A CULINARY JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD

Located in the heart of Manama’s bustling financial district, Tanushree Mathur made her way to Teatro, in Downtown Rotana Manama.

Driving into the city, there is one thing I always worry about in Manama and that is parking, but as soon as I arrived, I was received by the warmest welcome from the valet. Greeted by the friendly smiles of the staff, we entered a trendy urban space immersed in deep warm colours, beaded crystal features, high ceilings and dim ambient lighting that immediately creates a relaxing mood and aura. Running across is a stylish bar and chic lounge providing a contrast to the main dining area. The jazz music playing in the background took me back to a funky bar I visited in Paris three years ago with my dad. Seated comfortably facing a beautiful view of the Bahrain Financial Harbour, Downtown Rotana is a perfect example of where old meets new. As I looked around, I couldn’t help but notice the diverse blend of guests from business professionals to families, to couples and friends, making it quickly evident that Teatro caters to a wide range of clients.

Taking care of us right from the start with a big smile, the Executive Outlet Manager, Nowfal, presented us with a sharing plate of prawn crackers along with divine artisanal beverages. Kudos to the mixologists, each drink had its own distinct taste bursting with flavours.

Out came different starters with options from each cuisine. A lover of all things Italian, my attention was immediately directed to the burrata salad. Encapsulated around juicy produce of fresh heirloom tomatoes, the moment I took a mouthful, the dreamy concoction created a heavenly blend of flavour and texture that I found hard to resist, balanced perfectly with the earthy sharpness of the baby beet coulis and drizzled with a herbaceous pesto and sweet-tart balsamic dressing.

I moved quickly through the finger-licking Dynamite Shrimp to the chef’s speciality dish: Tandoori Murgh Malai Tikka, a well-spiced chicken dish oozing deliciousness from the creamy yoghurt and warmth from the garam masala, something I would go back for. In no time, our waiter brought out our first main. An impressive display of sushi elevated with a dazzling dry ice effect – a definite Instagram-worthy moment! The platter consisted of a selection of my favourite crispy Maki rolls, colourful Rainbow rolls, Spider rolls, vegan sushi rolls, Chankinzushi (a flavoured egg pouch blessed with a cream cheese interior) and endless amounts of nigiri sushi and sashimi.

Time to satisfy my inner carnivore with a well-presented sharing steak platter dressed with a stunning side of blooming onion, charred vegetables and buttery truffle mash. Slicing into that succulent piece of meat, it was clear that the waiter got my preference of cook time spot on! And what’s a steak without an ‘oh so divine’ pepper and mushroom sauce?

We were particularly charmed by how accommodating the team were for our vegetarian photographer’s food needs. And by sheer luck we had the opportunity to dunk right into a rich creamy Daal Makhani – the dark horse of the evening, served with a vegetarian biryani which took all our attention away from the meat-heavy meal we had just had. This most definitely was the highlight. As the evening progressed, the culinary team embraced us as if we were one big family, finding happiness in feeding and taking care of us in every possible way.

Reminding us that our journey was in its final leg, it was dessert time! Low and behold the team brought out a selection of decadent bite-sized treats. To our surprise, we were presented with a clever and playful interpretation on a sushi platter. Comprised of a medley of green tea and white chocolate mousse, ever-popular Mochi ice cream and coconutty mango roll, I pulled out a fresh pair of chopsticks and dived right in. The star of the show was the Banana Walnut Wonton, a crunchy spring-rollshaped delight, filled with a warm, gooey centre, glazed with a delightful dulce de leche sauce.

Just when I thought we were done, Nowful brought out a divine warm Dark Chocolate Molten cake served with a rich vanilla sauce. To mark the end of an outstanding sensory experience, we wound up the evening with a pot of fresh peppermint tea. As we made our way out, the Executive Sous Chef, Froosh Nur, greeted us with sincere happiness, and I immediately promised that I would be back again.

True to its name, Teatro delivered a theatrical dining experience from start to finish! Flavoursome fusion food, elevated by impeccable service in a casual-chic atmosphere. All you need is to gather with your friends and colleagues for a memorable time together, without hurting your pocket!

Teatro welcomes the return of the Infinite Sushi promotion every Wednesday, Steak Night every Thursday and Magnificent Grapes, Cheese and Jazz daily, except Sundays, including happy hour with 50% off on selected beverages, from 5pm to 8pm. ✤

GO: CALL 1311 9999 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.