No stranger to Doha’s dining scene, Jean-Georges Vongerichten this week opens Curiosa at the Four Seasons Doha. I had the chance to meet the legendary chef and get a little sneak peek at his new restaurant. Just weeks after opening the multi cuisine concept of Tin Building in New York, Curiosa is the acclaimed chef’s latest foray in Qatar. A laid back Latin cuisine concept, located in the space that used to house the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Curiosa opens just in time for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The hacienda-style venue being helmed by Edgar Hurtado formerly of IKA and Toro Toro – a chef with his own fan base…
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A Room With a View – Four Days in Florence
When I stepped off the plane in Florence last month, it dawned on me that it had almost been 20 years to the day since I was last in this city. Why I left it so long, I have no idea. But 20 years later I was back – older, a bit wealthier, better dressed but in no way wiser. I had originally planned to visit Rome. But then saw that thanks to Qatar Airways joining One World, I could now book a flight straight through to Florence with a short stop in Rome. I’m relieved to say the city hasn’t changed. It just has more Chinese tourists. I have…
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Best of the Brunch – Opal by Gordon Ramsay at St Regis Doha
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…