by SALIM AL AFIFI
The Bank Beach Club’s concept signals quite an interest for lovers of beachfront dining, serving the best of Asian and international cuisines right at the edge of the marina at Jebel Sifah.
With equal parts casual and lifestyle chic, this place is where you’d come for a memorable experience and probably have a desire to come back often. Infinity pool? Check; designer sushi? Check. Thirst-quenching bubbly sips? Check and check. I say you’ll be off to a great start.
Tucked away at the foot of Siwafy Boutique Hotel, the Bank is an outlet offering a broad selection of gourmet meals, dished up with a Mediterranean flair, and set in an al-fresco lounge that sports contemporary ambience and unmatched views of the Arabian Sea.
The place serves fresh-caught seafood such as soft-shell crab, king crab tempura, crispy squid, oysters and sushi varieties, as well as your favourite beach diner staples such as steaks, salads, and burgers and fries. And, for those with a taste for the spicier things in life, they can go for Indian classic curries served with your choice of Naan — Catering for the pickiest of diners.
What to order you ask? Well, there’s a lot to explore. Miso black cod, an Alaskan black cod, wrapped on an oba leaf, made with white miso and sake marinade; Ribeye Yakiniku, beautifully sliced Angus Beef, cooked as requested, and served with flavourful vine cherry tomato and crispy triple cooked chips; Beef Tataki, pan-seared rare beef fillet, laid on a bed of Yakiniku sauce, crispy garlic and baby herbs; rainbow superfood salad, a bunch of garden-fresh beetroot, tossed with roasted pumpkin, mushrooms, parsley, mint, toasted seeds, red quinoa, baby herbs and a bunch of red cabbage; and the star of the show: spicy tuna maki sushi, made with maguro, shichimi togarashi and spring onion. The dishes here are impeccable and crafted with the utmost quality. Extra points for the sushi, it was heavenly delicious.
Coming here is such a break from the mundane. A perfect weekend getaway or even a mid-week break. To top it all off, the DJ will keep you ready for a tropical chill party, so come with an empty stomach and a pair of dancing shoes too.
