It was the best of times…it was the…not so best of times. It’s fair to say that in dining terms, 2017 didn’t have the extreme wow factor of previous Doha dining years but we still had a lot to like. But 2018 beckons and it’s time to peruse what it has in store for foodies in Qatar – and the line-up looks solid. Walima: Mondrian Doha was one of the shining lights of 2017 – thanks to some inventive restaurants and attitude to match. Walima is their greatly anticipated Qatari restaurant and if the interiors are anything to go by, this will be a high watermark. Add in the stunning…
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Al Fresco – Six Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy the Cooler Weather in Doha
Weather is a preoccupation in Doha. Whether it’s the heat, the humidity or the alleged “rainy season” (on now apparently), it’s the number one topic for discussion at dinner tables, office kitchens and cafes across the city. I also love it how it’s a COMPLETE surprise that come October, things start to cool down. Well, it has actually. Evening temperatures are now hovering in the high 20s. Time to turn down the AC, put the Netflix subscription on hold for a few months and head outside – this is the time of year we live for in Qatar. I mean, I even come out of my summer hibernation for this…
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Six Places in Doha to Go for a Girl’s Night Out
Let me be clear do about this – by “girl’s night out” I don’t mean “ladies night”. In fact, what I really mean is a list of places you can go with your “squad” (although I also hate that term) or tribe (much better). I mean a place to go with drinks (or maybe not), decent food and yes, maybe, some musical stylings (preferably of the retro persuasion). And, of course, this isn’t just limited to after 6pm fun or places with Happy Hours. So…because, sometimes, you just need to be with your tribe, here are my go-to places for a girls night out/afternoon gathering (alert the authorities!). Break out…
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Do Doha’s Restaurants Have a Service Problem?
Thank you to comedian, businessman and all round good guy Hamad Al Amari for raising this issue and inspiring this blog post. At Qatar Social, an event organized by I Love Qatar last month bringing together bloggers, influencers and content creators in July, he made a very pointed quip during a panel discussion about the future of content. He highlighted the discrepancy between many reviews on foodie websites like Zomato Qatar and actual experience when it comes to service at restaurants in Doha. He implored people not to “sugar coat” reviews and when sharing experiences online. His beef was “service in this town” and the reality versus the online perception. As a blogger who…
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Five Places in Doha to For an After Work Drink That Also Serve Great Food
Most days at work (yes, I DO have a day job), around 1pm-ish, my office colleague Penny and I have an important and in depth conversation about what we will be eating for dinner that night…or where we will be eating. Often we trade advice and experiences about where to eat after work, when we just can’t bring ourselves to create another kitchen masterpiece. Whether it’s catching up with co-workers, friends or your significant other, an afterwork drink is great to take the edge off. But nothing beats a great meal to go with it. So, I searched the city for some of the best options for after work sustenance.…
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Doha Stopover Essentials – An Insider’s Guide
Doha is now well and truly on the map for travelers around the world thanks to Qatar Airways’ expanding global route map and an innovative new stopover program. I am often asked by readers for tips and advice for visitors to Qatar, so by popular demand, I have compiled the “ultimate” Insider’s Guide to Doha. From visas through to hotels, what to buy and of course where to eat, its all here in one place. My only advice? Just come – you will love it. Visa Details: Travelers can now enjoy the new Transit Visa free of cost when you add a short transit or stopover between five and 96 hours…
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Seven Places You Should Be Eating in Right Now – Summer 2017 Edition
Don’t be alarmed…but it’s nearly August. Hard to believe we have survived nearly two months of the #QatarBlockade 2017 (although there appears to be a lucrative black market in Diet Coke hoarding and coriander swapping) and one of the swampiest Summers on record. But…here we are. Stronger. Sense of humor intact. And still HUNGRY. I thought it was time to revisit my now regular twice yearly look at places you should be eating at right now. To be fair, many of these places are old favorites that have maybe fallen off the radar (well mine anyway) but have returned with a new vigor and one out of left field. All are…
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Four New Doha Dining Experiences to Try This Summer
This Summer. It is LOOOONG. No seriously. Even with the lush Turkish yoghurt , the fully laden shelves at Lulu Qatar and the ongoing sideshow that is the #QatarBlockade seems this summer has been more of a slog than most. But luckily for foodies there are some new and interesting dining concepts and experiences to keep us full and happy. It’s a competitive market for restaurants and hotels at the moment (THANKYOU our Saudi friends), and savvy diners are reaping the rewards. Here is a look at four early contenders you should be giving a try this summer: Noodles and Ribs at Four Seasons Doha Many hotels and restaurants change up their offerings for…
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Four Casual Dining Options in and Around Doha to Add to Your List
Scrolling though my blog in recent months you would perhaps be thinking I really only eat out and hang out in high end places. This is only partially true. Those are the places I’ve been inspired to write about lately and have been on my radar because of new menus and promotions or just because they are good. But time to look at something a little less formal. Sometimes you just want a casual joint, no pretensions and no drama (and no need to wear heels) whether it be for a lazy breakfast, a long lunch or drinks and nachos with friends. There is no end of casual dining places…
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My Doha Dining Wish List
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. 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…
