August is a tricky month – it’s neither here nor there. Some people are still away. Some restaurants are closed or reducing operations. And of course, there is Eid in the middle. But it warms my foodie heart to say the restaurants and cafes in Doha are still slapping on the lipstick and putting themselves out there for our judgement.
Last month I talked up Claw BBQ Doha and the good news is that they are finally opening (August 2), so do yourself a favor and head down to the Corniche area for this fun restaurant. And a heads up, it looks like the 10 day dry period is back this year – so QDC and licensed places will stop serving on 12 August.
But moving along, while there are few “new” restaurants here, there is a lot to keep you busy. Here’s where I think you should be spending your hard earned riyals this month:
The verdant indoor garden area of Hunter’s Room and Grill has been transformed into a pop–up gin bar for the summer dubbed the “Patio”. But if you aren’t into the botanicals, check out their delicious – and a little decadent – new lunch menu. Burgers are the main event but there are also juicy and perfectly formed crunchy crab cakes and salads. The fries are also worth ordering a second batch. Happy hour starts from 12pm and has some tipples from QR30.
Must order: The chicken burger is a thing of avocado laden beauty.
2. Afternoon Tea at Mondrian Doha
The otherworldy lobby of the Mondrian is the venue for the city’s newest afternoon tea. The familiar and almost cliched (in Doha at least) is given the white glove treatment by the Mondrian. Savories include a mini quiche lorraine and cucumber and salmon sandwiches, while the sweet treats include fruitcake and scones. The classic tea is QR175 and the “rising bubbles” tea (non alcoholic) is QR195. You can treat yoself to a slice of cake for QR27 or a pastry for QR30. The location is dreamy and the service spot on.
Must order: The cakes by the slice include a deliciously retro black forest cake.
Nobu Doha continues its tradition of offering an excellent value summer menu. This year’s is kind of like a “greatest hits” from their main menu. The four course tour de force with a salad, sushi, main and dessert – QR295 including a glass of wine. I Servings are generous which means they can be shared and it’s a good way to experience Nobu for the first time (or the 10th!).
Must order: The salmon sashimi salad, cauliflower tempura, the caesar salad (trust me…this isn’t your usual cafe caesar) and of course, the black miso cod.
A short and sharp list this month – but full of variety! Roll on September – when you can expect some new openings, relaunches and of course, my birthday month (just joking…no really).
*Please read my disclaimer here. It’s awesome.
