Arabian Horizons, a new collection of culinary events by Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, brings experiences from Arabian talents to gastronomic enthusiasts in the Kingdom with the first volume featuring Egypt’s Chef Karim Abdelrahman, the acclaimed culinary artist and tastemaker from Cairo and the owner of the Avec Karim brand.

From contemporary culinary expressions to time-honoured techniques, each volume offers an optimal vantage point to the region’s evolving culinary landscape. An island for the most discerning palates, the hotel reveals Arabian Horizons – Curated Culinary Experiences by Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay; rooted in heritage, shaped by curiosity, and inspired by the future.

Awe-inspiring and bold, the time-limited experiences will offer more than a dinner: each event will be a striking multi-sensory experience, available only for 30 seats through three days.

Avec Karim – From the Land of the Magical Pharaohs to Bahrain

The first volume of Arabian Horizons – Curated Culinary Experiences by Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay comes to life with Chef Karim Abdelrahman, the highly-acclaimed Cairo-based chef and owner of the Avec Karim brand, from May 29 to 31. Guests are invited to enjoy an unforgettable Avec Karim experience, where he opens the door to Egypt, blending the aromas of his homeland with refined flavours.

Renowned for his expertise, cultivated at the esteemed École Ducasse and through his time at a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris, Chef Karim has returned to Egypt with a mission: to merge the country’s rich culinary identity with French technique. He is a visionary, bridging tradition with the flavours of tomorrow.

Acknowledged as an official partner and ambassador of École Ducasse in Egypt, and with a well-established reputation in his home country, Chef Karim frequently hosts exclusive gatherings for prominent guests and caters world-class events through his distinguished brand, Avec Karim.

An explorer and adventurist at heart, he often travels across Egypt – spending days on the road and nights in the desert – driven by a passion to discover new herbs and ingredients in nature that elevate his dishes to new heights.

With a French take on his homeland’s culinary heritage, thanks to his prestigious background and experience, Chef Karim establishes a bridge between his roots and tomorrow’s flavours.

“Within the art of cooking lies the alchemy of purpose; every dish, a story; every meal, a journey; therein, we find the essence of our existence,” he said.

Having recently visited Bahrain, the chef was amazed by Bahraini culture, hospitality, and flavours, and during his visit, he made sure to collect inspiration from the Kingdom to add delicate Bahraini touches to his menu, either via local herbs or spices.

Remaining deeply rooted in Egypt’s culinary identity – from Nile Valley herbs to Red Sea treasures – prepared with classical French cooking techniques, Chef Karim pays homage to Bahrain through delicate yet deliberate touches encrusted in the traditions of the host country. The time-limited experience available only for three days at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay celebrates the intersection of heritage and innovation, where time-honoured Egyptian recipes meet Bahrain’s warm hospitality.

Storytellers and Tableside Experience

The curated culinary experience on May 29, 30 and 31, will take place in the redecorated Royal Majlis of Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, a venue setting the perfect stage for the refined nature of this event for a limited audience. Chef Karim’s storytellers will be visiting each table, telling the story of each unique dish to the guests, creating an interactive experience.

An Avec Karim flagship experience, Tableside sources exquisite stories and researches and develops these ingredients, transforming them into story elements on plates that tie together to create a menu experience that evokes emotions and awakens the soul through an exquisite dining journey.

Service will also take centre stage, with some of the dishes and beverages prepared next to guests’ tables – a treat both for the eye and the palate. Guests can expect to let themselves go as storytellers guide them through the experience, interacting and serving the menu as it unfolds.

A Seven-Course Meaningful Journey

Guests can expect an immersive, extended seven-course tasting menu designed to create a truly unique and unforgettable culinary experience, named A Meaningful Journey by Chef Karim himself. Each course is thoughtfully crafted, incorporating seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques, complemented by storytelling to enhance the experience that will take guests on a journey and Chef Karim’s inspiration as he reveals course after course.

The Chef’s menu puts Egyptian gastronomy on the map, with French cooking techniques and with hints and notes of Bahraini aromas as the undertone in honour of the hosts. The poetic flow of the menu, beginning with A Humble Start and continuing with Expectations, puts Royal Red Shrimp and Caviar in the spotlight.

As the story unfolds, Purity and Purpose brings the perfect combination of Zucchini, Lemon Balm and Curry, while Connection in the Middle of Nowhere elevates the experience with the aged Bahraini Hamour, Desert Truffle and Buckwheat. The dish brings two ingredients – the Hamour from the sea and the desert truffle from the land – creating a connection between the two ecosystems.

The Trigger surprises guests with Pigeon, Artichoke and Dukkah, while the sweet ending, The Heart’s Oasis, will satisfy the most discerning palates. A feast for the eye and the palate, Chef Karim Abdelrahman’s menu is more than a dinner; it is a way to celebrate Egypt’s rich culinary heritage recreated with sophisticated French techniques.

With the time-limited Avec Karim experience at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, those who have tasted the finest will discover something even rarer. 

Arabian Horizons – Curated Culinary Experiences by Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay begins with its first volume: Egypt, as Karim Abdelrahman brings his rare culinary artistry to Bahrain, from Thursday, May 29, to Saturday, May 31, at 7pm daily at Royal Majlis.

Prices:

• Degustation menu including water, tea, and coffee: BD70 per person.
• 0 per cent beverage pairing – includes curated non-alcoholic beverages featuring artisanal herbal infusions to house-made fermentations: BD15 per person. 
• Special beverage package with pairing: BD30 per person.

GO: Call 1711 5500, visit www.fourseasons.com/bahrain/ or email diningreservations.bahrain@fourseasons.com for more information or to make a booking.