OK I just blinked and suddenly it’s August! We are well and truly in the second part of the year and that means new menus, new offers and new openings. So here it its – Life on the Wedge’s August Dining Hit List – Where to Eat and Drink in Doha this Month.
Summer on the Wedge Menu at Astor Grill
OK I may have something to do with this one. I collaborated with the team at the Astor Grill to develop a special three course menu highlighting some amazing Australian produce and flavors. When I say collaborated, I did a lot of tasting, a lot of talking about “the vibe of the thing” and they did the hard work. One of the stars of the menu is a 200g Australian Wagyu fillet – yep it’s a whopper – served “surf and turf” style with two giant tempura prawns because I’m old school like that.
I also love the crazy tender braised octopus with bush tucker finger limes and of course an all Aussie (come on kiwis, fight me!) pavlova that Margaret Fulton would be proud of to finish. The menu is for a limited time in August is is just QR280 for three courses. You heard me! QR280.
Must order: The whole thing! Seriously! Just come and eat it. You will love it.
Sunset Brunch at Shanghai Club
The hotel may have had an identity change but the sky high Shanghai Club remains. Their new brunch is a winner on a number of levels – most notably the 3pm start. This makes for a more relaxed and dare I say, adult vibe. The food is also a standout – well executed Chinese favorites like handmade dumplings and crowd pleasing mains like a sweet and sour chicken studded with pomegranate. There is entertainment and the soundtrack is distinctly 80s retro. The price of QR360 should also seal the deal – that includes both unlimited alcohol and food. You’re welcome.
Must order: Go hard on the dumplings, they are some of the best in town
Benjarong at the Dusit Doha
A new opening with a great pedigree. This upscale Thai restaurant has a lot to like – a brigade of Thai chefs helmed by a Doha expert, a menu of Thai favorites and a lovely dining room. My first visit showed promise – some punchy flavors and fun execution. I felt they pulled their punches on a couple of dishes spice-wise but that was early days when I went and I know they have adjusted since. I also liked most of the dishes, which were fresh, great flavors and well executed. I’m hoping by the time you see this they will also have their alcohol licence!
Must order: Slow cooked beef with five spice is a thing of beauty
Green and Go
You know me, I’m a gal of extremes. I love my steaks and cheese, but I am also partial to some vegan goodness. Green and Go is from the folks at Evergreen Organics and offers vegan grab and go food like sandwiches, salads and snacks. Props to them for working their ethos and finding a very wide gap in the market. their first location is at Workington – a co-working space in Bank Street but they have a number of locations opening soon on the Doha Metro and more. Ohhh and they are also on Talabat and Carriage. And finally, every Thursday the team distribute the un-bought food to anyone who wants to take it – more restaurants and cafes should follow this lead. Only open weekdays at the moment but one to watch.
Must order: The mushroom sandwich – earthy goodness.
The Coffee Club at Doha Festival City
Yes, there is a bit of an Australian theme this month. The Coffee Club is a very well known chain in Australia and it’s now here at the increasingly impressive Doha Festival city. It has brought with it its no nonsense menu of comfort food such as toasted sandwiches, burgers and of course, coffee. A great place for a quick lunch or coffee before or after hitting all of those shops! It’s located across from Sephora at DFC.
Must order: Their burger and an extra serve of their crispy wedges.
What am I looking forward to this month? Eid, of course and some travel and yep, more delicious eats. Eid Mubarak and have a great August
