulge in international cuisines with Grill Night along with live entertainment at the restaurant for BD 12 net per person and BD 6 net per child every Thursday and Friday. The resort's Shift7 offers two complimentary drinks on Ladies' Night every weekend from 7 pm onwards.

Elite

Located in the bustling Seef district, Elite Seef Residence & Hotel offers the perfect Valentine's getaway with spacious suites and a host of in-suite amenities. Enjoy a queen's night at Captain Jack's every week - Saturday to Wednesday from 7 pm to 12 midnight. Khaleeji Nights takes place every weekend from 8 pm to 12 midnight where you can enjoy food and live entertainment for BD 10 per person.

Take a break from the daily grind at Julio Specialty Restaurant's Business Lunch every day from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm for

BD 6.5 net per person. The restaurant will host Hotelier Night every Monday from 8 pm to 1:30 am with a 30 per cent discount on food and beverages.

Elite Hospitality Group has also announced a host of offers at Elite Crystal Hotel, Juffair - an all-suite luxury hotel with a contemporary design coupled with a stylish Arabian flair. The hotels offer an array of multi-cuisine and specialty restaurants, as well as range bars, executive lounges, health clubs, stateof-the-art conferencing and banquet facilities, and nightclubs. n

To know more, visit: www.elitegrouphotels.com

Seef Residence & Hotel offers the perfect Valentine's getaway with spacious suites and a host of in-suite amenities.

Farmers’ Market at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain

The Ritz-Carlton’s Farmers’ Market brought families from around Bahrain together for some fresh produce, crafts, and a traditional Bahraini breakfast spread. Visit the Market on 17 Feb and 3 March.

A New Burger Joint Opens in Bahrain - Pickl

After gaining wide success in Dubai, Pickl has opened its first branch in Bahrain! We got to visit the new joint at Al Aali Mall on its opening day.

The First Night Brunch in Bahrain at Mövenpick Hotel

The Brunch culture in Bahrain witnessed a new addition in February. Mövenpick Hotel introduced the rare concept of Night Brunch to the island with an elaborate spread of different cuisines at Silk’s Restaurant.

Baharat’s Sparkling Brunch at Le Meridien City Centre Bahrain

Live music and a rich spread enhanced our Brunch experience at Baharat, a Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of Manama. Here are some glimpses of the grand Friday Brunch.

A Padel Court Opens at The Diplomat Radisson Blu

A growing favourite, Padel has its way into the world of sports and on the island. The newest Padel court is now at The Diplomat Radisson Blu.