When a certain degree of hype surrounds an event, an opening or similar, my natural born cynicism ratchets up a couple of notches.

There are some great examples of highly anticipated events just not living up to the forward hype. Notably:

• The second season of True Detective
• The iPhone 7
• The Whopperito
• Both of the Sex & the City movies

So when bloggers, “influencers”, the media and the general expat population recently lapsed into a rhapsodic trance about the opening of Evergreen Organics, the country’s first vegan restaurant, I was underwhelmed.

But…I was also kind of interested. So when my ertswhile collaborator and lighting expert Brooke messaged me yesterday about trying it out, I was interested enough to shake off my jet lagged haze and leave the Crime Channel for a couple of hours.

Evergreen is at The Pearl Qatar which for some is apparently the center of the known universe. For others who dwell outside the “capital” it’s a hike of ahhhh at least 20 minutes. The first positive sign for me came when they had free valet parking. I am a woman of simple means.

Vegan central

The interiors are all natural woods and lots of greenery and far less twee than I was expecting. A word of warning though, don’t sit near the coconut opening area. The guys are obvious still in the early days of opening and a little abstract with their technique. I copped two sprays of coconut juice during my visit, which made for many dirty jokes.

The staff are well trained and have been drinking the coconut kool aide as while I was waiting the waitress tried to sell me some Evergreen merchandise.

The menu itself incorporates smoothies, fresh pressed juices, salads and more interesting items like “tacos”, a veggie burger and “pasta”.

While I love a good streak, I don’t consider myself a voracious carnivore but I do love cheese. I was interested to see how they could replicate the flavor and texture of cheese in dishes like their ravioli.

So time for the rubber to hit the road. We ordered three savory dishes to share – raw tacos, the Garden Glow salad and raw Beet Ravioli. There was a fair wait between ordering and delivery of the food. It was noticeable to the extent that the waitress came and told us it would be at least another 10 to 15 minutes. We were there pretty early in the shift so perhaps there was a warm-up period.

Luckily Brooke and I had lots to catch up on. Namely the new season of Swamp Murders.

When they finally arrived, the plates were vibrant and colorful. The raw tacos comprised on a carrot and sunflower “chorizo” which brought a good texture to the dish. Contained in endive leaves, the “tacos” were topped with a cashew crema and a whack of jalapeno.

Let’s taco about it

The garden glow salad was packed with roasted beets and my first experience of almond “feta”. The vegan feta managed a slight tang like the real thing and had the right texture to bring this dish alive.

But the star of the show for me was the ravioli – which were thinly sliced discs of beetroot encasing cashew cheese. I was worried this dish would be bland but the cashew cheese had just enough bite to cut against the beets. The “pesto” of dehydrated mushrooms and pistachio gave it a surprisingly almost meaty crunch.

Beet it

We ended the meal with a vegan cheesecake which may not be sweet enough for most people but for me, was perfect. It also had the creaminess needed to pull it off, thanks again to cashew cheese and date syrup and an almond walnut crust.

In all, this was a delicious and well rounded meal. I didn’t miss my cheese in any way and made me more open to trying new types of non-dairy options.

But…there were a couple of  missed notes – none of them food related incidentally. As I mentioned, the kitchen was slow to produce on the night we went, and while business was brisk, it wasn’t full.

Also, the prices are steep. For three dishes, a dessert, a juice, coffee and water, the bill sat at QR330. Salads hover around QR70 to QR80 meanwhile an avocado and cashew cheese toast QR45. Fresh pressed juices are QR50 each and their veggie burger QR85.

As my dining companion Brooke pointed out, a quality Caesar salad in a five star hotel would easily be upwards of Qr70. I’m a believer in the mantra that good food doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and I realise the processes involved with creating some of this food  can be intricate and time consuming, but these prices may turn some people off.

The concept does, on occasion, drift into the realm of pretentiousness quite often inhabited by places like these. For example, the little tidbits on the menu about how their produce is (see above) “carefully foraged amid the swirling mists in a land that time forgot”…and the “Vegan Gangsta” motif is a bit too labored and had me rolling my eyes a couple of times. Yeah…we get it. Vegans are hard core.

Service wise, aside from the delay in the food arriving, it was friendly, knowledgeable (and willing to seek more information when not) and very laid back. I can imagine when the cooler months roll in, the outdoor seating area will be buzzing (although the view is nothing to write home about).

Finally, while not a negative, it should be noted that those with any kind of nut allergy would be struggling here. Nuts and seeds feature in many of the dishes and drinks and options would be limited so check the menu before you come.

The verdict:

As I said, I am hype-averse and I do love my dairy. But this restaurant, with its tasty, innovative and even witty food and well informed and friendly service, is showing signs of living up to the excitement it has generated. I would go back for the Beet Ravioli alone (after pay day though).

The Details:

Evergreen Organics

Qanat Quartier, The Pearl Qatar

Open: 5pm to 10pm (at the moment)

Website: http://www.evergreenorganics.qa/

Small but perfectly formed

I am an impatient woman. Especially when it comes to food. I don’t do lines.

Except…when it comes to dumplings. In Australia I have been known to arrive early to one of Sydney’s many excellent yum cha places. The lines at many are infamous for their length and their ability to humble.

Luckily for us Doha dwellers, you can access an excellent yum cha style brunch without the lining up or the jostling for position.

Hwang at the Intercontinental Doha The City is one of my favorite brunch spots. It takes a lot for me to return to a place time and time again but this place has it all – great service, quality food and a laid back vibe.

The a la carte brunch every Friday has a great selection of south east Asian and Chinese food from noodles, to curry and of course, dumplings. Theya re served “tapas style” and you are encouraged to share (yes, even me).

Just keep that food coming

Thanks to my friends at the Intercontinental Doha The City, I have a voucher for brunch for two to give away. It’s valid for their Friday brunch inclusive of soft drinks.

All you have to do is:

• Follow me on Instagram @rachelannmorris71
• Follow Intercontinental the City Doha on Instagram @icdohathecity
• Answer the following questions in the comments below: 

“How many restaurants and lounge bars does the Intercontinental Doha The City have?”

Competition closes on Sunday 2 October at 5pm.

So get busy people…so you can dim sum (haaaaa!).

About a week ago, the yearly change of seasons started in Qatar. This isn’t as tangible and the leaves changing color. No, in Qatar, the daytime temperature drops below 40 degrees. When that happens we all collectively lose our minds and start doing wacky things like sitting outside at night.

It was a balmy but bearable Monday night and when we arrived at Mykonos at the Intercontinental Doha and overtake by this collective weather induced hysteria, we made a beeline for the outside terrace. Along with others diners we wanted to take advantage of the first days of the brief winter. I’m glad we did as it gave me a chance to take in some of the physical changes to this old favorite.

In the old days (like seven years ago), I remember Mykonos opening. It was a revelation – clean and fun Greek food with a stunning setting. In my view it lost its way a little as Doha’s dining scene grew and it dropped off my radar. That said, I have Greek friends here who have been fiercely loyal for many years. This visit was at the invitation of the hotel to get my views on the menu.

Boasting perhaps the best outdoor seating area in the city, Mykonos has had a refresh of its decor as well as its menu. The fountain is gone and comfy couches have been installed. The look is fresh and relaxed and even, as  AZ* noted, “a little bit like Greece”.

On arrival, welcome drinks and a too tempting basket of bread and dips set the scene. The tzatziki, that staple of Greek mezzedes, was garlicky, rich and thick and quickly demolished with the freshly made flatbread.

A striking thing about the Mykonos menu is its simplicity. There is no flowery language or overwrought and pretentious descriptions. The item is listed (eg “Lamb Chops” as are the ingredients. There should be more menu honesty in Qatar’s restaurants.

Tzaziki – rich and thick and creamy

Really shouldn’t have eaten so much of these

We followed up with eggplant rolls stuffed with anari cheese. Cypriot anari is one of my favorite cheeses, it can be used in sweet or savory dishes as it can take on any flavor and hold its own.

Rock and roll

In this dish it was rolled in eggplant and topped with a rich tomato sauce and basil. My fears of this being a little too rich were dispelled as the delicate cheese showcased the deftness of the seasoning of the sauce.

One of the stars of the night for both of us was the traditional cheese and spinach pie. Flaky layers of perfectly cooked pastry separating a mixture of spinach and feta cheese.

Layer upon layer

So popular was this dish that we actually fought over it. Less of a success was a fairly average salad, the Cretan Dakos salad. This is a circular barley rusk topped with feta, capers and tomatoes. It wasn’t bad, it was just struggling to shine compared to the first two dishes.

Missed the mark

The mains however brought everything back on track. AZ and I have to carefully negotiate our dining terrain as he doesn’t really eat seafood and likes his meat well done to the point of cremation. We found common ground by sticking to the meat dishes.

Silence of the lamb chops

These lamb chops were a revelation. Served medium to keep domestic peace, the rosemary and yoghurt sauce was surprising as it was delicious. The eggplant puree smoky and addictive, this is a stunner of a dish.

As you would expect with a Greek restaurant, they also had a selection of souvlaki.Our chicken skewer was perfectly seasoned and tender, with the chef using the flavorful thighs to ensure it was juicy. The potatoes had the traditional hint of lemon and were so good I wanted to put them in my purse and save them for a snack later. I didn’t. I brought along a vanity clutch purse, so it was too small. Trap for young players.

Always been a meat and potatoes girla – which is laters of 

We also enjoyed their traditional moussaka – which is layers of potatoe, minced meats and an oozy bechamel sauce. It came at the end of our meal and while tasty, was a little salty. That said, if it was all I had ordered, it would be gone in 60 seconds.

Both AZ and I share an ambivalence to dessert and sweets, but can be tempted by a cheese cake. This version was a step above the usual Doha offerings – erring on the side of savory with its anari cheese filling (see my point above), crumbly almond base offset by a sticky fig topping. There was a stand-off for the final bite (I won).

Giving a fig

Service was attentive, knowledgable and clearly passionate about food. It made such a refreshing departure from the robo waiters in many hotels here.  The atmosphere was both relaxed and chilled. There were couples on date nights like us, groups of friends and couple of families. All enjoying the novelty of a warm and bearable December evening.

The Verdict: This is well executed, thoughtful food. It relies on good cooking not gimmicks to deliver excellent food. No trickery. No foams. No food served on planks of wood. Mykonos is an old favorite, with  an updated look and a refreshingly honest approach to delivering flavorful and memorable food. If you haven’t been for a while, I urge you to go back. 

The details:

Mykonos

Intercontinental Doha

Al Isteqlal Road, West Bay Lagoon

Phone: +974 484 4444

Twitter: @InterConDoha

*Editor’s note: Astute readers of this blog know that I rarely refer to my handsome sidekick in love and life. This blog is about my food experiences and my occasional rants and I deliberately keep my personal life at arm’s length. Yes, this is his first “appearance” and there will be more to come, but he really needs to work on his lighting skills.

*I was a guest of Intercontinental Doha for this meal. Opinions are my own and  thisinstance of AZ who has many, many opinions about many, many things.

When I wrote this review of Toro Toro a year ago, the response from readers was incredible.

Yet, there was almost complete radio silence from the restaurant itself. Not that I expected it from a blogger point of view – That would be arrogant.

But from a customer service point of view, as someone who spent a lot of money and had a genuinely disappointing evening and had told people about it. A call would have been nice.

It was genuinely disappointing for me. I have been a fan of its founder Richard Sandoval for many years. I loved the dearly departed Mexican venue Pampano at The Pearl (now replaced by Tex Mex Isla, a darling of the blogger brigade which makes me a more than leary).

Since then, relations had been frosty.

Until two weeks ago, when a rather interesting email landed in my inbox. Inviting me (and Rachel B who figured prominently in the first encounter) back for a second chance.

Friends and fellow bloggers whose opinions I respect had told me their brunch was excellent. Their food and attitude had changed they told me. I should give it another go.

It was time to see for ourselves. Rachel B was keen for a repeat. We were both game so last Monday saw us tottering through the bull-lined entrance for another encounter.

The space itself is still one of the sexiest in Doha – all warm lights and dark leather – the stuff date nights are made of. The cocktail cart is also still a fixture – this was a highlight of the previous visit. I can also report the prices, especially for the meat dishes, are still a little steep. But things had clearly changed.

The differences were evident from the start. This time, our welcome was warm. The bread was complimentary. And the food…well…with a couple of exceptions, it was excellent (and you know how hard that was for me to say).

Last visit it was the starters that shone through. And this hasn’t changed. For me, Peruvian cuisine, with a food in both Asia via Japan and South American, is one of the most interesting culinary scenes in the world. For every meat and potato dish, there is a delicate ceviche or sushi roll.

Speaking of which, Toto Toro’s sushi rolls like the crispy prawn version we tried are tasty and do the job, but for me the interest lies elsewhere in the new look menu.

Roll it out

Two types of ceviche prove the current culinary team know what they are doing. The standout was the sea bass marinated with traditional Leche de Tigre (Tiger’s Milk) and canchas. The canchas are a type of Peruvian corn, and add a surprising textural crunch to the softness of the fish. The Tiger’s Milk (essentially lime juice and chilis) “cooks” the fish. It was light and tangy. A version with a curry sauce also proved a surprising hit. The creaminess of the curry literally taking you around the world via India in one bite.

Their signature empanadas remain flaky and buttery and stuffed with sautéed beef tenderloin served with avocado sauce are hearty yet also delicate. Rachel B really enjoyed a flatbread with pulled Wagyu beef, I found this a little wanting in the flavor department.

Spread thin

But this is perhaps because I knew what was coming. Hailing from the culinary wonderland that is Venezuela, chachapas are, for me, food of the Gods. These sweetcorn pancakes filled with Halloumi cheese and topped with homemade tomato jam manage to be both sweet and savory. They had me ready to pack my bags and go in search of Venezuelan awesomeness and fried cheese perfection.

Chachacha

I have to be honest, these pancakes alone would lure me back and currently sit in the pantheon of my top five dishes of 2016.

A serving with empanadas, a couple of cocktails and my AZ, that would be a perfect evening. We also tried the same pancakes filled with shredded beef and topped with sour cream – which added a richness which was off the scale.

Spicy calamari

A spicy Peruvian style calamari dish with potato salad held much promise but was let down by the texture of the squid. I always find our eight legged friend hit and miss in this country. It perhaps wasn’t the best dish to introduce Rachel B to calamari. The spicing was on point but the texture was off.

The main event could only be one thing – meat. We were presented with a pretty magnificent grade 7-8 Australian Wagyu. It was the right side of medium rare for me and the meat itself was treated with respect. Well seasoned and cooked, it was served with just some sliced fried potatoes, letting the meat shine.

Served with a selection of sauces including chimichurri and BBQ, it really wasn’t needed. A potato puree with manchego cheese was the perfect rich accompaniment.

Feed the Rachels meat

Meanwhile, dessert beckoned. And here the surprises continued.

A piece of greaseproof paper placed on the table was followed by he waiter throwing a globe of chocolate down. The mess is then topped with home made ice creams (the chocolate version even tempted me) and fresh fruit and fruit compotes. Unconventional yes. Fun? Very.

This dish, more than any other we tried that night, symbolized for me the evolution of this restaurant.

When I told friends I was returning to Toro Toro, I was asked if perhaps I had experienced a bad night the first time around. No, that wasn’t it. Aside from the issues surrounding service and food, at the time I couldn’t put my finger on it.

By the end of our extensive meal last week, the penny finally dropped. Our first visit 14 some months ago saw a restaurant almost trying too hard to be hipper than any bearded hipster on the block. Taking itself far too seriously, it was in danger of disappearing within its own self-created myths.

Now, with a new menu and a new spirit both back and front of house, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. One year ago, it had a gorgeous dining room and a stunning location but no actual soul. Now it has service with personality, an extensive menu with some truly great dishes cooked by a team who cares about their craft, and most importantly, a sense of fun.

Cheers to that Toro Toro – you have a new fan.

Cheers!

The Details

Toro Toro

Marsa Malasz Kempinksi – The Pearl Doha

Ph: +974 4035 5101

Email: torotoro@torotorodoha.com

Website: https://www.kempinski.com/en/doha/marsa-malaz-kempinski-the-pearl-doha/dining/restaurants/toro-toro/

*Yep, Life on the Wedge and her trusty sidekick Rachel B were the guests of Toro Toro (we didn’t pay). I can honestly say, that despite their charming hospitality, the view expressed here are my own (and Rachel B’s).I was a little hesitant and worried that people would think that my views changed because I didn’t pay this time. I don’t think it influenced my opinion of what is largely excellent food. On balance I would return and pay without hesitation. 

Nobody had to think twice when I circulated on our tribe whatsapp group about the Doha Marriott’s new Saturday night deal.

Called Noodling Night it’s a simple concept – all you can eat noodles and dumplings hand made by their Asia Live! chef Xudong Zheng every Saturday night from 6.30pm.

All for QR100 per person OR add QR60 per person for an unlimited draft (wine and beer) beverage package. Honestly we did have to double check the offer – it’s that good.

Dumpling Love

Favorites at our table were the noodles with slow cooked beef, a spicy seafood noodle dish and of course, all the dumplings.

Throw in a few glasses of wine and we left happy, with a belly full of noodles and dumplings and having shelled out less than QR200 for a great meal.

On seeing my social media posts, the Doha Marriott team got in touch today to offer a great prize for my readers – dinner for four people at Noodling Night (the food only package) THIS Saturday.

As usual I’m going to make you guys work hard for your dumplings. To be eligible, all you have to do is:

• Follow me on Instagram @rachelannmorris71
• Follow Doha Marriott on Instagram @dohamarriott

AND

Answer this question in the comments below:

What is the name of Doha Marriott’s Tex Mex restaurant?

The competition closes at 6pm Wednesday 19 October, so get noodling!

Doha Marriott Noodle Night Every Saturday in Asia Live!

When I hear the phrase “fusion food” my eyebrows arch (as much as they can). Why can’t good food just be food? Why does it have to have a label?

So it was with a certain degree of trepidation that I finally entered the brightly lit premises of the much hyped Cactus Senshi in Bin Mahmoud.

This restaurant opened a couple of months ago to much fanfare and almost hysterical behavior by some bloggers and the media. I briefly attended their opening night, complete with giant cake and endless selfie opportunities. But left before the food was actually served.

Since then I had heard mixed feedback about the food. So, I wanted to give them time to settle and refine.

Cactus Senshi  defines itself as a “fusion of Japanese & Arabic cuisine with a kick of fresh and feisty Mexican flavours”. That’s layer upon layer of fusion and I had believed a recipe for confusion.

The space itself is flooded with natural light – unusual for here – and the dining room sleek and almost basic. The day I ate there (I dined alone), I was greeted warmly and seated without any of the usual drama associated with single diners. While not full, business was brisk with tables of Qatari families mingled with expats of all complexions.

The menu itself is physical cumbersome and long. It runs from traditional maki and nigiri, bento boxes, sharing plates, ramen and noodle dishes and desserts.

But the menu veers off piste into the “fusion” territory with its Arabic/Qatari take on sushi. Options include a shrimp biryani roll, a chicken machboos roll (a take on a traditional Qatari dish of chicken and rice), falafel spiced roll and even a roll with chicken mansaf (a Jordanian yoghurt and meat dish).

Salads also veer into cultural melting pot terrain. There is a feta with edamame beans, snowpea and snake beans with a yuzu and sesame dressing which is like east, meets west, meets somewhere in-between. I have also earmarked a crispy duck laksa for my next visit.

We’re not in Tokyo anymore Toto.

I opted for a mix of new and traditional – ordering a shrimp biryani roll and an Asian themed bento box accompanied by a pomegranate bubble tea.

A pre meal “amuse bouche” of Tom Yum soup isn’t as spicy as it promised, but was a nice way to start.

The biryani uramaki roll arrived swiftly and the half order as I had requested (usually comes in a generous serving of eight pieces). The flavor itself was at once foreign yet familiar. It looks like sushi…but tastes like our Friday night dinners at home. isn’

The biryani/sushi rice is encased in a wafer thin flat bread rather than seaweed. The “binder” of the dish is smoked cherry tomato jelly which I don’t actually taste. There were also faint flashes of coriander and lime. The shrimp was cooked perfectly and the creamy, spicy dipping sauce elevated it beyond a dish that was teetering on the edge of bland.

A manager told me earlier incarnations of this dish had not been as good and they had worked hard to get the balance of flavors right and it looks like they have succeeded in getting to close to where it should be.

I liked the dipping sauce so much I asked to keep it for the bento box. You can choose from a Japanese, Arabic or Asian bento box.

On the advice of my server, I went for the far east version, with the promise of some spiciness.

The box itself included Japanese California roll accompanied by salmon sashimi and tuna nigiri, Indonesian satay and rice, a Thai inspired mango and papaya salad and a breaded shrimp.

The salmon and tuna were VERY fresh and well executed. California rolls are always a crowd pleaser and in this case were equally as fresh. A surprise for me was the satay. So so so many attempts at satay in this country go awry – bland, overcooked and no spice. This chicken was tender and even had a kick.

The prawn skewers were passable and benefitted from a little tickle of the spicy sauce from the biryani rolls. The Thai salad held promise, and was fresh and crunchy, but had none of the chilli kick you would expect.

Portions were not the massive ones we come to expect, but nevertheless are challenging. At QR95 the Bento Boxes also include dessert. Here’s where I encountered another surprise.

I’m not a dessert person, but this hit my sometimes missing sweet spot. Matcha crepes accompanied by a milk icecream. One word – excellent. The earthy flavor of the green tea/matcha is beautifully paired with the velvety sweet and creamy icecream. This is how desserts should be in my limited savory world.

There was a couple of grating aspects about the place – there is a whole “myth” created around how the Mexican/Japanese/Arabic flavors came to be – something about a Mexican catcus farmer living in North Africa and a shipwrecked Japanese sushi chef and their bromance.

This could have been cute, but instead it’s labored and just weird. This seems like a venture the owners want to franchise (including one at North Gate Mall), but the “story” is almost nonsensical.

In the positives column, prices also seem to be competitive for this niche market.  A bento box is an almost pocket friendly QR95 but larger platters sit around the QR180 to QR200 mark. Maki rolls come in a huge serving of eight for QR60 and smaller serves around QR30.

Unlike other new openings, it seems management has worked hard to not only select staff with a personality, but also to train them well.

My server was knowledgeable about the food and helpful – he even organized for valet parkers to bring my car to the entrance of the restaurant. Samples of some of the the bubble teas on offer were brought around. The little touches like the amuse bouche and branded kiddie chopsticks for the young girl at the next table.

The Verdict:

I was concerned this would be a case of food confusion rather than food fusion. And let’s be honest, everything food wise was not exactly on point on my first proper visit to Catcus Senshi. However, the bones of a good, casual, family friendly restaurant concept are there. I left not full to bursting but impressed with many of the dishes I tried. 

The Details

Cactus Senshi

Shoumoukh Towers

C Ring Rd, Doha, Qatar

+974 44447454

Website: http://cactussenshi.com/

It’s very rare that I would go to a restaurant “cold” – that is with literally no idea what to expect in terms of food or experience.

Usually Doha-based foodies would have swarmed a new venue, picked it apart and shared it on social media. Or, the fooderati (I say that with my tongue very firmly planted in my cheek) would have been invited and posted glowing reviews.

The Shanghai Club at the Shangri-La Doha opened a few weeks ago with a glitzy party. Then…silence. No reviews. No chatter. Only online ads. With AZ out of town, I rounded up Alicia and we headed to the 43rd Floor to see what the big foodie mystery was.

Stylish menu

I’ve only really eaten at one outlet at the Shangri-La and found the concept interesting but a little unfinished like the hotel at that stage. It’s been a long time between visits and all I knew was that the Shanghai Club had a dim sum master and a bar.

Gin and tonic with a view

So…about that bar. We exited the elevators and were met with what seemed like a party in full swing. You know that bar scene post Friday brunch where the decibel level is a dull, mildly hysterical roar? That.

You have to walk through that gauntlet to get to the restaurant and the soundtrack of the meal is punctuated by cackling from the bar and the odd tipsy rendition of Happy Birthday. It’s a little confronting and probably not the best design concept in a country like this.

That said, the dining room itself is stunning – floor to ceiling views of D-Town’s lights. There are booths for more privacy as well as tables facing the views. It’s a date night dream…except for the bar. There is a quieter “lounge” upstairs which is more my style.

The menu itself includes a large selection of dim sum plus regional Chinese favorites. There is also an extensive cocktail list (including an excellent selection of gin cocktails) and a small but very reasonable wine list.

The gin cocktails are delivered in glasses the size of fish bowls, which was a sweet relief to gin princesses like Alicia and myself.

Shanghai’s best

This is probably the only restaurant in the country serving the infamous Shanghai-style Xiao Long Bao, also known as “soup dumplings”. A bit of lard or fat is added to the meat filling and when steamed, it melts, forming a “soup” in the dumpling. They can be dangerous for beginners as the broth is steaming hot and unpredictable.

This Doha version was good, perhaps a little modified for the unsuspecting Doha crowd and could have done with a little more heat. That said, out crab filling was delicate  and the tobiko, or flying fish roe, offset the sweetness.

Handbags and glad rags

A serving of asparagus and wild mushroom “hand bags” are encased in the flaky potato flour pastry. The filling was earthy and tasty but a little sparse. A firm favorite through was the baked parcels of red ginger and chicken.

Ginger me up

These are crescents of almost buttery pastry stuffed with the fragrant chicken mix. We actually considered ordering another round.

The mains were greatly anticipated and frankly the stars of the meal. Alicia is usually lamb averse, but I convinced her to try the Chengdu-style braised Australian lamb with celery and cumin. I love Chinese lamb dishes and also their use of that great near and far eastern staple, cumin. Chengdu is known for its incredibly spicy Schezuan food, you know, the type with hundreds of firy chillis? This dish was off the richter scale hot – like whole chillis and garlic cloves. Like smack you around the cheeks with no warnings. It was also sweat-inducingly addictive.

Looks re deceiving – this is HOT

On the other end of the scale was a beautifully delicate scallop dish, complemented but not overwhelmed by the barest hint of black truffle and a hint of chilli along with prawns and unusually, egg whites. I don’t know how, but the fluffy texture of the egg whites works in this dish. My only quibble is that there could have been more truffle (it was almost imperceptible).

Yep, those are egg whites

We avoided rice and instead plumped for hand pulled noodles with beef. Again, a deceptive description. A small bowl of perfectly made noodles arrived, topped by chunks of beef. That beef was so tender it literally could be sliced with a chop stick.

Desserts are always a little hit and miss with both Alicia and I, but we were interested to see what was on offer. A lychee fried icecream was the dish of your childhood, without the scary dayglo sauce. Our adventurous souls also tried the glutinous dumplings stuffed with sweet black sesame paste in osmanthus soup, which traversed the fine line between sweet and savory.

Osmanthus is basically a shrub, but its flowers smell like peach. That hint of sweet worked beautifully with the stick-to-the-roof of your mouthyness of the glutinous dumplings.

We all scream for icecream!

The service in this restaurant are clued in, well trained and attentive but not overbearing. The floor manager was always on hand to explain the menu and despite being busy (most tables were full), our glasses were topped up and nothing seemed to be too much trouble.

Prices are what you would expect from a five star hotel. The seafood and meat dishes hovered around QR100 (except for wagyu and the Beijing duck which are expodentially more) and as I said the wine list has a good selection between QR160 an QR260.

While the restaurant itself doesn’t open until 7.30pm (except for Saturdays when they have a dim sum brunch), there is a happy hour menu in the bar from 5.30pm which looks very good value.

But those wanting to give it a try have a very tempting deal waiting for them. Until the end of October, they are offering desserts on the house. Also, members of the Shangri-La Golden Circle Club get 25 percent off the total bill (including drinks). I’ve been a long time member, but you can join before you arrive and simply present your number.

So, in all, for cocktails, a bottle of wine, three starters, three mains, two desserts and water, Alicia and I walked away having paid QR350 each.

That’s pretty outstanding value for food and service of this quality.

The Verdict:

If you can deal with the ambient noise from the bar next door, this is a seriously good addition to Doha’s growing culinary scene. The food satisfies both the lover of traditional, high-end Chinese cuisine as well as those looking for something a little more modern. With one of the best views in town, when more people find out about it, it could be a major contender.

The Details

Shanghai Club

Levels 43 and 44 Shangri-La Doha

Phone: +974 4429 5295

Email: shanghai.club@shangri-la.com

I used to be a prolific bruncher but around 18 months ago I gave up on the brunch scene in Doha.

It was a combination of factors that pushed me to the brink – other priorities on Fridays, work and finally, the lack of value for money.

It was around the time that brunches hit QR440 and frankly they weren’t great value for money – lavish buffets of tired salads and meat, the odd unique item and of course, the bubbles/booze. Some were so big they offered maps to diners, others felt like lining up at school cafeterias.

Brunch, I just wasn’t that into you.

I know that others started to feel the same way. It wasn’t us, it was them.

It took a while, but the hotels and restaurants around town started to catch on.

Perhaps it was the empty tables. Maybe it was the feedback. But things are starting to change for the better.

All the seafood

Last Friday I was invited to the inaugural Shangtastic Brunch at the Shangri-La Doha. Like my Shanghai Club experience at the same hotel, this was literally a blind tasting. I had a so-so brunch at their seafood restaurant Yabby earlier this year and was hoping they had upgraded the experience.

On paper, they had.

The brunch, on the last Friday of every month, sees Yabby, their popular smoke free bar The Den and also their South American steak house Fuego join forces. There are live stations, a dedicated cheese room (appropriately stinky) and an a la carte menu for each restaurant. Guests are sat in either restaurant and can browse between the two.

Arrival was a little confusing and chaotic as you would expect from a first brunch of this kind. Staff were rushed and working hard to greet everyone and escort them to their tables which is a nice touch but also slows things down.

When we were led to our table, I inhaled deeply. We were sat in Yabby which frankly has all the atmosphere of an airline lounge in an American regional airport.Also, we were sat next to the raw bar and the desserts. High traffic area and a little disappointing.

Things, thankfully,  got dramatically better from there. Cocktails (South American themed), bubbles and menus were deposited by our charming waiter. Both outlets were full and the atmosphere ramped up with a DJ, diners exploring the stations and genuinely happy staff.

But what about the food? Well…it was on the whole, excellent.

Highlights included a perfectly medium rare fillet carving station, buckets of steamed seafood (including crayfish and lobster), creamy French oysters and a gazpacho station serving up the cold soup in cocktail shakers.

A raclette station in the the cheese room served up the hot and smelly cheese with fixings just the right way.

This wasn’t just a foodie brunch, it was one with a sense of humor. The soup station allowed you to fill up on chowder with a pop art inspired soup can. Meat pies were served in paper bags just like home.

From the a la carte menu, the soft shell crab slider was breaded and cooked just right with  tangy remoulade. The classic fish and chips was a small but meaty fillet with chips dusted in an addictive salt.

From Feugo, the striploin arrived as a bijoux fillet but stunningly tender and medium rare. An Argentine style Milanese was breaded and fried and had us calling for more.

The only disappointing factor was the much anticipated meat pie station. While the pastry was spot on and flaky, fillings of medium rare beef or a tender chicken were chunky and stuffed just right, they were a cold on delivery.

That and the frantic welcome were both very minor dents in an otherwise excellent experience. The service was unobtrusive but also knowledgable and friendly. Glasses were topped up, food delivered as ordered with a smile.Controversially, this is also an adults only brunch and while some people may find this off putting it made for a great atmosphere.

A tip if you want to try next month, try and get a table in Fuego. It’s more clubby and cosy than Yabby which can be sterile, a little cold and disonnected. It was busy, and while some stations had a short wait, it didn’t feel like a canteen.Senior staff including the chefs went table-to-table speaking to diners, getting feedback and testing the concept.

At QR405 for the alcohol package, this is edging towards the top end of the Doha Brunch Index,  but I have to say if you want a food-focused brunch, this is your sweet spot.

The Shangri-la was a hotel that was a long time in coming yet when it opened it felt a little unfinished. While it has been open for some time now, it seems that they have kept a low profile on the food scene and this now makes sense.

After trying the brilliant Shanghai Club last week then experiencing this brunch, it seems that the hotel and its team have actually taken the time to tweak  and test their concepts, hire good people and worked hard to make the food memorable and interesting to their guests.

The Verdict: This could actually be the perfect storm of a brunch we have been waiting for – excellent, delicious food; a concept that seamlessly combines al la carte and live cooking stations, and value for money. There is a great variety, but it isn’t a vast quantity or just too much. In my opinion, when the brunch scene gets into full swing in coming months, this could be the one others look to for inspiration.

The Details:

Shangri-la Shangtastic Brunch

Shangri-la Doha, Conference Center Road, West Bay

Last Friday of every month

Cost: QR305/QR405 with alcoholic beverages.

Email: doha.dining@shangri-la.com

Phone: 4429 5295

*Life of the Wedge was a guest of the Shangri-la on this occasion, and I know you hear this ALL THE TIME, but opinions are my own. Seriously

Nobu’s A La Carte brunch ticks all the boxes. ALL of them

Dreams do come true.

ABBA is reforming (kinda). QDC now opens on a Friday. And someone built a 24 hour free wine fountain.

So I have decided to put it all out there and share my Doha Dining Wish List. Feel free to laugh, cry or even add your own in the comments below.

1. Open Table or similar  booking service – my recent trip to the US (blog post in the works) was made all that much better by this website and app. I managed to book excellent tables in the most sought after restaurants in DC and Philadelphia with barely a hitch. Imagine cutting out the middle woman and being able to do that here?
2. Uber Eats or similar delivery services  – I  don’t want to put some of the hard working delivery guys out of a job, but a service like this would enable many smaller outlets and venues to be able to deliver their food to a wider audience.
3. More non-smoking venues – I went to a bar to meet friends for dinner recently and when I came home my clothes were saturated with smoke. I’m not a wowser, or the fun police. I don’t judge those who smoke, I occasionally indulge in a shisha myself, but some bars are just engulfed in a smoke haze. The Den at the Shangri-La Doha is smoke-free and popular, proving you don’t have  to sacrifice profit for comfort.
4. More a la carte brunches – the buffet is dead people and I wish restaurants and hotels would recognize this. Diners want a personalized, smaller menu with less options and more quality. The Shangri-La, Hwang at the Intercontinental and Hakkasan as well as W Doha, Nobu, Four Seasons and Ritz Doha have recognised this and are offering a mixture or straight up menu. I’m hoping this trend continues.
5. Less wastage – I’ve banged on about this before but the amount of food wasted in this country is mind boggling. We all play a role in this. I’m not just talking about restaurants, even in the home. How many times have you bought a bunch of fresh items only to not eat them in time and have them spoil? Maybe leftovers weren’t eaten? I’m trying to do my bit – buy only what I need, repurposed leftovers creatively etc. But we can all do more. I also don’t think this should stop at food wastage. I ordered from a well known chain restaurant recently and counted 12 different containers being used. Each condiment had its own container. It was overwhelming.
6. More Adults Only Brunches – I’m going to get hate mail for this (I get it anyway), but there are many options catering to families, with kids areas, food and entertainment. A couple more adults only brunches would be kind of nice – Nobu and Shangri-la already do this and work well.
7. Bring back and expand Restaurant Week – we had a mini version some time back at The Anvil Rooms which was well received. Let’s bring it back, update and expand it. There is an appetite  (haaa!!) for these great deals and an excellent marketing opportunity for restaurants and outlets.
8. 8. Food Trucks – enough said.

There it is. Short, sharp and focused. Of course, this being me, this is an edited highlights of my longer, more complicated list. What is on your Doha Dining Wishlist?

Contrary to popular opinion, I don’t eat out every night. My natural state is at home, on the couch, with AZ arguing over my apparently inexplicable love of reality TV.

So truth is, I am, in fact, a bit of a homebody. I love to cook, but sometimes, after a long and complicated day or week in the Vineyard of Truth, I am partial to a takeaway. And with Doha’s natural traffic state as being in No Man’s Land between Carmageddon and Carpocalypse at any given time, any restaurant that can delivery tasty, hot and delicious food to me without me hollering my location, is going to be a winner.

Both Kababs&Kurries and Mainland China have just started home delivery services, which could be game changers for those who love quality food but I am yet to try their service.

In a very crowded field, these are my “go-to” places (which also deliver to my area), that is, I order from them regularly and they always deliver in terms of flavor and value.

Own Pizza is  new and fabulous find for me. They allow you to customize your pizza and unlike some other brands, their base is crisp and not overly doughy and soggy. They communicate via whatsapp which takes the guess work out of finding my place. working on blogger and foodie recommendations, we ordered a pizza with grilled veggies and added pepperoni and extra cheese. It arrived hot and the cheese gooey. This will be on high rotatation.

A pizza my heart at OWN Pizza

Sometimes you just crave a good mixed grill. Remman Cafe is a fairly new entrant on the home delivery front, but I think it will become a cult classic. Firstly, it’s take on Lebanese food is fresh and well executed. Secondly….they are open 24 hours. Yep. 24 hour delivery. Seriously. I can recommend their mixed grill and their hommus with meat (which in less deft hands can be weird and greasy but is well balanced here) as well as their crunchy and fluffy falafel.

Grilled and delicious

Another dependable early riser is Sabah w Masa which has saved me at brekfast more times than I choose to admit. I love their batata harra (spicy potatoes) as well as their kafta wrap sandwiches (stuffed with meat, tahini and veggies). Ask for dressing on the side for their great fattoush (topped with handfuls of crunchy toasted bread) so it doesn’t get soggy.

Carb loading thanks to Sabah w Masa

Ahhhh Three Peppers, the original and still the best Chinese takeaway in Doha. Sure, ordering can be a bit hit and miss if calling in for yourself, but it’s worse the charades. Steaming containers of fried and steamed dumplings and a deliciously old school sweet and sour chicken are regular favorites for me. But the menu is extensive and also offers some more unsual delicacies like stir fried Morning Glory with garlic, a wintery lamb with cumin and shrimp with Chinese tea. Perfect for a Friday night Netflix marathon.

Three peppers never disappoints

My love of Nandos is well known and I would be seriously remiss not to include them on this list. Always dependable, always delcious and always friendly. Also, it’s not just about chicken. I recently discovered their Steak Prego burger, and it’s seriously delicious (especially with added cheese).

Nandos isn’t just about chicken

Finally, it wouldn’t be a home delivery list in Qatar without an Indian option.  Tandoor Express has branches around the country and is always dependable in terms of quality and speedy delivery. As the name suggests, their tandoori chicken and other meats are their specialties and you can’t go wrong sticking to these. I always go for their chicken tikka zaffrani – tender marinated bonless chicken thighs, spiked with saffron. Honestly, in all the years I have ordered this dish, I have never been disappointed.  Their breads (paneer kulcha – bread stuffed with cheese) are also winners.

Winter is approaching and so are the opportunities for cosy nights in. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but they are my tried and tested favorites. Let me know yours in the comments below.

One of the first hotels I visited when I moved here in 2007 was Four Seasons Doha. Then it was home one of the few high end Italian restaurants in town and its bar, The Library, was an expat meeting spot every Thursday.

Its all-day dining restaurant (can’t even remember the name now!) was, just that, a a bit of an unmemorable buffet. It has had several incarnations over the years, most recently as a pan-Asian Nusantao which had a long and complicated menu and just didn’t gel.

The Four Seasons has always been that kinda old school place, with marble floors and well trained staff. Reliable and frankly not that exciting.A good place for a coffee but not for a big night out.

Then, the hotel management did something pretty brave – just a couple of years after opening, they shut down Nusantao and started all over again in that space.

Now called Elements, this was meant to be a look at the new Winter menu there. But after several visits to the hotel in recent weeks, I realized something bigger was going on – this venerable hotel had upped its game and was now one of the leaders of the foodie pack in Doha.

It’s been a slow and subtle burn, but the evidence is strong.

We can start with Elements. The facelift unveiled last year saw a younger, funkier vibe yet still retaining its five star air. A gin bar, bespoke cocktails and a sexy outdoor area walked that fine line between restaurant and club. The menu was a little long and complicated, but the food was very good. Now, after a period of settling in, they have introduced a new menu.

I’m pleased to say, it’s more focussed and leans heavily on its strengths – Chinese, Indian and Arabic favorites with a flair. Where the new menu shines is the Asian and south Asian favorites. The adeptness of their Chinese chef is apparent in his selection of dumplings – a squid ink grown har gow is silky and unctious. His perfectly formed lamb bun a little sweet, a little salty and encased in a well proportioned pastry.

But the showstopper for me was Ayam Bakar – an Indonesian-style roasted chicken with a sweet and spicy soy laced sauce.

Asian persuasion

It’s early days but I am calling this as one of of my favorite dishes of the year. To me this exemplifies how this restaurant has evolved. It’s a dish that is clearly a specialty of the chef who cooked it but also an unusual choice for a menu in Doha.

In similar territory is a mesmerizing salad of shrimp, scallop, squid, sea cucumber with a delicate yuzu (citrus) dressing. This had the potential to be bland and disappointing but goes above and beyond thanks to the sing of the yuzu and careful preparation of the seafood.

If yuzu seafood

In other dishes, a tandoori prawn starter dish is both strongly spiced yet accessible and sure to be a favorite.

It was as if management had told their chefs, cook what you know, what you are good a, go ahead and cook it. This might sound basic but you would be surprised how little this attitude has permeated the dining scene in Doha and for a hotel restaurant like Elements.

I’ve found myself recommending Elements again and again since trying the new menu and also sampling the brunch recently (which now has a gin cart – heaven!). This is isn’t hotel dining as usual – it’s unique yet familiar, stunningly presented and well executed.

Meanwhile, a across the hall in Il Teatro Chef Marco Arlotti and the team there has quietly transformed this once stiff and tomblike restaurant into one of the most interesting and underrated restaurants in the city.

Chef Marco

This restaurant has, for some time, been labelled as expensive and a little dull. Times have changed. A subtle revamp has seen tablecloths return, a wine by the glass set up welcoming guests and a more pocket-friendly (and very competitive) menu.

I sampled his new winter menu recently and was reminded that this was not “business as usual” Italian fare.

A beautifully cooked octopus is a tricky thing. Often in Qatar, it comes out rubbery and a little alarming. In Marco’s hands, it’s fork tender and served with a playful take on “chips” made from dried squid ink. a base of creamed chickpeas is perhaps a nod to Middle East fare, but gives it an earthiness and a tomato confit slices deftly through what could be a heavy dish.

Pillow of love

I have always been a fan of the pastas at Il Teatro and the new capeletti are pillows stuffed with ricotta and bitey Piemonte chestnuts swimming in a parmesan sauce and topped black truffle.

Again, this is another example of a chef being entrusted to actually lead the creation of a menu,allowing his witty and well thought-out food to shine.

I could be overthinking it, but I believe the reinvention of the Four Seasons really started in earnest 12 months ago, with the opening of Nobu Doha. This was a long time coming and with some hiccups, this restaurant has really hit its stride.

I went back to try their brunch again in early November and found a dining room humming with energy and a touch of fun. Local families, couples, groups of friends and young families all enjoying the coolest room in town with some seriously great food.

Tuna belly from the Omakase menu early this year

Rather than sit on their island and wait for the people to come with open wallets, Nobu has openly courted new diners and groups. With a slew of happy hour bargains and regular special tasting menus all priced regularly, Nobu Doha has won a legion of fans (as well as new ones every week for the restaurant and the hotel that hosts it).

Soft shell crab

You can extrapolate many reasons as to why the Four Seasons has become a foodie haven over the last 12 months or so.

I would say Nobu has a lot to do with it. But I also suspect they saw the looming tough financial times in Doha and decided that gimmicks or just ignoring it just wont do. That throwing a couple of happy hours at the issue is a quick fix and won’t get people coming back.

Rather, they looked at the hotel as a whole – food and beverage, marketing, rooms – and worked on a cohesive strategy that makes people loyal. This has included using social media effectively. The W Doha is one of the few to have also worked this out and are still reaping the rewards.

Whatever the recipe, it seems to be working.

The Details:

Four Seasons Doha

The Corniche, Doha, Qatar

Tel: +974 4494 4444

Web: http://www.fourseasons.com/doha/

Twitter and Instagram: @fsdoha

*Life on the Wedge and related entities was indeed a guest of the Four Seasons recently to try both Il Teatro and Elements, but my views have been formed over years of experience and just being a general busybody.

Listen up people! It’s December in a couple of days ! You heard me! DECEMBER! When did that happen? I demand a recount (on so many levels).

Honestly, it seemed like just yesterday we were sweating through July and praying for less daylight and cooler temperatures.

I’ve just realised there is a whole bunch I promised myself I would do but of stuff I just haven’t done this year:

1. Revisiting the ABBA Museum
2. Buying a new car (to be fair I have been saying that since 2012)
3. Discovering a cure for Man Flu
4. Finding a consistent supply of Mochi icecream in my vicinity
5. Making Stretchy Pants acceptable office wear
6. Single handedly eliminating the Matcha/Nutella/Lotus is My Everything craze

But there’s still time! With a month left until the end of the year, I’ve decided to keep my remaining ambitions short, savory and foodie-themed. So here’s my list of all things tasty I am excited about and you should be trying before the end of the year:

1. Breakfast Obsessions

It took some time for Doha to wake up to breakfast all day as a concept (breakfast…see what I did there?). But both Eggspectations Qatar and the newly minted Breakfast Club (review to come) are serving up more than eggs over easy all day every day. Worth getting out of bed for in my opinion.

2. Theme Nights and Brunches

I’m not one of life’s joiners, but I do love the occasional theme. And it seems that Doha has gone “Theme Crazy” since the summer months. Whether it’s the Superhero Brunch at Ritz Carlton Doha or the daily line up of theme nights at the excellent and underrated Seasonal Tastes at the Westin Doha on any given night or day you will find something. Other standouts include the Thai Market style brunch at Grand Hyatt Doha and the winter friendly Bohemian Nights every Sunday at Intercontinental Doha and finally Curry Nights at W Doha’s Spice Market. Wine and cheese fiends should also head to Prime at Intercontinental Doha The City for their weekly dairy fuelled blow out.

Curry in a hurry at W Doha

3. Gin O’Clock

Of course there had to be an alcohol option here! Doha it seems has gone gin crazy and I for one love it. Early adopters in the craze was W Doha with their Gin O’Clock concept of bespoke cocktails and nibbles. Some places like Ritz Carlton’s Picnic Brunch set up their own pop-up gin bar with infused potions to try. Others have taken this and run with it, including Elements at Four Seasons Doha which has developed an enviable cocktail list using small batch gins including one infused with coconut. Yep. Try it then thank me. You can also sample their gin creations on their cocktail cart during brunch. You’re welcome (hic).

It’s gin o’clock somewhere!

4. Raising the Raw Bar

In the Doha dining scene, you have to adapt or be left behind. That’s why it’s great to see a relatively old school brand like St Regis Doha try something a little off beat. In a country that loves its steaks well done and its seafood left on the BBQ for a while, opening a raw seafood bar is daring. The menu includes oysters,, shellfish, caviar and sushi as well as cocktails and champagne. It’s at the high end of the “big night out” scale, but it’s well and truly on my list to try this month.

5. Paneer and Dear

I’m a hardcore Nandos Qatar fan and not much gets between me and my butterfly chicken. Except maybe…cheese. Nandos has launched a new vegetarian menu, catering to the diverse population here in Qatar. It includes lots of paneer, or Indian style white cheese including in their their trademark Espetata and in fresh and fun skewers with grilled watermelon. While I’m yet to buy into the quinoa salad they are also offering, there’s enough variety (and cheese) to keep me interested.

Paneer and dear to my heart (photo courtesy of Nandos Qatar because mine are crap)

6. Lulu’s Expansion

Yes, I am that special kind of foodie nerd who gets excited by the opening of a supermarket. But the newest branch of Lulu Hypermarket’s expanding empire is opening before the end of the year in Messila. It promises the usual supermarket fare plus an excellent deli counter (yep…all the cheeses! All the meats! All the olives!) and an expansive section of international favorites (Vegemite!) and gluten free offerings. Catch you in the carpark!

So…there it is! A small and manageable list I am trying to conquer before the end of the year. But I’m still not giving up on my other ambitions for 2016…especially the Man Flu one.

In my view, whatever the question, the answer is ALWAYS cheese.

And, as the weather cools and the year draws to an end, ’tis the season to be…eating as much cheese as possible.

Whether it’s catering to a big crowd of friends and family, or settling in to watch Netflix on a weekend, or just because,  cheese is the ideal entertainer. I know, I’m biased. But frankly, it can be the perfect end to a dinner party, or served as a spread at any party

But it’s not always easy to choose the right cheeses. So I’ve joined with Lulu Qatar and Chocolate Fish Parties to show you how easy it is to creative a fun, festive and pocket friendly festive cheese plate this season.

And you are in luck because starting 14 December, all Lulu stores around Qatar will holding  their annual “Cheese Festival” – with cheeses from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the Middle East showcased.

Fun, festive and very, very cheesy. Photo: http://www.applesnapsdoha.com

The ideal elements for our cheese plate were sourced from our local Lulu and all cost less that QR200 (including the cheese board).

So here are my tips for an awesome, even Pinterest-worthy cheese board for the festive season:

1. How much should I buy?

My rule of thumb is to buy less cheese (yeah ironic I know) but bigger pieces. Cheese keeps well if stored properly so a hunk of brie can be used for after a dinner party then a snack. Aim for 120 to 150 grams per person.

2. What cheese should I buy?

Well, this is a matter of taste and there is no wrong answer here, but as a rule of thumb I like to include a selection of three to four cheeses, different textures and styles :

• A brie – this is the “King of Cheeses” for a reason. Creamy and a little indulgent, you can always rely on this crowd pleaser. We used the popular President Cheese brie for our board which is buttery and creamy and a little bit dreamy.
• Something blue – some people shy away from blue cheese, but a cheese board is frankly naked without it. A good blue can make or break a cheese board. Check out A roquefort or a gorgonzola. Stinky, yes, but delicious!
• A hard cheese – a cheddar is going to make everyone happy. It can be a softer, younger kind or an older, more “bitey” one. It pairs well with fruit or a chutney.
• Something Italian – Parmesan is the stallion of the Italian cheese stable and you should consider on your cheese board rather than you pasta. Served with some of the great local and imported honey (make sure it’s pure rather than a blend), this is one of life’s great food pairings.
• Something creamy – Living in the Middle East we have access to some wonderful fresh, white cheeses like labne. You can serve this with a drizzle of sweet chilli sauce on some crackers. A great selection of fresh or pre-packed labne is available  at Lulu’s deli area.

Picture Perfect. Photo credit: http://www.applesnapsdoha.com

3. What should I serve with my cheeses?

Again, this is where you can let your imagination run wild. A good biscuit, cracker or crusty bread can complement the cheese, as can honey, olives, fresh and dried fruit. The main thing to remember is not to overload the cheeseboard with additions. The star of the show should be the cheese. Some great options are:

• Honey
• Chutney
• Green and red grapes
• Dried fruit like apricots or raisins
• Juicy fresh figs
• Chex Mix crackers
• Crackers like Tucker’s Natural which go well with both hard and soft cheeses
• Deli meats like beef salami or shaved turkey
• Olives (stuffed or big, black kalamata ones)
• Crusty baguettes
• Nuts like walnuts and almonds (you can get these by the kilo)

5. When should I serve the cheese?

Anytime! All day! All the cheeses? But seriously, cold cheese is a bit of a crime. Let the cheese come to room temperature, this allows the flavors to develop.

6.How to serve it?

You are only limited by your imagination! Check Pinterest for inspiration for your #cheeseboardgoals or see Lulu Good Life for their super simple tips and tricks for entertaining. Remember people eat with their eyes so use color and textures. As for what to serve it on, we used a simple pine chopping board from the kitchen aisle of Lulu – when not in use for cheese excitement, it can do double duty.Also remember to give your guests options so they can mix and match as they like.

#cheeseboardgoals Photo credit: http://www.applesnapsdoha.com

7. What about the leftovers?

In my house there is no such thing as leftover cheese. Seriously. But should this rare event occur, try to wrap them in wax paper to let it breath (plastic can suffocate it) and place in the bottom shelf of your fridge or the veggie drawer (it’s nice and cold down there).

8. Where do I get great cheese?

As I said, Lulu’s Qatar stores have an extensive and accessible range of cheese. From simple cheddars through to some great imports from further afield. You can check their Cheese Festival from 14 December in all stores for their offers plus all the extra accompaniments you may need.They have imported some special cheeses for the week-long event which will give you even more options.

Cheese Please! Photo credit: http://www.applesnapsdoha.com

So, those are my grate ideas (see what I did there) to help you build the festive cheese plate of your dreams and you can brie the best entertainer this year.

*This post is a collaboration between Life on the Wedge, Lulu Qatar,  Chocolate Fish Parties, taf3eel and AppleSnaps. Check back next week for  how to entertain a crowd for the festive season. 

It’s been a long year and frankly I have been caught a little off guard by the speed and ferocity of the approach of the festive season. We’re staying in Doha this year, and on the weekend I had a mild panic about who, what, when, where and how.

I managed to find the tree in the back of the wardrobe, dust off the ornaments and tinsel and put the whole thing together with a minimum of curse words. Presents have been ordered online and are being delivered at breakneck speed.

After that I needed a lie down and a Netflix Gilmore Girls marathon (but basically that threw up more questions than answers about my life and final four words.

We’re not heading to one of the huge hotel bashes this year, instead opting for an intimate lunch with friends. Fast, fresh and easy to prepare was my mantra.

Yeah sure, easier said than done, I hear you mutter.

I turned to my friends at Chocolate Fish Parties and Lulu Hypermarkets Qatar for a bit of advice and guidance.

What I found is that it’s pretty simple to come up with a stylish and tasty lunch/dinner for friends with a quick trip to the supermarket and some easily available ingredients.

Table set and ready to go

Their advice was to keep it stress free and under QR400 for food. And yes, it is possible!

So here is a cheat sheet for you to entertain a hungry crowd:

1. Pre-prepared is best

Head straight for the deli counter, scoop up olives, cheeses and a serving of smoked salmon (we used the Echo Falls smoked sockeye salmon). A quick detour by the hot food section and score two rotisserie chickens (QR10 a pop) which is always a crowd pleaser.

2. Light and bright

The proteins should be accompanied by individual green salads and mountains of vegetables plus a good olive oil  or a squeeze of lemon for dressing. Think texture as well as color. You can also prepare a huge salad for the center of the table.

3. Cheese please!

I would also suggest crusty bread a colorful cheese plate with a variety of cheeses, dried fruits and a good honey. Let’s be honest, cheese goes with everything. For how to create the optimum cheese plate, check out my ultimate guide.

Of course there was cheese!

4. No baking required!

You can round off the dinner with fruit, ice cream and of course, cheese. We also found these Arabic style nut treats which work for people like me who prefer their desserts to be savory!

Just desserts

This food haul, cost around QR350, making it not only delicious but also pocket friendly (read – more money for shoes  presents for everyone).

Dusk delights

I can’t claim credit for the styling in these gorgeous photos by Apple Snaps Doha, that lies with Rachel from Chocolate Fish Parties. Her advice to me was to keep it, simple, clean and uncluttered. you can find her personalized styling tips on her blog (where you can also drool over the glam parties she creates).

Cheers!

So, with less than a week to go, I’m ready to take on this festive entertaining business. Right after I finish my gift shopping (what to get the man who has everything?) and rewatch the Gilmore Girls.

*This post is a collaboration between Life on the Wedge, Lulu Qatar,  Chocolate Fish Parties, taf3eel and AppleSnaps. All items are available at Lulu’s stores across Qatar. For special cheeses, their inaugural Cheese Fest is on until 21 December.

So that escalated quickly. The year 2016 I mean. There I was, all fresh faced and excited on January 1 and now, here I am, bedraggled and bereft at the end of December.

A lot happened in 2016 on the Qatar foodie scene. Some great,some not so great, and some a little bit of both.

While it was a stellar year on the opening front, we have a lot to look forward to in 2017. Even Frommers has listed Doha as a top destination in 2017, citing its diverse dining scene as a reason.

Here is my round-up of what I am excited about in 2017 (besides Netflix new schedule):

1. The New Belgian Cafe

I have to say I have a real soft spot for the Belgian Cafe at the Intercontinental Doha. Good atmosphere (seriously, single ladies, this is where all the blokes are!), well done comfort food and a great drink selection. BUT it’s far too smoky for me and I leave feeling a little like I have been in a Parramatta nightclub circa 1988 (cough,,,so I hear). The new look bar has been relocated to the ground floor of the hotel and has an outdoor terrace which I am tipping will be one of the most popular in the city. Due to open any day now, even I am excited. Cheese people! Cheese!

2. Celebrity Favorite Katsyua

We love a little glamor in Qatar and this chain hailing from California will bring a bot of bling (albeit in a mall). Two branches of this celeb hang are opening – one at Villaggio and one at Festival City in coming months. It’s LA cousins are labelled some of the best spots for celeb sightings but their Cali fusion take on sushi and other dishes will be a hit.

We love a little glamor in Qatar and this chain hailing from California will bring a bot of bling (albeit in a mall). Two branches of this celeb hang are opening – one at Villaggio and one at Festival City in coming months. It’s LA cousins are labelled some of the best spots for celeb sightings but their Cali fusion take on sushi and other dishes will be a hit.

Sexy sushi at Katsuya

3. Opening of the Mondrian Doha

Located where architecture goes to die (next to Lagoona Mall), this hotel has been delayed several times but looks likely to open in 2017. While little has been revealed about their offering except for a rooftop bar, it’s part of the very sexy and stylish Morgans chain who also own The Royalton in NYC as well as other properties in Miami and Europe. Expect lush interiors, on trend food and a sense of humor.

3. Doha Festival City

Slated for A February 2017 soft opening, you may groan at another mall to add to our collection. But there are a couple of foodie destinations to keep you happy and interested, including the welcome return of Dean & Deluca to Qatar (yaaaassssss), the world’s largest Monoprix and 800 Degrees Pizza.

Doha Festival City (image from their website)

4. Suan Bua Thai Restaurant at the Centara Grand

Nestled in a golden mile of real estate in West Bay, this hotel opening has been a well kept secret. Centara is a Thai brand which hasn’t made much a foray into the Middle East, it’s known as a solid option in Asia. However, one of their offerings in Doha will be a Thai restaurant with a “contemporary” twist. In a town with a huge appetite for Thai food, this will be one to watch. Also keep an eye open for the opening of the Dusit hotel mid-2017. Another Thai brand, it’s bringing it’s excellent Benjarong signature restaurant with it.

Suan Bua – image from Centara website

5. Al Hazm

While I am still unsure what exactly will happen inside this imposing structure just outside the city limits, one thing did catch my eye – it promises “slow and sustainable food” and fresh food market. Also this: “The culinary core of Alhazm is an original Italian pole where cooking classes, demonstrations, tastings and promotions of sustainable food culture are a major draw for Doha’s food fanatics”. If you know what that means  (it’s a “lifestyle destination”) let me know. I’m not entirely sure my Kia will be welcome in the parking lot, but stranger things have happened.

Slow and sustainable (photo from Al Hazm website)

7. Revamps a plenty

Expect to see some old favorites revamping to keep competitive with newcomers in this market. One to watch is Grande Dame Ritz Carlton Doha who recently reopened their top floor restaurant as an excellent and well priced French bistro. They are also undergoing a renovation so expect big things.

So, there it is, all that’s new and shiny to look forward to in Qatar’s foodie world in 2017. I know this is only a short list -there seems to be a new restaurant popping up every week!

To all my readers, thanks for your unwavering support in 2016. There have been ups, downs, tears and triumphs and frankly I’m exhausted. But I wouldn’t want it any other way! Happy New Year and see you for more foodie adventures in 2017.

Honestly I haven’t had the best start to 2017. Things haven’t gone to plan, and given that I gave up planning things in late 2016, that should give you an indication of my current mind set.

I needed to get out and about, drink a cocktail or three, eat some good food and talk some hard core nonsense.

That’s how we ended up at Zengo for brunch last Friday.  Part of Richard Sandoval’s global culinary empire, it’s yet another of his Doha outlets following Toro Toro and Isla. I had been to the opening night and found the space stunning, the pan-Asian food interesting and the entire project brimming with potential.

A fusion restaurant with a Japanese spin, it’s sushi heavy. This is also reflected in the concise but interesting brunch menu. Eschewing the endless buffets for an a la carte menu which ranged from the aforementioned maki rolls, sashimi, rice cakes and a papaya salad.

Pretty as a picture

The shrimp tempura roll was warm on arrival, a sign that it was made a la minute. Both it and the vegetarian rolls (which unusually included dried tomato) bore what would learn is the hallmark of this restaurant – beautiful presentation. From the plates through to the perfect flowers delicately placed on each roll, the presentation is extraordinary.

A pomelo salad was salty sweet and not too spicy while Japanese crispy rice, showing echoes of Nobu Doha‘s famous ones, were a little overwhelmed by their somewhat muddy tuna toppings. The seared tuna was on point, delicately matched by a lemon gel and pickled onions.

Crispy tuna

Moving onto the hot starters, highlights for our table were the perfectly fried shrimp tempura, which managed to have the right amount to batter to prawn. I’m a sucker for anything on a stick, and add peanuts and chicken to that equation and I am a happy girl. Their satay sticks were juicy and smothered in the tasty sauce, which could have done with a kick of chilli.

Satay always has a place in my heart

Served with pickled vegetables and a proficient nasi goreng studded with chicken and snow peas, I could have ended the meal there and been happy. Sadly the chicken siu mai dumplings, which looked fat and juicy were actually tasteless and disappointing.

The mains (yes there is more food!) on paper looked less interesting than the starters. But in most cases, we judged too soon.

The star of the show, and perhaps the entire meal, was the cornfed chicken curry. A green curry, perhaps a little mild for some, was wonderfully creamy. The chicken itself (a little light on – there could have been more for the size of the bowl) was fork tender. Baby Thai eggplants and water chestnuts added crunch and texture. This is a standout dish and one I would order without hesitation again.

A Szechuan style beef dish was tender, silky perfectly spiced and bulked up by baby corn and mushroom. It wasn’t the “in your face” chilli hit, rather a slow burn.  The miso salmon was a late surprise, giving a sticky hit of umami. A wrong note for the table were the Korean-style lamb ribs. Adventurous at best, they were a little too challenging for us although spicy sauce was excellent, the meat was too overwhelming.

I don’t eat desserts as a rule and as my friend Lesley noted, you don’t go to brunch for the desserts. These seemed a bit of an afterthought. I did enjoy the tropical fruit but a bait and switch saw us served a coconut and white chocolate ball (rather than the promised black sesame creme brule)  which was far too rich.

The cavernous dining room is both Zengo’s crowning glory but also somewhat of a curse. During the day the views are extraordinary and on a clear day you can see…Saudi. But on our visit with a handful of tables for this brunch it was lacking in atmosphere. At night this is reversed and the floor to ceiling windows add to the after dark sexy vibe which is perfect for date nights.

Service was attentive, knowledgeable and relaxed but not overbearing which is what you need for a brunch with friends. The brunch offering is QR350 including wine and a decent selection of house cocktails or QR250 with water and soft drinks. This is competitive with other brunches around the city and happily, the a la carte set-up offers something for everyone.

The verdict: Still a fairly new entrant on the Doha dining scene and sitting 60 odd floors above Doha, Zengo’s culinary ambitions are as high as its location. While it’s clear in some cases they are still refining their dishes, their brunch menu shows this is a restaurant you should be adding to your list in 2017.

The Details:

Zengo

61st Floor, Kempinksi Doha, West Bay

Email:zengo@zengodoha.com

Phone: 4405 3560

Chinese New Year is always all color, movement and the best eats. And always SO much better than that January 1 business, which always sees me holed up on the couch watching fireworks rather than actually getting out and about.

Chinese New Year menus often contain similar, traditional dishes or a chef’s interpretation of them. the theme is always around celebration, so you will find food with symbolism (good luck, prosperity) and also dishes with lots of color. The most common Chinese New Year foods includes dumplings, fish, spring rolls, and niangao (glutinous rice cakes). You will also find abalone (good fortune) and pomelo because it is thought to bring “continuous prosperity and status.”

This year in Doha, with its booming selection of Chinese restaurants, the Year of the Rooster is being ushered in with style. Here is your guide to the best menus in Doha for this bonus festive period:

Elements at Four Seasons Doha

Chef Ding hails from Northern China, which is known for its spicy food and love of meat. This shows in his special menu, which is available 26 to 28 January, with a selection of comfort food, traditional dishes and a kick of chilli.

Not yo mama’s rice cake

Oh tofu!

This 10 dish menu is very accessible – with dishes ranging from the crunchy and sweet “Good Luck” salad of salmon and pomelo, to a comforting yet spicy braised chicken with chestnuts and a silky and tender beef and stuffed tofu dish. The abalone dish (which in Chinese symbolism denotes good fortune) is braised with bok choi and mushroom. The mains are served with boiled beef dumplings, which is playing right to my sweet spot but also symbolize wealth.Given the number of dumplings I have been known to consume, I should be a wealthy woman. Hmm.

At QR295, this is great value and an excellent opportunity to try some unique dishes cooked with skill and passion.

Hakkasan Doha

This stylish and always excellent restaurant has been serving some of the best Chinese food this city has seen for several years now. It goes without saying their  offering for the Year of the Rooster would reflect their identity.

As with all New Year menus, this starts with the  Fortune Tale with roasted chicken and jelly fish. The chicken was roasted to perfection and served with its salty and crunchy skin. Tossing the salad (the higher the toss, the closer to happiness!) is a fun way to start the meal and can get messy.

Winner winner chicken dinner!

Hakkasan’s dumplings are legendary and this menu would be empty without them. The smoked Wagyu beef dumpling  and the steamed seabass dumpling are both standouts.

The menu itself features the familiar but also the challenging. The steamed abalone and dried oyster may be too confronting for some, but a Dover sole with pumpkin, shiitake mushroom in soy fish sauce is a sleeper hit – the mild taste of the fish enhanced by the saltiness of the sauce.

Sole mate

Hakkasan is one restaurant I always break my “No Dessert” rule. This was no exception. Listed on the menu as golden feather ginger pannacotta, mandarin and caramelized white chocolate, this gives no hint of what is to come.

What arrives on your table is this:

Eggspectation is killing me

Crack it open and it really is a golden egg of deliciousness.

Cracked up

This was always going to be a hit with me – saved from an overly sweet white chocolate explosion by the mandarin flavored “yolk”.

Running until 13 February, the menu (which is available at the 11 Hakkasans around the globe) is priced at QR448 for two people include a specially designed cocktail.

Other Chinese New Year menus/options around town include:

Shanghai Club: Arguably the most exciting new opening in Doha, their special menu is available 27-28 January and is QR488 per person. This includes an eight course set menu.

Zengo Doha: With the best view in town and a big foodie buzz, this pan-Asian eatery is offering a Chinese menu on 27 and 28 January for QR300 including soft drinks.

Spice Market at W Doha: The original and still one of the best “big night out venues”, have a special SE Asian and Chinese New Year theme brunch on Friday, 27 January. QR410 with happy beverages and QR295 with soft drinks.

Mainland China: Some of the best dumplings in town, great service and a menu of favorites. A family-friendly option for those wanting to celebrate.

Westin Doha: Their excellent all day dining restaurant Seasonal Tastes has a Chinese-themed offering on Saturday 28 January from 6.30pm. It’s QR160 with soft drinks and QR245 with bubbly.

Three Peppers Doha: Always packed with Chinese expats and in-the-know foodies, they have just released some additions to their menu which I can’t wait to try. Eat in or takeaway – worth braving traffic for!

Asia Live: An underrated restaurant at the Marriott Doha, every Saturday they have all you can eat dumplings and handmade noodles by Chinese Chef Xudong Zheng for QR100. that’s not only good luck but also good fortune!

And with that folks, I wish you Gong hei fat choy…and I’m just going to leave this here:

*Life on the Wedge was a guest of the Four Seasons and Hakkasan. Views are my own, based on my own experience and love of dumplings. the Trump rooster, well that’s just there to haunt you.

We may look to our friends in the seemingly ever changing Dubai for what’s currently hip and cool, but here in Qatar, our dining ecosystem has a life of its own. As we head into February (how did THAT happen?) I thought it would be a good time to take the pulse of the city and see what we can expect from restaurants, hotels and others in 2017:

MORE CHAIN RESTAURANTS:

The opening of the Cheesecake Factory at the mammoth Mall of Qatar was more anticipated in some circles than the much discussed ABBA reunion. It’s just another in a long list of chains that see Doha as a rich market for their wares. Me? Not so much a fan, but you gotta give the folks what they want. And what they want is Carluccios, PF Changs and their like.

SATURDAY BRUNCH

Friday is the new Saturday and while I’ve written about this before, and as the year opens, we’ve had a couple of hot new entrants in the weekend brunch market. The Shanghai Club at the Shangri-la Doha has an excellent take on a dumpling brunch every Saturday. And the always dependable JW’s Steakhouse at the Doha Marriott has just introduced a very American style brunch every Saturday with eggs benny, crab cakes and more.

Dumplings for (Satur) days at Nozomi every week

GIN EVERYWHERE

I’ve been on the gin bandwagon since what is known as the “Great Tequila Incident of 2014”, where I was victimized by this Mexican clear beverage. The gin trend isn’t just Doha, it’s worldwide, with hundreds of small batch distilleries opening up. Here on home turf, we’ve seen gin bars pop up at Elements Doha and of course the pioneers, W Doha but expect to see it at more places around town this year.

Gin and tonic with a view at Shanghai Club

STANDALONE CAFES

While we see more and more chains entering the Doha market, I’m pleased to welcome more stand alone cafes in and around Qatar. Flat White is a stand out favorite but recently we saw Fleur Et Cafe open (flowers and coffee, that’s SOOOOO Instagrammable) as well as local favorite Tasmeem Cafe  and Fanajeenopen and bring rainbow cappucinos to the people. check out the Al Wakra Souq area for some new openings as well.

HOME BUSINESSES

We see them on Instagram and at fairs and bazaars around town, but with the Ministry of Economy and Commerce now issuing licences for these business, expect to see these micro businesses flourish in 2017 as new entrants offer a wider variety of food. Already we can get home made cookies, Vietnamese pho and of course any cake or sweet treat made to order.

COMFORT FOOD

This may have been done to death in other markets, but there is still mileage in this concept in Doha. This month St Regis Doha’s Opal is launching “London Twist” offering fish and chips and other comfort foods every Monday. The Irish Harp at the Sheraton Doha has introduced an evening brunch every Saturday with favorites like Beef Wellington and a full roast.

THEMES

Restaurants here love a theme and in the quest to differentiate themselves from others in a competitive market, expect the gimmick factor to be high in 2017. Also, as diners, we sometimes tire of the familiar and want to try something new. Leaders in this are Grand Hyatt Doha with their regular theme brunches, but the Ritz Carlton Doha has set the bar high with their excellent monthly Superhero Brunch. Another to look forward to is Prime’s Taste of Australia at Intercontinental Doha The City in February. As we lurch towards summer, expect more targeted offerings as they fight for our dining dollar.

LUXE FOR LESS

Speaking of that almighty “dining dollar” or riyal, the big trend I am liking is giving a taste of luxury for a pocket friendly price. I had an interesting conversation with a hospitality professional last week, who said that while the volume of customers is still there, people like you and me are more selective how and when we spend our money. This is replicated across the city – from the high end hotels through the small neighborhood operators. Put it down to the economy or general nervousness. What it means is gains for us – the diner.

Nobu Doha was the early leader on this, with their popular Kanpai happy hour concept – giving you a selection of drinks and nibbles from the kitchen of one of one of the world’s top restaurants for a fraction of the price. Nozomi has a similar concept every week with their Tuesday happy hour, offering bites at a reasonable price in a luxe surrounding. Again at the St Regis Doha they are offering a range of discounts at their venues (for early diners or set menus), dubbed “Bespoke Dining Experiences”, which are actually very good value. At the still new Shangri-la, they are quietly offering discounts of up to 20 percent on your dining bill if you join their loyalty program. That’s the total bill, not just food. Westin Doha has introduced a “Sharing Menu” at their excellent Thai restaurant, Sabai Thai for QR100. The options are growing.

REVAMPS, REFRESHES AND RENOVATIONS

If it ain’t broke, just tart it up a bit. A great example of this is La Mer Bistro at Ritz Carlton Doha. for years it was a fine dining restaurant with an identity crisis. Extraordinary views. excellent food but few diners. The solution was to take the fine dining down a notch or two and stick to its French roots. It’s now a bistro, with French favorites, less drama, reduced prices and pretension and more customers. Some hotels in the city are hitting the five and 10 year mark, so expect more renovations and new takes on old favorites in coming months.

In all…a lot to like about these trends – especially the pocket friendly angle. What would you like to see more of in Qatar in 2017?

Let’s face it, there is something perversely indulgent about eating alone in a restaurant.

I love eating out with AZ, but our schedules don’t always allow for it. And my Squad is also sometimes elusive for the same reason. Also, occasionally I just like a bit of alone time. So, armed with my iPad and some magazines,  I regularly take myself out for a meal. It’s usually breakfast or lunch but sometimes I veer into dinner territory.

I discovered the innate pleasure of dining alone many, many years ago. I have dined alone all round the world – in Michelin star restaurants in Florence and also in shacks by the side of the road in Thailand.

Doha has been a little slower to catch on, especially for solo women diners. I’ve had managers hover by the side of he table just in case I needed company and been blithely ignored by others. Every so often I see a look of abject panic register on the face of a restaurant manager when they realise it’s a table for one.

But times are changing – for the better. I’ve seen in a significant shift in recent years to a more inclusive and accepting dining culture – not just in the big hotels.

This post (on my to-do list for a while), was expedited by a question in the lively Doha Foodies group on the Facebook.

For me, a good solo dining experience need a couple of key factors:

• Good seating options – nor just at the bar but smaller tables or even longer communal tables
• A buzzy vibe – there is nothing worse than being the ONLY diner in a cavernous dining room. Atmosphere is important – no one wants to eat in the equivalent of an airline lounge.
• Staff who “get” it – not too solicitous (see above) but also not completely absent. I have on more than one occasion had to go in search of a waiter when I was completely overlooked.

Here are my suggestions for a great solo dining experience in Doha:

Market at W Doha: The grand daddy of all the solo-friendly dining spots is also one of the city’s most popular. You can choose to sit at the bar or one of the smaller tables in the dining area. Works for both lunch and dinner, this place has a neighborhood vibe and clued in staff. One of my go-to destinations.

Market is a solo diner paradise and this beetroot carpaccio is worth the trip

JW’s Steakhouse: I’ll let you in on a little secret – I love eating in this place alone. With a clubby feel and a menu full of quality steaks, this is an indulgent treat. The high backed chairs and room set up offers privacy and the staff are friendly and knowledgable.

Meesh Cafe Doha: With its hipster industrial interiors, good coffee and well placed power and charging points, this is my spot for blogging and catching up on life admin. Their legendary breakfast is just QR49 and they also have a range of tasty sandwiches for when the keyboard warrior needs a break. On weekends it is a hive of activity – lots of solo diners working or using the free wifi to Facetime family.

Meesh means Me Time

Little Yee Hwa: The baby sister of the popular Korean/Japanese Al Nasr legend Yee Hwa, this newly opened joint is perfect for a quick solo bowl of ramen or some kim bap. Table service is charmingly sweet and the cut down menu allows you to choose a couple of dishes. This will be on regular rotation for me in coming months.

They see me Ramen…at Little Yee Hwa

Yen Sushi: I almost didn’t want to include this place as I wanted to keep it all to myself. Located inside La Cigale, in its “food hall” area, this is a sushi train set up offering freshly made maki rolls and sashimi. Perch on a stool at the bar and order as much or as little as you like. Not the most authentic sushi you will try, but perfect for a solo lunch.

Al Jazeera Cafe: I love this place for the food and also the multitude of distractions in the form of interactive displays and other curiosities. A regular on my breakfast rotation, their “Paleo Breakfast” is a winner as is their solo diner friendly set up both inside and out.

Al Jazeera Cafe works on all levels

Quick Bites: Shamefully I only recently discovered this cafe at the Marriott Marquis in West Bay. While lacking in atmosphere, the menu and free wifi more than makes up for it.I can see why it has a loyal following and its long opening hours are useful for those of us who need a post-work chill-out.

A great place for a quick bite and no judgement

Mezzo: On my most recent solo trip to immense the Mall of Qatar I rejected the heaving chain restaurants to return to this lovely hotel for a quick lunch and some respite from the crowds. Their Italian influenced all-day dining restaurant opens into the mall and while it IS a hotel venue, the food, comfy chairs and discreet service more than makes up for it. Great for groups and just a good for solo diners, ditch the same same restaurants in the mall for some quality food.

Seafood risotto at Mezzo

Dakshin: When your appetite calls for something more substantial, I can thoroughly recommend this gem in Barwa Village. While it may be filled with families and groups, everyone is too busy chowing down on the quality food to notice. Their thalis are great value and the staff are friendly and accommodating.

Evergreen Organics: Yes I know it’s expensive and vegan, but the food is good and the surroundings lovely. No judgement here for the single diner and you can pop in for a coffee or something more substantial.Sit outside or at one of the communal tables for something more social.

Vegan but that’s ok

I’m a creature of habit and do have a list of restaurants on heavy rotation, so I want to know where do you go when you want to dine alone or just need some time out?

Happy eating!

I don’t know what it is about Saturdays, but I always manage to get a lot done. Last Saturday is a great example.

I went to the gym, did the grocery shopping, shouted at my father over the phone for a while, lay around in my stretchy pants, marveled at the week of rain in Doha, went to the post office, negotiated the Spratly Islands dispute, nominated for a UN post, wrote a dissertation about Brexit and its effect on my online shopping habits*…and went to brunch at JW’s Steakhouse at the Doha Marriott.

While Friday brunches are still a thing, Saturday is the new Friday in Doha and more places, like the venerable Marriott, are offering a new, relaxed option, with a la carte menus and a less opulent and OTT vibe.

The team at the Marriott invited me to try their new-ish Saturday brunch. They didn’t have to ask me twice – I love this restaurant. With it’s comfy leather wing-backed chairs and menu with all kinds of comfort food, it’s a great option for my end of town or anyone who likes a good steak.

The brunch itself is an edited version of their greatest hits. All served a la carte when you want it. Three types of egg dishes (including a very decadent sounding dish with poached eggs, smoked salmon and avocado), a raw bar and shellfish option, salads, soups, beef and burgers plus other dishes like a rack of lamb, chicken and of course desserts. All the steak on the menu is US Certified Prime.

An old school prawn cocktail was a refreshing and decadent way to start the meal. the prawns were fat and juicy and not overcooked and the cocktail sauce had just a hint of spice. Served in a martini class with a bed of iceberg lettuce – hello 1970s (in a good way!).

I had similar old school feels for the crab cake. A golf ball sized ball stuffed with juicy freshly picked crab  and served with a remoulade.

We moved swiftly to the mains, primarily because I was VERY keen on the burger.but first I made a pit stop and ordered one of my favorite meat dishes – steak tartare. Done well, this is a thing of beauty. Yes, it’s raw meat, but quality of the steak used is the key. This version uses hand cut filet mignon, with a dash of tabasco and caperberries and cornichons on the side. My only quibble is I would have loved to be served this with some crackers or thinly sliced toast.

Then…there was the burger.

Yes, it’s bijoux, bite-sized even. But a lot of flavor in a couple of bites. It’s Angus beef, with an mature cheddar and crispy onions. The sauce is creamy and a little spicy. I may have ordered two. *Cough* 

We also tried the shrimp cobb salad which was afresh interlude between courses and a very tender filet mignon with a creamy perfectly judged Bernaise.

There are, of course, desserts, but you know me well, and I ordered another burger instead of sweets.

The day we went, the restaurant was heaving – big tables of friends enjoying the food and conversation. But despite the busy dining room, the kitchen handled it well, with a nice amount of time between courses. We were a table of two and found the atmopshere fun and lively and the service excellent.

The brunch runs every Saturday from 12.30pm to 4pm and is QR390 with a solid selection of wines, beers and cocktails or QR250 with soft drinks.

The Verdict: This brunch is about fun, food and friends. It’s well executed comfort food and a chance to try one of the city’s most underrated restaurants. This is worth putting on your brunch rotation. 

Now to the the business end of proceedings – Doha Marriott has offered me a brunch for two for my readers (inclusive of soft drinks) at JW’s Steakhouse.

All you have to do is follow the instructions below and you could be chowing down on some of the best quality steaks in town:

1. Follow me on Twitter (@lifeonthewedge) OR Instagram (@rachelannmorris
2. Follow Doha Marriott on Instagram (@dohamarriott)
3. AND answer this question in the comments below: What kind of beef is served at the JW’s Steakhouse

The competition closes 5pm on Friday 31 March so act quickly!

The details:

JW’s Steakhouse Brunch

Every Saturay 12.30pm to 4pm

Doha Marriott

Ras Abou Aboud St

+974-4429 8218

*Editor’s Note – some of these MAY be exaggerated.

*Life on the Wedge was a guest of the Doha Marriott for this brunch but I ate two burgers plus all the other things, so this proves the food was good.