Lawson Misquitta embarked on an exquisite culinary journey to discover that the joys of brunching should most definitely not be limited to Friday afternoons!

It’s commonly said, “don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today”, and more often than not these suggestions work adequately for situations ranging from both work to fun. So, when I found myself invited to experience the famous Night Brunch at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain, I immediately said yes!

Held on Thursday evenings instead of the typical Friday afternoons, once there, you quickly realise it’s an ingeniously simple concept that works wonderfully post wrapping up a hectic work week.

As my companions and I entered Silk’s restaurant, where the brunch is hosted, we were warmly greeted by the Food and Beverage Outlets Manager, Yasser Akdawi, and shown to our seats. The expansive dining area offers ample seating suitable for small and large parties. Dimly lit with elegant décor, the space effortlessly exudes a laid-back atmosphere.

Not willing to waste any time, we soon left our tables to tour the abundant banquet. Impressively spanning preparations from Japanese to Mexican, Italian and various other cuisines, we were truly in for a treat.

Another highlight of this brunch is the dedicated beverage counter that serves a range of specially crafted drinks.

Raring to go, I kicked things off with a bowl of French onion soup. Rich, savoury and deeply flavourful, this stunning union of caramelised onions and delicious beef broth was impeccably done. Served alongside a toasted baguette covered with melty, golden-brown cheese, every bite dipped in the soup was soul soothing. We were off to a great start!

I then moved on to the salad section – comprising the most varied options, there was something for everyone here, from flavours to textures. Colourful and eye-catching, I found a vibrant mix of cooked and raw veggies, proteins, herbs, various dressings and much more. I picked the fresh cherry tomatoes served with mozzarella dollops and a portion of grilled artichokes topped with a poached egg that was covered in olive oil and a balsamic dressing. I also tasted a spoonful of the lush and creamy pumpkin hummus, which was absolutely sublime.

As I made my way back to the table, my plate still had plenty of room to spare. I looked around and immediately spotted the vast selection of exotic cheeses and cold cuts that sat immaculately presented. I gladly indulged in quite a few.

I then visited the chilled seafood bar that was well stocked with shrimp, lobster tails, mussels and crabs. On a nearby standalone display was the most aesthetically pleasing sushi selection boasting several different varieties to choose from. My dining partners and I particularly enjoyed the freshness and tenderness of the tuna sashimi.

On my subsequent trip, I checked out the live grilling section, from where I tried a delightful chicken satay and fish skewer – cooked ideally, they both had a mildly spicy taste, which I liked. As my eyes scanned for the next appetising morsel, I spotted the inviting Mexican food station at which I opted for a freshly prepared hard-shell shrimp taco. It came with fresh vegetables and intensely flavourful piquant sauces.

As I stood at the station watching the preparation, I noticed there was plenty of opportunity for customisation with a range of toppings and sauces.

Post this course, we took a breather to let the food settle and to appreciate the wonderful and lively ambience that had overtaken the place as the crowd steadily poured in. A special mention goes to the talented live performer, who was on a roll. She read the room well and kept the crowd enchanted with her singing and skilful saxophone playing.

Reinvigorated by our break, we moved on to the main course. The first to grace my plate was the mouth-watering beef brisket. Extremely tender due to being slow cooked for hours, every bite was immensely juicy and full of flavour. I had to go back for seconds.

Next up was the Grilled Sea Bass alla Siciliana. Flaky, moist and cooked to perfection, the fish was exquisitely mild and slightly sweet thanks to the fragrant tomato base, combined with a lemon and herb infusion. For the final main course, I selected a hearty New Zealand Angus ribeye steak from several other delectable cuts that were temptingly on display. Cooked on a large flame grill, the meat was prepared to medium-rare perfection. You’re free to embellish as you please, with various sauces and accompaniments available. I opted for some roasted rosemary potatoes from the buffet, along with mushroom and peppercorn sauce.

With minimal room left to spare, the final stop on our culinary journey was the dessert station. We sampled the crème brûlée, mango parfait, chocolate mousse, raspberry pannacotta, baked cheesecake and the toothsome cherry Chantilly, which satisfyingly sealed the deal. Additionally, the dessert chef prepared a special berry flambé in the most theatrical manner, which was quite a sight to behold.

If you really wish to jumpstart your weekend revelries in an impressive setting, while savouring delicious food, Mövenpick’s Night Brunch is the best place to be on a Thursday evening! ✤

GO: CALL OR WHATSAPP 3364 0032 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.