November 2016 53 www.womanthismonth.com LIFESTYLE | food Being a huge fan of mushrooms, I couldn’t wait to bite into the wholegrain fatayer filled with light halloumi and mushroom with truffle oil. The medley of the three worked in perfect harmony. The appetisers had worked on building my excitement and appetite for the main course. It is worth mentioning that the menu features some drool-worthy pictures of the fare. Chef Simon suggested Turkish manti dumplings, comprising traditional pasta stuffed with beef, topped with caramelised tomato, garlic yoghurt sauce and mint. If there was an Arabian version of spaghetti Bolognese, this would be it. The rich, savoury sauce pairs perfectly with the zesty tomato, fulfilling but not heavy on the tummy. Spicy lamb chops, halloumi with vegetables and za’atar chicken thighs with a garlic-honey glaze were laid out on the table soon after. The plating of each dish was impeccable, making it almost too pretty to eat. My gastric desires took over and I was soon chowing down on the tender, well-marinated chicken. The lamb chops had a robust, juicy flavour, and the halloumi was simply ambrosial. Chef Simon explained a bit more about the ingredients and the challenges of managing the colossal open kitchen. On weekends in particular, lunch feasts featuring a food theme or regional cuisine are displayed on the deli. Seasoned local seafood, a steak and meat feast, Iranian home-style dishes, roast chicken, Turkish and Egyptian delicacies and Andalusian paella are among the many dishes offered every Friday and Saturday. The restaurant also sells homemade pickles, jams, and spices. Lumee is the perfect place for a quick meal or a lazy brunch on the weekend. It opens from 8.30am-11.30pm daily. Call 17 694-848 Hip and trendy, the newly opened Lumee Saar Kitchen offers memorable encounters with contemporary Arabian cuisine in a spectacular setting. Lumee is Bahraini slang for lemons and limes, cleverly denoting the food served, which is fresh, flavoursome and zesty. The cosy, home-inspired café-cum-deli is located in Saar Mall, with a considerably bigger, more varied menu than its sister in Al Aali Shopping Complex. Walnut wood panels cover walls that are decorated with vintage shelves, unique artifacts and vertical gardens. Arabic geometry in a phantasmagoria of bright hues adorns the décor. A busy, open kitchen lets you watch chefs scurry about, whipping up scrumptious dishes, headed by culinary master Simon Fernandes. The homegrown brand’s generous menu is dotted with a variety of salads, grills and bakes all woven with multicultural influences. The friendly wait staff helped us choose what seemed to be a feast for lunch. First on the table was the Lumee house salad, with mixed lettuce, shredded carrot and cucumber, cherry tomatoes and a tangy chilli achar dressing topped with parmesan shavings and sesame. Light and refreshing, the dressing added a spicy zest to the palate. Serving unique regional delicacies, this chic eatery is a haven for gastronomic enthusiasts. Contemporary Traditions
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