Note to self. When a Chinese person says something is “walking distance”, what they actually mean is “It’s around 8km away”. I learned this the hard way on my recent trip to this fascinating country. Let’s just say it involved the Forbidden City and my quest for dumplings. Lesson learned. I booked my trip to Beijing on a whim. Lured by the said dumplings, Peking Duck and the Great Wall. I wasn’t disappointed. The Chinese love food and as they say, the food is far, far more complex than the sweet and sour takeaways from the Happiness Inn. But first to the touristy stuff. I did it all and saw…
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Creating a Munster
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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First Past the Post – Melbourne Cup Brunch in Doha
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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Wine and Cheese Tasting in Doha
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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A Pizza the (Italian) Action – Restaurant Review of La Spiga at W Doha
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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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…
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Home on the Grange – Penfolds Wine Dinner at Hakkasan, St Regis Doha
Four Australians, an American and a Brit walk into a Chinese restaurant in the Middle East… Not a joke but the six of us heading to the Penfolds wine dinner at http://www.stregisdoha.com/en/hakkasan The evening was heavy with anticipation…mainly because of the promise of a glass of the legendary Penfolds Grange, perhaps Australia’s most famous wine. My enablers for the evening were Debbie, Ruth, Jamie, Brooke and Rachel B – all of whom acted admirably in the face of my demands they delay their eating until photos were taken. Hakkasan is one of the newest fine dining restaurants in Doha and has proven to be popular. The perfect mix of hip…
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South of the Border – A Taste of Chile
I have always had a fascination with South America. It could be the indomitable Latin spirit, its darkly handsome men, the mournful Tango or maybe the proximity to the end of the world – I’m not sure what holds me in a thrall, but it just does. When the W Doha asked me to attend their special Sommelier’s Dinner, themed around the wine and food of Chile, it was a no brainer. My dance card suddenly cleared. The dinner was centered around the food of Chile in honor of the outgoing Chef of Market, Rodrigo. He told me at the dinner he had been keen to showcase the food of…