CAPTURING THE IMAGINATION

MARZIPAN is self-proclaimed as ‘Bringing together the delicious flavours of two cultures, the Middle East and Europe. The right confluence. Always.’ … and we couldn’t agree more.

Marzipan is clear about its intentions. It wants to attract the ‘Gourmet Elite’ and it intends to do this through a mixture of staging, substance and neo-modernist innovation. The restaurant has designated levels which offer equally unique experiences and are styled in a way which sets the tone and alters the mood. Whether you crave escapism in the form of French Bistro style dining or hanker after private booths in which to enjoy Arabian activities with friends whilst watching the game or simply want to absorb the Arabian Nights ambience and the vast array of sliders, pizzas and inspirational snacks, Marzipan can indulge every whim.

The lower level is bright and inviting and reminiscent of the extravagance of the Cote D’Azur. Their delectable desserts are displayed for diners to muse over in particular their ‘Marzipan Galleria’. There is some dispute over the origins of Marzipan in the Mediterranean and Europe but it is recognised as a Middle Eastern creation which then travelled through the trade routes to the East. It is mentioned in the Book of 1001 nights as a sweet treat eaten during Ramadan. The name therefore invokes both traditional flavours combined with European flair.

The overriding theme is one of vibrancies. Whether that is in relation to decor, seasoning or presentation. Many of the dishes follow a yellow, red and green colour scheme which is reflected in the soft furnishings on the first floor. Slider rolls, paninis and baked mushrooms all carry the hallmark of Marzipan’s signature colours. The flavours and accompaniments are bold and diverse. Presentation borders on sculptural and could easily be captured on a canvass and displayed as a work of art.

The duo of Broccoli and Spinach soup shots topped with milk foam and served with Baguette Croutons was French in spirit but oriental in appearance. Served in three delicate porcelain receptacles equally spaced along a white china rectangle. Crisp and precise. The shots were bursting with flavour and texture came in the form of the wafer thin shards of French bread. Magnifique! The salmon chowder, salmon both in flavour and colour was drizzled decadently with prawn oil. Creamy and decadent but very savoury and well balanced. If the soup tasted this good there is no surprise that I was overwhelmed with anticipation for the next courses. The signature Marzipan Chicken salad was a feast for the senses, with injections of colour from carrot, texture from pine nuts and familiarity through the slices of grilled chicken breast. The Lamb Empanada was spicy and crispy and illustrated the spectrum of flavours and inspirations which have moulded the menu choices here at Marzipan. A brief stopover in Italy to design our own pizza with unfeasibly ‘pillowy‘ crusted dough and sample the saffron infused risotto which was moreish and indulgent. The Beef Tenderloin with Country style potatoes blanketed in Portobello mushroom sauce was classically French and executed perfectly. The intense sauce complimented rather than overpowered the juicy beef. For me, the most ‘formidable’ of all of Marzipan’s offerings was the Tandoori Salmon. Encrusted with tandoor spices and served on a broccoli, lemon and feta mash which was sumptuous and authentic. Once again the Asian influence flowed seamlessly into the classical French techniques in order to produce something which isn’t seen elsewhere in Manama. www.marzipanbahrain.com / @marzipanbahrain

Marzipan incorporates its namesake product in a variety of hand crafted desserts, confiserie and chocolaterie. Some of the delectable morsels seem almost good enough only to marvel at as opposed to devour… almost! It would be impossible to visit Marzipan and fail to find something which would tantalise even the most discerning of taste buds. Even their drinks selection is unusual and progressive with a variety of tea based mocktails which are bold enough to hold their own whilst also complementing the flavours of the dishes offered here.

Bold and confident would be the most fitting way to describe the menu and attitude exuded by Marzipan. Each delicate morsel packs a punch in the form of a culinary exclamation mark! This isn’t just good food but is also a statement of intent, that Marzipan will encourage you to challenge yourself and your palate and join the ‘Gourmet Elite’. Whether you choose to relax with friends in one of the private zones or seek an intimate evening of ‘Gastronomique’ you will relish every minute of your time at Marzipan.

“The flavours and accompaniments are bold and diverse. Presentation borders on sculptural and could easily be captured on a canvass and displayed as a work of art.”