GULF HOTEL
The Gulf Hotel has an action-packed month ahead with visits from two Michelin-starred chefs, a terrific tribute act, and the return of its popular annual Oktoberfest celebrations.
Visitors are invited to go on a culinary journey – spanning parts of Asia and Europe – with plenty of authentic fare and the chance to meet the creative minds behind the menus.
Japanese chef, Kazuo Takagi will visit the Kingdom for the first time. With two Michelin-stars under his apron, he will create a special menu for diners at the hotel’s Sato restaurant from September 20-24.
Chef Takagi entered the culinary world at the age of 23 and, although he started later than most Japanese chefs, he prevailed with talent, dedication and passion. His restaurant – Takagi in Japan – received two Michelin stars in 2010.
He specialises in Kyoto cuisine and his creations are known to reflect the season. Soup is his trademark dish and he describes it as composed, delicate and illustrative.
Guests are invited to take part in an exclusive cooking master class and lunch with the chef on September 23, which costs BD39 per person. There are limited slots and availability is on a first come, first served basis.
Renowned Indian chef Vineet Bhatia will visit later in the month – stay tuned for dates! The Michelinstarred chef will be at Rasoi by Vineet to oversee his culinary creations and will also host an exclusive beverage dinner where guests will be presented with a personally signed menu. Further, he will host a cooking master class and lunch, which costs BD39 per person.
The hotel’s wildly popular Oktoberfest is back, and this year it runs for two days on October 12 and 13. Things kick off at 7.30pm at the Gulf Convention Centre. Expect a wide range of traditional dishes paired with a great selection of Bavarian beverages. It costs BD26++.
The Lasterbacher Musikanten Band will provide the entertainment. They will play German and English dance music ranging from oldies to the latest hits, as well as, of course, German Oktoberfest classics.
And the fun doesn’t stop there. Oktoberfest celebrations continue at Sherlock Holmes from October 15-20. The Lasterbacher Musikanten Band is back to help you dance the night away from 8.30pm and there will be a special à la carte Oktoberfest menu, a selection of Bavarian beverages and Oktoberfest games. Entry is free.
Keeping with the musical theme, partygoers are in for a real treat this month. On September 21, One Step Behind (OSB) – the UK’s premier and longest-surviving Madness tribute band – will perform at Sherlock Holmes from 9pm onwards.
Formed in spring 1993, the band achieved widespread recognition in an unusually short time, playing venues the length and breadth of Britain, including the Marquee Club in London and the Venue in New Cross.
Jaunts into Europe and beyond are also commonplace. Members of Madness have joined One Step Behind on stage on a number of occasions. Sax player Lee Thompson is quoted as saying that OSB were “singlehandily keeping the good ship Madness afloat”.
Drummer Dan ‘Woody’ Woodgate joined the band on stage and told the boys he thought they were amazing. “That’s exactly what we used to be like – you’ve got it to a tee,” he said. Perhaps the greatest tribute came from Madness lead singer, Suggs. At a gig at G-MEX in Manchester he walked up to the microphone and said “By the way, we’re Madness not One Step Behind!”
One Step Behind have also appeared on television a number of times. Their most recent appearance was at the 2006 Proms party in Hyde Park, London. The band performed to around 50,000 people and a television audience in the millions.
The whole band grew up as Madness fans and each member has perfected their portrayal of their original Madness counterpart. They strive to match every detail, both musically and in appearance. Like Madness, One Step Behind are well known for their on-stage antics with which they build up an authentic ‘nutty’ atmosphere. Tickets cost BD5 in advance and BD7 on the night.
Since it would be true madness to stop the fun there, the boys are back for an encore performance the following day at the Sherlock Holmes Friday British Brunch from 12.30pm.
The brunch will include free flowing beverages, unlimited sharing platters of scotch eggs, chicken pops, jalapeno poppers, wings, nachos and Caesar salad, followed by free-flowing mains – fish and chips, chili and curry bowls. There will be a special Chinese Peking duck and steak trolley too. It costs BD20 for early bird, Prestige Club and NSA members and BD25 on the day.
Chef Vineet Bhatia Call 17 713-000.
