Michael Jackson: Dining Tips for Bahrain

By JULIETTE ROSSANT Last week, The New York Post reported that global superstar Michael Jackson was not only vacationing with his children in the Gulf state of Bahrain but that he had just bought a house there. Since many people in America do not realize that Bahrain (see map) is a commercial and cultural hub, dating back to Biblical times as "Dilmun," Superchefblog wants to give Jacko (among others) some pointers on dining there. Bahrain offers cuisines from all over the world, including French, Italian, Chinese, Filipino, and Thai, as well as regional specialties such as Lebanese and Persian. There are any number of fast food joints, ranging from McDonald's (managed by an excellent local franchisee) to shawarma takeout (superchefblog recommends the latter). The best kept international secret in Bahrain, however, is Mirai Restaurant. Down a small, bumpy road lined with restaurants lies its quiet door. Once inside, you will find fountains of water, transporting the diner across the Persian Gulf to a quiet Japanese dining garden. The interior as well as the New Wave Japanese-style menu are creations of American-trained chef Sang-Kyu Lee. Superchefblog recommends the Hammour Uzu-Zukuri, the "Florida" Temaki, the Tuna Tataki -- and ask Chef Sang-Kyu whether he has any Kobe beef... (Mirai may be owned by the Kanoo Family, since family members can be seen dining there almost any day of the week.) Rivaling the wonders of Mirai are the fresh fish of the Gulf, of which the king is Hamour (Grouper), typically served grilled, fried, or steamed (although a century of "British Residency" in the Gulf has also made fish-and-chips popular). Other popular local fish include Safi (rabbit fish), Chanad (mackerel), and Sobaity (see bream). Most of the time, fish is eaten with rice. Don't miss out, though, on qoozi, grilled lamb stuffed with rice, boiled eggs, onions and spices. And always accept the local red tea and relish the regional Arabic coffee which, when properly made, should be fresh roasted and have cardamom added -- very good for the digestion. Perhaps Michael Jackson knows most or all of this already about Bahrain -- many argue that Dilmun is the source of the story if not the very site of the Garden of Eden. Sahtein! Previous articles: Todd Gray Champions Mid-Atlantic Cuisine Jose Andres: Zaytinya, with Ladies in Lavender Wilo Benet: Pikayo Perfecto Roberto Trevino: Viva Aguaviva Restaurant Michael Mina Rocks NFL Redskins Meet Chubby's BBQ Challenge Technorati Tags: chefs food restaurants cooking branding cuisine Bahrain Michael Jackson --> back to superchefblog