• British,  British cheese,  Cheddar,  Cheese,  Comte,  European Cheese,  events,  Food,  France,  French,  Media,  Middle East,  Restaurant Reviews,  Travel,  wine

    Fromage to Eternity

    November 5, 2013

    As we slide (or stagger) into the business end of the year, I find myself looking for distractions. So when I got a message via the Twitter that went something along the lines of “We have a new menu Market at W Doha, there are 20 new items. There is lots of cheese”, I declare a “Distraction Action” and head westwards. And the Twitter doesn’t lie. The new menu has cheese. Lots of it. And other amazing things as well. Starting with these balls of deliciousness. Cheddar chilli fritters. Give me cheddar and add some green chilis then deep fry it? Yes please. This is what I like about cheddar,…

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  • Cheese,  events,  France,  French,  Travel,  Washed Rind,  wine

    Creating a Munster

    November 5, 2013

    So it seems that cheeses can also have an identity crisis. I have previously written about that great American icon Muenster cheese. Little did I know it has a European cousin. Munster-géromé, is a strong tasting, soft cheese made mainly from milk from the Vosges, between Alsace, Lorraine and Franche-Comté in France. A big thanks to my friends at St Regis Doha whose monthly Grapes and Cheese night not only gives me an excuse to catch up with friends, but also fuels my blog. Munster géromé is at its best in the summer and the autumn, when it is made from milk from the haute chaumes (“high stubble”) of pastures…

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  • events,  Food,  Middle East,  Restaurant Review,  wine

    First Past the Post – Melbourne Cup Brunch in Doha

    October 29, 2013

    I love dressing up, in fact my shoe and bag collection demands it. But combine that with brunch (and hats), and you have an irresistible combination. The Melbourne Cup is one such excuse to dress up. And while it’s not until next Tuesday, they are starting celebrations early at the Grand Hyatt Doha with a Melbourne Cup Brunch. There will be prizes for best hat and best outfit and of course the usual lavish award winning brunch offering (check out the cheese….to die for). Essential information: What: Melbourne Cup Brunch Where: The Grill, Grand Hyatt Doha When: Friday 1 November, 12.30 to 4pm How much: QR280 with soft drinks; QR395…

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  • Australia,  Cheese,  events,  France,  wine

    Wine and Cheese Tasting in Doha

    October 29, 2013

    Each year the Qatar Australia and NZ Business Association (of which I am a member – just to lay my cards on table) hosts a wine and cheese night in conjunction with the French Business Club. Imagine – three great countries all with a love of wine and cheese. Throw in 20 different types of cheeses, a selection of wines from all three countries and of course, our compatriots, and we have a great night. For those in Doha or visiting next week, it’s on 6 November at Grand Hyatt Doha from 7pm. For more information see above or email officemanager@qanzba.org

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  • Cheese,  Italy,  Restaurant Reviews,  Travel,  Weightloss,  wine

    A Pizza the (Italian) Action – Restaurant Review of La Spiga at W Doha

    October 7, 2013

    Given this review is based on a dinner with friends, I could start with a tired old reference to Sex and the City/Bridget Jones, perhaps some handbag innuendo and talk about frivolous gossip etc etc. But as a writer I’m not that lazy. Even if there was a “Mr Big” (or Mr. Very Small in this case), some quite attractive men and a sports celebrity at the next tables during this review. The fact is, this was a simple and fabulous dinner with friends. More Dorothy Parker than Wannabe Carrie. Anyone who has seen Sex and the City 2 in all its’ cliched and consumerist fancy will understand my aversion…

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  • Cheese,  European Cheese,  Food,  France,  French,  Goat Cheese,  Travel,  wine

    Standing to (A)Tentation

    October 1, 2013

    There comes a time in a woman’s life when it becomes her moral duty to break her self-enforced diet. For me, this came last week, when faced with the prospect of the monthly wine and cheese evening at St Regis Doha Prior experience had forewarned me – I can’t drink like I used to. But I can tell you, this healthy living period has not affected my cheese consumption. The team treated us to the usual selection of wines we can’t find elsewhere in Doha and two new cheeses for my benefit. The first was greeted with squeals of delight – Tentation. My friend Jen calls this “Spoon Cheese” after…

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  • Cheese,  Food,  France,  French,  Goat Cheese,  Travel,  wine

    Guest Post – Be My Brebis

    August 29, 2013

    And so folks, we have our first ever guest post! And who better to write the inaugural one, than my friend and fellow blogger Nat. Check out Nat’s witty blog Bright Lights, Little City for more musings… Most people have to be dragged kicking and screaming to see their in-laws. But not me; mine are permanent residents in the south of France, which means that every visit is a thinly-disguised excuse to eat, drink…and then eat and drink some more. So when I mentioned to Rachel that I’d be spending a good chunk of my summer holiday with them, she saw the potential for both a guest post, and the…

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  • Cheese,  European Cheese,  Food,  Gouda,  The Netherlands,  Travel,  White Cheese,  wine

    For a Gouda Time, Head to Amsterdam

    August 23, 2013

    I’m scratching my head. I’m a well traveled, adventurous woman. Why haven’t I been to Amsterdam before? This is a city that is tailor made for me – everywhere is walking distance, stunning art galleries, chilled vibe and more importantly, a cheese loving populace. My home for my quick visit was the seriously stylish Andaz Amsterdam, located on the edge of the funky Nine Streets area and frankly, one of the most fabulous hotels I have stayed in. The Netherlands is not known for its cuisine, but it is known for its cheese. Gouda to be more precise. Now I have been scornful of this cheese in the past, until…

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  • British,  Cheese,  European Cheese,  Food,  Restaurant Reviews,  Travel,  White Cheese,  wine

    The Long Whey Round

    August 23, 2013

    I usually don’t buy the conception of “it’s not the destination, but the journey”. Given my short attention span and inability to sit still (I am what is called, fidgety) and aversion to walking long distances, I usually choose the shortest possible route. However, on my recent European sojourn, I deliberately took the slow boat/train/plane. This resulted in me being more frazzled that usual (I love traveling, hate the process) but I did manage to see four countries in 12 days – UK, The Netherlands, Sweden and finally Oman. If it appears this journey was chosen by randomly throwing darts at a map of the world, you would be close.…

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  • Cheese,  Food,  Middle East,  Restaurant Reviews,  wine

    Best of the Brunch – Opal by Gordon Ramsay at St Regis Doha

    August 3, 2013

    I have written before about the concept of brunch in the Middle East – it’s an art form. Hotels compete for the most elaborate buffet, ladies buy new outfits, drivers are booked, mayhem is guaranteed. I love a good brunch – a chance to catch up with friends, gossip and yes, wear the occasional new frock. And this is the thing, buffets drive me crazy. Call me a drama queen, but I like to have my food brought to me. And the idea of dozens of people pawing the prawns before I get to them does make me a little uneasy. Opal by Gordon Ramsay is an outpost of the…

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