Le chef français découvre qu'il va cuisiner pour le fils du roi du Bahreïn

The island nation of Bahrain attracts eight million Saudi tourists annually, drawn to its vibrant nightlife and upscale offerings. A prominent figure in this scene is Saosan, owner of Maunia, one of the area's most exclusive restaurants. Maunia features only seven tables, accommodating around twenty guests each night, a concept Saosan brought from her experiences in Europe. She aims to bring renowned chefs to Bahrain to cook for her patrons. On this particular evening, Saosan has invited Julien Royet, a 38-year-old French chef with a three-star restaurant in Singapore. Chef Julien is surprised by Bahrain's atmosphere, finding it more liberal than he expected, comparing a bar he visited to establishments in Paris or London. He prepared a special dish using kaffir lime, a lesser-known Asian citrus fruit. The restaurant's clientele is as prestigious as its cuisine. Tonight, Julien is serving Prince Khalifa Binamad Al Khalif, one of the seven sons of the King of Bahrain. The prince expresses his admiration for French cuisine, a sentiment shared by many. The dining room reflects a mix of traditional and Western attire, and while alcohol is available, it is not served at the royal table. Julien's 10-course menu is well-received, with the prince documenting the meal. To further cater to wealthy Saudis, Saosan also operates a chic rooftop nightclub called Iris. This venue is described as a "little Ibiza" in its Middle Eastern iteration and is a popular spot, especially on Thursdays when the weekend begins. Iris attracts over 300 people nightly, with 80% of its clientele coming from Saudi Arabia, seeking an escape from the stricter Islamic laws of their home country. Here, they can enjoy dancing, drinking, and socializing. Saosan herself is an heiress to an oil fortune and lives in a luxurious, expansive home in a tranquil residential area. She is a collector of contemporary art and occasionally paints herself, embodying a provocative spirit that has allowed her to succeed in a male-dominated world. Her favorite room is filled with cookbooks, and she cites Joël Robuchon as a favorite chef. While she appreciates French gastronomy, she finds French people to be frequent complainers. Married for over 30 years, Saosan met her husband when he owned a furniture store. They have two children, Abdouah and a daughter, who, along with their spouses, live in the same family compound, a tradition in the Middle East. Saosan expresses a desire for her children to remain close even after marriage. The family believes Bahrain is subject to clichés, citing an instance where friends of theirs refused to visit due to fears about the Gulf region, only to be surprised by the welcoming and "always smiling" nature of the people. One family member, Jalal, is so proud of his country that he has a Bahraini flag tattooed on himself, despite tattoos being forbidden in Islam. The couple owns several expensive cars, including a Porsche 911 and a Bentley Continental GT, reflecting their success. They jointly manage three restaurants, a nightclub, a cleaning company, and a beauty salon, employing 150 people. Their daughter, Aïa, works in public relations and is considered the "real boss" by her siblings. The family lives together, and while the children express a desire for more personal space and freedom, they are content with the current arrangement, though the daughter hints at wanting to move out after marriage, contrasting with her mother's desire for them to stay close. Saosan's commitment to food is evident, with her employees preparing numerous dishes daily for family and friends. Saosan is portrayed as a symbol of Bahrain's wealthy and progressive elite, and her success reflects the evolving position of women in the kingdom.