We are going out to eat tomorrow evening, and don't know Doha well enough to chose a restaurant. I'm sure Ritz-Carlton would be fine, but wondered if anyone had any other suggestion.
Fish preferably, but not essential. Yummy food the main priority.
I'm with you jauntie...that bowl of nuts and olives make a great dinner washed down with whatever brew you choose...If you go to Habanos, the patio bar is great after a few but have to be careful not to fall over balcony railing...
Richard and Scarlett? I think you will get on well with my husband - he's surely far more Americanized than I !!
To be honest I think I may have preferred to stay in the bar with the locals and had a snack with them there - it looked to be brewing up for a good old fashioned, bethobed lads night out! Far more feel of 'real Qatar' than the restaurant. I particularly liked the fact that one bloke had his name scrawled on a half bottle of vodka stashed behind the bar for his personal consumption.
let my hubs cook..that man can make some incredible fajitas and enchiladas...I do the tacos, beans, burritos n pico de gallo... I'm sure he wouldn't mind cooking for about 40 or so folks...hehehe
By the way...anyone know where I can get some pinto beans??? Might have to ship some over next time I am home.
but I got me a cravin' for some good ole TexMex. Its been a while since I had a really good Taco or Burrito washed down with Corona and lime. That and a couple of Tequila slammers would suit me just fine.
Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary. Mahatma Gandhi
Since you have obviously gotten yourself set into how to manage choking down La Mer in such an agreeable way, why don't we have the next "do" there and have you set up for us? I mean...what more classy way to go???
I feel responsible for Bryans's disappointment at La Mer. I should have briefed you properly beforehand.
I agree entirely with his obesrvations but unlike him, I continue to dine there as I have discovered some ways of reducing the hardships and ameliorating the dining experience. Please suggest to Bryan that in future he takes the following measures.
1. I send my butler in advance to ensure that I have the least objectionable table. This table is then screened off from the rest by the erection of panels. I have my butler hang a selection of original paintings by Matisse, early Picasso and Van Gogh. This removes the ghastly view of the Pearl development.
2. While I enjoy a full bodied Rioja as much as the next fellow, I prefer a crisp Chablis or a Chateau Lafitte with my Maine lobster. I send my butler in advance with a selection from my own cellar. I am happy to pay a reasonable "corkage" charge in order to further enjoy the dining experience.
3. Finally, I send my own pianist to the venue in advance. He plays carefully selected works of Elgar and Debussy which I find comprise a perfect complement to my evening.
I urge you to persuade Bryan to employ the above steps. Believe me, this is the only way to make the La Mer a tolerable venue.
Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary. Mahatma Gandhi
La Mer...nice food, heavy paneling..ok if someone is paying the tab. I will stand by my opinon of Fish Market though..I have only been there when its NOT a specialty night, only when ordering off the menu (on someone else's tab, I might add!) and its been excellent! In fact, heading there again tonight for yet ANOTHER business dinner...
I'll go with ya to La Mer, j....I like the view cause the more you drink, the prettier it gets! Drink too much and it starts moving...
hee hee seriously, though, We arrived at La Mer and headed for a pre nosebag drink in their adjoining bar. It was very comfortable with a nice atmosphere (we shared a joke with 3 or 4 of the 'local' lads who were getting their heels dug in under the bar for the duration):D
Went through to eat and found the menu handed to us wasn't the same as on La Mer's website - not a problem; just meant we had to ponder the selection all over again and I take AGES to choose.
The grub is all very nouvelle cuisine which suits me fine because large plates of food scare me.
Apart from Bryan being told he couldn't have the Omani Lobster because it 'wasn't very good at the moment' (and also half the price of the Lobster which WAS available) the menu was good and the food very tasty.
I got a bit of a fright when I checked out the wine list, but then this IS a pucker restaurant and I'd forgotten how hooch gets marked up. I can't remember the last time (if ever) I paid c.£24 for a bottle of bianco Rioja! But what the heck - we polished of 2 of 'em anyway and, as I said in a post above this one somewhere, B's company were footing the bill because we couldn't fly to Dubai for a party they were having there. It was cheaper than the flights, so ....
All that said I don't think we will be eating there again. Not because there was anything wrong with the food or the prices, both of which were as we had expected. Bryan found the decor rather heavy (brown panelled walls) and didn't like the pianist's choice of background music. Unfortunately his window view was of The Pearl construction area a 'sight' which he seemed to focus on more and more as the wine slid down ;o)
Since I was nicely mellowed and high on the grape I had no problem with any of the above and enjoyed it all so, even if HE doesn't wanna go again, I'm open to invites :D
PS I didn't choose the cheapest wine on the list!!! *gulp*
When you have "de-sobered" give us a short review Re the quality of the food and not necessarily the silver cutlery, the white linen table cloth and the servants.
The bottom line is: would you go back there again for the food... on another "very special occasion"...
BTW did you have a glimpse of how much the Sheikh had to pay, for your 10 year old wine...
I booked a table at La Mer (and yes, Richard, I thought it was a little odd too but, due to my lack of confidence and because my basic schoolgirl French is rusty, I believed the spelling as given in the Doha Time Out 2006/7 Magazine just in case that WAS how it was spelt by The Ritz).
I shall make a note of ALL the eating places mentioned and will try to gnaw my way through them over the coming months.
You must let me know which flight you are on SamyaUK, but I'm flying into Gatwick and I suspect you will be aiming at LHR. Never know, though, maybe we will bump into each other in the Departure Lounge :o)
I really Like Tangine... Moroccan resturant near Ramada, very nice food and atmosphere... Just a suggestion... Hey i heard your going to the UK on the 8th :D So am i, maybe we are on the same flight :D x
Comment ca va? Please note that the restaurant at the Ritz is La Mer and not Le Mer. This is on account of the sea being female and not male. Moi, Je m'en fou mais c'est correct.
In my humble opinion, it is a very good restaurant but for fish I favor the Fish Market on the Corniche where you can also get a reasonable bottle of wine.
Another place is the new fish restaurant on the mezzanine floor of the Ramada Plaza (new bit of the Ramada). Have eaten there twice, they have an English chef which sounds like an oxymoron I know, but the food was very good.
Hope this helps. Bon appetit
Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary. Mahatma Gandhi
I have read both of them already. There is also one of the Inspector Rebus novels that is set in Aberdeen. It also describes the grey drab gloomy days,in a cold dark city built of granite, with constant rain and miserable people..........Now I am feeling homesick!
been twice in Rydges ground floor restaurant and had really nice dishes. All friends agreed! Good selection plus value for money! Wine far too expensive. Be cautious of your selection!
May the roof above us never fall in, and may the friends below never fall out!
Don't know if you read much, but we've just finished a couple of books by Stuart MacBride - he writes about an Aberdonian detective called Logan. really gory but very amusing and set in Aberdeen. He sends the weather up like nobody's business.
If you read, and haven't read these, I will check if hub's ok to lend them out or not.
Better go now, before I finish this entire tub of kulfi ice cream!
I am getting very hungry! Grateful for the input, thanks :)
I shall drag my husband out to try them ALL when I get back after August!
I had considered the InterCon, Moudir - thanks for the tip!
Lucky for you it wasn't a sheeshah, Rock ! Apparently they are all the rage for the ladies in London at the moment - only problem is tht after 1 July the cafes where they smoke them and drink mint tea will no longer be able to offer them the hubble bubble pipe.
England starts a ban on smoking in public places on 1 July.
It all depends how much you are willing to spend. Generally speaking restaurants/hotels in Doha do not know how to cook fish Mediterranean style, if that's what you're looking for. I was at the Fish Market of the Intercon on Fish BBQ night : complete rip-off, don't go there, you eat cold, dried-up tiny bits of sea food on a stick. I hear about La Mer at the Ritz, but never been there, but expect to pay 500+ for 2 without wine.
I've done all other hotel so called sea food theme nights: they are all sub-standard. You eat overcooked, little bits of fish. The ONLY one that i have returned to, is the Veranda at the Sheraton's Health Club building; will cost you 300+ for two plus wine, good quality/price ratio, singer at 8:00 PM, plus a couple of superb grilled fish dishes that i highly recommend. Bonne appetit.
Didn't see you arrive. I saw that Sultan place (in fish market area - grab your own wriggling fish and pay by the kilo). Wondered about it, but knew as soon as I told Bryan they threaten you with a belly dancer he wouldn't fancy it. sheesh! Will have to keep a note of the Lebanese place also!
As you can see - I plumped for the Ritz. Sorry to beat you to it ;o) But Bryan isn't paying for it anyway!!!!!
oh and ALEX! Thanks to you also. I actually didn't know they HAD a fish restaurant at Ramada. Have only eaten in The Italian Job.
I wanted to get the table booked as I wasn't sure how busy they get on a Thursday night, and so I went ahead with Le Mer.
I have booked at Le Mer for tomorrow evening. Am looking forward to it, especially as it's 'on the firm'! Hub ate at Four Seasons recently and was disappointed with the Sea Bass he had, but since we live on dhal and koftas and tabbouleh at home I'm surprised his palette noticed ANYTHING! Shall have to remember the Sheraton for when I get back from UK later in the year.
Cheers again for answering my plea. shukran jazeelan
wish I could, but it's just a two-some. My hub's company had a 'family get together dinner/party' a few weeks ago, but the main office is in Dubai and logistically it wasn't possible for us to join in. They kindly said hub could take me out for dinner (on them) in Doha. So it's a meal ticket!!! woo hoo
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I'm with you jauntie...that bowl of nuts and olives make a great dinner washed down with whatever brew you choose...If you go to Habanos, the patio bar is great after a few but have to be careful not to fall over balcony railing...
Richard and Scarlett? I think you will get on well with my husband - he's surely far more Americanized than I !!
To be honest I think I may have preferred to stay in the bar with the locals and had a snack with them there - it looked to be brewing up for a good old fashioned, bethobed lads night out! Far more feel of 'real Qatar' than the restaurant. I particularly liked the fact that one bloke had his name scrawled on a half bottle of vodka stashed behind the bar for his personal consumption.
My kinda guy! ;)
let my hubs cook..that man can make some incredible fajitas and enchiladas...I do the tacos, beans, burritos n pico de gallo... I'm sure he wouldn't mind cooking for about 40 or so folks...hehehe
By the way...anyone know where I can get some pinto beans??? Might have to ship some over next time I am home.
but I got me a cravin' for some good ole TexMex. Its been a while since I had a really good Taco or Burrito washed down with Corona and lime. That and a couple of Tequila slammers would suit me just fine.
Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary. Mahatma Gandhi
Since you have obviously gotten yourself set into how to manage choking down La Mer in such an agreeable way, why don't we have the next "do" there and have you set up for us? I mean...what more classy way to go???
Hubs and I are from Texas and that being said, think the Mex cuisine there is very good indeed and we're both pretty picky about Tex Mex...
My dear Jauntie,
I feel responsible for Bryans's disappointment at La Mer. I should have briefed you properly beforehand.
I agree entirely with his obesrvations but unlike him, I continue to dine there as I have discovered some ways of reducing the hardships and ameliorating the dining experience. Please suggest to Bryan that in future he takes the following measures.
1. I send my butler in advance to ensure that I have the least objectionable table. This table is then screened off from the rest by the erection of panels. I have my butler hang a selection of original paintings by Matisse, early Picasso and Van Gogh. This removes the ghastly view of the Pearl development.
2. While I enjoy a full bodied Rioja as much as the next fellow, I prefer a crisp Chablis or a Chateau Lafitte with my Maine lobster. I send my butler in advance with a selection from my own cellar. I am happy to pay a reasonable "corkage" charge in order to further enjoy the dining experience.
3. Finally, I send my own pianist to the venue in advance. He plays carefully selected works of Elgar and Debussy which I find comprise a perfect complement to my evening.
I urge you to persuade Bryan to employ the above steps. Believe me, this is the only way to make the La Mer a tolerable venue.
Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary. Mahatma Gandhi
La Mer...nice food, heavy paneling..ok if someone is paying the tab. I will stand by my opinon of Fish Market though..I have only been there when its NOT a specialty night, only when ordering off the menu (on someone else's tab, I might add!) and its been excellent! In fact, heading there again tonight for yet ANOTHER business dinner...
I'll go with ya to La Mer, j....I like the view cause the more you drink, the prettier it gets! Drink too much and it starts moving...
hee hee seriously, though, We arrived at La Mer and headed for a pre nosebag drink in their adjoining bar. It was very comfortable with a nice atmosphere (we shared a joke with 3 or 4 of the 'local' lads who were getting their heels dug in under the bar for the duration):D
Went through to eat and found the menu handed to us wasn't the same as on La Mer's website - not a problem; just meant we had to ponder the selection all over again and I take AGES to choose.
The grub is all very nouvelle cuisine which suits me fine because large plates of food scare me.
Apart from Bryan being told he couldn't have the Omani Lobster because it 'wasn't very good at the moment' (and also half the price of the Lobster which WAS available) the menu was good and the food very tasty.
I got a bit of a fright when I checked out the wine list, but then this IS a pucker restaurant and I'd forgotten how hooch gets marked up. I can't remember the last time (if ever) I paid c.£24 for a bottle of bianco Rioja! But what the heck - we polished of 2 of 'em anyway and, as I said in a post above this one somewhere, B's company were footing the bill because we couldn't fly to Dubai for a party they were having there. It was cheaper than the flights, so ....
All that said I don't think we will be eating there again. Not because there was anything wrong with the food or the prices, both of which were as we had expected. Bryan found the decor rather heavy (brown panelled walls) and didn't like the pianist's choice of background music. Unfortunately his window view was of The Pearl construction area a 'sight' which he seemed to focus on more and more as the wine slid down ;o)
Since I was nicely mellowed and high on the grape I had no problem with any of the above and enjoyed it all so, even if HE doesn't wanna go again, I'm open to invites :D
PS I didn't choose the cheapest wine on the list!!! *gulp*
i know it has nothing to do with fish, but la paloma (i think this is its name) at intercontinental offers the best Mexican food i ever tasted
When you have "de-sobered" give us a short review Re the quality of the food and not necessarily the silver cutlery, the white linen table cloth and the servants.
The bottom line is: would you go back there again for the food... on another "very special occasion"...
BTW did you have a glimpse of how much the Sheikh had to pay, for your 10 year old wine...
WB jauntie.. how's it? where did u go?
_________________________________________
"Don't judge my brother, he's not a book"---melanism
wish I was sober enough to string a critique together .. must have been that Irish Coffee to finish with
:)
Hadn't been back to this thread for a while.
I booked a table at La Mer (and yes, Richard, I thought it was a little odd too but, due to my lack of confidence and because my basic schoolgirl French is rusty, I believed the spelling as given in the Doha Time Out 2006/7 Magazine just in case that WAS how it was spelt by The Ritz).
I shall make a note of ALL the eating places mentioned and will try to gnaw my way through them over the coming months.
You must let me know which flight you are on SamyaUK, but I'm flying into Gatwick and I suspect you will be aiming at LHR. Never know, though, maybe we will bump into each other in the Departure Lounge :o)
Give Asia Live at the Marriott a try sometime.
I really Like Tangine... Moroccan resturant near Ramada, very nice food and atmosphere... Just a suggestion... Hey i heard your going to the UK on the 8th :D So am i, maybe we are on the same flight :D x
What's this Richard? This is not oxymoron. This is pure fantasy :)))
May the roof above us never fall in, and may the friends below never fall out!
Comment ca va? Please note that the restaurant at the Ritz is La Mer and not Le Mer. This is on account of the sea being female and not male. Moi, Je m'en fou mais c'est correct.
In my humble opinion, it is a very good restaurant but for fish I favor the Fish Market on the Corniche where you can also get a reasonable bottle of wine.
Another place is the new fish restaurant on the mezzanine floor of the Ramada Plaza (new bit of the Ramada). Have eaten there twice, they have an English chef which sounds like an oxymoron I know, but the food was very good.
Hope this helps. Bon appetit
Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary. Mahatma Gandhi
did you make a decision yet?
May the roof above us never fall in, and may the friends below never fall out!
I have read both of them already. There is also one of the Inspector Rebus novels that is set in Aberdeen. It also describes the grey drab gloomy days,in a cold dark city built of granite, with constant rain and miserable people..........Now I am feeling homesick!
Tattie bye fer noo!
been twice in Rydges ground floor restaurant and had really nice dishes. All friends agreed! Good selection plus value for money! Wine far too expensive. Be cautious of your selection!
May the roof above us never fall in, and may the friends below never fall out!
am interested to know how your experience was.
i took a friend there who had come to vist doha for a few days.
we didn't think the food was that crash hot, but the service was good.
...the vibe wasn't fantastic but we enjoyed our bottle of french wine and made the most of it.
x
Don't know if you read much, but we've just finished a couple of books by Stuart MacBride - he writes about an Aberdonian detective called Logan. really gory but very amusing and set in Aberdeen. He sends the weather up like nobody's business.
If you read, and haven't read these, I will check if hub's ok to lend them out or not.
Better go now, before I finish this entire tub of kulfi ice cream!
nice chatting.
cheero the noo !
.
when he gets home! :D
who shall I say said it? *innocent smile*
where from in Bonnie Wotsit? ( last question before I log off for the day - I was up too late last night! )
:-O
the spoon's too long?
give up ..
"it taks a lang spoon tae sup wie a fifer"
Do you know why Fifers don't eat pickled onions?
I managed to find it. sometimes the threads seem to be moved from one area to another and I literally 'lose the thread' hehehe
I just traced the thread, and it was an Scot called 466 who I was talking to.
I always laugh about Blue Brazil although I keep having to ask why they got the nickname - cos they were so opposite to Brazil's team or something.
My hub's a Fifer.
it was K666ADM! here----->
http://www.qatarliving.com/node/21643
And I know Blue Brazil = Cowdenbeath FC
was it you who answered in some thread about which country you came from that it was the a$$hole of the world?
cos someone did, and I couldnt find the thread again to see if whoever it was understood my comment about Blue Brazil
was that you?
The last time I was home the bars were stinking of farts and Body odour. Bring back smoking I say.
I am getting very hungry! Grateful for the input, thanks :)
I shall drag my husband out to try them ALL when I get back after August!
I had considered the InterCon, Moudir - thanks for the tip!
Lucky for you it wasn't a sheeshah, Rock ! Apparently they are all the rage for the ladies in London at the moment - only problem is tht after 1 July the cafes where they smoke them and drink mint tea will no longer be able to offer them the hubble bubble pipe.
England starts a ban on smoking in public places on 1 July.
I know this doesn't help for tommorrow evening but it really is good.
I have also enjoyed Chingari at the Ramada, a really good indian.
Lenotre at the ramada junction was quite enjoyable as well and only spoiled by a nearby smoker. Alady. Smoking a cigar. Hmmph!
It all depends how much you are willing to spend. Generally speaking restaurants/hotels in Doha do not know how to cook fish Mediterranean style, if that's what you're looking for. I was at the Fish Market of the Intercon on Fish BBQ night : complete rip-off, don't go there, you eat cold, dried-up tiny bits of sea food on a stick. I hear about La Mer at the Ritz, but never been there, but expect to pay 500+ for 2 without wine.
I've done all other hotel so called sea food theme nights: they are all sub-standard. You eat overcooked, little bits of fish. The ONLY one that i have returned to, is the Veranda at the Sheraton's Health Club building; will cost you 300+ for two plus wine, good quality/price ratio, singer at 8:00 PM, plus a couple of superb grilled fish dishes that i highly recommend. Bonne appetit.
Didn't see you arrive. I saw that Sultan place (in fish market area - grab your own wriggling fish and pay by the kilo). Wondered about it, but knew as soon as I told Bryan they threaten you with a belly dancer he wouldn't fancy it. sheesh! Will have to keep a note of the Lebanese place also!
As you can see - I plumped for the Ritz. Sorry to beat you to it ;o) But Bryan isn't paying for it anyway!!!!!
oh and ALEX! Thanks to you also. I actually didn't know they HAD a fish restaurant at Ramada. Have only eaten in The Italian Job.
I wanted to get the table booked as I wasn't sure how busy they get on a Thursday night, and so I went ahead with Le Mer.
I have booked at Le Mer for tomorrow evening. Am looking forward to it, especially as it's 'on the firm'! Hub ate at Four Seasons recently and was disappointed with the Sea Bass he had, but since we live on dhal and koftas and tabbouleh at home I'm surprised his palette noticed ANYTHING! Shall have to remember the Sheraton for when I get back from UK later in the year.
Cheers again for answering my plea. shukran jazeelan
Lebanese...Ashaha(My personal favorite!), I think is how you say it...downtown. The Garden for Indian...
...has a very nice fish restaurant, in the new building. 1st floor I think.
I have a Time Out here for Doha - will check it out. Actually, they were the two which stood out when I flicked through the mag.
thanks for ur wish.dont eat lot.have a nice dinner.he he eh ehehe
Have a great selection of fish - the steak is pretty fab too.
Sultan Ibrahim at the Inercon is apparently good for fish too.
Enjoy your dinner!!
wish I could, but it's just a two-some. My hub's company had a 'family get together dinner/party' a few weeks ago, but the main office is in Dubai and logistically it wasn't possible for us to join in. They kindly said hub could take me out for dinner (on them) in Doha. So it's a meal ticket!!! woo hoo
will you take me too?