Dining with a sea view is what you experience at The Bistro by Origins at Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain. Amal Sarhan truly enjoyed the view while tasting their newly launched menu.
If you’re looking for a good meal with family or friends in a laid-back yet luxurious atmosphere, head over to The Bistro by Origins at the new Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain. Having been there before, I was excited to come back and try their brand-new menu. As I walked up the steps to the restaurant with my dining companion, we were greeted by familiar faces who welcomed us to our table by the window. I looked around and spotted families having their Saturday lunch together as they enjoyed the views of the sea and the bright sun pouring into the restaurant, its white interiors reflecting the light and filling the room. As we sat down, we were served some refreshing cocktails specifically made for us by the restaurant’s bartender, Shibin. While my companion sipped on a watermelon drink, I enjoyed a tall glass of pina colada, just without the cream. The freshness of the pineapple offered a light and smooth texture to the tongue and was much needed after my long drive.
The watermelon drink was equally revitalising, made with a tinge of lime juice and decorated with fresh orange peel that had its scent fluttering in the air as it was placed on the table. Next, Shibin’s classic Chocolate Special was a delight to our taste buds. Strong and gooey with cocoa syrup and white chocolate and foaming with milk, it only left us wanting more. Next came a Sour Twist. As soon as I saw the drink approaching, I was dazzled by the colours – pink at the bottom and fading into orange at the top. This tangy drink offered a strong and sour flavour with the tastes of orange and strawberry complementing each other so well and a hint of muddled basil offering that peppery aftertaste. Last but not least, and my absolute favourite, was the Mango and Ginger Mocktail. Inspired by Indian flavours, this must-have drink was simply to die for. I could hardly keep myself from slurping the whole thing up before my dining companion could have a taste. The mocktail was infused with fresh mango puree, ginger ale, condensed apple cider, agave nectar and aloe vera juice extract, and garnished with mint leaves, a refreshing and creative combination.
Just as we were getting slightly hungry, the lovely Beetroot and Blackberry Salad landed on our table. Flaunting a vibrant mix of colours and garnished with goat cheese on toasted brioche slices, the dish was a light yet flavoursome start to our meal. With both cooked and raw beetroot, the salad offered a multitude of tastes, from the sweetness of the root vegetable to the sourness of the berries and the pungent kick of goat cheese. To balance it all out, rocket leaves were enveloped into the dish and classic balsamic vinegar brought it all together.
Next came the Pan Seared Foie Gras. I was expecting a strong and dense flavour, not only did it feel lighter than I imagined, but the fresh slices of green apples and the slight drizzle of maple syrup and rock salt made it a much more pleasurable experience. On the side was a slice of brioche baked with slices of red apples and whole green grapes and topped with rocket leaves and thin strips of fresh pear, offering the perfect complement to the foie gras.
We were thereafter beckoned by the approaching aroma of the Casserole De La Mer, a baked seafood gratin with salmon, squid, mussels and shrimps, topped with fresh herbs and breadcrumbs. Digging in, we found the rich, creamy texture and the crunch of the breadcrumbs to be tantalising, not to mention the taste of finely chopped peppers adding a tinge of sweetness to the dish. And the side of garden salad served as a good pairing. As we were savouring this seafood sensation, the Homemade Ravioli arrived, garnished with parsley and grilled portobello mushrooms. Eaten with the cherry tomatoes and burrata cheese that garnished the dish, it gave us that cosy feeling, fitting well with the name.
Having had all these lovely starters, we were excited to see what the mains would offer. My companion was served with the Entrecote Beurre Maitre D’Hotel, an Angus ribeye cooked with lemon juice topped with fresh parsley and a piece of melting butter and served with truffle fries, while I got the Crevettes Grilles, grilled jumbo prawns with mango and Espelette chilli salsa and fresh basil. The beef dish had a perfect balance of meaty texture and light taste. It was soft and not too chewy, easy to eat and not too heavy. My prawns were equally good. Sprinkled with pepper and lovely mango sauce, the dish was light to eat and had a good balance of flavour.
Last but not least was the dessert. From what I had experienced before, I couldn’t wait for this part. New on the menu were the Tarte Fine Aux Pommes and the Pineapple Carpaccio. Not knowing what to try first, I chose to pierce my fork into those glittering pineapple slices marinated in syrup and garnished with basil, stealing a bit of the freshly made coconut ice cream in the middle. This dainty dish was like a pina colada on a plate. The sweet flavour of the pineapple worked wonders with the coolness of the coconut ice cream. Turning to the apple tart, which Chef Nicholas had creatively transformed into a thin and flat dish glazed with organic honey and topped with vanilla ice cream, I was sure this one would be for the sweet tooths out there, myself included. Boy, was I right? The crunch of the pastry, coupled with the sugary taste of the honey and cooked apple pieces, was the perfect way to end my meal.
For more information or to make a reservation, please call The Bistro by Origins at Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain on 7748 8888.
@vidabahrain