LOVE OF LEBANON

Lebanese cuisine is one of the most diverse in the region, with a mixture of both Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences. The new Tarbouesh outlet in Juffair promises an authentic experience, so Kristian Harrison donned his felt hat and checked it out.

Located at the new Seven Hotel, the quaint restaurant has an extensive menu that will appeal to foodies everywhere, with vegetarians, meat lovers and pescetarians all catered for. Featuring gorgeous views of the sea looking across towards Muharraq and Hidd, Tarbouesh is a beautiful location with decoration that merges the classical and the contemporary.

It’s a picturesque scene that deserves to be enjoyed by all, so the long, narrow design of the restaurant means you’ll always get a table which delights, whilst also offering a look into the kitchen where the top chefs craft their delicacies in full view. The divine smells drifting through had us salivating before we even had a chance to sit down!

First up were the appetisers, a selection of cold mezzeh including Hummus, Baba Ghanoush, Taboulleh and the masterpiece of the selection, the Mutabal! The latter in particular was some of the best I have tasted in Bahrain, made even better with piping hot bread pulled straight out of the oven.

The stylish takes on the classics we know and love continued with the hot mezzeh, including the exceptionally-spiced Batata Harra, crumbly Kebbeh and crispy Cheese Rolls.

These were complemented by salads packed with a plethora of healthy veggies such as courgette, aubergine, lettuce, tomato and olives.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a traditional Lebanese feast without unleashing the carnivore within me, and the Mixed Grill did not disappoint! The Shish Tawook and Chicken Kebab were tender, juicy and cooked to perfection, with the former packing enough herbs in to create the distinctive taste but not overpowering the palate as unfortunately happens elsewhere.

The Chicken Shawarma was freshly sliced in the local tradition with a creamy Tahini sauce, and would be the perfect snack if lounging by the nearby pool or if you were a guest in the hotel and felt a little peckish.

One of my favourite meaty delights is Lamb Chops, and I was glad to see that Tarbouesh offered them freshly grilled and with enough meat on the bone to really get your teeth into. I would say that they were lightly too well done for my tastes, but this is a personal preference easily rectified.

After the swathe of platters we were offered, I was completely full and declined dessert, but the menu promises a wide selection including Cheesecakes, Ice Cream, Fruit Platters and more.

No meal is complete without something to wash it down with, and I was impressed with the selection of mocktails to accompany the usual soft drinks, teas and coffees. Selected beverages are also available.

The food, company and views were so fantastic that I heartily recommend it to those looking for a new Lebanese-themed spot to try out. I tip my (fez) hat to Tarbouesh!