Yann Bernard Lejard clearly wasn’t told to not play with his food while growing up in the sunny south of France. Thank goodness, because the result is a very grown-up dining experience that tantalises one’s inner child and dissolves the barriers between art forms.
As Ritz Carlton Bahrain’s director of culinary food and beverage, Lejard is responsible for about a dozen of the country’s most prestigious restaurants, but La Table Krug by Y, his recently launched eponymous restaurant in Manama, is where he really makes his mark.
What to expect and where to sit
The dining room is small with few tables. La Table Krug by Y features hallmarks of old-world European luxury ― wood-panelled walls, marble floors, crystal chandeliers, tufted velvet seating and obligatory white linen tablecloths. Just outside, there’s an al fresco dining area overlooking the beautifully lit pool and landscaping of the resort.
Lejard has added personal touches to the space that stand out because of their modernity. Placeholder plates bear his handprint. Instead of still-life oil paintings, there hang flat-lay photographs of his artistic platings.
The dress code is formal, business attire or national dress. It’s a good spot to celebrate an occasion, be it business, family, friendly or romantic. If you’re the type of tourist whose itinerary is guided by social media content creation, take note.
This is experiential dining and edible performance art composed of countless little details. Be prepared for a memorable multisensory and emotive journey on which, when your mouth is not full, there is plenty to talk about.
The menu
"Rough luxury" goes down smoothly at La Table Krug by Y. First to arrive is a warm and crusty sourdough cob, sliced at the table and served with decadent saffron rosebud butter. This sets the tone of rough luxury that defines this venue, and also serves as a useful vehicle for mopping up sauces throughout our meal.
My dining partner and I enjoy three elegantly composed starters. We whet our palates with a pea veloute topped with caviar and crunchy decoration. The layers of flavour and texture are highlighted by the impressive glass dome the dish is presented in.
The lightness and freshness of the creation is beautifully contrasted by the deep umami richness of a wild mixed mushroom raviolo bathed in intense truffle sauce with whipped cream foam. It is totally delicious and wholesome.
The most striking dish of the night is a large leg of octopus tempura served on a plate painted with reductions of strawberry, tomato, ginger, Espelette pepper and lime. The visual vibrancy of the presentation is reminiscent of anime food.
Next to arrive are the mains, with sides of potato so smooth and creamy, you shouldn’t tell health and fitness professionals about consuming them.
Chef Lejard responds to my love of the mushroom starter with an indulgent stuffed chicken in turkey gravy with herbed butter and fresh shaved truffle. The flavours are reminiscent of traditional roast dinners, yet elevated by the kinds of techniques that only experienced top chefs can master.
My dining partner is served a salmon souffle accompanied by scallop mousseline, caviar and beurre blanc. Al dente vegetable pearls pop on the tongue like their colours popped on the plate. Mostly, the dish melts in the mouth.
Stand-out dish
When the dessert trolley is wheeled in, eyes light up. Willy Wonka fantasies are fulfilled. Magical and magnificent, it features a colourful array of macarons, marshmallows, lollipops, bonbons, chouquettes, financier, floating island, apple clafoutis, fruits in syrup and more.
A lot of the spread is extremely saccharine and thus probably suited to those with a real sweet tooth. However, the plated dessert that comes out just ahead of this extravaganza on wheels ― citrus custard disguised as a pebble ― has an adult level of mouth-watering zing.
The star of the show is a fruit charlotte cake. This represents a treasured food memory for Lejard, because his mother made this for his childhood birthdays. Love and nostalgia are present in every delectable bite.
The sweetest and most special touch is the denouement, following fancy teas and coffees. I’m keeping this secret, so other diners may be surprised with the wonder and delight we felt.
A chat with the chef
Lejard is a charismatic chef with a quintessential French accent who conveys passion for his work. It’s not unusual to find him speaking with guests in the dining room.
In fact, he’s most in his element when plating live before an audience, developing the “Yannesque” culinary art movement. It is his avant-garde, painterly approach to food that attracts attention in an industry known for precision and consistency.
“My style is explosive. I am someone with a lot of emotion, so cooking for me is a form of expression where I release my energy. My life is 100 per cent food, beverage, the hotel industry, restaurants, art; I cannot imagine anything else,” Lejard says.
While his inspiration comes from within, Lejard says that after decades of honing his craft, his motivation is now to share creativity and a sense of the bon vivant with other artists and the wider world.
Embodying this is a large hardcover book entitled Pure Instinct. It is the result of a two-year collaboration with renowned Brazilian food photographer Sergio Coimbra. It’s sure to land on the coffee tables of the world’s glitterati when it’s eventually released, but for now the only place to see it is La Table Krug by Y.
We discuss other artisans, including botanical sculptors, ceramicists and musicians, and I find myself excited to see what collaborations Lejard comes up with next.
Price point and contact information
Considering this is high-end dining comprising high-end ingredients, the menu is competitively priced. Starters range from seven Bahraini dinars ($19) for a locally sourced blue crab soup to $45 for duck foie gras with caramelised fruit.
Main courses start at $32 for a 15-ingredient vegetarian farci, extending to $61 for the aforementioned salmon souffle. There’s also a $93 option suitable for two: leg of lamb cooked for seven hours, served with root vegetables and Lejard’s signature theatrical sauces. The unlimited dessert round costs $12.
Diners also have the $111 Experimotion option, letting the chef take the reins.
La Table Krug by Y is open Tuesday to Saturday from 4pm to 7pm for drinks and light snacks, and from 7pm to 11pm for dinner.
Reservations can be made by contacting 00973 1758 6499 or rc.bahrz.restaurant.reservations@ritzcarlton.com.
This review was conducted at the invitation of the restaurant
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Schedule:
Pakistan v Sri Lanka:
28 Sep-2 Oct, 1st Test, Abu Dhabi
6-10 Oct, 2nd Test (day-night), Dubai
13 Oct, 1st ODI, Dubai
16 Oct, 2nd ODI, Abu Dhabi
18 Oct, 3rd ODI, Abu Dhabi
20 Oct, 4th ODI, Sharjah
23 Oct, 5th ODI, Sharjah
26 Oct, 1st T20I, Abu Dhabi
27 Oct, 2nd T20I, Abu Dhabi
29 Oct, 3rd T20I, Lahore
Need to know
Unlike other mobile wallets and payment apps, a unique feature of eWallet is that there is no need to have a bank account, credit or debit card to do digital payments.
Customers only need a valid Emirates ID and a working UAE mobile number to register for eWallet account.
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
SPECS%3A%20Polestar%203
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELong-range%20dual%20motor%20with%20400V%20battery%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E360kW%20%2F%20483bhp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E840Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20automatic%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20touring%20range%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20628km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E0-100km%2Fh%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.7sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20210kph%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh360%2C000%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeptember%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
How to book
Call DHA on 800342
Once you are registered, you will receive a confirmation text message
Present the SMS and your Emirates ID at the centre
DHA medical personnel will take a nasal swab
Check results within 48 hours on the DHA app under ‘Lab Results’ and then ‘Patient Services’
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E666hp%20at%206%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E850Nm%20at%202%2C300-4%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E8-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EQ1%202023%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20Dh1.15%20million%20(estimate)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Mica
Director: Ismael Ferroukhi
Stars: Zakaria Inan, Sabrina Ouazani
3 stars
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Saturday
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur (3.30pm)
Burnley v Huddersfield Town (7pm)
Everton v Bournemouth (7pm)
Manchester City v Crystal Palace (7pm)
Southampton v Manchester United (7pm)
Stoke City v Chelsea (7pm)
Swansea City v Watford (7pm)
Leicester City v Liverpool (8.30pm)
Sunday
Brighton and Hove Albion v Newcastle United (7pm)
Monday
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion (11pm)
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDate%20started%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202020%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Khaldoon%20Bushnaq%20and%20Tariq%20Seksek%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Global%20Market%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20HealthTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20100%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20to%20date%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2415%20million%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
OPINIONS ON PALESTINE & ISRAEL
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Results
6.30pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: Celtic Prince, David Liska (jockey), Rashed Bouresly (trainer).
7.05pm: Conditions Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Commanding, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
7.40pm: Handicap Dh190,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Grand Argentier, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
8.15pm: Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 2,200m
Winner: Arch Gold, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.
8.50pm: The Entisar Listed Dh265,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Military Law, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
9.25pm: The Garhoud Sprint Listed Dh265,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Ibn Malik, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi.
10pm: Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Midnight Sands, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
EPL's youngest
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
15 years, 181 days old
- Max Dowman (Arsenal)
15 years, 235 days old
- Jeremy Monga (Leicester)
15 years, 271 days old
- Harvey Elliott (Fulham)
16 years, 30 days old
- Matthew Briggs (Fulham)
16 years, 68 days old
Monster
Directed by: Anthony Mandler
Starring: Kelvin Harrison Jr., John David Washington
3/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
more from Janine di Giovanni
Ipaf in numbers
Established: 2008
Prize money: $50,000 (Dh183,650) for winners and $10,000 for those on the shortlist.
Winning novels: 13
Shortlisted novels: 66
Longlisted novels: 111
Total number of novels submitted: 1,780
Novels translated internationally: 66
PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
War
Director: Siddharth Anand
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, Ashutosh Rana, Vaani Kapoor
Rating: Two out of five stars
The specs: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Price, base: Dh399,999
Engine: Supercharged 6.2-litre V8
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 707hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 875Nm @ 4,800rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 16.8L / 100km (estimate)
