Bateel needs no introduction. The gourmet date boutique is the go-to destination if you are in need of a gift for out-of-town friends, visiting family or for your own indulgence. From gourmet dates, to exquisite chocolates, Bateel naturally progressed to creating more delicacies using their dates and adding savory fine foods. In the Middle East, dates are synonymous with hospitality, generosity, welcoming guests, friends and loved ones, opening a café that embodies these was the logical next step.
Café Bateel is a hidden gem in the midst of many run-of-the-mill restaurants. Unassuming, yet delightful in their service, menu and attitude towards their offerings, health and quality are their underlying motivators. Instead of riding the hype wave of wellness or healthy living, they consistently over-deliver.
The café’s permanent menu is supplemented by a seasonal menu which is dynamic to reflect changes in the weather, availability of fresh produce and our moods and cravings. The Executive Chef, Jean Luc Villa, designs the new menu, then visits all of Bateel’s locations to train all of the chefs to make sure the exact same delectable dish is served everywhere.
Coffee. Source: bazaar Studios
The menu is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, an inherently health friendly diet. Extra virgin olive oil, colorful vegetables, not overdone to retain its nutrients, and lots of healthy grains and fibers. Whether you are influenced by the cuisines of Italy, Spain, the Levant or North Africa, all of these places have a rich heritage of appreciating food and good company that go hand in hand with the geniality and warmth the Arabs are famous for and Bateel is just an extension of that tradition.
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Simple elegance is the foundation of Café Bateel’s style. When we visited, we were welcomed by the friendly, warm, professional and courteous staff. They were quick with recommendations and advice while also listening and asking about our preferences while we went through the menu.
The Avocado Five Grain Super Salad arrived first. Lentils, red quinoa and mixed grains are the body of this dish. Layered with avocado, asparagus, fresh Italian feta and topped with a runny fried egg. All of the flavors complemented each other with the perfect balance. It was hearty, filling and satisfying. No complicated spices or aromas to hide a bland dish, instead we were treated to fresh ingredients that complete each other.
Tasty tiger prawn linguini. Source: bazaar Studios
For the main course, we had the Tiger Prawn Linguini. Al Dente pasta, tangy crab bisque, marinated prawns and cherry tomato tossed together, drizzled with fresh lime and basil that was an instant palate pleaser.
Our other main dish was the Beef Short Ribs. The beef was so tender, coming apart by the forkful. Served with Greek mushrooms, roasted butternut squash, sautéed kale and mashed potatoes, wispy hints of balsamic vinegar and garlic permeated the gravy without overpowering it. This clever balance of flavors on the palate marks Café Bateel’s culinary style.
Beef short ribs. Source: bazaar Studios
Café Bateel is motivated by quality, all ingredients are checked upon arrival, during the day and before serving. You will never receive a wilted salad, stale bread or browned avocados. Speaking of avocados, the Avocado Tartines were an instant hit. Toasted Levain sourdough bread, sliced avocados, and your choice of filling. You can choose from grilled halloumi, smoked salmon, Italian Burata or spicy prawns. They were all served with a beetroot hummus that brightened our day and our appetites.
The tartines were served sliced into bite-sized pieces that are perfect for sharing. Café Bateel offers gluten-free alternatives for their breads and pastas in an effort to accommodate the different dietary needs of all of their guests.
Avocado Tartines. Source: bazaar Studios
You can’t visit the café without enjoying their in-house blend of coffee. You can enjoy classics like an Arabic coffee or a more modern Spanish latte. Unlike a regular Spanish latte, Bateel adds a not-so- secret ingredient, date syrup that gives it a surprising oomph. Coffee also means dessert. The Orange and Yuzu Dome is a bright orange semi-sphere of white chocolate and orange mousse, with a biscuit base and covered in an orange glaze. The tanginess and sweetness exist in perfect harmony.
We also had the Lemon Slice, perfect for people who appreciate citrussy desserts. White chocolate and vanilla mascarpone sit on a base of biscuit covered with a lemon ganache and an almond glaze. It is crunchy and rich, but still light and airy. We didn’t stop there, we also tried the Tres Leches, a light and moist cake soaked and swimming in a sea of three different milks and covered in mascarpone, fresh berries and crème Anglaise to create a soft dream of sugary goodness.
Lemon Slice. Source: bazaar Studios
You can’t leave Bateel without stocking up on dates. But this time we also found ourselves adding jars of gourmet honey, olive oil and balsamic vinegar to our shopping baskets. These are the same quality ingredients that are used in their kitchen. Café Bateel wants you to relive the experience at home. From trusted coffee to the more exotic date mustard, there is something exciting for everyone. All of the products make thoughtful gifts and the staff can create beautiful hampers for you that will make your recipient feel loved and appreciated.
The famous gourmet Bateel Dates. Source: bazaar Studios
We are already planning our next visit before the seasonal menu changes because we want to relive this culinary adventure all over again before Café Bateel creates a new one.
Café Bateel has two locations in Kuwait, one in Grand Avenue- The Avenues and one in Al Hamra Luxury Center. Follow them on Instagram @bateelgourmet to stay up to date with their latest news.
