Where discerning people meet
For an idyllic tropical atmosphere and unique island cooking, Trader Vic's at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Bahrain, is a welcome venue for visitors and residents alike. The dining room overlooks a lush garden inhabited by flamingoes, ducks, macaws and other exotic fowl that have made their home on the banks of a tranquil lagoon. Water gushes over the body of water.

Seating 200-250 guests, Trader Vic's dining room is dominated by a suspended nine-meter-long wooden dugout, reminiscent of primitive South Seas Boats. Nautical memorabilia and island sculptures are displayed in the bamboo-like, dual-level area, reminding one of a palatial home on an isle half a world away.

With an emphasis on fish and seafood prepared in a delectible style, Trader Vic's definitely concentrates on Polynesian and exotic cuisine with tidbits like crab rangoon, beef cho-cho and piri-piri prawns which accompany exquisitely mixed mocktails and cocktails for which the worldwide restaurant network for three score years has been noted. The barmen in the upper-level lounge are showmen in themselves, in mixing, blending and shaking, with a jigger of this, a dash of that, to create refreshing beverages that put everyone into a relaxing mood, even on the hottest of days. Don't miss the celebrated signature Mai Tai cocktail.

LATIN RHYTHMS
Since its opening on New Year's Eve, 1999, Trader Vic's in Bahrain has been noted for its Latin rhythms and Caribbean melodies performed evenings by a talented Cuban ensemble which cha-cha-cha's to the delight of guests. The music, never intrusive, provides an enchanting accompaniment to an evening to remember.

Seared tuna Inaka-ya with ginger, coriander and scallion salsa or bongo bongo soup are among starters. A few of Trader Vic's Traditional dishes include a teriyaki fillet steak, a mixed seafood parillada or prawns San Francisco.

But using the restaurant's Chinese wood-fired oven, distinctive specialities, like Indonesian rack of lamb or Challons breast of duck with Madagascar green-pepper sauce, are enjoyed by gourmets. The ancient style of cooking is traced back to China's Han dynasty, 205 BC-AD 20, which uses a natural smoke and heat as sources of cooking with oak chips or seasoned wood.

Foods are suspended from hooks, allowing delicacies to cook slowly, providing a unique and original flavour. Curries, noodles and Chow-mein specialties are also on the menu. Two private dining rooms, accommodating 20-40 guests, permit privacy, while at the same time, not excluding the part from the ambience of the large dining room and its Latin music.

Businessmen and clubs enjoy entertaining in the unique environment of Trader Vic's. Valet parking is also available. Whether you're planning a dinner for two, a business lunch or party to celebrate an occasion or just be together, Trader Vic's is the haven where discerning people meet.