Food blogging isn’t all Instagrammed fabulosity and swanning around. Many of the food bloggers I know here in Qatar and abroad work hard to develop and write engaging content. As do I.

This happens a bit

But there are some deep, dark secrets, that I don’t even talk about after a few drinks, about my experience with blogging.

• Sometimes I just can’t be bothered to post. I have an over articulated work and personal life and frankly, I just want to watch TV. I would love to be more disciplined, but at the moment I just can’t.

My preferred state

• I watch more of the crime channel than the food channel. OK I do watch Masterchef, but frankly I find cooking shows a little dull. Plus they make me want to eat…more.
• Yes, I do get occasional free meals and experience some remarkable things like a recent amazing evening with Robert De Niro at the Four Seasons Doha. But many of the experiences I write about here are paid for out of my own pocket. I think it’s important to be honest and accountable and frankly, I like to eat good food. A lot.
• Except kale. I hate kale. So much.
• I also hate mason jars. Same amount.
• I love to cook but sometimes all I can manage is microwaved Maggi noodles. An even deeper confession is that yes, I even chuck out the flavor sachets and add butter, cheese and chilli sauce. Classy. (PS try it).
• I don’t actually go out every night. In Doha this is quite easy to do. Especially in the cooler months where there seems to be an event every night. I really am a little bit of a hermit and prefer to be home in my track pants watching TV than at another event.
• I’m a pretty rubbish photographer. I know this because a helpful reader told me I would get more hits if I took better photos. As a journalist, I know the importance of a good image to flog a story, but I’m more of a words person than a visual person. Mind you I’m doing better than some who seem to think it’s OK to post photos of what is basically a brown mass and call it a food photo.

I wish I was a better photographer

• I get by with a lot of help from my friends. Behind most food photos is a friend resigned and holding their phones just so to provide light to a shot. and yes, they can’t eat until I’ve “shot the shit out of it”.

Waiting, waiting and waiting until Rach takes the photo

• I understand why non-bloggers find food bloggers annoying and pretentious sometimes. I once sat and watched longingly as my food got cold while a fellow foodie took 20 or more photos of each course at a high-end restaurant. It was excruciating. I apologise to those who have been forced to do the same for me.
• I do make some money from my blog and other related collaborations and activities. Listen I’m not ready to retire, but it keeps me ticking along and enables my online shopping addiction. Ask ASOS.
• I am genuinely thrilled when brands, hotels, restaurants and others ask for my advice and input. It gives me immense pride that my opinion is valued.
• I don’t understand Snapchat and refuse to acknowledge it.
• I eat processed cheese slices. There I said it.

Drops mike. Leaves stage

It’s been a complicated week and I was feeling a little down in the dumps about life in general last night on my way home from an event.

But as I turned off Airport Road onto D Ring road (after abusing a guy in a Toyota Corolla and nearly being sideswiped by a FJ Cruiser), I saw some lights twinkling in the distance.

Thinking it was most post-Lasik surgery mirage I ignored it…until I realized this shimmering apparition was in fact real. A food truck. In Matar Qadeem. Not much happens in my neighborhood – a tree in my street blew down in a storm a couple of years ago and there is the occasional wedding.

There, in the dusty vacant block behind the Family Food Center, shining like a beacon of foodie hope (and brighter than the dodgy neon sign at Tandoor) was the Burgeri Food Truck.

The Burgeri burger Truck is Doha’s first food truck and is an offshoot of the popular restaurant in Aspire Park. I must admit I hadn’t tried their burger yet, but I was hungry. And frankly what kind of real food blogger would I be to have this gem in my neighborhood and not take advantage?

So I literally swerved the Kia around the U turn at the Lulu signal, possibly knocking a few eyes out in the process and headed to the dusty lot, negotiating abandoned cars and the odd stray cat…

It was a very Doha experience. Unlike most hipster food trucks, you don’t have to leave your car. you roll up, a guy takes your order and you park. Five minutes later my burger, fries and diet coke were delivered to my window. they even had a card machine.

the menu is small but covers the bases – Angus beef burgers, a wagyu burger, loaded hotdogs, fries and shakes. I went for a basic B Special burger with Angus beef, cheese, pickles, lettuce, red onion and tomatoes and special sauce (you can order single or double patties). I added cheese fries to the order.

Honestly I was surprised – it was a legitimately tasty American style burger. The bun was soft and the beef itself actually flavorsome. The Burgeri sauce was like crack and I could have done with a vat of that for my fries (and maybe everything elese). The fries could have done with a dusting of salt but the cheese sauce was gooey and just right.

It was gone in a few bites. For QR50 for the lot (including a drink), it was a good value late-night pit stop.

The food truck is touring around the country and has been to Al Wakra, Al Khor and other places as well events and locations around the city of Doha. you can follow them on Instagram for latest updates and locations @burgeridoha

Catch it if you can – I know I will be.

The great thing about being a foodie in Doha is that you can always be assured of a new restaurant opening being just around the corner.

I often get asked about rumors relating to restaurant openings and other goings on around this growing scene. So,  this is a little round up of some places opening very soon or in the near future so you can pencil them into your dining schedule.

Warning! When I say pencil, you should just pencil. This is Qatar…remember the airport we waited eight years for (then it leaked)?

The most imminent opening is actually tomorrow (Sunday 13 December) – Elements at Four Seasons Doha. Located in the space that was the dearly departed Nustanao, this place has me very excited, namely because it will have a Gin Bar with unusual and specially sourced gins. It will also have a focus on New World wines. The food itself will be Asian, Arabic, Indian and seafood. Combine this with an excellent management team and the Four Seasons excellent foodie track record, and you have a must dine venue.

Elements at Four Seasons (photo from Four Seasons Doha)

Taking a cruise along the Corniche and with stunning views across the bay, is the Double Tree by Hilton. Known for the free cookie on check in and being good value, this hotel is in soft opening phase but hosts what I predict will be one of the hottest new outdoor venues in the city. Pure Sky Lounge hosts panoramic views across the city and a very laid back vibe. I may move in.

Pure Sky Lounge at Doubletree by Hilton (photo from Doubletree by Hilton)

Whizzing along the Corniche and out to Al Wakra, I am very keen to try Copacabana at Souq Al Wakra. It’s still in its soft opening but this Brazilian grill is getting some decent buzz. And there is something very alluring about eating South American food by the sea.

Back in Doha and a little further off in the distance is the early promise being shown by the much-delayed Shangri-La Doha. With five outlets including the seafood place with a very Australian sounding name,  Yabby, and an Argentinian grill, the Chinese venue Shanghai Club is creating some excitement from the dumpling brigade. Rumor is the hotel will open early January, but we have heard that before.

Shanghai Club at Shangri-La Doha (photo from Shangri-la Doha)

Also on the agenda in January 2016 is Westin Doha which brings with its Starwood and the brand’s excellent food and beverage dining credentials. This hotel will be well located for those of us who are refusing the lure of West Bay and will also host bars and a very interesting sounding Thai restaurant.

This list is not exhaustive. We all know that dining in Qatar has become a moveable feast (and this includes opening dates) and new venues pop up every day. I must say that 2016 is looking very tasty already!.

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. Apologies for borrowing shamelessly from the classics, but really 2015 saw highs and many lows.

It was the year I lost my mother but found love in the unlikeliest of places. I haven’t traveled as widely as I did in previous years, but sometimes we need to stand still to appreciate what we have. I haven’t been the most regular blogger. I found I needed more headspace this year.

But enough of the sentimentality.

My fellow blogger A to Zataar asked my top three dishes for 2015 and she reminded me that this post was formulating for some weeks. So with thanks to her reminder, here is my almost definitive list:

Hyderabad Biryani at Park Hyatt Hyderabad was perhaps the reason we ended up in this incredible city. Tender chicken thighs and a melange of spices, it was an aromatic adventure.

Chicken Biryani at Park Hyatt Hyderabad

As a food blogger I get to sample many great, good and no so good so it’s sometimes hard to narrow down the best. What I learned this year is that it’s not always the five star places that deliver the best taste and experience.

Sri Lankan Feast at the New White Oceanic in Doha

This meal is memorable for many reasons – first the company of my funny and fun fellow blogger Gerald Tan. Second the delicious taste of everything from the devilled prawns to the almost creamy daal. Finally the price – a veritable feast for QR30.

Back in five star territory – the biggest and newest outpost of Nobu Doha opened this year and it was in many ways worth the wait. Clean flavors and spectacular views add to the experience. The black miso cod is everything you read about and more – a umami explosion.

Miso hungry for this

This is where the competition gets very fierce. Only two slots left. I couldn’t let this pass without mentioning my regular haunt – Spice Market Doha. Hard to pick a bad dish on this menu and I also have many favorite but my most loved is their braised short rib. The meat is almost silky and the saucy the right side of sticky.However, my best dish from here this year is not on the menu but one made for me for my birthday by Chef Liu. The chive rice blew my mind – so simple yet complex.

Chive rice at Spice Market

Before we get to the main event, I want to make some honorable mentions.The sticky lobster paella at El Faro at Marsa Malasz Kempinksiand the humble but mighty sausage rolls and potato scallops at Doha’s BBaba are standouts. Special mention must also go to the amazing meal I had with friends in Goa at Chula at Grand Hyatt Goa. I also can’t forget the seafood feast I had with my friend Kim by the Bosphorus in Istanbul.

Another highly commended to this spicy shrimp at the Nozomi Doha and another short rib flavor explosion from the new menu Market Doha.

Spicy goodness at Nozumi

Order this immediately

But perhaps the biggest surprise for me and perhaps the best thing I ate this year was courtesy of an old favorite Porcini at Ritz Carlton Doha.

Duck ragu with hand cut pasta

I revisited the restaurant after some time and was blown away by this duck ragu with hand cute pasta. Unctuous and moreish and yes a little heavy, it was a real surprise and honestly one of the best in a year of great eats. I keep coming back to it when asked my favorite dish in Doha.

This was quite a year. Good, bad and all the emotions in between. I know 2016 will bring more love, laughter and great eats. I wish the same for you.

Everyone loves a theme – especially me. In fact, I am hooked on them (almost as much as bad seafood puns).

I’ve been sampling some new (and old) restaurants lately and a theme emerged – seafood. Qatar is a country that loves its seafood – helps to be surrounded by it and its history is a seafaring one. Most menus (steak houses excepted) here are seafood heavy which suits me just fine.

So, in keeping with my theme (see what I did there), here is a wrap of a handful of seafood menus on offer around town and even offshore.

Pier 12 Raddison Blu Doha is a venue I shamefully haven’t visited in eight years in this city. It sits at the “formal” end of my dining scale – the waiters were all but wearing white gloves. In terms of experience, this is where the underrated hotel wins – they know how to treat a guest and I loved the attentive service.

The menu was extensive and had my Dad flummoxed from the start. But the waiters were helpful and we were able to negotiate some dishes that encompassed their strengths. There is also a small “fish market” where you can choose your fish or shell fish and have the chef cook them for you. My father chose the scallops from here which were served old school in the shell.

Highlights for me where US style crab cakes that were filled with chunks of the sweet meat and a tartare dipping sauce. The exterior had just the right amount of crunch for me. The only let down for me came later when I realized that the tartare sauce was identical to that served with my main course, some variety would have been nice.

Crabby in a good way

My main of fish and chips hit the spot – meaty  and perfectly hammour fillets encased in a light and crunchy batter. Again with the previously mentioned tartare sauce which was perfect in context here.

Catch of the Day

Admittedly I didn’t touch the mushy peas which in my view are an English affectation that should be banished to the dustbin of history along with colonialism.

My Dad’s main was perhaps the only disappointment of the night. he enjoyed the chunks of seafood in a tomato sauce but it was soon apparent that the chef hadn’t combined the pasta and sauce properly. Served in a bowl the size of my bath tub, around half of the pasta was clumped together untouched by the sauce which is something I would expect for a home cook. Weirdly I also noted cauliflower in the dish along with some beautifully cooked prawns. That said my father ploughed on and declared the dish tasty.

Seafood pasta

Aside from this misstep, the meal and the service was very good. This is honest and dependable seafood styled in an old fashioned but fundamentally enjoyable.

Across town, The Pearl Qatar continues to reinvent itself. Since opening up to “mid priced” family restaurants, the place is adding new dining venues by the week.

Balmesan is a truly Qatari creation and its clientele prove this.

Again, this place boasts a massive menu encompassing Arabic and Western styles before taking a weird detour into Thailand.

We visited on a pristine Winter’s Saturday amidst my Dad’s grumbling about not being able to have a beer with lunch. We were both utterly confounded by the menu and probably made a few mistakes.

The menu includes a fair few dishes combining seafood and cheese. Now I love cheese, but it doesn’t always go with morsels from the deep (mornay excluded, that stuff is awesome). But apparently it’s a thing in Doha.

The seafood chowder we shared was a little bland but had a juicy crab leg. Sadly my one mussel was not cleaned properly and still had the beard intact which made me question the rest of the dish which also had a liberal sprinkling of mock seafood.

Seafood chowder

I should have steered clear of mussels but I do love them. A mussel mornay style starter had promise but the filling was actually chopped up meat from the mussels. Lebanese style seafood kibbe also caught my eye but were dry and needed a sauce.

Perfect Prawns

We had better success with our mains, a whole baby sea bass chosen from the seafood market housed inside the restaurant, was stunning and topped with an Egyptian style tomato and onion sauce. And prawns in a butter and lemon sauce were beautifully grilled and not swamped in the sauce.

food blogger

With a prime position on the boardwalk with unlimited people watching ability, this place has potential. It’s pedigree (same owners as the cult restaurant Little Sailor) is excellent and their service is impeccable. It’s only been open a couple of months and the day we visited nearly every table was full. They have the recipe for success, they just need to adjust the seasoning.

Our next seafood adventure takes use 30 minutes off the coast of Doha to the Banana Island by Anantara resort. I’ve written about how much I love this place before and wanted to make a visit for lunch in winter. To get there you have to take their boat which leaves the Doha Port every 30 minutes. You must have a hotel reservation or a booking in one of the outlets. It’s QR200 for the boat and QR100 can be used as a dining or activity credit.

I was keen to get back to Q Lounge as I had enjoyed both the food and the ambience. With a view over the pool and out across the water, it can’t be beat. The day we arrived the resort was heaving the in-house guests and 350 from the “mainland” – mostly Saudis.

Calamari starter

Q Lounge has a new-ish Turkish chef and he has maintained the high standards. While my starter of calamari was fine (maybe a little over-breaded and cooked), the seafood BBQ for two was exceptional.

Served Arabic style on a charcoal grill, every peace was perfectly cooked – the hamour fillet juicy and even the Oman lobster had flavor. The chef said all the seafood was sourced from the Arabian Gulf and at QR470 for two was very good value.

Grilled to perfection

Special mention has to be made about the chips. While the skinny fries were meh, we were served some hand cut, thrice fried chips. Crispy to the point of crackling on the outside and fluffy on the inside, I would take that boat ride back right now for these alone.

Back on shore and back into my usual turf (and surf), W Doha‘s Spice Market has introduced a weekly Asian-inspired Hook and Catch menu which is a family seafood feast for the senses. Literally.

Lobster…so much lobster

Boasting some unusual takes on seafood including a crispy fried soft shell crab and a braised Omani lobster with pineapple curry, the dishes are served family style.

Soft shell crab – absolutely delicious

Also on the menu is their famous salmon sashimi which is one of my favorite dishes in Doha (I have a few) – a umami explosion of crispy, salty, sweet and aaaaaaaah.

Ahhhhhhhh

Other highlights include a whole butterflied crispy seabass which you eat with your hands by stuffing into lettuce leaves with herbs and dunk into a perfect dipping sauce.

Get messy

The special menu (which even includes dessert) is QR250 per person (minimum of two people) and runs every Wednesday night at Spice Market. It’s probably one of the most innovative yet accessible set menus on offer in the city at the moment.

OK folks, yes I know this was a long post. But listen…it’s a theme! There is literally something for everyone – old school, seafood with a view and even those with a taste for adventure. You’ll be hooked.

*Life on the Wedge was a guest of W Doha, Raddison Blu Doha and Balmesan but views are my own except if they are Oprah’s because she’s awesome.

My love of Happy Hours extends back to my university days (sometime in the 1900s) when the Wentworth Bar at Sydney University offered $1 cocktails. They were brown and sticky and frankly lethal, but a great deal. From what I remember.

In a city where a good meal can cost upwards of QR500 for two, Happy  Hours are the way to have a great night out and still have some change for the car ride home. I must applaud some of the big ticket hotels in this city for embracing this idea – based on the theory that customers will come back for more.

W Doha is the original and the best when it comes to Happy Hour. Their Sip n Savor in Spice Market is legendary – reduced priced cocktails and drinks with a free snack off their menu. It runs Sunday to Thursday 530pm to 730pm and the crowds waiting for it to open are legendary yet patient. I have also been known to eat all of the spicy shrimp. The bar area can get lively but it’s always a great vibe with cheerful service. Plus you get free popcorn and other crispy snacks. Free popcorn!

All of the shrimp

Their Italian restaurant, La Spiga has a similar offer from 5pm to 7pm Sunday to Thursday. A smaller bar area means it can be cosy, but the drinks (including Negronis and Italian wines) and the never-ending plates of crispy garlic flatbread make up for the close proximity. Check out the crispy calamari and zucchini on the bar menu – a great foil to the drinks.

In their signature restaurant, Market, a new concept has been introduced – Gin O’Clock. They had me at gin. Really. Saturday to Thursday between 5pm and 7pm for just QR120 you can act all sophisticated with a variety of gin cocktails soaked up by some fabulous canapes. I tried this out last week and I can say, you won’t stop at just one, so book the taxi. The atmosphere in Market is buzzy and the cocktails creative (one of mine had rosemary).

You are the gin to my tonic

The Big Daddy of Happy Hours in Doha at the moment is Nobu Doha. Frankly it’s astounding value – a world class restaurant, interesting drinks, well priced snacks and that view.

Ohhhh Nobu

Between 6pm and 8pm every night their Kanpai Happy Hour has become the place to be. People swarm the two bars and outdoor terrace for prices from QR35 glasses of wine and cocktails, QR30 for beers, QR45 for sake QR35 for spirits. Then there are the QR30 snacks on the extensive menu. Standouts are the tiny salmon tacos, wagyu beef dumplings and the black miso cod. All are versions of items from the Nobu menu.So you get a taste of Nobu at Happy Hour prices.

Be warned, get there on the dot of 6pm for a seat and Mondays is ladies night – with happy hour prices for ladies all night. Also, if you plan to drive on busy nights (Mondays and Thursdays) ditch the car and get a club car from the entrance of the hotel, the line for drop-off can be long. In all, in spite of the growing crowds, a very good night – delicious food, cool vibes and friendly service.

Perfect combination

Back on the mainland, Elements at Four Seasons Doha is fast becoming a go-to venue. Their relaxed bar area with braces-wearing mixologists and comfy couches is winning fans, as is their creative cocktail menu. Their Four by Four Happy Hour menu has cocktails inspired by the elements – earth, fire, water and air and runs from 4pm to 7pm Sunday to Thursday. Wednesday is Ladies Night from 4pm and they even have a Saturday Happy Hour from 4pm. My favorite part (apart from the White Lady gin cocktail, is the Tapas Trolley offering well priced snacks from the menu.

Elementary my dear

An erstwhile favorite is the Belgian Cafe Doha which has one of the earliest Happy Hours in town – Sunday to Wednesday from 4pm to 6pm and Thursdays from 2pm. It can get smoky and blokey but always a fun place.

It’s not all about the West Bay crowd, back towards the Airport are a couple of great value nights out. Misturado at the Crowne Plaza Doha is a well kept secret I am loathe to expose. Happy Hour is 5pm to 7pm with discounts on drinks and a good selection of bar snacks.

Meanwhile over Sharq Village and Spa the always lovely terrace at the Al Dana restaurant hosts one of the city’s newest Happy Hours. C Lounge Hour  runs very Monday to Wednesday from 8pm with one for one drinks and a selection of snacks on offer.  My new favorite is Aperitivo Wednesdays  which is Italian-style cocktails and bites from 5pm to 8pm. This is truly one of the most underrated venues in Doha.

This is by no means an exhaustive list – just the places and deals I go back to again and again (and again….). I will update this post as new ones emerge.

What is your favorite Happy Hour?

*I was a guest of W Doha for their Gin O’Clock launch but opinions are my own and you know, I really, really love gin. And snacks. I also love snacks.

This is my brunch now

In days of old, I used to love brunch. Like thousands of expats in Qatar and the UAE, it was kind of like a sport to me. Four hours of uninterrupted food and drinks in a plush environment surrounded by friends and fellow travellers? Count me in.

But my priorities changed – my stamina just wasn’t there anymore and I discovered there were things I would rather do on a Friday (sleep, hang out, watch the crime channel).

I’m now an occasional guest star at brunches but had a flurry of invites recently that merited further investigation. To be clear I was invited to each of these venues and did not have to pay – but my views and experiences are my own.

The economic scene in Qatar is pretty tight at the moment as it is in any hydrocarbon dependent nation right now. You can thank $30 barrels of oil for that. I thought that maybe the brunch scene here would be diminished – in fact its the opposite. True, people aren’t brunching as often, but now hotels are offering better value and more innovative options.

And sometimes, brunch isn’t even on Friday…

While it’s not really brunch because it’s on a Thursday…and at night…the Street Food Doha experience at the Marriott Doha is justifiably generating a lot of buzz. I’m calling it a brunch because it falls on a weekend.

The concept – unlike anything else in Doha – is unique. Using their myriad of outlets as the springboard, they set up “street food” stalls where you can wander along, choosing what takes your fancy and having it whipped up fresh in front of your eyes.

Stick food from Thailand, handmade dumplings from China, southern US fried chicken, proper old school tacos from Mexico, fish and chips and also a proper fish market where you choose your catch and have it cooked to order.

Chaat me up

You can choose which outlet to be seated in – my advice is the Mexican as there is a fun band and a great vibe. Basically you grab a tray and trawl the stalls. you can get a drink along the way or have them delivered to your table. Then roll you sleeves up and chow down. No pretensions and no holds barred.

Around the world in one evening

There are also no plates – food is served street food style in paper containers. It’s literally authentic. Highlights for me were the handmade dumplings and the Indian chaat. I also loved the fresh seafood – we devoured a huge crab leg that was cooked to order.

So Street

This is truly one of the most interesting offerings in the city right now – innovative and honest, delicious food and excellent value at Street  QR240 and with alcohol QR335. That’s my Thursdays covered.

Back firmly in the realm of Friday brunch territory – I was invited to try the new Yabby Restaurant at the Shangrila brunch. I wanted to love this place. It’s an adults only brunch in a restaurant named after an Australian crustacean. And it had been getting rave reviews from certain sections of the blogging crowd.

Seafood mountain

The restaurant itself has about as much atmosphere as an airline lounge. That could be because we were seated near the actual food. The buffet itself is refreshingly small – a selection of fresh seafood, some starters then a menu of “main courses” you can order. The fresh seafood was excellent and the selection of small bites including sushi was very limited and somewhat repetitive but interesting – like a seafood devilled egg. Other smaller dishes were brought around. The chef is Portuguese and when he is allowed to explore these flavors, the place is on a winner.

1970s are back

To be honest, despite the very attentive service, it took some interrogation to have the concept articulated clearly. We realized, when it was time for dessert (which is serve din a different room), that behind the main buffet is a teppanaki grill – my nose led me to the smell of grilled prawns. This was never mentioned in two hours of our being there and I asked at least three times what was included. By then it was too late to truly enjoy that offering although the squid I tried was tender. Nor were the cocktails which are also part of the deal.

The mains themselves are very hit and miss. A 1970s style seafood voluvent (I literally haven’t had one in 20 years) showed retro promise but needed whack of seasoning. The seafood pasta was more successful – well cooked seafood with a light tomato broth. I also enjoyed the visually boring but lovely seafood pie – chunks of seafood with a potato topping. You can order as many of the small mains as you can eat which means you are likely to find something you like.

Seafood pasta – a better choice

It’s early in Yabby’s tenure in Doha and this brunch has some strong points including the fresh seafood and kid-free environment. It’s also in the early days of opening and I am keen to return to see how they have refined their offering. But the chef should be let off the leash more to explore his mediterranean flavor arsenal and for QR320 with soft drinks and QR 440 with alcohol, needs to work harder to be a go-to brunch venue.

Clinging to the coast in West Bay is Trader Vic’s, that erstwhile good-time venue known the world over for its massive cocktails (including one named the Suffering Bastard – which I am sure is named after one of my ex-boyfriends) and its kitsch Tiki bar feel. Their Friday brunch dubs itself ‘Asian Polynesian”. I wasn’t sure what it means and after dining there I still don’t know.

Sushi samba

It’s certainly a hefty amount of food – sushi, salads, a selection of fried starters including a decent calamari and their famous Crab Rangoon (I am a sucker for this) and finally mains including that Chinese restaurant throwback lemon chicken and a alarming little gimmick where you can grill your own chicken and beef skewers at the table using liquid fire (it’s a long story).

All washed down with their lethal cocktails including the Tiki Tiki Puka Puka which is presumably what you do after eating all this food and booze in one sitting.

When life gives you lemons…make lemon chicken

While I enjoyed the sushi and a handful of the dishes including a grilled salmon main (and of course the company of lovely hostess Noemi, and bloggers Gerald and Sara, I found some dishes over salted, over battered and over fried. But, the atmosphere is fun and there is a full page of lethal cocktails to choose from. At QR350 for brunch every Friday between 12.30pm and 3.30pm you can plunge headlong into a 1970s time warp.

Still on the coast and in the pan-Asian realm, Nobu Doha has entered the brunch game with a spectacular splash. I m going to be honest – I love this place. It’s sophisticated,  a stunning location and the food is great.

I was invited with a group of picky food bloggers to try their new offering in its second week. As with Yabby, at that point there were some glitches to be ironed out – service was overwhelmed on that day by the crowd, oysters ran out and tables weren’t cleared with the same speed one is used to here.

But then there is the food.

Oh Nobu

There are six live stations including sushi, ceviche, crispy rice and the infamous oysters. A selection of starters are also served at the table.

Rick and roll – spicy rock shrimp

There were some misses here including a jarring foie gras dumpling but the crunchy mini chicken tacos, miso eggplant and the sashimi selection (including a jalapeno one that made my mouth jump – in a good way) are sublime.

Start me up

Then each diner can choose a main including signature dishes like  their spicy rock shrimp, Chilean sea bass and a succulent king crab leg with a delicate shiso leaf salsa. Regular readers know I have a complex relationship with desserts, but I can vouch for the Nobu cheese cake in all its creamy glory.

King of crabs

As I said, this brunch experience was not without glitches – our servers looked like they were running a marathon as they kept up with the demanding crowd. the vibe was also fun and diverse – locals, families (perhaps taking advantage of the fact that they could bring their rugrats to Nobu) and expats out for a posh brunch.  I’ve often said the dining room of this restaurant lacks atmosphere, but when it’s full of brunchers, it takes on a life of its own.

The brunch package includes signature cocktails like the divine lychee martini and the Japanese gimlet plus a selection of decent wines and spirits including Bombay Sapphire. It’s now been operating for more than a month and my advice is this is a great place for special brunch, especially the outdoor tables on the terrace. At QR475 all inclusive it’s at the “That’s expensive Marjorie” end of the spectrum, but well worth the stretch.

To be up front – each of these I was invited to as a guest  and this is not a complete view of what’s new and interesting at the moment. There is also the new and massive St Regis Doha which combines all their outlets in a dining experience with entertainment. I haven’t tried it but it looks impressive but a hearing stories of long lines. Also W Doha outlets Spice Market and Market as well as Four Seasons Doha continue to be the “gold standard” brunches by which others are judged.

Times are a little tough in Doha at the moment. But when the going gets tough, the tough go to brunch.

*Life on the Wedge was a guest of the Four Seasons, Marriott Doha, Shangri la Doha and the Hilton Doha for each of these experiences. Views are my own unless they are Oprah’s. Because she’s awesome. 

Sometimes you need to work on the basics first before you add all the bells and whistles.

Elements replaced a personal favorite of mine – Nusantao. Four Seasons has struggled with this location for as long as I have been dining there. It was previously a nondescript all day dining restaurant before being transformed into Nusantao. Which despite a long and confusing menu, still managed to deliver flavor and the only version of Hainan Chicken I was able to find in Doha.

What it lacked, was atmosphere.

Elements, as seems to be the trend in Doha now, has an elaborate backstory. It’s name is based on the elements – fire, earth, water and air – and this underpins everything from the menu through to the cocktail list. Sometimes I feel that if you have to spend a lot of time explaining your concept, you may lose people.

That said, Elements manages to keep me interested.

Some elements (see what I did there) are familiar – live cooking stations and the Sushi bar being the most obvious.

Elements seems to have tackled the atmospheric shortcomings and come up with a solution to keep all diners and drop-ins happy. Aside from the open dining room and show kitchens, there is a cosy bar area as well as more casual and relaxed outdoor seating which has proved wildy popular this winter.

The bar itself is a work of art – borderline hipster mixologists conjuring up a great selection of cocktails using gins and vodkas procured from around the world. You can sit a long table or choose the inside and outside couches.

White lady for a lady

With its dark colors and designer touches, it’s a deeply sexy setting for dinner or just drinks.

A roving tapas trolley feeds the hungry between drinks – it has a selection of mini bites – dumplings, spring rolls, a delightfully spicy Larb and tuna tartare among others – from the menu and is a excellent idea. although my advice would be to make these part of the deal for happy hour as well.

Tapas trolley

Now for the food. The menu, like it’s predecessor, spans the continents and cuisines. Doha is not the place for a compact menu – you need to be all things to all people. At Elements that means seafood, Indian, Arabic and Asian. it’s easy to get lost in the menu, my advice is to stick to one cuisine style for each course.

We had some hits and misses with the starters. A soft shell crab wrap with green ful mash and picked greens was a little confusion rather than fusion and too dry to be interesting.

Crabby

Wasabi prawns with  macadamia nuts, seasonal fruit and caviar was also confused and the very sweet sauce jarred with the rest of the dish.

A selection of starters

But a perfectly crispy spring roll and a selection of succulent dim sum brought me back to life. This includes a truly great Siew Mai stuffed with steamed chicken, shrimp and topped with a sliver of unctuous black truffle.

You had me at truffle

Now this is where the food at Elements really took off for me. Their Asian inspired food, led by a Chinese chef, is frankly among the best you will have in this town. A braised sea Shanghai style bass with Chinese vegetables could have been bland, but soared because of a delicate mix of flavors and textures.

Shanghaied by the delicate tastes in this dish

Black bean scallops –  scallops steamed with  tofu and Chinese greens was so good would make you regret any previous experiences with so-called black bean sauce. This is not your suburban take-away.

Black bean sauce but not as you know it

Grilled lamb chops with feta and pomegranate brings you back to the near east and more familiar territory for some diners. They were succulent and grilled to a perfect medium rare and served with braised eggplant. This is the lamb dish other restaurants should aspire to emulate.

Chopped and changed

I’ve been to Elements several times now, one evening at the invitation of the hotel, another to their grand opening and other times with friends for drinks and snacks. This is why I have waited to write my review – I wanted to give it time to settle.

It’s a fine line to traverse – it’s essentially an all day dining restaurant catering to hotel guests and the general public. How do you cater to both crowd yet also reinvent yourself to keep pace with the increasingly demanding Doha dining public?

While a couple of the starters failed to light my fire, the mains, the sexy bar set-up, the impeccable service on all visits and the atmosphere more than make up for these.

As I said at the outset, you need to get the basics before you add the sparkle. Elements seemed to have hit on the right combination – injecting atmosphere in a space that lacked it and finding a balance between the familiar and the little bit daring.

The Details

Elements at the Four Seasons Doha

Tel.(974) 4494 8888

http://www.fourseasons.com/Doha

Twitter: @FSDoha

*Life on the Wedge was indeed a guest of the Four Seasons for dinner as well as their opening. All photos are my own. All opinions are also my own. Seriously.

I know I sound like a broken record about this, but the Qatar food scene when I arrived in 2007 was dramatically different to the smorgasbord we have today. A handful of hotels with dining options and a smattering of quality standalone places made up the “scene”.

Today we are almost spoiled for choice and it seems a new eatery pops up on my Instagram feed every day.

Hand in hand with this growth has been the flourishing foodie scene and all that brings with it…

Wait! I need to Instagram that! (pic from The Fit Foodie)

Here’s my guide (by no means exhaustive ahem…) of the eight kinds of foodies you will find in Qatar:

1. The Food Blogger:

Yes, yes, this is where I find myself. There has been an explosion of Qatar-based food blogs since I started my humble cheese blog four years ago – in all languages and catering to all audiences. From full on cooking blogs to restaurant reviews and micro-blogging, it seems everyone is in on it here. You will identify this group but the studied silence that descends when a dish hits the table – followed by the furious clicking of smart phone cameras, the whispers of “do you mind?” as someone repositions a plate or asks for so some ambient light. Often found hunting in packs.

Most likely to say: “Wait! I need to SnapChat this!” or “Is this dinner a plus one situation?”

      2. The Blagger

The red headed stepchild of the Food Blogger, these are those who pride themselves in being able to score a free meal because of their “Influencer” Status. They have been known to pre-emptively send their “Rate Cards” to hotels and often offer a “group rate” for their shining five star reviews (with a SnapChat and an Instagram post thrown in) in exchange for a hefty fee and a table for them and their mates. I’m on the record about the growth of this sub section of the of the Qatar blogging community and while I don’t begrudge anyone a free meal (hell, I’ve had many!) or making a buck or two, believe me readers and followers have a right to be wary.

Most likely to say: “Don’t you know who I am? I’m a INFLUENCER” and “Would you like to see my review rate card?”

3. The Bruncher:

Loves food and loves to enjoy it with friends. Fridays are sacred and spent in big groups at various hotels around town. They have their favorite haunts (and their regular tables)  but will also branch out and try something new. Has a fabulous wardrobe.

Most likely to say: “Shall we get an UBER?” or “The foie gras station at (insert hotel here) is incredible!”

4. The “Expert”

One word: tedious. Not sure you have ever met an “Expert Foodie”? Don’t worry they will tell you ad nauseum about their expert status in everything from organic vegetables to obscure eastern Greenlandic cuisine. They are also want to tell you loudly that there is “no such thing as authentic XXX food in Doha” because they once tried it in (insert country here) on their four day holiday there in 2009 and they now know everything about it.  These guys can also be a bit of a food/wine snob and will also correct your pronunciation.

Most likely to say: “Pretentious? Moi?” 

    5. The Deal Hunter:

Love these guys. Armed with apps and vouchers, they know where to get the best deals in town on any given day. They also know every happy hour and special offer. These guys love food and know that you don’t always have to pay the Doha Standard Price for such things. Make friends with these people.

Most likely to say: “Wait, I have a voucher for that!”

     6. The Hipster:

Yes folks, they walk amongst us in Qatar, decrying the shortage of cold press coffee and making repeat hate visits to IKEA for mason jars. never met a food trend they didn’t like. They claim to know every back street dining joint in Doha and love to espouse their local knowledge and how they just “love to dine with the people”. Also, can we stop trying to make cauliflower rice a thing?

Most likely to say: “Is this single origin?”  or “Seriously, Doha needs more food trucks!”

      7.The Homecook Hero:

Everybody has a dish from home or their travels that they miss. Some amazing foodies in this town have turned this into a lucrative side business. Thanks to the power of social media, you can now buy everything from a freshly baked pie, to elaborate cakes, to fresh and clean Vietnamese spring rolls, Indonesian food and even a huge dish of luscious seafood paella. If you are keen for a taste of something lovingly home made, head to the MIA Park Bazaar every Saturday or join the Doha Foodies group on Facebook.

Most likely to say: “This? Oh just something I whipped up this morning!”

 8. The Genuine Foodie:

Really, this is all of us reading this post. We love to eat it and find new and interesting adventures at home and abroad. We might take a photo of it and post it on our social media channel. We might also recommend it to our friends. We are generous and open and never The only criteria for this “foodie tribe” is a they must love food.

Most likely to say: “OMG this is incredible!”

I made my friend wait while I photographed this

As I said, this isn’t every tribe or even sub tribe on Qatar’s burgeoning food scene. To be fair, I identify with nearly all of these groups (except the Blaggers and the Hipsters)

Drops mike. Leaves the stage….

There are very few things I love more than cheese. The list goes something like:

• ABBA
• Online shopping
• My family and friends
• My handsome man (he made me write that)

And then, there is dim sum or more specifically, dumplings

In Australia we call it yum cha and interestingly (OK maybe not), yum cha, which means drinking tea, is the older version of dim sum. In some parts of southern China, restaurants start serving these little morsels at 5am which would actually suit me fine, being an early riser.

Dim sum/yum cha of whatever you call it, consists of bite-sized portions traditionally served in small steamer baskets or on small plates.

Now in Doha, it’s fair to say that a good dumpling is very hard to find. Special mention must be made of Asia Live at Marriott Doha and Spice Market at W Doha both of which have very skilled Chinese chefs who made exquisite dumplings. But until recently, there has been little in the way of traditional lunch time offerings.

And now, suddenly, we have two – Hwang at the Intercontinental Doha the City and the Hakka Brunch at Hakkasan. People are just playing with me now.

My introduction to Hwang could not have been less auspicious – on arrival int eh hotel we were directed to the wrong floor then managed to stumble into the restaurant (finding the hotel itself required a knowledge of Doha’s labrinythne West Bay back streets). But once inside, all was forgiven.

Small but perfectly formed

The menu offers a dim sum size selection of dishes including soups, fried, steamed, wok fried, curries, vegetables and of course sweets.

You can have as many or as few as you want. Of course, I wanted all the dumplings.

We started with a rich chicken and prawn laksa, which was deeply spiced and lush. We later learned the chef is Malaysian and you can see his deft hand with spices in many of the dishes.

There were only two actual dumplings on the extensive menu – a prawn hargow and a steam chicken siew mai. Both had paper thin dough and were perfectly formed. a word on this – many places in Qatar sell dumplings but the dough isn’t quite right. Mostly it’s too heavy and thick and in the wrong proportion to the filling. But on this occasion, my cravings were sated.

Dumplings!

Other highlights were a gently sweet and spicy wasabi prawns, a rich and deep red curry beef and a wonderfully smoky asparagus dish. Chicken and beef satay had just the right hit of chill and a baked crab rangoon will change the way you see this tiki bar staple – only a hint of cream cheese!

Just keep that food coming

A real highlight was the service. Summer and Angelle worked hard to keep us in drinks and dumplings. They were sweet, friendly and very knowledgable about the food they were serving. The decor was stylishly far east and the crowd for this intimate brunch was a mix of tables of families and friends. the vibe was relaxed and such a departure from some of Doha’s more raucous brunches.

Drink and dine packages are equally well judged. Food only is QR228 while with house drinks it’s QR328 and with cocktails and spirits (including a lethal Singapore Sling and an excellent house red wine) for QR428.

As a member of The Advantage Club in Qatar, I was able to use a two for one voucher, so the value was doubled!

As I said, I was prepared to be underwhelmed by this brunch. I stand corrected.

Still in West Bay and also serving up a mean dumpling is the always excellent Hakkasan. I hadn’t been to their Friday brunch since it first started. But with that famous outside terrace and the promise of some dumplings and good conversation, I was lured back.

Consistently one of the best restaurants in Doha, Hakkasan manages to deliver both style and substance in spades.

The brunch itself has a limited menu of their favorites – steamed dumplings, fried morsels plus mains. Each table can choose four from each of the steamed and fried (with one serving per diner) plus a main each.

Compared to the lavish buffets at other brunches, on paper it doesn’t seem like enough for a dumpling loving table of hungry women. But add to this unlimited Beijing duck pancakes (yes…unlimited) plus ladles of a delicate beef noodle soup and of course, the cocktails and sparkling wines, you have more than enough.

You had me at fried

Highlights were the Wagyu beef and mushroom puff (which is a work of art in itself), the scallop shumai and the chive dumpling. I could have feasted on these all day, but the mains were also delectable including a melt in your mouth pepper beef. the chefs at this place know their Chinese food.

Hakkasan is as much about the vibe as it is about the food. The terrace, which will be bearable for another few weeks before summer descends, is the perfect Friday lunch location. The only jarring aspect was the booming noise from the band playing at the more raucous brunch in the main part of the hotel.

Service as always, was perfectly paced and friendly. Like Hwang, Hakkasan has a range of packages which all present excellent value:

• Inclusive of unlimited select teas only: QR 228 per person
• Inclusive of a welcome cocktail and unlimited selected spirits, white and red wine, beer, water and soft drinks QR 398 per person
• Inclusive of a welcome cocktail and unlimited selected Bellinis, premium sparkling wine, white and red wine, beer, water and soft drinks QR 398 per person (minimum of two people).

So for this dumpling loving gal, there are options.All than and dim sum…(wee what I did there??!!).

The details:

• Hwang at Intercontinental the City, Doha

Website: http://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/doha/dohwb/hoteldetail

Phone: +974-40-158888

• Hakkasan at St Regis Doha

Website: http://hakkasan.com/locations/hakkasan-doha/

Phone: +974 444 60170

• Advantage Club Qatar

Website: http://www.theadvantage.club/

*All meals were paid for by myself. I used a two for one voucher from @advantage_club at Hwang.

As we are on a collision course for the summer months in Qatar, I’m loving a few things right now:

1. The extended “Indian Summer” we are experiencing in Qatar right now – rain and cooler temperatures. Make it last forever please
2. The new crime channel on OSN – Momsters, Beauty Queen Killers and Southern Fried Homicide makes it even harder for me to leave the house
3. Here is a sentence I never thought I never thought I would write – you can now follow me at Snapchat @rachelannmorris. Yes I succumbed and frankly I love it. Of course I am hate-following a bunch of people but I relish the instantaneous nature of it.
4. The growing and exciting selection of cafes, restaurants and dining offers in Doha and surrounds at the moment.

So in this spirit, here’s a list of foodie things that are exciting me right now – a mix of old and new, high end and low end, refashioned and old fashioned – to keep you occupied, fed and watered over the next six weeks or so. It’s not exhaustive, it’s just what I have been loving lately. Let me know if you have any suggestions.

Al Jamal Restaurant You have to literally trek the back streets of Bin Mahmoud to find it and it’s only open a few hours a day, but Mr. Jamal and his sons serve up some of the best food I have had in a while. the menu is written on a white board and when they run out, it’s wiped off and new ones added as the eponymous chef finds inspiration from his remaining ingredients. Pakistani style biryani and pulao, the white bean stew was a standout. Proof that good food doesn’t have to be expensive, this is a secret to be shared.

Al Jamal Restaurant – a secret worth sharing

I have to say, the decision by The Pearl Qatar management to open up its retail areas to “mid-range” eateries has really changed my view on this place. Sure the traffic is apocalyptic and the parking scarce, but there are some new additions there to be celebrating. Canadian cafe chain Eggpectations just opened at Medina Centrale and looks promising and this coming week Lord of the Wings and a branch of popular Italian-style restaurant Biella will open nearby. One exciting newcomer is German Doner Kebab which opened last week. While not perfect yet (I found the meat a little salty), it has generated a great deal of buzz in the community. I loved the salad and sauce as well as the crispy fries. The test is – would I go back? Yes, I certainly would. Medina Centrale is attracting some buzz, with a couple of Qatari cafes including Karaki which serves up karak and luqmat (dough balls of goodness).

Donerlicious

I’m on the record – I LOVE W Doha. I dine there regularly and consider it my “neighborhood restaurant”. Where it really excels is keeping its offerings fresh and relevant. With a dozen new hotels and restaurants opening in this city this year alone, coupled with the economic slowdown, they understand they need to keep relevant and value for money in a tight economy. It’s Supper Club concept of a three course meal between 5pm and 7pm for QR100 (QR120 with a glass of wine) is one of the best dining offerings in this city at the moment. It applies to all of their outlets – Spice Market, Market and La Spiga – and unlike other “deals”, is the full size starter, main and dessert  focusing on their signature dishes. Something to note – the Market launches their new menu Sunday 10 April. For folks like me who like to dine early (listen! I get up early!), it’s exceptional value and I can be home by 8pm watching Scandal and playing with the new Snapchat filters.

Supper Club goodness

One thing Qatar does well is cafes. I am very excited about the new venture Flat White Qatar which is located at the Oyster building on approach to The Pearl Qatar. Serving up speciality coffee (and yes, a good flat white) with a stunning location, this place and I will become very good friends. On the other side of town, the funky Meesh Cafe belies its five star links (it’s part of the Crowne Plaza Doha). With an industrial feel, good coffee and a selection of sandwiches, cakes and salads to eat in or take away, those of us who don’t live west of the bay are cheering.

Me time at Meesh

Shamefully, many expats don’t really delve into Qatari cuisine. They try machboos or Umm Ali at a Ramadan buffet and think they have nailed. There is more there to explore. I’ve only managed to grab a quick tea at Shay Al Shamous but I am planning a return very soon. I is one of a growing handful of Qatari-owned cafes in and around Souq Waqif. Serving up favorites like rogag (kind of like a dosa), balaleet (sweetened vermicelli noodles with eggs – trust  me it works) plus flat breads, tea and other items. Another venue in the Souq area is Al Enna, also Qatari owned and operated and Cafe Brouq at the Al Mirqab Hotel serves up some Qatari favorites.

Yes folks, there is life south of the city. Souq Al Wakra has been open nearly a year now and is slowly but surely filling its repertoire of eateries. Standout for me are Copacabana (Brazilian on the beach, yes please) and Qatari cafe Al Baranda. Even if you don’t have a full meal, a sunset walk along the promenade, an ice cream or a coffee is the perfect antidote to a “Doha Day”.

I’m a creature of habit. When given the choice between the familiar or the new and challenging, I will usually go the familiar, like my favorite pair of stretchy pants. But this year for hard core foodies and even casual ones there is a lot to be excited about.

What new (or old) restaurants/experiences are you excited about?

*Life on the Wedge was a guest of the German Doner Kebab owners for their opening last week but views are my own, because, you know, kebabs.

When bloggers get together….

When the team at Four Seasons Doha incited me back to Nobu Doha to try their first anniversary menu in the company of three of my fellow favorite bloggers my reaction was in four phases:

Phase one: Nobu you say? Let me clear my diary for the next month

Phase two: Wait…it’s been one year already?

Phase three: Who’s coming? Flying Pinay, Boulangerry and The Snapped Fork you say?

Phase four: I’m free ALL MONTH

Bad sushi puns and jokes aside, there isn’t much I don’t like about this restaurant. Exceptional food and service, the sexiest building in Doha and listen people, it’s NOBU.

I Chu chu choooose you

It took a long time for Doha’s outpost of the Nobu empire to open, nearly eight years in fact. It has been worth the wait. Innovative food, a stunning brunch offering and one of the best happy hours in town has filled this cavernous venue nearly every night.

The anniversary menu, which at QR450 a head is excellent value, takes the diner on a tour of what a Michelin quality team can produce.

The Nagasaki farmed chu toro with karashi miso and asetra caviar as a starter is fatty, rich and salty all at once.Meanwhile the selection of sushi – including gossimer slithers of king crab and salmon – is everything those mall sushi joints arent.

Silky sushi

A shrimp and lobster mushroom salad with yuzu dressing had an interesting texture – the firmness of the prawns against the soft mushrooms. Not a combination I would order, but the yuzu (a Japanese citrus) lightened it up enough.

Salad days

The next course of the king crab ratatouille ponzu split the blogger brigade at my table. A mix of Japanese (ponzu which literally means vinegar punch)  and European flavors, it was challenging yet also masterfully executed.

Feeling crabby

Only Nobu could re-invent the traditional steak and veg and turn it into a work of art. Theb A7 wagyu beef with goma cauliflower mousse and teriyaki jus work of art. I think “melt in my mouth” is a phrase overused by foodies, but I am struggling for a comparable phrase. The grapes addes texture and sweetness against this umami explosion. I wanted to lick the plate, but there were people with cameras present.

Steak and veg…errr but not as you know it

Desserts aren’t my jam and honestly I could have skipped the final course of shiso sago pearls and mango agar with peach rosewater sorbet. But I’m glad I didn’t. This is not my gran’s sago pudding. It had just enough tang to keep me interested.

I scream for ice cream

Each dish had a signature that was fundamentally “Nobu” – that little piece of flair that only a world class restaurant can execute.

It takes a lot to impress me. I’m a notoriously tough nut to crack. But this restaurant has managed to woo me and make me swoon.

Here’s to many more anniversaries for Nobu Doha.

The Details:

Nobu Doha Anniverary Menu

QR450 per head for dinner throughout May.

Four Seasons Hotel
The Corniche, 
Doha, Qatar

Phone: +974 4494 8500

*Life on the Wedge was a guest of Four Seasons Doha but views are my own. Unless they are Oprah’s. Because you know how I feel about her.

**Apologies for the radio silence in the last couple of weeks and thanks for the messages. Blame a hectic work life and my desire for inertia when not working.

At a meeting last week I was waxing lyrical (as I am wont to do even when sober) about the “dining scene” in Doha in 2007 when I first arrived. We had a handful of five star hotels which featured mainly buffets and stuffy linen tablecloth outlets, the outliers like Layali and Shabestan, then the more down with the peeps establishments like Turkey Central.

Then, in 2009 it was like someone had finally opened the curtains. Both Grand Hyatt Doha and W Doha opened their doors and literally, the scene was transformed.

The W took a while to find its’ feet – the funky design and vibe was a stretch to far for some, even me. But one thing was always the case – they set the trend for the best food and beverage offerings in the city. And they still do.

Excellent, personalized service underlines their ability to continually reinvent themselves.

So when asked my favorite restaurant in Doha, it’s a pretty clear favorite – Spice Market.

The first “celebrity chef” restaurant in the country, the menu has evolved over the past seven years depending on the chef in charge. Each incarnation you can see their touch on the menu, while being unmistakably part of the Jean George Vongerichten empire.

It’s South Asian street food with a fashionable twist served in one of the sexiest  dining rooms in Doha.

The current Chef Liu has transformed the menu into something truly special. Bringing his international experience to his dishes but always staying firm with his Chinese heritage.

His new menu unveiled recently  is challenging yet also on the right side of comfort food.

Eat your greens! Brussel sprouts from the new menu

I’ve said previously that this is some of the best food this restaurant has ever served and I stand by that.

That chive rice could be the best thing I have tasted in a while

The new menu at Spice Market features a chive rice so tasty that won’t be forgotten easily and a braised mutton that made me reassess my previously negative views on mutton.

Salad days

The generously portioned lobster with Japanese citrus yuzu was tender and has the right hit of sour to keep it honest.

Lobster of my dreams

And a veal cutlet done Asian style with an almost creamy red pepper sauce gave me many comfort food feels.

Hmmmm cutlet

There is something that the W does that many other hotels and restaurants fail to grasp. they win you from the moment you enter – the welcome, the interior, the personalized service.

By the time you are seated, ordered a drink and handed a menu, half the battle is won. The food…that’s another experience.

I’ve celebrated my last two birthdays in this restaurant. It’s my go-to when I feel the need for some comfort food and a little TLC. If it seems like I am a cheerleader for it, the fact it has won several awards in this year alone should prove its authenticity beyond my loyalty.

*I was a guest of W Doha to try the new Spice Market menu

**This is part of the Qatar Blogger Network link-up

The Details:

Spice Market in the W Doha

Website: http://www.spicemarketdoha.com/

Twitter: @WDoha

Phone: +97444535135

In the rest of the world, the change of seasons are marked and obvious. Leaves fall in autumn. Flowers bloom in spring.

In Qatar, things are more prosaic.

One day: “My, we are having a mild winter! It’s a cool 27 degrees!”

A week later: “WTF! It’s 45 degrees! OUCH! The steering wheel!”

For foodies, the change of season signals new menus in the restaurants. When chefs go wild with new produce from afar and experiment.

When the invite came to try the new Spring menu at Hakkasan Doha I knew the seasons were changing.

Consistently one of the top restaurants in the city, this place rarely puts a food wrong and the new menu doesn’t change that fact.

Spring has sprung

In a city where the dumpling craze has been a slow burn, Hakkasan shows the pretenders how it should be done.These are some of the most intricate and beautifully presented morsels you will encounter.

Let the dumpling parade begin

A surprisingly mild foie gras and mushroom ball is both sweet and earthy, with he red rice coating cutting through the usually powerful foie gras. Meanwhile the smoked Wagyu beef dumpling was steamed to perfection.

Foiled by foie gras

The true star of the show, if not the dinner was the simply named “crispy mushroom puff”. Upon presentation at the table, it was clear this had been undersold.

It’s a swan!

Intricate layers of delicate and flaky potato pastry encasing a wonderfully woody mushroom filling. And yes, it’s a swan. a dumpling. shaped like a swan.

I’m going to leave that with you for a few minutes.

Yep. A dumpling swan.

A dumpling feast

Enough?

Not yet. There is more.

Besides dumplings, the new spring menu, encompasses some of the best produce and ingredients you will find.

Angelic prawns

Stir-fry prawn with asparagus and angelica root had us googling madly. Also known as the Holy Ghost, all parts of Angelica are used, roots, seeds stems and leaves. The roots and stems contain an essential oil that has a licorice like flavor and this was evident in the dish. While this was a triumph in presentation, I was looking for a little more on the flavor front. It was almost too delicate.

Seafood and eat it

Noodles with prawn and squid was another simply written dish that dazzled on the plate. A mess of perfectly cooked prawns and squid tentacles, it’s for diehard seafood lovers.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm

Wagyu go home with me?

Over in the meat locker we discovered some special highlights as well. Spicy Wagyu beef salad took a walk on the Middle Eastern side with tart pomegranate playing well against the rich beef.

As always the service at Hakkasan was world class – from the greeting through to the sommelier with his stunning memory and on point (yet reasonable) wine selections. So many places in Qatar get this wrong – the service jars against the good food or the waiter tries to upsell. Not here – it’s discrete, personal and warm.

There are still some favorites on the menu – removing the wagyu rolls or the pepper beef would probably cause a riot – but the new spring additions add a new depth and flair.

I do love a seasonal change.

*Life on the Wedge and her trusty lighting assistant Alicia were guests of Hakkasan Doha. 

The Details:

Hakkasan Doha 

St Regis Doha

Phone: +974 444 60170

Email: reservation.hakkasan@stregis.com

Website: http://hakkasan.com/locations/hakkasan-doha/

Yes, it’s fair to say that I have been focusing on the big, glam and expensive end of town lately. But a conversation with a fellow foodie recently had me thinking – are there some places in this fair city that deserve a little more praise?

I think so! Here is my (arbitrary and non-exhaustive) list of the eight restaurants you should consider putting on your dining rotation right now.

1. Porcini at the Ritz Carlton Doha

Sure it’s a little old school and the interior is gloomy, but this was one of the first places I dined at in Doha many moons ago and the food is good, solid Italian fare. In fact last year, I ranked one it its dishes the best I had tried all year. The hotel is undergoing a full revamp, so I hope this place gets a little more time in the sun.

Duck ragu and hand cut pasta. No puns needed

2. Seasons at the Movenpick Doha

Speaking of first dining experiences, way back in 2006 when I came here for a week for interviews, I stayed in this hotel and dined here. I loved their Italian night then and the food has remained consistently good. Friends with kids rave about their family-friendly Friday brunch and their Asian food is excellent.

3. The Cellar at Oryx Rotana

Dwelling on the less fashionable side of town(I live there and call the area “Bohemian”), this Spanish inspired restaurant has great food being served up by some dedicated staff. their tapas nights are some of the best value in town. The space itself is casual and unpretentious, the service excellent. Sink into the comfy chairs, try their potato croquettes and a big jug of Sangria.

Perfect paella at the Cellar

4. Wagamamas

Fine dining this is not, but when you need a big bowl of steaming ramen and maybe some fried squid on the side, this is the place to come. I usually frequent the Lagoona outpost and it’s my go-to when I need some peace, quiet and noodles.

5. Three Peppers Doha

Once, in what seems like a galaxy far, far away, this was a Mexican Chinese restaurant. I kid you not. You could get sweet and sour tortillas. Now, this hole in the wall is just serving up well known Chinese favorites and has recently revamped their menu. This is not going to set any culinary trends, but when you wants a plate of steamed beef dumplings, a sweet and sour chicken and some morning glory, this is your place.

6. Afghan Brothers

With branches around the city, the menu is concise, but the food is excellent. The chicken mandi is by far their best dish in my view and is rarely dry or overcooked. I am also partial to their mixed grill  with their mixed salad on the side. You can also order a whole baby camel cooked to your liking (I leave that to others).

7. Al Dana at Sharq Village and Spa

Again, harking back to the dark ages, this was the place to come in Doha for a good meal. It’s consistently served up fine dining worthy meals with one of the most charming locations in the city. I recently rediscovered it and wondered why I had neglected it for so long – a fresh seafood “market” as well as excellent sushi. This place should be more popular.

Al Dana – give me this view any time

8. Mykonos

It arguably has one of the best terraces in the city and the food, especially when you stick to the Mediterranean style fresh seafood and salads, is very good. Order a table full of mezze like grilled feta, taramasalata and grab a glass of chilled white wine, and you could be anywhere in the world.

So as I said, a mix of high and low but always good quality. I’ve deliberately left a couple of “hidden gems’ off the list at the request of regulars (you can ask me offline!).

Do you think there is a restaurant that deserves a shout out? Let me know in the comments below.

In the interim – enjoy!

It takes a fair bit of effort to impress me. When an invite to try this restaurant came through a friend, I was underwhelmed after learning it was located in a fairly minor mall in the suburbs.

I should learn not to judge on location and appearance because Kababs & Kurries has been a surprise hit for me.

I arrived solo on a recent Saturday afternoon, having battled traffic, heat , dust and my usual hysteria that comes from trying to pack two many errands at disparate ends of the city into a six hour period).

What greeted me was a technicolor oasis. The interiors are a little on the garish side, but with family sanctioned curtained booths, I could recover my composure with a cold towel and a long tall glass of water.

It was a good thing I did.

Let me just say that I was kind of expecting a pretty run of the Indian food. Again…I should really keep my assumptions in check.

Placated with poppadams and a selection of dipping sauces, I threw myself at the mercy of the kitchen. Smartest thing I have done in a while.

A sample platter of kebabs landed on my table, smelling of grilled goodness. The two chicken kebabs were moist, tender and perfectly spiced while the tandoori style prawn was spicy yet well cooked.

Paneer and dear to me

The Veg platter was full of surprises including a spicy tandoori style broccoli and a deliciously morish paneer. Special mention must go to the dahi ke kebab which is hung curb (cheese people!), ginger, chilli and spices fashioned into a patty and fried. The texture was a little off-putting at first (its very soft), but after one bite you will be hooked.

At this stage I was pretty happy I only had time for a banana for breakfast because the selection of breads and curries brought for me to try was a knockout.

Curry in a hurry

The saag paneer (spinach and cottage cheese) had texture and a beautiful bright green color as opposed to other versions I have had in Doha which have been mushy and a little slimy.The house speciality of daal was creamy comfort food at its best.

But the butter chicken was a revelation. Don’t settle for the sickly sweet concoctions so common here – this is the real deal. Rich with tomatoes and not a drop of red food coloring in sight, the chicken was tender  and cooked by someone who knew their trade. Accompanied by a well spiced prawn biryani served “dum” style with a pastry shell as well as a selection if parathas and other breads, this meal would have me wishing I lived closer.

Dum biryani

This outlet, hailing from Abu Dhabi has apparently been an open secret amongst those who live in the area. As usual, I am l ate to the party.

The chef is from India’s north and this is evident from the rich yet fresh tasting gravies.

Prices are pocket friendly, servings fresh and service is well informed and approachable. On the Saturday I visited, locals and expats happily dined out, enjoying their fresh made juices. Word is they will start to deliver soon and have other outlets planned around the city.

The moral for me was never judge a restaurant by its surroundings because being open minded might just land you a gem like this one.

*You can get two for one main courses at Kebabs & Kurries and a range of other dining, spa and travel deals by joining  The Advantage Club. 

**Life on the Wedge was a guest of Kababs & Kurries but seriously I would pay several times over for food this good. 

The Details:

Kababs & Kurries

Upstairs at 01 Mall

Wadi Al Shaheeniya Street, Ain Khalid, Doha

Phone: +974 44440133

There are two things certain.

One of that a Kardashian will post a nude shot on Instagram. The other is that at some point in our lives, we will be forced to eat an overpriced, stale sandwich in a dingy airport somewhere in the world.

I’m pleased to say, that Hamad International Airport, this trend is being bucked. (The Kardashians however, that’s a lost cause).

Honestly, took me some time to warm to this behemoth of an airport. The old airport was just 1km from my home and I could even see the tail fins of the planes from my balcony. After a trip I could be off the plane, in a taxi and home in 15 minutes flat.

But, I have been charmed (I’m making no comment about THAT bear) and the airport, with it’s cavernous departure area, great duty free and travellators has won me over. So to, it seems our international traveling friends. Doha is looming as a top destination for transit passengers from Australia, Asia, Europe and the US, thanks to good connection times with eight million passengers passing through in the first quarter of 2016 alone.

As many of us are planning to flee for the summer break (Budapest, Zanzibar, Koh Samui and Bali in my near future), I thought a look at some of the more interesting dining options at the airport was in order.

Not everyone has access to one of the four plush lounges in the airport, so, with the help of Qatar Airways and Qatar Duty Free here is my rundown of the options in terms of foodie destinations airside:

Caviar House & Prunier

Caviar life

Champagne and caviar pre flight? Yes please waiter! The raw bar is the best and I am a fan of their seafood plate of oysters, smoked salmon and prawns. They also up the luxury quotient Swiss Balik Salmon and Prunier Caviar washed down with bubbly and a spot of people watching.

Red

Red handed  – Photo from Qatar Duty Free

Burgerlicious  – photo courtesy of Qatar Duty Free

With a menu that runs from asian-style salads through to crab cakes and burgers, the stylish design (in red of course) sets this apart. The burgers are a work of art and use USDA prime beef and toppings including goat cheese. Kid friendly.

Marche

To market to market – photo courtesy of Qatar Duty Free

Seating up to 600 people, this is as it’s name suggests, market style dining. Arabic, Asian and Indian as well as European favorites, it has something to try to please everyone. Operating 24 hours, they even have screens updating departures so you have no excuse to miss your flight as you scoff your breakfast pancakes.

Eat Street

OK so this is technically a food court that you would see in all major airports and malls, but with a few additions to pique your interest. While you have the ubiquitious Burger King (I have been guilty of gobbling a Whopper pre flight), it also has

• Camden Food, offering organic sandwiches, a fresh salad bar, smoothies and dried fruit
• Negroni, an Italian outlet with a variety of pastas and pizzas (but alas, no actual Negronis)
• Azka, offering Indian favorites and some Arabic options
• Red Mango serving up frozen yogurts, coffees and juices for the thirsty

Could use more seating as at peak times is a squeeze. Don’t forget, you are paying a premium for its location.

Soprafino

The cool thing about this outlet is the glass roof gives the impression it’s outside. Probably one of the few locations with actual natural light in the building. Along with Caviar House and Le Grand Comptoir one of the places outside of the lounges where you can get a glass of wine or a beer with your pasta or pizza.

Inside outside – photo courtesy of Qatar Duty Free

Le Grand Comptoir

Counter argument – photo courtesy of Qatar Duty Free

An attempt at a Parisian brasserie in the heart of a heaving airport. The one time I have been, I found the service impeccable. Serving up pastries and hot dishes for breakfast as well as French brasserie favorites like Salad Nicois and steak and frites. It’s an overused word, but it’s actually a little classy and there is even a live pianist. The only drawback is the proximity to that flashing ginormous TV in departures. Get a table inside.

Qataf Cafe

Coffee, tea or…. – photo courtesy of Qatar Duty Free

A little slice of Qatari hospitality in the heart of the airport. This place is designed to resemble a majlis – gathering place – with richly textured fabrics and a menu that runs from local coffee through to mezze, dates and sweets. My last trip though the airport I noticed Qataris and transiting passengers enjoying the location.

Traditional mezze – photo courtesy of Qatar Duty Free

In-Q Cafe

Get in the Q

This funky, exquisitely designed cafe serves up wraps, sandwiches, sushi rolls good coffee and no attitude. They also stock Raw Middle East juices and a concept of Qatar Museums they also have a gift shop on site.

Farggi Barcelona

So, honestly I have never had more than a coffee here as being born without a sweet tooth, I haven’t been tempted by their menu of waffles, cakes and creamy dreamy concoctions. But, the coffee I have had was decent if a little overheated as is the norm in this part of the world.

Argo Tea

I’m not hip with the kids so the tea phenomenon has passed me by. But this outpost of the international chain that prides itself on using organic ingredients, you can sample a range of teas as well as sandwiches and wraps. For the tea sceptics, they have Illy coffee.

Jamocha Cafe

Grab and go outlets (one on concourse B and one on C) with free trade coffee, some snazzy organic packaged snacks and the usual sandwiches.

Marmalade Market

Not a restaurant or cafe, rather a store packet with delicious foodie gifts. I pick up Arabic sweets for family and friends here but they also have Bateel dates and Kusmi Tea. I wish this shop was in Doha city!

These offerings, not all five star, are better than a hot pocket and an elbow in the ribs on the plane any day.

Safe travels foodies!

*This post was made possible by the great people at Qatar Airways and Qatar Duty Free. 

It was a long, hot Ramadan and while it’s a time I really enjoy, I’m happy to be getting back into the swing of Qatar’s dining scene.

I wrote this blog post in April and because of its success, I thought an updated version was due. Call it the “Summer Edition” as all the venues around the city start to unveil new menus, concepts and ideas.

Luxury and budget, date night and family style, here is where I think you should be eating at right now:

Mainland China

I will admit, I was dubious – a Chinese restaurant chain hailing from India in an office block in Doha. But one look inside this newcomer, with all its rich colors and Chinese inspired designs, and you know it’s not business as usual.

Nothing mainstream about Mainland China

The menu runs the gamut from well crafted and unusual dumplings (think endamame and also steamed seabass with truffle) through to favorites like General Tso’s chiken. But expect some surprises like lamb braised with five spice and crispy corn with broccoli.

Dumpling heaven

The chef hails from the acclaimed Chinese restaurant at Grand Hyatt Mumbai and his finesse shows. Couple this with exceptional service and welcome additions like the picked vegetables and honey nuts and this is going to be of your regular haunts.

The Details:

Mainland China

1st Floor, Barwa Towers, Suhaim Bin Hamad Street, Al Sadd, Doha

Phone: 44774002

Kababs & Kurries

Again, I should really leave my prejudices at the door of the mall. Again, when visiting this places I was dubious – an Indian food chain restaurant from the UAE in an obscure mall. But one taste of their butter chicken and I knew I would be back. Again and again.

Curry in a hurry

Speaking of the butter chicken, this is how it should be made. No added sugar and definitely no red food coloring, it’s lush and creamy and the chicken tender and juicy. The sag paneer is in a similar vein – letting the ingredients not the additives speak for themselves.

Give me meat

The starters like a tandoori broccoli also shine. If you love North Indian food, get in the car and head to Ain Khaled now…

The Details:

First Floor, Zero One Mall, Wadi Al Shaheeniya Street, Ain Khalid, Doha

Phone: 44440133

Prime

To my great shame, I hadn’t really stepped foot in this restaurant at the Intercontinental the City Doha until earlier this year. But this steakhouse, with its clubby feel and selection of knives, is now on my permanent rotation.

Serving up some of the most tender and well thought steaks in the city, it combines attentive service with with fresh ingredients.

Working out the meat tooth

Standouts are the beef carpaccio, which are perfect slivers of tenderloin and the traditional beef tartare mixed tableside served with all the trimmings. But the steaks are the heroes, ranging from the USDA prime cuts, Australian grass fed Angus beef through to the divine Wagyu all served with sides like truffle mashed potatoes and Roquefort  sauce.

The Details:

Prime

1st Floor, InterContinental The City Hotel, Dafna, Doha

Phone: 40158888

Eggspectation

All respect to my beloved Canadian bretheren, but I had never really imagined Canadian food beyond poutine and Tim Hortens. Obviously I am joking (I mean, I LOVE Justin Trudeau) but the lines at this Doha outpost of this Canadian chain lay testament to its quality.

Waffles and fried chicken – who knew?

With a menu including chicken and waffles (believe me, it works), pizzas, pastas, burgers and even a basic version of poutine (which does its best without actual cheese curds), it’s a winner with families and big groups.

Huuuuge servings

The interiors are fresh and fun like the food and the location at The Pearl makes you feel like a bit of a mini vacation.

The Details:

Eggspectation

Al Hambra Street, Medina Centrale,Pearl Qatar, Doha

Phone: 50409900

Wahm

The W Doha are masters of reinvention and understanding what the dining (and drinking) public want. This is why they have hard core fans like me. Wahm, their poolside bar, was also a little bit too much for me – too many people, a little too noisy.

But the venue had a sophisticated summer makeover with muted blues and cream and a menu of mediterranean mezze as well as shisha. The nearby pool will re-open 1 August and is sure to become one of the city’s new hotspots.

You can check out the transformation video here

The Details:

Wahm at W Doha

West Bay

Phone: 4453 5000

Twitter: @WDoha

Hakkasan

This will always be one of the “Big Three” of Doha’s restaurant scene along with Nobu and Spice Market. As competition surges around it, this place continues to serve up innovative and sublime food in a sexy dining room with attentive and knowledgable service.

I tried the new-ish Summer menu recently and it’s obvious why it’s still at go-to for date nights and big events.

It’s a swan!

The dumpling menu continues to be a leader in the city – with delicate offerings like the swan made from potato pastry stuffed with unami-esque mushrooms.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm

Other dishes range from a lamb hotpot through to seared Wagyu salad. With a newly revamped terrace area off the bar for cocktails and bigger groups (the smallish bar inside has always been a bugbear of mine) and regular events for foodies like wine dinners and regular special menus, this will always be one of the trendsetters in Doha.

The Details:

Hakkasan Doha

The St. Regis Doha, West Bay

Phone: 444 60170

Email: reservation.hakkasan@stregis.com

This is a small (but perfectly formed) list is by no means exhaustive but it’s what is taking my fancy right now.

I’m sure you have your own “must dine” places at the moment so feel free to share them!

Happy dining and Eid Mubarak

*Life on the Wedge has previously been a guest of Kababs&Kurries, Eggpectation, Prime and Hakkasan

I know! I know! I’ve been keeping a low profile lately. I usually take the northern hemisphere summer off because frankly, it’s hot.

Thanks for the messages and I am glad to say, transmission is resumed. And what better way to get back into the swing of things this long, hot August than with a giveaway from my dear friends at Nandos Qatar?

I recently teamed up with them for Bow Tie Day and as many of your know, I just love this place for its fresh produce and friendly staff.

I’m such a nerd!

So…over to the giveaway. I have two QR100 Nandos gift cards for use at any of their stores in Qatar for two lucky readers.

Feel like chicken tonight?

All you have to do is:

1. Tell me below what is your favorite item on the Nandos Qatar menu
2. Follow me on Instagram @rachelannmorris71 or on Twitter @lifeonthewedge (you can choose the channel – I know some folks are only on one!)

Winners will be drawn at 5pm on Sunday 4 September.

Now that’s clucking good!

Here’s the thing…I’m a simple girl with mostly simple tastes. But I do draw the line in eating in what is essentially a Disneyfied fairy tale themed food theme park on a major aterial road.

At  Romeo & Juliet the suspension of belief happens before you even enter the restaurant – there is a full blown Cinderella coach in the courtyard. There is something off about a 40-plus woman climbing into a carriage as semi trailers honk from the road.

Once inside, the theme – Romeo and Juliet and romance in case you missed this – is even more heavily labored. When I say labored…I mean applied with a shovel.This is fair Verona but with a Doha sensibility.

Every inch is covered in white, the ceilings layered with gold leaf, the place settings feature gold flatware. It’s as if the design brief was “Versace meets Disney but you know…more gold and keep it classy”.

This would be almost bearable if the lighting didn’t take its cue from an operating theater. It made me wish I had worn make-up, and my thermals because it was also Baltic in there.

For an extra fee, you and your fancy man or woman can sit under one of the “dome” tables. Which is a table…under an ornate dome.

The hostess and host are dressed like, you guessed it – Romeo and Juliet – she in a medieval princess style dress and he in pantalons. Every hour they would awkwardly link arms and parade across the dining room…to remind us…about…you know…romance.

Welcome to the Twilight Zone

Then there is the menu – all 15 pages of it. Running from Italian to French to Arabic and all that stuff Marco Polo checked out in between. Our first waiter, perhaps stunned by the bright lights, was a little off hand. When we asked for his suggestions, like a robot he suggested a “Mixed Grill”. In the end, after some assertive arm twisting we opted for something more in keeping with the Euro Disney theme.

We must have underwhelmed this waiter, because he palmed us off onto someone more amenable and actually possessing a personality.

It was at this stage I realised I was far too sober.

This is actually happening

We ordered a selection of dips, a salad and two mains to share.

The dips themselves were tasty but served in completely redundant tart cases. We didn’t know whether you were supposed to eat those too?  Are they for decoration? Do we use them instead of bread? What day is it? Jesus? Jesus is that you?

Sorry back now….about then we discovered this nifty little gadget, which I had hoped would either get me shisha or…Bill, my supposed Knight in Shining Armor. Alas, there was no shisha yet and Bill was occupied.

Press for Bill…but no not even Bill could help me

The salad was also fresh and the dressing had a lovely tang to it. But the parmesan on the top was an ingredient too far. That said, the intent was there.

The mains are where things got interesting. Both were “signature dishes”. The chicken with potato, mushrooms and tomato was pulled back from overwhelming by a well prepared sauce. The chicken was on a shy side of overcooked, but decent.

The risotto was a conflict for me – it bore no resemblance to any seafood risotto I have seen. A billious yellow blob, the taste was actually unexpectedly well seasoned. but, the consistency was wrong and it was sadly, overcooked and served in a bowl.

Almost winner chicken dinner…

The desserts were relatively well executed. The new take on the traditional kunefah with pineapple slices and sorbet being the winner for us.

Sugar Sugar

The restaurant has a small patisserie attached to it and it appears that desserts and cakes are a strength for them.

Someone asked me recently if I had ever held back on a review for fear of offending someone. This is the first time this has happened. I actually sat on this review for a little while for three reasons. One was that the PR who invited me is a terrific person. Secondly, this restaurant is clearly a passion project for the owners, you can tell by the detail involved. Even the handwipes were monogrammed. I respect that kind of commitment and desire to realise a dream – someone cared about this concept enough to bring it to fruition.

Thirdly  and more prosaically, it coincided with Summer break from blogging.

But I’m not one of those food bloggers who pulls their punches, who thinks a free meal is a ticket to a five star review.

As we awkwardly negotiated our exit, I noticed the tables were filling quickly – big tables of ladies out for a meal. I started to doubt myself. Was I being a snob? Some dishes showed flashes of competent cooking and just because the interior was not to my taste… But the horseless royal carriage in the courtyard brought me back to my altered reality.

Romeo & Juliet is – proof that a theme, when overwrought, can become parody.

The Details:

Romeo & Juliet

Opposite Al Jassim Group, C Ring Road

Al Nasr, Doha

Phone: 4492 9292