The Big Ben Brunch - Eats and Treats by Tania Rebello
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Email: tania@newsobahrain.com
The picturesque driveway of The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, and the welcoming touch of a graceful breeze that afternoon were reminiscent of the landscape and climate of England. Upon entering the La Med restaurant, I felt a sense of déjà vu.
Clouds hid the golden sun, and the muted blue sky matched the upholstery. The décor features minutiae of Central London- The white bicycle with colourful flowers, a replica of the Tower Bridge lined with a multitude of freshly prepared scones, and a large replica of the Big Ben that bedecked the dessert display. Pleasant melodies filled the ambience with cheerfulness and tranquility. The buffet comprises a range of hot and cold appetisers, salads, soups, blanched seafood, oysters, artisan breads and main dishes. There is a section dedicated to a full English breakfast, including an egg station where the chefs will prepare eggs to your liking.
They will also provide you with an àlacarte menu with dishes prepared to order, such as British pot pie, loaded baked potato and fish and chips. Take your time to relish each dish that is scrupulously prepared for your pleasure.
Save room for dessert, there is a lot, and it is worth it. Honouring the recipes of some of Britain’s finest chefs is quite genius. Firstly, renowned Chef and cook book author Mary Berry.
The ‘Mary Berry beef stew’ was a comforting delight to the senses and perfect for the weather. Steaming hot, tender beef chunks stewed in its juices along with mire poix and a romatics, released an addictive medley of flavours. Comfort Food: A taste of The Big Ben Brunch Home, A Hug in Every Bite Anticipation meets satisfaction as the Big Ben Brunch at La Med promises a bottomless bounty of British classics, live entertainment and much more!
Her recipe involves the use of dumplings as a topping, however, chefs at The Ritz-Carlton used dollops of mashed potatoes, and it was a welcomed approach. Creamy mashed potatoes with tender beef chunks and luscious gravy was wholesome. Chef Gordon Ramsay is the reason Beef Wellington is very popular worldwide, and I had the opportunity to try The RitzCarlton version of it at their carving station. The beauty of this dish is in the layers of textures and flavours. Enveloped in a golden, buttery and crispy puff pastry lattice are layers of meaty mushroom duxelles, herby pancakes, and juicy beef tenderloin.
The mushroom sauce served alongside had the most intense mushroom flavour perfumed with thyme. The chef revealed his secret to this amazing sauce, which involved blending some of the mushrooms and incorporating it into the sauce. Well, now you know. This dish was a mouthful of gorgeousness! Just when I thought that it could not get any better, the roast chicken with potatoes and gravy won my heart.
Extra points for the juices that gushed out as the chef pierced the side of the chicken thigh! It assured me that the chicken was juicy and delicious. The chicken skin was golden, crisp and generously seasoned. I savoured the roast chicken with luscious gravy, Yorkshire pudding, perfectly roasted potatoes, zucchini, carrots and bell peppers. The brick red hue and pungent aroma of spices lured me to try one of Britain’s favourite dishesThe chicken tikka masala.
It was scrumptious! Succulent pieces of chicken tikka coated in the rich gravy prepared from tomatoes and spices made this dish worth a try. The gravy had the perfect consistency and well-rounded flavours. After that flavour-packed chicken tikka masala, it was time for something sweet. The dessert counter was spectacular, with an extensive range of meticulously fashioned, delightful treats.
Victorian sponge cake, Dry English cake, tarts, brownies, and several mouthwatering petite fours graced the counter. With so many options to choose from, I had to make informed choices. My curiosity about the Battenberg cake and its enticing presentation led me to taste this German masterpiece. The cake was perfectly prepared, with evenly cut squares of pink and yellow moist cake glued flawlessly with jam and covered in marzipan.
It was addictive! I recommend the white chocolate cheesecake and the berry pavlova for fruit lovers. The creamy baked cheesecake was delightful with a buttery and biscuity crust. The tartness of the mixed berries topping balanced the rich and creamy, yet firm cheesecake. The cute and dainty strawberryflavoured, pastel pink pavlovas had a dollop of custard and the fruit topping added a pop of colour and freshness. That marked the end of a memorable afternoon. Create your own exciting memories by visiting La Med at The RitzCarlton, Bahrain with your family/ friends. For bookings, call 00973 17586499.
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