Following the unveiling of Café Gourmandise at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, Edwin D’Souza shares his account of the experience, which included savouring delicious croffles, to tantalise your taste buds.
The arrival of Café Gourmandise at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain is a cause for celebration. Tucked away in a cosy corner of this prestigious hotel, the café promises an indulgent escape, catering to those seeking a touch of luxury woven into their daily routine. Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing this haven of deliciousness firsthand.
Our culinary journey began with a fragrant exploration of the hot drinks menu. There are some pairings in the culinary world that don’t quite make sense in theory; while traversing the beverage menu, the thought of drinking coffee with fresh bananas wasn’t one that I could warm up to. Surprisingly, though, the Banoffee Creme Brulee which was a mix of fresh bananas, dark chocolate, coffee and milk was a treat that did not disappoint! The coffee’s smooth bitterness played beautifully against the sweetness of banana and rich chocolate, creating a decadent beverage.
The Liegeois, on the other hand, was a classic dark hot chocolate elevated to new heights. A generous dollop of whipped cream and a scoop of vanilla ice cream created a delightful flavour contrast with the dark chocolate. Each sip was blissful indulgence for any chocolate lover.
While the beverages were delightful, the signature dish at Café Gourmandise is the croffles - a delightful cross between a croissant and a waffle. The croffle which originated in Ireland and was popularised in South Korea, has already become a sensation, with its perfect balance of crispiness and flakiness. Café Gourmandise’s croffles were beautifully presented and promised that worldwide textural appeal.
First came the savoury croffle – a symphony of textures and flavours. A rich chicken and mushroom ragout formed the base, generously layered with melt-in-your-mouth Gruyere cheese and topped with vibrant green chives. House-smoked salmon added a luxurious touch, while a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of dill offered a refreshing counterpoint. A touch of lime and delicate kristal caviar further elevated this already impressive creation.
The sweet croffle was a masterpiece of indulgence. Creme chantilly, a light and airy whipped cream, formed the foundation, upon which fresh, juicy strawberries and delicate meringue pieces were artfully arranged. A generous drizzle of Nutella and caramelised banana slices offered a delightful touch of sweetness. Toasted hazelnuts, vanilla custard, fragrant dates, slivered almonds, local honey, and a touch of cinnamon created a symphony of flavours that resonated on the palate long after the last bite.
Next, a “three-plate dream” of Café Gourmand arrived to further elevate the experience. This delightful selection offered a taste of various French and Danish pastries in miniature form. Three bite-sized delights, each boasting a unique flavour profile and texture, allowed you to sample a variety of offerings without overindulging. Additionally, a single “cafe croffle” - a delightful miniature version of its namesake - and five “cafe chouquettes,” delicate pastry puffs dusted with pearl sugar, rounded out this decadent offering.
If you’re looking to treat yourself to something special, Café Gourmandise is the perfect destination. From the delectable croffles to the delightful Cafe Gourmand, each bite is a testament to the culinary artistry on display. So, sit back, relax, and indulge in a world of luxury for your senses.
