Al Bustan Hotel reveals culinary secrets

The five-star cookery class saw the chefs reveal a few dessert recipes to an eager group of local gourmets.

French Master Chef, Jean-Luc Amann, said: "We showed them how to prepare a hot chocolate fondant and ice cream. During the two-hour demonstration, we also revealed some decorative secrets and different ideas for presenting a plated dessert."

The eight participants were given exclusive Al Bustan aprons and chefs' hats, as well as writing materials and the recipes for the dishes prepared.

Award-winning Executive Pastry Chef Tarkan Özdemir impressed the eager audience with his culinary creativity. The class was then followed by the all-important tasting session. Özdemir manages dessert catering for the hotel's four restaurants, tea lounge and 16 banqueting and reception rooms.

General Manager of the Al Bustan Palace Intercontinental Muscat, Tony Zamora, said: "Such is the success of these long-running cookery demonstrations, that we are planning to hold them regularly and open our kitchens to more people. We are very proud to showcase the incredible skills of our culinary team, who are equally happy to share their expertise with the general public."

More classes are planned for every first Monday of June, July and August from 14:00 until 17:00 o'clock. These next classes will focus on the preparation of pastry including a cold desert, a hot desert and a garnishing lesson - each class personally instructed by the Executive Chef and Pastry Chef. The course is inclusive of all equipment, refreshments and the opportunity to enjoy the self-prepared meals. The amount of admitted participants per cooking class is a maximum of six to eight people. For registration please call the Al Bustan Palaces' Food & Beverage Department on Saturdays to Wednesdays from 8:00 until 18:00 o'clock at 24764108. The course is absolutely free of charge!

The Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat has an enviable reputation for dining. The hotel's impressive array of restaurants offers guests a variety of international cuisines.

Guests can enjoy the luxurious surroundings of the Al Marjan Restaurant, with impeccable service and unique ambience, which serves first-class modern European cuisine; regional Cantonese and Szechwan cuisine at China Mood; the extensive international themed buffet nights and Italian à la carte menu at the Al Khiran Terrace; and the open-air Beach Pavilion beachside restaurant.

In addition to the four main restaurants, the hotel also features the Atrium Tea Lounge for afternoon tea and refreshments; the Al Maha Piano Bar for drinks and entertainment; the Pool Bar for light poolside snacks and juices; and Seblat Al Bustan, an authentic Bedouin tented dining experience.