As the first Krug restaurant concept in the Middle East and the fourth in the world, La Table Krug at the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain evokes the essence of dining in a 19th-century French countryside estate, blending an intimate atmosphere with exceptional cuisine. Kristian Harrison was lucky enough to sample the exquisite taster menu created by Chef de Cuisine Alexis Knecht and reveals why the outlet is the quintessential destination for those seeking a truly refined dining experience.
From the moment you enter La Table Krug, I felt enveloped in an ambience of understated elegance. The rich burgundy fixtures illuminated by soft lamps lend the room a warm, inviting glow, while the faux fireplace adds a touch of homely comfort without compromising the sophisticated aura. A classic painted portrait of Joseph Krug, the founder of the famous sparkling grape house which lends its name to the restaurant, watches over the dining room, subtly reminding guests of the heritage and legacy behind the experience.
The dining experience at La Table Krug is meticulously curated by Chef Alexis to ensure that each course is a revelation. The evening begins with the starters – warm, freshly baked sourdough bread sprinkled with cumin seeds. The bread is served with butter that is so perfectly creamy it almost melts on contact, and it paired exquisitely with the opening salvo of the attack on our palate, a delicately light yet flavourful asparagus soup, topped with luxurious caviar.
The first of the appetisers, the Dill Cured Scottish Salmon, was presented beautifully, with vibrant colours that were almost as delightful as the taste. The wasabi added just the right amount of heat, while the beetroot and sweet apple brought a medley of earthy and sweet notes. The Foie Gras from Perigord was one of the standouts as a delicacy I’d always wished to try. I was not disappointed, with it being surprisingly light and buttery, yet incredibly rich when eaten with the balsamic-laced brioche it was placed upon.
By this point, anticipation was building for the main courses, and the Chilean Seabass Fillet was a masterpiece, cooked to perfection with a seared crust that gave way to tender, flaky fish. The roasted leeks added a sweet, mellow undertone, while the champagne sauce was light and effervescent, enhancing the dish without overpowering it.
However, it was the US Prime Beef Tenderloin that truly stole the show. Cooked medium-rare, it was so tender that it melted in my mouth, beautifully balanced by the truffled potato and the pepper sauce personally poured by Chef Alexis.
To finish, the dessert offered a sweet finale that was both indulgent and refreshing. First was the lemon sorbet, incredibly zestful, then the Chocolate Fondant, made with 70 percent dark Valrhona chocolate. The fondant’s warm, gooey centre is offset by the tartness of the passion fruit sorbet and the freshness of the raspberry, creating a balanced and memorable end to the meal.
Ultimately, every detail, from the carefully selected ingredients to the beautifully designed setting, was crafted to create an evening that will linger long in the memory. Whether you’re a connoisseur of fine dining or simply looking to indulge in an unforgettable experience, La Table Krug offers a dining adventure that is truly unparalleled.
