Oh sweet Lilou and Valentines

Cafe Lilou - Adliya 338

 

Valentines. No we did not plan this. We simply decided to have lunch, got the Lilou pick, and it happened to be Valentines. As you can see above, we ordered some sort of crab meal, which was not worth it at all. It had maybe three crab shells, which were loaded with some sort of cream or cheese and a few pieces of crab meat that had to be hunted for. The mashed potato that so generously came with this crab dish was too moist and felt ... undone. The highlight of this meal is that tiny portioned Bokchoy they so graciously placed in the middle of the plate, which took me a while to realize.

The risotto on the other hand did way better than the crab. Not particularly a fan of the weird taste associated with it. There's not much to describe it. My colleague explained that it was too rich, however I believed that it was okay. There's not much explaining to do.

The menu overall supposedly tried to provide a variety however it proved difficult for us. Prior to attending, we only had this idea that Lilou's only served over priced pastries ... it may have been something we've come across in the past. Perhaps the sandwiches would have been a better pick ... for another time.

The drinks was okay, Iced coffee tasted like coffee gone cold. I might be a bit unfair with the descriptions.

To make up for the food, the view and feel was wonderful. The chairs not comfortable though I assume they were going for that Paris look (oh how cultured of me). This particular branch was at Adliya, among the restaurants that herd around the well-known 338 area. I believe there is another branch in the Seef district that is connected to the AlAali Mall. The interiors are stunning adorned with wonderful chandeliers or those wall lamps. The walls are adorned with pretty colors that captivates the European imagination, especially with the sunlight through the full-length windows. We however decided to sit outside under the cool breeze and sun.

We may sound like we are complaining but I believe people with more experience could make better picks. Check out their Facebook photos and you'll see the dilemma I struggle with for this particular place. However overall I believe I've had better for a much less rate.

Crab Thermidor 8.0
Chic Risotto 4.8
Iced Coffee 1.6
Iced Chocolate 1.6

Service 2.385
Total 18.290


Lilou's received an OFS of 3.4.

Vapiano's - a mixture of feelings

Vapiano - Bahrain City Center

So we decided to go to Vapiano at City Center on January 31st, a Friday night. I forgot it was Friday and did not understand why the mall was packed. Anywho, we decided to give Vapiano a visit. 

We ordered Pesto Con Spinaci pizza (BD 3) and bruschetta (BD 1.25). I've been to this place before and ordered their pasta, and concluded that their pizzas are amazing. However, that day, the pizza was not so good. It was missing some sort of zing, that in the past gave it its unique-must-come-again taste. The pizza had the description of spinach, pesto cream sauce, tomatoes and mozarella.

The bruschetta, on the other hand, just two pieces (ugh), made up for it. It had this amazing not too cold, twist of lemony and moist feel that was within the core of each tomato chunk, especially when you add lemon grass to it. The bread itself was fresh and not too hard. Bruschetta basically consisted of toasted bread, tomatoes, garlic and olive oil.

Amidst our excitement, we forgot to take pictures. So here is a half eaten pizza, and no bruschetta.

The first thing that came to mind was fresh, healthy and natural. I understood it to be Italian. The place welcomed the feel of fun and comfort. Though the high chairs and tables may not be favorable to many, they have the option of the low seating that gives the restaurant its feel of diversity. 

Setting wise, I always enjoyed eating at their tables. It felt like they brought back the classic diner feel, but with a modern twist. Looking around, the walls were adorned with drawings and doodles of food, writings and utensils. There are fresh plants on each table, which I was told can be used for food but I wasn't brave enough to do so.

Another plus point to any restaurant were the open kitchens where you get to see your food in the process. The staff are nice, friendly and helpful. The buzzer is a great way to indicate if you're food is ready or not. Everything is perfect except for the coca colas which I noticed are priced at almost one dinar. Yes, that part crazy.

Address: Bahrain City Center
Cuisine: Italian

Opening Times: WED. 11.00 - 22.00, THURS-FRI. 10.00 - 24.00Contact: +973-1749 1391

Website: http://vapianobh.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VapianoBH

E-MAIL: vapbcc@fakhro.com

Date of Visit: Friday January 31 2014

Pesto Con Spinaci pizza (BD 3)

bruschetta (BD 1.25)

Today Vapiano received an OFS of 4!

Why not Indonesian?

Indonesian Restaurant Selera Kita - Gudaibiya

After our oh-so-hard day at work on Thursday (January 30), we decided to venture into Gudaibiya in search of an Indonesian restaurant that we passed by one fine day. Whilst our search, we stumbled across this little place called Selera Kita Restaurant. We had no idea what to expect. It was a Thursday evening, around 7pm, yes we stay late at work sometimes. 

Upon entering the restaurant, we were warmly welcomed with nice South East Asian women, which probably made up for the interiors, not that it was "that" bad. However, it was not a place you'd see the City Center crowd at ... at all. We were just used to it.

Our shock however would be the menu. Yes, the menu. It was NOT English. We were semi formally dressed, sitting awkwardly at the table, typing away on our smartphones. To many, this is snob behavior, but no. We were actually googling each and every dish, almost every. 

We asked the lady to help us out and she told us to choose from the picture ... sudden kindergarten nostalgia. But like any other foreign tourist who've been sheltered in their far-from-third-world home, we resorted to the safer option. We ordered fish, Tilapia, fried. And some sort of green veggie dish we saw in one of the pictures, and two steamed rice. And some sort of ice tea from a foreign packet.

The food was actually very close to Filipino, something we have everyday. However! The fish was divine, it was exquisite. It had a fine seasoned taste, sweeter-and-yet-not-too-sweet than what we normally ate at home. There was a burst of flavors, and that feeling of satisfaction. The veggie on the other hand, was not so far from broccoli without the fluff, I think. It was moist and spicy. This was probably our most adrenaline-rushed food adventure to date. 

The food was great. The interiors however would worry the above-average customer. It was small plain two-floored restaurant with exposed sinks. The tables were glass and the chairs looked like they needed some brushing. Eh, you know what they say about tasty food.

The veggie we chose!

They actually have a Facebook account, check them out!

We spent a total of BD 4.5 and we forgot to take pictures. But fortunately, we got their menu and our choices were there!

Address: The alleys of Gudaibiya!
Cuisine: Indonesian
Contact: +973-33316287, 39944670

Facebook: https://id-id.facebook.com/ria.sukriya

Date of Visit: Thursday January 30 2014 at 7pm

Selera Kita gets an OFS of 3.8! Had the setting been better, their rating would be higher.

Night Out at Jim's

Jim's Restaurant and Lounge - Adliya 338

The choice of dining tonight (10pm Thursday, January 23) on was Jim’s Restaurant and Lounge that served a variety of cuisines from British to Indian and even steakhouse servings. The exterior of the place seemed cozy and quaint, and so it was as well on the inside. Upon entering the place we were welcomed with an aroma from the kitchen that immediately struck my taste bud and caused my mouth to water. My second intake was the warm, dim light and pleasant music streaming in from the lounge which is separate from the dining area.

The walls were adorned with old paintings and an interesting piece of a wooden airplane propeller. The ceiling also had wooden beams fitted with the dim lights I mentioned earlier, all of this contributing to the coziness of the restaurant especially on a cold winter night in January. You can find all kinds of people in the restaurant. The dining area was half full and you could hear a fun buzz from the bar area with compelling modern music that only asked you to join. We reserved but realized we didn't have to.

When I arrived my companion had already placed orders for us since I was late to our rendezvous. We were served complementary baguette with butter, which tasted like … well what a baguette would taste like in Bahrain at least. But it did make a good starter to our meal.

Chicken Makani

And here comes the exciting part. Main course, the orders placed was Chicken Makani (BD 4.5) a dish of Indian Cuisine. I am delighted to say that the choice was well made, the dish was buttery and flavorful and had a hint of tanginess to it, which made it all the more exciting, the texture of the meat was consistent and the gravy or sauce was not runny but quite thick.

Khumb Khazana

The second dish was also of Indian origins called Khumb Khazana  (BD 4) which is grilled mushrooms stuffed with creamed spinach and cheese. The initial bite of the mushroom brought a surge of rich, creamy and delectable flavor. However, the Khumb Khazana soon proved to be too rich and quickly bored me, this was quickly rectified with a splash of lemon juice which immediately neutralized the richness and again replenished the dish into a delightful treat.

We also ordered plain rice, which was …. Plain, white and steamed (1BD/bowl).

The staff was friendly and honest and the service was quick. The overall experience at Jim’s was indeed satisfying and pleasing. My singular complaint would be the portions of food served; with regards to portion and price ratio the servings could be increased. Another recommendation would be to have different size servings of rice, as the available serving is of an awkward quantity.

Location is great, it's at 338, easy to reach. The drinks were a little too pricy. If its not favorable, then you always have the option of walking over to Silk, which is just across.

Address: Block 338, Road No 3808, Adliya
Cuisine: International / Indian
Contact: +973-17 710 654
Website: http://www.jimsbahrain.com/

Date of Visit: Thursday, January 23 at 10pm

Chicken Makani (BD 4.5)

Khumb Khazana  (BD 4)

Steamed Rice (1BD/bowl)

Jim's received an OFS of 3.6!