Blaze Specials

It was our second time as Bahrain Bloggers to be invited by Blaze Burger to try their special burgers and shakes. But it was my first time to dine upstairs after the redecoration and i absolutely loved the new look. The owner did an amazing job with the posters and the Twitter/review wall. What a lovely way to connect with your customers!. People love to go to places that feel like home. And Abdulla's efforts to keep Blaze Burger in touch with their fans (in addition to the yummy burgers) is what got people to rank Blaze as the number 1 restaurant on Tripadvisor. This is a great example of excellent customer service in Bahrain.

Now let's get to the delicious part. We were introduced to the following drinks and sandwiches last night:

Milkshake Saray (Chestnut Milkshake):

It's not available now but will be introduced in the future as a special. I liked it as it wasn't heavy. More like vanilla milkshake with tiny pieces of chestnut that adds richness to the taste. It can be improved, but it is nice the way it is.

Vanilla Cola (almost zero):

Available on the menu but i never knew it existed. Tastes like diet coke with a hint of vanilla. Something different and good for a change.

The Tank + The Chicken Tank:

I'm sure you already heard/tried November special The Tank (AKA 6abooga). Double burger with perfectly toasted bread (2 up and 2 down) with cheese that melts in your mouth and makes the burger juicier than it is. But what is even better than the The Tank is the Chicken Tank (December special and available starting today). Without any drama, i think that it's the most delicious grilled chicken sandwich I've ever tried. Fresh and can be described as "homemade".

The Tank is huge and heavy so i recommend sharing it.

Mediterranean Halloumi Burger:

Light, delicious, and new!. A perfect option for a light meal. It is not available now but will be introduced in the future. The near future, i hope!

The Birthday Toast:

Toasted bread that is soaked in maple syrup and stuffed with peanut better and banana. I don't like peanut better so i really can't tell how good it is. But i wouldn't mind ordering the soaked toast without the peanut better and banana because it tasted as good as it looked.

Just like we can never get bored of Jasmis i can tell that Blaze Burger will live for generations to come. It's doing very well with food, atmosphere, and service. It feels like home.

If you haven't tried it yet, you're missing out! 

Spasso

Being located in Mahouz, one of the most strategic locations in Bahrain, might be one of the few positive things about Spasso. It is one of the few cafes/restaurants in that area and it could use that to become one of the top places in Manama. But unfortunately, it's not.

Footfall on Nasser Pharmacy and the other places in that complex is high. But the dull atmosphere in Spasso drives me and many people i know away. It's quiet, which makes it good for meetings or for having serious conversations. But not to socialize. Some people go there to work, study or read but in my opinion it's not suitable for any of that. I prefer the restaurant on top of it, Sushi 101, which is one of the best Japanese places in Bahrain. I find it hard to believe that it's owned by the same person, operated by the same staff and shares the same entrance with Spasso!

There was a time when the food in Spasso tasted good. That was back when the Canadian Aron was the chef. I went several times after he left for coffee and the coffee and juices were quite ok. But my big shock was when i went few weeks ago for dinner. The food was just awful.  The menu was long and it took us a while to decide what to order and we ended up making the wrong decision. We went for the first chicken sandwich listed on the menu among others. It turned out to be deep fried with some kind of tomato sauce inside (which was not mentioned). It was so bad that we removed the bread and the sauce and ate it as a fillet. Our other order was Fajita pizza which tasted nothing like fajita. It was more like a pizza with some Indian toppings. Maybe we made the wrong decisions, but even the bread and spreads that they served before we ordered were not good. 

The lemonade was the only thing i enjoyed that evening. My friend ordered Mixed Berry Juice and it was too thick that she had to add a lot of ice to be able to drink it. It was fresh though. 

To be fair i once ordered penne pasta with white sauce and chicken for take away and it was good. But i paid more than BD5 for it which is too expensive for a casual place like that. 

I really wish that they rebrand and come up with a whole new concept, change the chef and decoration and put more effort to create a fun atmosphere. They can do it easily because Sushi 101 is a great place to be while Spasso is a waste of space. I think that it's about time to start making a move as two new malls will start operating in that area soon with many cafes and restaurants. Competition is on it's way. 

Potbelly

I was very exited to know that a new healthy restaurant is opening in Bahrain. Our market lacks healthy options as the ones available here are very limited. And after trying Potbelly's delicious food i wished that it would expand more all around Bahrain. 

The location in City Center is an advantage for those who go their often to shop or work around that area. But it's a disadvantage for those who wish to grab a quick healthy sandwich. I wouldn't go through the parking hassle and access the mall just to pick up a sandwich although its worth every bite. But mall wise, it is perfectly located next to the food court. 

The very friendly staff welcome you by the entrance and explain the ordering process to you. First you select your sandwich and your drinks, then you move to the other counter to select the toppings, and finally to the cashier to pay. It all goes quickly and smoothly with the help of the staff. 

There were many tempting options that it took us a while to decide what to order. The waiter recommended the grilled chicken sandwich as the most popular one. And so we ordered it with plain un-fried fries. There is a long board that tells you clearly what topping are available. I added almost everything because i didn't want to miss a thing. The sandwich is quite big. It's cut into half and i was full when i finished the first half. But it tasted too good that i had to eat the other half too. The brown bread was perfectly heated and everything inside the sandwich blended perfectly together. The fries was good too. We also ordered dessert and it was good but a bit heavy. It was ice cream sandwich (two cookies with ice cream in the middle).

The place is small with few tables available but it's cozy and comfortable. We were enjoying our time that we actually stayed longer after finishing our food. The staff are very helpful and sweet. It's a guilt free meal in a place that feels like home. 

Maki

Maki is one of the few restaurants that is located in the World Trade Center. A great Japanese outlet in one of the most luxurious locations in Bahrain. Parking is very convenient as you can park in the parking building if the spaces in front of the restaurant were full. And if you're shopping at Moda Mall, It feels great to end your shopping trip with sushi. 

The decoration is simple yet artistic. There is nothing around that can distract you from admiring the colorful salads and makis on your table. I just wish that they use the screens hanging all around the place to play something other than the ad that keeps on repeating. Although i went once and a football match was on which was a great move. The selection of music can be improved too. But the atmosphere is enjoyable overall especially when the place is full. 

The food is absolutely delicious although some people don't like how mayonaise is highly used. The best salad is the Edemame Salad. It has a very unique taste and presented in a lovely way. Chef Special Salad and Crispy Salad are also a good choice. Beef rolls with green onion is a must. Kappazume, stuffed rolls of cucumbers, is also delicious and different. As for Maki: Issa 2, Yara, Tara 2 (if you like raw salmon and tuna). It is always fun to try your luck and discover a new kind of Maki there. Going through the long menu is hectic but can result in a new discovery. Another recommendation is Yaki Soba (noodles with chicken) which is a great option if you don't feel like having Maki. 

What makes Maki special is how the Makis are given some local names. As far as i know, you can pay an amount of money to propose a new kind of Maki which will be called after you. Which is quite interesting. The service is very good and i like how warm and welcoming the staff are especially on the phone. Price wise it's more expensive than other Japanese restaurants in town but worth a visit every now and then. 

Published on Daily Tribune 21- Oct- 2012

Blaze Burgers

It's astonishing how Blaze Burgers suddenly became the place to be in Bahrain. It proved wrong the idea that local businesses can't compete with franchises. Blaze Burgers became the number one burger joint in Bahrain not just because of the great quality of food but also because of the casual and fun atmosphere that you don't find easily around Bahrain. 

I love how Blaze Burgers is hidden between all the high-end restaurants in Adliya. You can park your car anywhere around the area and enjoy the walk or you can park right infront of it. Finding a car park in that area is a part of the fun adventure. 

My first experience with Blaze Burgers was the Blaze Signature which comes with cheese inside the beef. I found that too heavy. Then i tried the Gourmet Classic which i also found too big and wasn't able to finish it. The third trial was when i got addicted and became a huge fan of Blaze Burgers. It was the Old School. It's smaller in size and tastes lighter and yummier than the first two. Double Old School is the other option if you're starving. My favourite topping is West Coast. It's very light and doesn't steal the taste of the burger like the Blaze Original topping does. And you can always go for the Mini Burgers if you feel like eating light. Hand Cut Fries is a perfect complimentary to the burger although some people prefer chips. Cheddar Mozzarella Sticks are also delicious. As for drinks, the unique drinks served at Blaze Burgers make it very hard to choose. The Crazy Vimto is a great option. And if your tummy can handle a shake as a drink go for the Tiramisu shake or else have the Extreme Chocolate Malt once you're done with your burger. 

Having the burger there is a whole different experience than take away. It's very relaxing to sit on the bar chair and stare at the huge window over looking Adliya allies or just watching the TV on the other side. The place is always busy with people from different ages but mostly youngsters. Staff are friendly and you have to wait for a while to get your burger and pay a higher amount than what you usually pay in other casual burger joints. But it's worth it. If you haven't been there yet you're missing a lot. 

Published on Daily Tribune 14 Sep 2012 

Hong Kong Restaurant

Since we were young and Hong Kong Restaurant is our favourite Chinese restaurant in town. We all have great memories with families and friends throughout the 90's, 2000's and till today. Some people believe that the quality of food changed with time, but i'm still addicted to it and i still can't resist it whether it was served in a party or for take out at home or once i go dine there every other while. I thought that i'll change my mind about it once i travel to Hong Kong and try their real cuisine, and although i fell in love with the local cuisine there, Hong Kong restaurant is still one of my top Chinese restaurants not only in Bahrain but even when i compare it to other Chinese restaurants around the world.

Practical location in Um alHassam and parking is not that hard even though the area is always packed. Hong Kong is always busy with locals and people from different nationalities all around the week. I prefer making reservations to avoid the wait. The rooms upstairs are excellent for big groups. It's amazing how they managed to balance between renewing the place and maintaining it's identity that being there still feels the same. The mirrors all around the place add space to the eye and the green table covers give the place the Chinese vibe. 

Chicken Corn Soup, Fried Wanton and Steamed Dumplings are the top three starters. The soup is thick and tastes exactly like chicken corn should taste like. The wanton is addictive and once you start with one you won't be able to stop. It's crispy from the outside and tender from the inside. The dumplings are to die for, so soft that i feel it melting in my mouth. For main dish, Chili Beef is the highlight. I order it with less chilly to be able to enjoy the taste of the rich sauce. Chicken Cashew Nut and Prawn Balls are the best from the chicken/prawn menu. Vegetable Fried Rice is a perfect companion to the previous three dishes and if you're too hungry order Vegetable Noodles too. End your meal with a cup of Green Tea to digest.

Hong Kong restaurant is a great reminder that restaurants can be simple yet great. It's one of the places i recommend for tourists and it's always my answer when people ask me: "What is your favourite restaurant?". Staff are very friendly and the service is excellent. It's a flexible place that you can go to for lunch or dinner, for a casual meal or a celebration. It's simply perfect. 

Daily Tribune 7 Sep 2012 

Nirvana

Walking into Riltz Carlton and passing between the beautiful bakery and the cozy lobby, taking left will lead you to Nirvana, the most luxurious Indian restaurant in town. The decoration and interior are grand and gorgeous that it makes you feel that you're dining in an Indian palace. Although the size of the place is quite small, you don't feel it as the seating arrangement comes in different types which makes the place look bigger. 

It doesn't make a difference if you visit Nirvana for lunch or dinner because there are no windows that connect you to the outside world. Which is totally acceptable and suitable for such place and you can get your fix of sunlight once you're done in the bright Ritz lobby. 

Our meal consisted of the typical Indian dishes that people usually order in Indian restaurants: Ghosht Biryani, was delicious and rich with herbs. We expected the Chicken Makani to be as grand as the place, but it wasn't. It was very average. My favourite dish was Aalo Geera (potatoes), it tasted really good. The Dal Makani was quite good too but not one of the best we tried. Pakora is a fun dish to start with (deep fried potatoes, eggplants, cauliflowers dipped in batter of gram flour).  It was a grand meal. You can tell the difference between a grand meal and a cheap one once you're done. We felt light and we weren't bloated. 

The table wear, especially the glasses were gorgeous. I'm sure that the first thing that your eyes will notice on the table are those beautiful glasses that are used for water. The service was good and because of the size of the place it was very easy to reach the waiters. But the staff weren't smiling or making extra effort to be friendly. They were too serious. One thing that we didn't find pleasing too is that they called us twice the day before to double check if we'll be there which was a bit annoying. 

Nirvana is perfect for quiet family dinners. If you're a fan of the historical Indian movies like Juda Akbar, have a meal there to get a hint of that grand atmosphere.

Published on Daily Tribune 31 August 2012

Cafe Italia - Adliya

In one of the best locations in Bahrain, Cafe Italia's modern building stands out between all the restaurants in the back side of Adliya. Getting there is always easy once you access the area directly through Sh. Isa Avenue. The few parking spaces infront of it was never a problem as vallet parking service is available.  Out of three branches in Bahrain, this Adliya branch is the luxurious/high end one and it's considered one of the most prestigious Italian restaurants in town. 

What makes the place beautiful during the day is the sunlight that brightens up the dining area through huge windows that overlooks a beautiful garden. The atmosphere is also nice at night. Not too vibrant and not too quiet at the same time which makes it a perfect place for family and business outings. The dining area is spacious which allows the tables to spread comfortably around it and creates a breathable ambience. 

The food is fairly good but not extraordinary. The complimentary bread that is served when you first get seated is limited to two kinds only and the tapenade is quite disappointing. Tomato soup is rich and tasty and a good option to start with. For main dish, the Chicken Breast is perfectly cooked and grand in taste that i enjoyed every bite of it and i would definitely order it again. Being a huge fan of penne pasta with white sauce & chicken, i order it in every Italian restaurant i visit. And what i loved about Cafe Italia is that it was right there in the menu and i didn't have to request it like i usually do. But it was average. The sauce wasn't too thick and cheesy, which is good, but it lacked taste at the same time and the chicken in it was a bit hard. As for dessert, the chocolate fondue and mango sorbet are very good and enjoyable. The fruit platter that was once serves in a set menu was well selected for summer. 

Staff are friendly and the service is good. But it gets quite slow when the place is busy. One of the dishes was cold and we returned it to be heated. And they didn't collect our plates after we were done with main course for half an hour and we had to call the waiter to collect them. But fairly speaking, the service is excellent when the place is not busy. 

Time spent at Cafe Italia is always enjoyable especially when you're looking for a quiet place to spend some quality time with family and friends. Lunch time is recommended. 

Published on Daily Tribune 24 August 2012

Areesha

Rating: 8.5/10 

Published on Daily Tribune 17 August 2012

Mo Kan @ K Hotel

Rating: 5/10

Review published on Daily Tribune. August 10th 2012

Review of Monsoon restaurant, Daily Tribune 3rd July 2012

What to Eat & Where to Dine in London..

Byron Burger:

Perfection from A-Z. Everything about the burger was good; the bun, cheese, and how well it was cooked. Loved the fries too. The atmosphere makes you appreciate the burger more with its simple yet breathtaking decoration and friendly staff. 

Yauatcha:

Delicious dim sums that you can't have enough of. Vibrant atmosphere for dinner with friends.  Wide selection of tea so make sure you check the menu after your meal.

Make your own Marks & Spenser's breakfast:

Because everything they sell is fresh and tasty,  plan cooking breakfast and do your grocery shopping a day before in Marks. Eggs, cheese, butter croissant, toast, strawberry jam cake, olives, apples, tea. Whatever you desire.

Salt Beef from Selfridges Brass Rail:

If you're a fan of salty food, this will be the best sandwich you'll ever have. I crave it all year long. Don't even think of sharing it as half a sandwich will only make you crave more.

Creperie in St Christopher's Place:

Always a good break once shopping around Oxford Street. Their savory and sweet crepes are good but make sure you share it because the portion is big. Good coffee too.

Pret a Manger:

A healthy option for a quick sandwich on the go or a good cup of coffee. I love the practicality of it.

The Breakfast Club:

It's like being in a secret room or a magical hall in the wall. Art lovers will appreciate the simple effortless decoration and touches. The food is another story. Don't miss the pancakes.

Hummingbird Bakery for Cupcakes: 

Not something that I'd recommend. I find it too dry no matter how many times i try it. Pass by the South Kensington outlet just to find out what the fuss is all about. Nice cozy place and good coffee.

Scalini (Italian): 

Excellent food & lively atmosphere. If you want to avoid the Arab crowd stay away from it.

Fish & Chips at Sea Grill in Harrods:

Without exaggeration, the best fish & chips in the world. Crispy from the outside & tender from the inside.  You'll have to wait for a while to get seated on the few bar chairs available. Have a random conversation with the stranger sitting next to you.

Cafe Godiva at Harrods:

Let's just say that i left with a sugar rush.

Barbecoa by Jamie Oliver:

One of the best steaks I've ever had. Nice location that is a bit far but good for a change & worth the drive. The place is huge yet full. Lively & energetic atmosphere that makes you wanna stay all night long.

The Delaunay:

You'll love it when you're in the mood for a British style breakfast. I really enjoyed my eggs and loved being between those dark brown walls and olive green leather chairs. Make sure you visit the toilet, it's nice!

Joe's Cafe:

For a lunch break when you're shopping around Sloane Street. Light delicious food. I like their Club Sandwich & Chicken Seizure Salad.

Ottolenghi:

A tiny place with one round table that you might share with others. You choose from a wide selection of salads and desserts. I tried some cakes and they were too good. Nice experience.

Petrus by Gordon Ramsay:

If you appreciate fine dining then add this restaurant to your list. An experience that I'll never forget or get over. The atmosphere is a typical fine dining atmosphere with round tables covered with sheets and waiters/waitresses dressed formally. I absolutely loved the three course meal. Every bit of it.

Dishoom:

Contemporary Indian. The decoration of the place is nicer than the food. It's worth a visit to check out the concept but don't expect much when it comes to food. I found it average.

Laduree Covent Garden:

A great addition to Covent Garden. It's nice to sit there on a cold Sunday afternoon, have a cup of coffee and watch people walk by.

Busaba:

Lovely atmosphere that doesn't give you a clue of it's Thai cuisine. Big square shared tables and good food. Modernized Thai and not authentic.

Alonak:

The classic Iranian restaurant is still a must visit. The wonderful doogh and too-good-to-be-true chelo kebab can never get old.

Sketch:

It's like walking into a Modern Art Museam. A creative concept with no repitions. Different tables, chairs, napkins, glasses etc. Didn't like the food at all though.

The Oak:

Exellent food but there wasn't anything special about the place or the atmosphere. Doesn't mean that it's not nice.

Illy L'Espresso at Harrods:

Between all the sporty stuff (5th Floor) you'll find a corner that serves coffee. Don't miss the chance of having a perfect cup of Illy coffee.

Meat Liqour:

It's like being in a red bubble. If you go during the day you'll forget that the sun is shining outside. Yummy burgers, no plates!

Pizza East: 

Unfortunately i don't have pictures. It's a very nice old-looking place and the food is good but the options are very limited.



P.S: I avoided writing details not to bore you but you can always ask if you need to know more about any of the experiences :)