Early one morning, after the kids had skipped happily away to school and the husband had been seen off to work, I felt uncharacteristically upbeat. I was looking forward to breakfast at the Wyndham Garden Manama’s Café Mosaic, where it’s Ladies Breakfast time every weekday, from 7am to 10.30am.
Settling down at the table, I saw an extensive buffet laid out against sky-high views of Juffair and beyond. At just BD4 for the generous spread in a smart-casual ambience, this all-you-can-eat offer is a steal. The place was humming with buoyant chatter (well, it is a breakfast for ladies, after all), the sizzle of eggs being made to order and the jolly laughter of restaurant supervisor Renante, who was at his service-best.
I inspected the buffet, my eyes roving along the counter laden with delicious breakfast staples to fully awaken the mind and enliven the senses. Hot dishes included baked beans, ful medames, colourful steamed vegetables, crispy hash browns, fatayer, spring rolls, glossy vegetable noodles, plus beef sausages and turkey bacon for sides. The fragrant Aloo Bhaji (semi-dry potato dish) looked inviting, adjacent to soft, golden puris. Of course, I dove right in, breaking my night’s fast with wholesome goodness. There is an entire section dedicated to cold salads and meze, a wide assortment of breads, a cheese platter, as well as cereal options, porridge, kanji and unlimited coffee to start the day right.
The amiable chef at the egg counter expertly whipped up a cheese omelette for me, while another spooned silken batter onto a hot iron grid to plate up waffles for our table. There were pancakes too, to choose from. All I had to do was douse my waffle with either honey, strawberry or chocolate sauce and crunchy nuts. The omelette’s yellow exterior gave way to a soft, cheesy heart, with the vegetables adding healthy texture. The caramelised waffle encased a fluffy interior. It was supposed to be my sweet finale, but then I was tempted by the muffins and pastries sitting pretty; their gleaming, egg-washed surfaces calling out to me. Downing fresh orange juice for my morning dose of vitamin C, there was nothing else to do other than admire the calming views from the 28th floor. I had the opportunity to chat to executive chef Udo, who lends his charming warmth to his culinary preparations. The German gourmet has years of experience behind him, and aims to lure the ladies to Café Mosaic by coaxing the best out of simple, honest fare.
Whether you are a rest-deprived mummy, or basking in the glory of your golden years; whether you are motivated enough to stick to your healthy eating plan, or want to throw dietary caution to the wind; Café Mosaic is the place to reconnect with your soul sisters. Me-time doesn’t get better than this!
Call: 66 316-666.
