Restaurants / SUPERB MAHONIA, BAHRAIN

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MAHONIA

Putting Bahrain firmly on the “must go” list for any food lover, Mahonia is a true delight of the senses.

While Bahrain may not come immediately to mind if asked for a favourite culinary destination, all it takes is one trip to Mahonia, the majestic passion project of visionary restauranteur, Sawsan Baluch.

Nestled neatly in the heart of the fine dining district of Adliya, you know you’re about to experience something pretty special as soon as you walk through the doors. The beauty and scent of its eponymous plant genus sets the scene for a culinary voyage that is as bold as it is subtle, and as sensual as it is opulent. her taste in art; original artworks from Picasso, Chagall and Lulwa Al Khalifa adorn the walls, sumptuous furnishings from Fendi provide the comfort, and Murano glass sculptures and Baccarat vases reflect the soft lighting. This is luxurious dining par excellence.

Seating just 35 lucky guests in both the dining room and lounge, while it may be worth the visit just for the luxurious atmosphere, you really do come just for the food.

A team of 40 chefs, lead by Head Chef Henrique Cachola, prepare a true symphony of flavour, aroma and

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GASTRONOMICAL DELIGHT

by Alice Gardner

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presentation each day across their à la carte and special event menus. Homage is paid to Bahrain’s appetizing location spanning eastern and western culinary tradition, with tables named after the spices used in many of their dishes: saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, tamarind, wasabi, chilli and ginger.

An opulent gastronomical experience, it’s as if a sixth sense is opened. The multi-sensory experience of dining at Mahonia is a sum of every sensory part, plus something else that you can’t quite put your finger on (... OK, it might have been the lobster raviolo).

Creativity is the name of the game here. Hints of fennel penetrate crispy sea bass on a bed of exquisite risotto; aromatic herbs conjure up Mediterranean dreams with slow cooked veal cheeks; and you question whether you want to frame your pasta and hang it on the wall, or eat it.

This level of gastronomy attracts some of the world’s finest chefs to visit and participate in Mahonia’s famous “Four Hands Dinners”. Exclusive one-off menus are created with chefs brought in from the world’s top 50 restaurants, in collaboration with Mahonia’s very own Executive Chef. These kitchen takeovers happen throughout the year, and should be added to any food lover’s bucket list.

There’s plenty to enjoy too for the cocktail lover. Mahonia’s cocktails take on the same innovative approach as its food, exploring new levels of mixology and, quite frankly, magic. The Wakayama Sour – not unlike the classic Whiskey Sour – sees whiskey paired with sake, aromatic shiso leaves, and a citrusy blend of yuzu and lemon. Talking of sake, Mahonia boasts the largest sake collection in Bahrain. Oenophiles will also be delighted by the extensive wine cellar, also housing a large collection of cognacs and high-end spirits.

The Mahonia experience is not just about fine dining. It is about challenging your perceptions of how food and drink should be enjoyed. This heady mix of Bahraini hospitality and world-class cuisine is flawless. And utterly addictive.

mahoniabh.com

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© Summer Ameen | Verano Creatives

SAWSAN BALUCH

Bahraini born and bred, Sawsan Baluch is a visionary. And known to many as the Queen of Bahraini dining.

Determined to put Bahrain on the culinary map, she was inspired by her travels throughout Europe to bring the philosophy of haute cuisine home. And so birthed Mahonia.

Her genius as an interior designer not only extends to the sumptuous interiors, but also onto every plate and into every glass. This isn’t just about feeding her guests world-class cuisine, it’s about giving them an other-worldly experience. And it works.

She has brought the gourmet experience to Bahrain in a way that has not before been achieved in the Kingdom. It is a testament to her determination and keen eye for beauty. And in many ways, what she has created in Mahoni stands firmly alongside the creative genius of the Picassco on its walls.

Since opening Mahonia, Baluch has spread her talents also to My Café and Iris Bahrain.