I made this route twice with Emirates Airlines four years ago . Thar flight then was very short . After take off the hosts and hostesses were very busy to serve the sandwich and the muffin for everyone - still large areas remained unserved . We did not get anything . Then we were landing . Going back to Doha was better but got very little time to eat . I think it is much shorter than officially it is said . We spend in the air half an hour only or even less .
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Friday, February 12, 2021
Monday, January 25, 2021
My first buffet lunch experience in Qatar after the lockdown
After a stressful exam period we planned to go for a trip to the desert . But while the weather was wonderful during the week for the weekend it became gloomy and the wind blew heavily . We had to remain in the city .
So it was the kids idea to eat out somewhere we have not been for a while . When they mentioned Ponderosa restaurant I was sure that it was closed .
But to my greatest surprise it has been back in business since December .
Some things changed ,however .
- The restaurant became darker due to the partition wall that surrounds the buffet table .
- You are not allowed to serve yourself but a waiter will put the food you ask for on your plate while you are standing nearby
- they do not serve a la carte - they only have the buffet for the time being
- the buffet is bit smaller than the usual - for example they had only one kind of salad dressing -no salamis
- you can still find a great variety of food = I know for the kids it is so important - the dessert table was usual - ice cream , ummali , sponge cake , custard and compotes
That was our nearly normal buffet experience . The staff was helpful and ready to serve the food from the table swiftly . They even made suggestions on what to choose . So it was even better than before . But I missed the a la carte options . We arrived around 12 and there were only a few customers . By the time we left at 2 pm it was full .
I know that it is so difficult for the restaurants to survive after the lockdown period but they should maintain their toilets . Broken tiles and door frames made a really bad impression !
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Metro Link Bus experience - from Lusail to Doha Festival City
Metro link bus experience during the weekend.
Several weeks ago I tried the Metro Link Bus; It was a very unique experience.
I started my journey at a downtown Doha Metro station . I bought a ticket for the special Gold Section . It was fine; only a few people were there. We were allowed to go to the very front of the metro where old school metro drivers used to sit.
The ride was 15 minutes long; in addition, the walk to the Metro station and then going down took another 15 minutes. So far we had spent 30 minutes. We spent 10 QR (Qatari Riyal) per person for the tickets and we rode the metro like never before in a front, comfortable seat. We saw the metro tunnel then saw as the metro shifted into a skyline we saw the beautiful cityscape and sunset.
We found ourselves at the Lusail Metro station with a long walk to the bus. At the bus stop, we found out the bus had just left. As a result, a lot of people were waiting. Everyone was waiting quietly, but there was nowhere to sit down. 15 minutes had gone by, and we still could not get on the bus . We had to wait half an hour more to get onto the metro link bus.
The ride on the bus took 20 minutes instead of the 12 as it was told officially, so it took us 80 minutes to arrive to Doha Festival City; nearly one and half an hour! It took us lots of walking, but luckily, it was only 10 QR per person. Still, it was only 2 for a regular ticket.
After nine o'clock, we took a taxi home which took us nearly half an hour and 30 QR.
The verdict: if you share a taxi, you might save yourself quite some time. But nothing can beat the price of a regular Metro ticket .
See the Metro stations and the route of the Metro Link buses here .
Several weeks ago I tried the Metro Link Bus; It was a very unique experience.
I started my journey at a downtown Doha Metro station . I bought a ticket for the special Gold Section . It was fine; only a few people were there. We were allowed to go to the very front of the metro where old school metro drivers used to sit.
The ride was 15 minutes long; in addition, the walk to the Metro station and then going down took another 15 minutes. So far we had spent 30 minutes. We spent 10 QR (Qatari Riyal) per person for the tickets and we rode the metro like never before in a front, comfortable seat. We saw the metro tunnel then saw as the metro shifted into a skyline we saw the beautiful cityscape and sunset.
We found ourselves at the Lusail Metro station with a long walk to the bus. At the bus stop, we found out the bus had just left. As a result, a lot of people were waiting. Everyone was waiting quietly, but there was nowhere to sit down. 15 minutes had gone by, and we still could not get on the bus . We had to wait half an hour more to get onto the metro link bus.
The ride on the bus took 20 minutes instead of the 12 as it was told officially, so it took us 80 minutes to arrive to Doha Festival City; nearly one and half an hour! It took us lots of walking, but luckily, it was only 10 QR per person. Still, it was only 2 for a regular ticket.
After nine o'clock, we took a taxi home which took us nearly half an hour and 30 QR.
The verdict: if you share a taxi, you might save yourself quite some time. But nothing can beat the price of a regular Metro ticket .
See the Metro stations and the route of the Metro Link buses here .
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Qatar National Library - my first visit
I love libraries . I missed them here . I did visit smaller libraries here belonging to clubs , schools , embassies . But the big public libraries were in progress in Qatar .
Arrival : the Education City is a well-known place for us . However arriving at the place was very frustrating . Due to the ongoing constructions in the area- traffic diversion was just too hard to follow . We missed one exit to QF Gate 1 and the next one was at the Mall of Qatar's tunnel .There we managed to make a U turn . We lost minimum one hour .
The building from outside is very impressive - a geometric shape with some retro feel from the sides . I liked the Dutch architect's work . Inside it was too cold and impersonal . Big spaces without any cozy corner . It would need some green areas and some warmth . Some armchairs with fabric -something soft and inviting .
Registration - we already registered online so we expected quick procedure . Unfortunately - there was no line for those who already registered . We had to wait until other families filled in the forms manually etc . It took us again minimum 20 minutes . And no chairs around !
Children's library - surprisingly small collection . They must have spent too much money on the building itself - it was my first thought . Then I remembered the rules - 10 books per kids can be borrowed . A lots of books must be out . My ten year old was looking for something about astronomy - but could not find anything . What is even sadder that there was no one librarian ready to help the kids with the selection . Most of the books were for small kids .
Well behaving kids can visit the library without guardian if they are older than 9 .
Other facilities - toilets were far from the main entrance . But not far from the kids section .
The restaurant was right next to the kids library . We just wanted to have some quick bites . It was still half an hour before closing time but they already closed : ( . The cafe was open . One piece of cake was QR28 .
The elitist attitude !
The library is clearly not the venue of the wealthy and rich . Some very poor looking Asian families - lower middle-class families , students were the majority of the visitors ! Why not to offer something affordable ?
That was our first visit . We are planning to come back to explore more about it .
Arrival : the Education City is a well-known place for us . However arriving at the place was very frustrating . Due to the ongoing constructions in the area- traffic diversion was just too hard to follow . We missed one exit to QF Gate 1 and the next one was at the Mall of Qatar's tunnel .There we managed to make a U turn . We lost minimum one hour .
The building from outside is very impressive - a geometric shape with some retro feel from the sides . I liked the Dutch architect's work . Inside it was too cold and impersonal . Big spaces without any cozy corner . It would need some green areas and some warmth . Some armchairs with fabric -something soft and inviting .
Registration - we already registered online so we expected quick procedure . Unfortunately - there was no line for those who already registered . We had to wait until other families filled in the forms manually etc . It took us again minimum 20 minutes . And no chairs around !
Children's library - surprisingly small collection . They must have spent too much money on the building itself - it was my first thought . Then I remembered the rules - 10 books per kids can be borrowed . A lots of books must be out . My ten year old was looking for something about astronomy - but could not find anything . What is even sadder that there was no one librarian ready to help the kids with the selection . Most of the books were for small kids .
Well behaving kids can visit the library without guardian if they are older than 9 .
Other facilities - toilets were far from the main entrance . But not far from the kids section .
The restaurant was right next to the kids library . We just wanted to have some quick bites . It was still half an hour before closing time but they already closed : ( . The cafe was open . One piece of cake was QR28 .
The elitist attitude !
The library is clearly not the venue of the wealthy and rich . Some very poor looking Asian families - lower middle-class families , students were the majority of the visitors ! Why not to offer something affordable ?
That was our first visit . We are planning to come back to explore more about it .
Monday, July 17, 2017
Health Club - Saraya Corniche Hotel review
We arrived on a Friday afternoon in Ladies Time . It is a great thing that they have such hours .So few places in Qatar has such time when the expectations for most Muslim ladies not to mix with men when swimming . We had a pass for one single day . We were thinking about a two monthly membership before arriving .
In the changing room water was flowing everywhere . Some people took shower and due to the wrong inclination of the floor water did not go to the floor drains but came out . So typical mistake around here !
I wanted to work out in the fitness room and my trainers got all wet !
We were the only customers in the gym and it was fine . No music , no employees - just the CNN and Trump and Macron - we were forced to watch them .:( no remote control ,either .
After that we got to the swimming pool area . Right as we entered there was a pool of 1 .46 m with jacuzzi and two families . Kids pool was in an upper level . It was a strange ,long narrow pool .
There were only 2 other mums wit their kids .
So I just started to swim in the pool near the jacuzzi when a little girl jumped into the deep water and started to sink and come up - she did not know how to swim ... I screamed and swam towards her - I hoped to be able to grab her from behind without she pulls me down ... just a second before I could have caught her the mom jumped in and pulled her out .So much relieved we were .
She was showing me that her hearts beats very much . So did mine . My relaxing afternoon project was ruined . I was very tense after this traumatic experience !Though I kept swimming during the coming one hour every time a child approached I yelled at them " this is deep water - can you swim ?" Most of them was not able to do so .
While swimming I was reading the house rules . Number 12 - everybody is using the pool on his own risk . The hotel does not take any responsibility in case of injury or death .
No lifeguard was employed . A five star hotel !
When the ladies hours finished we returned to the changing room's area - it was incredibly messy . No cleaner turned up during all this time . However it had sauna and steam room . We opted for the sauna but it was out of order . The steaming room worked . Finally it was the best part of our health club experience . It was very small -only two seats -but strong ,clean vapor came without any bad smell .
Meanwhile I came across an employee who just came to use the toilet - i asked her to bring us towels as in the swimming pool area towels just finished - she was just kind to help us -it was not her job ... they did not provide shower gel - only lotion and hair conditioner was available ...
It could have been a nice afternoon if they had some cleaner in the changing room area and some employees in the swimming pool .it is absurd that customers has to pull out drowning kids from the pool ! House rule number 12 should be cancelled !
I can not understand how any hotel not alone a five star hotel can leave their guests on their own without staff this way they did !
In the changing room water was flowing everywhere . Some people took shower and due to the wrong inclination of the floor water did not go to the floor drains but came out . So typical mistake around here !
I wanted to work out in the fitness room and my trainers got all wet !
We were the only customers in the gym and it was fine . No music , no employees - just the CNN and Trump and Macron - we were forced to watch them .:( no remote control ,either .
After that we got to the swimming pool area . Right as we entered there was a pool of 1 .46 m with jacuzzi and two families . Kids pool was in an upper level . It was a strange ,long narrow pool .
There were only 2 other mums wit their kids .
So I just started to swim in the pool near the jacuzzi when a little girl jumped into the deep water and started to sink and come up - she did not know how to swim ... I screamed and swam towards her - I hoped to be able to grab her from behind without she pulls me down ... just a second before I could have caught her the mom jumped in and pulled her out .So much relieved we were .
She was showing me that her hearts beats very much . So did mine . My relaxing afternoon project was ruined . I was very tense after this traumatic experience !Though I kept swimming during the coming one hour every time a child approached I yelled at them " this is deep water - can you swim ?" Most of them was not able to do so .
While swimming I was reading the house rules . Number 12 - everybody is using the pool on his own risk . The hotel does not take any responsibility in case of injury or death .
No lifeguard was employed . A five star hotel !
When the ladies hours finished we returned to the changing room's area - it was incredibly messy . No cleaner turned up during all this time . However it had sauna and steam room . We opted for the sauna but it was out of order . The steaming room worked . Finally it was the best part of our health club experience . It was very small -only two seats -but strong ,clean vapor came without any bad smell .
Meanwhile I came across an employee who just came to use the toilet - i asked her to bring us towels as in the swimming pool area towels just finished - she was just kind to help us -it was not her job ... they did not provide shower gel - only lotion and hair conditioner was available ...
It could have been a nice afternoon if they had some cleaner in the changing room area and some employees in the swimming pool .it is absurd that customers has to pull out drowning kids from the pool ! House rule number 12 should be cancelled !
I can not understand how any hotel not alone a five star hotel can leave their guests on their own without staff this way they did !
Sunday, March 05, 2017
CHI -Shaqab -visiting with a kid - my experience
This was not the first time we visited this international horse riding competition with children . We had nice memories about the entertainment for kids and the modern facility .
This time we were truly disappointed by the Kids Zone activities . As we entered we had to pay QAR50 - and we were told that it includes everything . There were two stages for kids entertainment - we came on Friday afternoon and stayed until the evening but we saw no one performance there . Only kids were jumping around .
It seemed that we had to pay for many things : keeping the falcon for 10 seconds for a photo was 5 rials , Qatari food 5 -10 rials , pony riding - oh no at that place my kid gave up seeing the long line - bouncy castles - yes it will be real fun and it would have been free if it hadn't deflated just as we arrived - the air was leaking and it went totally down -luckily no one was hurt but I heard at that time " Mom let's go home - there is nothing fun to do here " it seemed that it was not our lucky day there .
I managed to persuade him to go to the main building and check out the competition /the buffet and the modern facility .Oh Gosh ! We were not allowed to enter because "it was full" . We were forced to sit at the other side of the arena . The competition was nice and we were and even able to see the practicing riders from really close . But we missed all the modern facility !
Going home by taxi was very difficult . Such a big international event and there was no any kind of public transport arranged ! Not even a small taxi station or a waiting area in the parking !I tried to book taxi from there but the operator did not understand where we were .After one hour we found finally a free taxi . Our feet were aching .
I do not think I will visit this place in the near future again with kids . That is sad because it used to be my children's favorite in Qatar . Perhaps smaller kids enjoyed it more - I saw little children with beautifully painted face and henna . and riding the pony happily .But they did not have much thing for a preteen . And I think this is a serious problem in Qatar when living with kids here - preteens and teens just do not have many "fun things to do " .
This time we were truly disappointed by the Kids Zone activities . As we entered we had to pay QAR50 - and we were told that it includes everything . There were two stages for kids entertainment - we came on Friday afternoon and stayed until the evening but we saw no one performance there . Only kids were jumping around .
It seemed that we had to pay for many things : keeping the falcon for 10 seconds for a photo was 5 rials , Qatari food 5 -10 rials , pony riding - oh no at that place my kid gave up seeing the long line - bouncy castles - yes it will be real fun and it would have been free if it hadn't deflated just as we arrived - the air was leaking and it went totally down -luckily no one was hurt but I heard at that time " Mom let's go home - there is nothing fun to do here " it seemed that it was not our lucky day there .
I managed to persuade him to go to the main building and check out the competition /the buffet and the modern facility .Oh Gosh ! We were not allowed to enter because "it was full" . We were forced to sit at the other side of the arena . The competition was nice and we were and even able to see the practicing riders from really close . But we missed all the modern facility !
Going home by taxi was very difficult . Such a big international event and there was no any kind of public transport arranged ! Not even a small taxi station or a waiting area in the parking !I tried to book taxi from there but the operator did not understand where we were .After one hour we found finally a free taxi . Our feet were aching .
I do not think I will visit this place in the near future again with kids . That is sad because it used to be my children's favorite in Qatar . Perhaps smaller kids enjoyed it more - I saw little children with beautifully painted face and henna . and riding the pony happily .But they did not have much thing for a preteen . And I think this is a serious problem in Qatar when living with kids here - preteens and teens just do not have many "fun things to do " .
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
dolci sera sweet shop
Yesterday we found ourselves in a Syrian pastry shop - coming home from Ikea .Everything looked so delicious - but they sold only in bulk - a tray of cookies - finally we decided to buy three large bars of chocolate --but the Syrian shop assistant / owner ? did not allow us to pay . He was just smiling under his mustache: "gift" he said . To refuse them would have been impolite .. . but his generosity really embarrassed us .3 large bars of chocolate !
Such things do not happen to us often in Qatar .
It was years ago that we went to a Syrian restaurant - there we had bad experience at their buffet -actually they did not refill the buffet trays and we went home hungry .
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Aquapark review 2016 July
So here I am again .Ladies day at Aquapark . Prices at QAR 180 per person . Five star hotel price ! Safety lockers extra QAR 30 !
Are the facilities five star as well ?
Sad looking changing rooms .Wet walls ,peeling painting ,very small to change comfortably .
Lockers are better . We get no keys but a waterproof bracelet that opens our lockers ! Wow !
Dress code - they claim that we have to respect the local culture . What does it mean ? No details given -only a note that the management got the right to expel anyone whose swimming attire is not proper . Not very welcoming .Not very professional . They should explain well and kindly what is allowed and what is not.
After reading all that I was scared .I had a one piece swimming suit without leggings .Will I be expelled ? When I entered the park area I saw a lots of women covering up with long sleeved swimming suits with leggings . Then I noticed a few who wore bikinis .I got relived then .
The lagoon pool was the first pool I tried . It was cold - I was shivering when came out .It is a luxury here in summer to be cold . It is good that they care . Hot water can be the source of a lots of kinds of infection . The bar inside the pool did not work . I swam there and had a little chat with an African lifeguard . She informed me that some facilities - bars /restaurants can not work during ladies days as they do not have female staff .
That is sad . The lagoon pool is a place that is shallow at the edges and deep inside .
Some years ago an 8 year old temporarily unattended boy drowned in it as he did not believe his bigger siblings that it was not safe for him .After this tragedy you would suppose that they watch out for it would not repeat . But what I saw was very little kids playing at the edges of the pool - mothers are chatting 20 meters away sometimes yelling at their wards .The lifeguards did not care ,either ... :(
I do not remember any sings either warning for swimmers that the pool is deep in the middle .
After the lagoon pool swimming came the lazy river . This is a bit boring for me -sitting in those donuts and getting around ...my neck hurts after ten minutes ...
The wave pool is my real favorite .It is a real thrill .Jumping up and down in the waves !
It was quite an exercise . It lasts around ten or 15 minutes . I am not sure . But I found it too long and I left before the end . Though I loved it -just I was exhausted .
I was pleasantly surprised that we do not have to pay extra for the huge slides .So I tried one . The smallest one .It was frightening . The speed was too big ! I was afraid of falling out !How much my heart was beating after that ! I decided that no more slides this summer . Or at least no open slides !
The day was nearly over . Remembering their poor quality of food I ate well before arriving . Just the crepe stall was so much tempting that I decided to stand in line . I had to wait for a single crepe for 20 minutes ! It was nice a bit dry .
The Aquapark was not crowded .The age group of the visitors was from totes to 60 - young adults were more than old ones . They have some facilities for disabled customers so one could see some guests in wheelchair as well .People behave usually respectfully. I met only one group of teens who were so loud and so disrespectful that I had to ask them to chat in a lower voice while waiting for that crepe . They were chatting in Hindi ... Very unusual here - Indian women who are residents here are usually well -mannered !.Every nations got spoiled kids I thought ! Then it turned out that they were Hindi speaking Malaysian girls visiting Qatar . Even though they are just humans like anybody else !
They answered in a very rude way to my request and they jumped the line . Luckily the staff was sympathetic with me and served me before them .
All in all - though not a perfect facility but Aquapark is a fun place in Qatar . Ladies day is an expensive but enjoyable occasion to have a carefree afternoon . But please do not think that your kids are safe just because there are lifeguards . If you wish just to relax here then rather leave your kids at home with someone you trust ...
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
MY Reverse Walking Experience
It was accidentally that I found myself at the reverse walking event last Saturday . We got a fun event cancelled and we headed to the Aspire Park . I had already seen the ads of this reverse walking but we thought it was just about reversing diabetes and not actually walking backward all around the lake ! It was fun - it was a race -every hour or every half an hour ! I did not expect to win . Everyone walked mixed -men ,women ,children - but one of my child arrived at the finish as number four and he had complained that some adults arriving before him were actually cheating as they walked normally at some part of the race . So it was disappointing as a race .
The first 3 got some prize -we could not make out what it was .
At the end I felt a bit dizzy when wanted to walk normally . So I just sat down under a tree .After ten minutes the red faced OOridoo guys -these mascots arrived for a show . Then we all felt we must escape the event .They looked so much weird !
The first 3 got some prize -we could not make out what it was .
At the end I felt a bit dizzy when wanted to walk normally . So I just sat down under a tree .After ten minutes the red faced OOridoo guys -these mascots arrived for a show . Then we all felt we must escape the event .They looked so much weird !
Sunday, August 30, 2015
summer festival 2015 - my experience
After Summer Festival 2014 when there was a great Fun City set up in Doha Exhibition Center I visited the facility with great expectations .Last year theme was winter - slides and snow villages , ski lessons and many more original and memorable games . Like the school of acrobats where kids learnt about the art of jumping from real acrobats - they were allowed to swing on the trapeze and juggle with balls .. Well , this year there was the old ,tired ,boring games . Nothing original . NO theme .Just very loud music , flashing lights and minimum 15 year old rides .It was rather sad , not fun at all . My kids played a bit on the inflatable slides - then a session on the trampoline ... they were watching these " skill games " where one has to throw a ring or a ball into a bucket or bottle neck... sadly ,they looked like a daytime robbery rather than fun games - we were watching them for about 20 minutes and nobody managed to do them ... All in all - the fun city was a step back compared to last year . Is it only me who thinks that our kids deserve more ?
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Zaatar W Zeit restaurant - Doha Rayyan
I just happened to be hungry when in Al- Rayyan and I stumbled upon this small eatery . It had some retro feel - the waiter offered us to pull down the spring blinds as we were sitting near the windows . The napkins were decorated with the restaurant's logo .It was printed on recycled paper . Before the food was served we got a little sachet with hand cleaning gel .
The menu's selection is not very big . Salads /pizzas /wraps /manakesh -desserts . We had a zooza salad and a traditional pizza and finally ktiramisu . The salad came in a large transparent bowl with a lots of lollo rosso , potatoes slices ,boiled eggs ,beans ,tuna ,olives ,tomatoes ... mustard vinegar dressing .It was a good start. The pizza dough was quite thin - it came with cheese and sauce and some meat and mushroom . It was tasty but not that typical Italian taste - rather like a home made one! The ktiramisu came in a little cup - this is their " heavenly version " of the famous sweet treat . I could not find out why it was different . It was simply good .
All of those reminded me a bit the eateries of the Hungarian railways in the 60's when I would travel with my dad . Might be it was because of Lebanon ?I remember I heard a lot about it in my childhood and I always wished to visit it . As I wished to visit other places in the Middle East like the beautiful ancient lands of Iraq , Yemen , Gaza ... all are bombed or being destroyed in other ways . My thoughts went far from this simple Lebanese restaurant ... where we had a casual , urban lunch ,,,
I might try their breakfast in the Souq Waqif one day . They got terrace and the weather still allows us to enjoy outdoor breakfasts .
Did you know ? Zaatar is a spice mix in Arabia .
Zeit is the name of the olives in Arabic ...
The menu's selection is not very big . Salads /pizzas /wraps /manakesh -desserts . We had a zooza salad and a traditional pizza and finally ktiramisu . The salad came in a large transparent bowl with a lots of lollo rosso , potatoes slices ,boiled eggs ,beans ,tuna ,olives ,tomatoes ... mustard vinegar dressing .It was a good start. The pizza dough was quite thin - it came with cheese and sauce and some meat and mushroom . It was tasty but not that typical Italian taste - rather like a home made one! The ktiramisu came in a little cup - this is their " heavenly version " of the famous sweet treat . I could not find out why it was different . It was simply good .
All of those reminded me a bit the eateries of the Hungarian railways in the 60's when I would travel with my dad . Might be it was because of Lebanon ?I remember I heard a lot about it in my childhood and I always wished to visit it . As I wished to visit other places in the Middle East like the beautiful ancient lands of Iraq , Yemen , Gaza ... all are bombed or being destroyed in other ways . My thoughts went far from this simple Lebanese restaurant ... where we had a casual , urban lunch ,,,
I might try their breakfast in the Souq Waqif one day . They got terrace and the weather still allows us to enjoy outdoor breakfasts .
Did you know ? Zaatar is a spice mix in Arabia .
Zeit is the name of the olives in Arabic ...
Saturday, September 20, 2014
BREAKFAST AT CASA PACO RESTAURANT - PEARL ,DOHA
Our culinary adventurousness took us to the fabulous Pearl island in Doha . We wished to try the breakfast At Casa Paco !
Enjoy a Spanish Breakfast
was the slogan of their advertisement ! We were very excited - we have never had a Spanish breakfast in our lives ! I expected fresh Spanish bread and other culinary surprises .
As we entered la Croisette 22 -23 building we heard relaxing music of syrinx . It must be the music of this Casa Paco - I thought . We had booked a table and I told about it to someone who looked like staff . Then he called someone and a woman came out from the kitchen to seat us .Her mouth was full of food , She was wearing the apron of a chef . Very unprofessional service - that was my first thought .
The soft melody of syrinx stopped as well - and we heard familiar sounds of a radio station , Wait - I know it ! Yes - this is Oryx FM live - the French radio station of Qatar ! How very strange ! This is a Spanish restaurant and I thought the music should be Spanish too .Later I learnt that she was a parisienne !
Then we got the breakfast . First came the toast . It was real sandwich bread of the cheapest kind that is available in Doha - and even it was stale !It came with the cheapest jam and butter and honey and none of them was Spanish !
It was like an insult ! I looked at the plastic flower at the table and I felt that something was wrong here ...
When the eggs cooked in tomato sauce came we had no more bread . We had to pay 15 rial for two slices of extra toast from those stale sandwich bread ! The tiny sausages tasted exactly like those Egyptian ones from the Carrefour !
The eggs were OK ...but the breakfast finished here . It was the small breakfast . It was really small . Everyone was still hungry . I ordered small because according to previous experience portions are very generous here in Doha and for 49 rial I expected a meal .. copius one . The big breakfast came with some extras like : bacon and a tiny portion of patatas bravas , Two American style pancakes and finally crispy bastella pancakes . That was 99 rial and it was still not enough !
We decided to leave quickly . When paying the chef gave us coupons for 50 % discount for their buffet dinner . It would cost us only 60 rials. We did not feel like coming back ever .
There is only one reason someone should come here - their terrace has wonderful view to the Marina ...and when the weather is mild it is nice sitting around there ...
We got into the car and drove to the nearest supermarket as we were very hungry .... That was our adventure with the Spanish cuisine in Doha !
Enjoy a Spanish Breakfast
was the slogan of their advertisement ! We were very excited - we have never had a Spanish breakfast in our lives ! I expected fresh Spanish bread and other culinary surprises .
As we entered la Croisette 22 -23 building we heard relaxing music of syrinx . It must be the music of this Casa Paco - I thought . We had booked a table and I told about it to someone who looked like staff . Then he called someone and a woman came out from the kitchen to seat us .Her mouth was full of food , She was wearing the apron of a chef . Very unprofessional service - that was my first thought .
The soft melody of syrinx stopped as well - and we heard familiar sounds of a radio station , Wait - I know it ! Yes - this is Oryx FM live - the French radio station of Qatar ! How very strange ! This is a Spanish restaurant and I thought the music should be Spanish too .Later I learnt that she was a parisienne !
Then we got the breakfast . First came the toast . It was real sandwich bread of the cheapest kind that is available in Doha - and even it was stale !It came with the cheapest jam and butter and honey and none of them was Spanish !
It was like an insult ! I looked at the plastic flower at the table and I felt that something was wrong here ...
When the eggs cooked in tomato sauce came we had no more bread . We had to pay 15 rial for two slices of extra toast from those stale sandwich bread ! The tiny sausages tasted exactly like those Egyptian ones from the Carrefour !
The eggs were OK ...but the breakfast finished here . It was the small breakfast . It was really small . Everyone was still hungry . I ordered small because according to previous experience portions are very generous here in Doha and for 49 rial I expected a meal .. copius one . The big breakfast came with some extras like : bacon and a tiny portion of patatas bravas , Two American style pancakes and finally crispy bastella pancakes . That was 99 rial and it was still not enough !
We decided to leave quickly . When paying the chef gave us coupons for 50 % discount for their buffet dinner . It would cost us only 60 rials. We did not feel like coming back ever .
There is only one reason someone should come here - their terrace has wonderful view to the Marina ...and when the weather is mild it is nice sitting around there ...
We got into the car and drove to the nearest supermarket as we were very hungry .... That was our adventure with the Spanish cuisine in Doha !
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Saudi Hot Chicken restaurant experience
When my husband came up with the idea of having a grilled /barbecue /tandoori chicken from this cheap restaurant I did not welcome the idea . The memory of supermarket grilled chicken came to my mind and the stomach ache I got after having that kind of greasy lunch .
It took time until the delivery guy understood where we lived . More than an hour . I looked with pity at my spouse thinking that he would certainly admit that it was a bad idea . It was like a comedy / he went to the other part of the city .
Nobody expected any lunch anymore when the food arrived . We could not believe it !
The guy told my husband next time he would know where we live at once ... I felt sorry for myself as I started to have this orange colored chicken . It was after eid buffet lunch days -so I tried to persuade myself that we really spent too much at Eid and we have to suffer a bit to get back on our financial track .
What I tasted was completely unexpected . It was a very well done grilled /barbecue or tandoori chicken and so well spiced that it got number one rank from me in the grilled / barbecued or tandoori chicken category . It was simply supreme and 22 rials only .
We ordered some simple chicken broth and it was very tasty as well .
It was the Al- Sadd branch . We ordered several times the same chicken dish afterwards and always the same quality .
It is very difficult to communicate with them . That is why I can not tell you for sure what the dish name was - it was a whole chicken that is sure .
When I was investigating about this restaurant I found out that they have a very large menu offering dishes for every kind of Asian folks . " Jack of all trades" .. came to my mind but I can not know -all that I can say for sure they are the master of their chicken meal .
you can call 44131346, 77070699
Saturday, August 02, 2014
Eid buffet lunch at the Sarangi restaurant -review
It all started as a nightmare . I bought coupons for Eid lunch . It was valid for five days .I called them around midnight on the last day Of Ramadan to book a table . " you want to book now, madame ?" -"It is nearly one o'clock" it was 12 :20 - but never mind - all supermarkets and malls and restaurants open at this time in Qatar. I supposed that a hotel's restaurant is open at least for booking a table ."you can call after 9 am "
So did I . I was informed that there are no tables for the first day of Eid .If I want to have one I should submit a written application by sms. At this point I would have given up if it was not paid in advance by the coupons .Written application ? And only by sms ? Plus the unwelcoming voice ...I have never had so much trouble with booking a table . After the first sms I waited ten hours but no confirmation was sent .I called them - the same unwelcoming Indian man answered - he did not get my sms - then I sent it again - five minutes- no answer - called them again - finally it came through .
After this prelude I expected that the staff would be the same at the restaurant - but luckily everything was different..It was a spacious place . The windows looked on other buildings of the area .Some of them were old /others were nicer . - the waiters were welcoming and friendly .Actually very nice to our kids . The Indian instrumental music in the background was really soft and nice .
I started with a mushroom soup and I was amazed . It was very well made . Oh boy ! Later I read that this restaurant have award-winning chefs .It must be true . Some of their dishes were exceptional .I went on with salads which were OK and some grilled veggies .I was happy to find shrimps on the salad table and different sprouts . By this time a tray packed with grilled cubes of fish /chicken etc was placed on our table .It was included in the buffet price . They were excellent .When I finished my entrees and grilled cubes I was full . And I have not seen the main course table yet ! I went there just out of curiosity . Irish stew /dolmas /butter chicken /rice /baked potatoes were the ones I remember .I tried some dolmas which was good and some baked potatoes - that was excellent . My husband was amazed with the molokhia sauce .
The dessert table was packed with traditional Arab /Indian sweets and some French pastry .I tried their fruit custard as my little son informed me that it was very good. Yes, he was faster than me with finishing the main course .It had wonderful natural vanilla taste . So rarely one can taste in Qatar .No artificial flavours- they must have been made of real eggs and vanilla ...Just like mom's ile flottant ...
Finally we had some mint tea .
It was the best buffet lunch of my life in Qatar . If only I could forget the booking procedure !
So did I . I was informed that there are no tables for the first day of Eid .If I want to have one I should submit a written application by sms. At this point I would have given up if it was not paid in advance by the coupons .Written application ? And only by sms ? Plus the unwelcoming voice ...I have never had so much trouble with booking a table . After the first sms I waited ten hours but no confirmation was sent .I called them - the same unwelcoming Indian man answered - he did not get my sms - then I sent it again - five minutes- no answer - called them again - finally it came through .
After this prelude I expected that the staff would be the same at the restaurant - but luckily everything was different..It was a spacious place . The windows looked on other buildings of the area .Some of them were old /others were nicer . - the waiters were welcoming and friendly .Actually very nice to our kids . The Indian instrumental music in the background was really soft and nice .
I started with a mushroom soup and I was amazed . It was very well made . Oh boy ! Later I read that this restaurant have award-winning chefs .It must be true . Some of their dishes were exceptional .I went on with salads which were OK and some grilled veggies .I was happy to find shrimps on the salad table and different sprouts . By this time a tray packed with grilled cubes of fish /chicken etc was placed on our table .It was included in the buffet price . They were excellent .When I finished my entrees and grilled cubes I was full . And I have not seen the main course table yet ! I went there just out of curiosity . Irish stew /dolmas /butter chicken /rice /baked potatoes were the ones I remember .I tried some dolmas which was good and some baked potatoes - that was excellent . My husband was amazed with the molokhia sauce .
The dessert table was packed with traditional Arab /Indian sweets and some French pastry .I tried their fruit custard as my little son informed me that it was very good. Yes, he was faster than me with finishing the main course .It had wonderful natural vanilla taste . So rarely one can taste in Qatar .No artificial flavours- they must have been made of real eggs and vanilla ...Just like mom's ile flottant ...
Finally we had some mint tea .
It was the best buffet lunch of my life in Qatar . If only I could forget the booking procedure !
Friday, April 25, 2014
Mr. Gyros restaurant review
Mr ,Gyros is an American Greek restaurant at Al-jazeera petrol station . I had this strange idea the other day to try their gyros. I managed to overcome my phobia of petrol station eateries after the deadly blast in February . And I put my prejudices aside about American cuisine as well.
What can go wrong with a gyros ?- I thought . The marinated slices of steaks are roasted on rotating spit and cut and served with salad and pita bread .It simply can't be spoilt ...
Well ,well - I was very naive . I love shawarma as well but I wished to eat gyros the way we used to have it in Hungary .Much better than the shawarma around here . I remember a friend of mine who married a khaleeji guy then when in Hungary he found it very strange that a country like Hungary have far better and more delicious shawarma /gyros than the wealthy place where he grew up .
Money can't buy everything -it seems .
Well - we bought our gyros meal around 40 rials . We got a tray with the meat /some rice .dressing ,salad . Then I got the big surprise - this American gyros tasted no gyros at all -but it had the taste of canned meat .
If you do not mind that then I can recommend the place - it is the usual American look - posters on the wall -nice wooden chairs -polite service ... even their banana milk shake was nice .... for 20 rial !
Otherwise I felt it was pure waste of money .
What can go wrong with a gyros ?- I thought . The marinated slices of steaks are roasted on rotating spit and cut and served with salad and pita bread .It simply can't be spoilt ...
Well ,well - I was very naive . I love shawarma as well but I wished to eat gyros the way we used to have it in Hungary .Much better than the shawarma around here . I remember a friend of mine who married a khaleeji guy then when in Hungary he found it very strange that a country like Hungary have far better and more delicious shawarma /gyros than the wealthy place where he grew up .
Money can't buy everything -it seems .
Well - we bought our gyros meal around 40 rials . We got a tray with the meat /some rice .dressing ,salad . Then I got the big surprise - this American gyros tasted no gyros at all -but it had the taste of canned meat .
If you do not mind that then I can recommend the place - it is the usual American look - posters on the wall -nice wooden chairs -polite service ... even their banana milk shake was nice .... for 20 rial !
Otherwise I felt it was pure waste of money .
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Our Book Fair Experience 2013
Arriving there my husband dropped us as it was not easy to find parking space .Later he told us he had to leave the car at the Katara - as no space was available closer ,
The fair was huge .So many stalls and publishers .We concentrated on books for kids .Bought some fun math books for my math lover and a beautiful big book for the craft lover child . Then they became tired and listened to the story-tellers -both Arabic and English .That gave me the chance to look around on my own .I found so many Arabic publishers .I have heard that only 30% of the population is Arabic speaking here - there were a lots of books in English as well .I was disturbed by the stalls -so many of them are selling in a way that you can not take a book in your hand but you have to ask for it from high shelf .It is difficult to browse this way the books . I was interested in language learning ,cook books ,alternative medicine .But I found nothing exciting . There might have been some -but checked out only a little part of the fair . There were no any information about where to look for those books . I saw people walking with the Tribe bookshop bag - I like that place and wished to check them out but simply could not find their stall .
Many kinds of educational toys were on sale as well .I looked for a simple traditional chess set -but found no one .
Exhausted by the book hunt we took a rest on the red velvet seats of the lounge .I love Exhibition Center .It is so chic .Just this time the only cafe there was so much crowdy that it was rather a tiring than relaxing experience to get a drink .
When we were leaving I saw the famous Muslim scholar -Karadawi -arriving at the book fair .Inside the fair L .Ron Hubbard 's books were sold by smartly dressed agents . How very strange -I thought !
The fair was huge .So many stalls and publishers .We concentrated on books for kids .Bought some fun math books for my math lover and a beautiful big book for the craft lover child . Then they became tired and listened to the story-tellers -both Arabic and English .That gave me the chance to look around on my own .I found so many Arabic publishers .I have heard that only 30% of the population is Arabic speaking here - there were a lots of books in English as well .I was disturbed by the stalls -so many of them are selling in a way that you can not take a book in your hand but you have to ask for it from high shelf .It is difficult to browse this way the books . I was interested in language learning ,cook books ,alternative medicine .But I found nothing exciting . There might have been some -but checked out only a little part of the fair . There were no any information about where to look for those books . I saw people walking with the Tribe bookshop bag - I like that place and wished to check them out but simply could not find their stall .
Many kinds of educational toys were on sale as well .I looked for a simple traditional chess set -but found no one .
Exhausted by the book hunt we took a rest on the red velvet seats of the lounge .I love Exhibition Center .It is so chic .Just this time the only cafe there was so much crowdy that it was rather a tiring than relaxing experience to get a drink .
When we were leaving I saw the famous Muslim scholar -Karadawi -arriving at the book fair .Inside the fair L .Ron Hubbard 's books were sold by smartly dressed agents . How very strange -I thought !
Monday, December 09, 2013
The usual Park bazaar in December - review
One month ago we were suffering by the heat when visiting the bazaar . This month it was already much colder and very windy . A sweater was not exaggeration after sunset ... Some of the stalls were turned over by a heavy gust of wind .
We found a good number of sellers and contrary to our expectation it was not full of Xmas related items . If I had arrived with a lots of money I would have certainly bought some African batik textile /Indian carved chess set / a book from Gillespie about Qatar and more Italian dishes from the stall of that lady . I learned a very important thing . Pizza frita or something is just like our Hungarian langos . That fried flat bread that is so much loved in Hungary . I have always thought that it was a Hungarian recipe . Now I am not sure at all .
We found a good number of sellers and contrary to our expectation it was not full of Xmas related items . If I had arrived with a lots of money I would have certainly bought some African batik textile /Indian carved chess set / a book from Gillespie about Qatar and more Italian dishes from the stall of that lady . I learned a very important thing . Pizza frita or something is just like our Hungarian langos . That fried flat bread that is so much loved in Hungary . I have always thought that it was a Hungarian recipe . Now I am not sure at all .
Sunday, April 07, 2013
the last day of the park bazaar
It was the last day of the MIA park bazaar on Saturday before the hot season .It was a windy day and I had thought that it might have been called off but it did not happen so .Though there were some empty tables but there were a lots of artists : I saw origami ,paintings ,handmade jewelry ,fancy shaped soaps and a lots of people selling not original art but handmade products from their countries /simply homemade food or even secondhand books and clothes .It seemed that the organizers let it to be an attractive community event where people get together and sell what they have whether it is art or not .
It is free ! So every craft men and women should be ready for the next art bazaar in November !
I liked Sue Akers handmade jewelry very much .She was wise enough to have her business cards ready on her table .This way I managed to show my readers her page .Think about having your own business cards .
It is free ! So every craft men and women should be ready for the next art bazaar in November !
I liked Sue Akers handmade jewelry very much .She was wise enough to have her business cards ready on her table .This way I managed to show my readers her page .Think about having your own business cards .
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Ikea restaurant review
Ikea restaurant can be found inside the furniture store -going towards Al-khor from Doha . It is on the second floor . It is cheap neat place with some simple selection of breakfast dishes and wider selection of dishes for lunch and dinner . They open at 9:30 and close around ten on week days and they are open till midnight on Fridays .
This is a self- service restaurant with a retro feel. Places like that were in abundance in the 70's and 80's in Budapest .You take your tray/tray trolley and then you take the dishes you like . There were sandwiches - gourmet plates /baby food /Swedish cold plate /Swedish meat balls . The most expensive dish was 30 rial - a large salmon steak grilled with steamed veggies .The dish of the day was 19 rial roasted chicken leg with Risi e Bisi . The other dishes were in between . They offered two kinds of soup . And three /four types of desserts : rice pudding , fruit salad ,muffin , and other pastries. The hot drinks came at the price of five rial - you must take an empty mug and pay for the nothing at the cashier .After that you can help yourself to your favorite coffee/cappuccino /tea at the machine and you can have free refill as many times as you wish . The same goes for the soft drinks. You pay at the cashier for an empty glass then you fill it on your own .Very generous treat -indeed !And the quality of the cappuccino was excellent !( and I am very picky when it is about the quality of coffee based hot drinks )
We tried the daily dish . It was the best risotto I have ever had . The roasted chicken leg was good . The rice pudding was excellent . My only concern was that we could not finish our dishes - they were too large portions and the restaurant did not provide any wrapping for take-away . So it was a sad waste of food for many other people as well -as I saw .
You can have a nice view to Doha -especially at night you can have this modern city feel while sipping a hot drink . There are two small playing areas for kids inside the restaurant -rather for preschoolers . There are products displayed for sale -large curtains this or that inside the place which somehow did not come out nicely to me . It was like they say " You are enjoying our cheap meals and drinks so you must have a look at our merchandise ."
Apart from that it was a nice new gourmet experience in Doha where I would return with pleasure .
This is a self- service restaurant with a retro feel. Places like that were in abundance in the 70's and 80's in Budapest .You take your tray/tray trolley and then you take the dishes you like . There were sandwiches - gourmet plates /baby food /Swedish cold plate /Swedish meat balls . The most expensive dish was 30 rial - a large salmon steak grilled with steamed veggies .The dish of the day was 19 rial roasted chicken leg with Risi e Bisi . The other dishes were in between . They offered two kinds of soup . And three /four types of desserts : rice pudding , fruit salad ,muffin , and other pastries. The hot drinks came at the price of five rial - you must take an empty mug and pay for the nothing at the cashier .After that you can help yourself to your favorite coffee/cappuccino /tea at the machine and you can have free refill as many times as you wish . The same goes for the soft drinks. You pay at the cashier for an empty glass then you fill it on your own .Very generous treat -indeed !And the quality of the cappuccino was excellent !( and I am very picky when it is about the quality of coffee based hot drinks )
We tried the daily dish . It was the best risotto I have ever had . The roasted chicken leg was good . The rice pudding was excellent . My only concern was that we could not finish our dishes - they were too large portions and the restaurant did not provide any wrapping for take-away . So it was a sad waste of food for many other people as well -as I saw .
You can have a nice view to Doha -especially at night you can have this modern city feel while sipping a hot drink . There are two small playing areas for kids inside the restaurant -rather for preschoolers . There are products displayed for sale -large curtains this or that inside the place which somehow did not come out nicely to me . It was like they say " You are enjoying our cheap meals and drinks so you must have a look at our merchandise ."
Apart from that it was a nice new gourmet experience in Doha where I would return with pleasure .
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Dolphin and seal show in Doha spring festival -review
It is more than 15 years now that I saw a seal show in Austria . They were amazing ,playful ,cheerful animals and they touched my heart .This seal show in Doha included two seals only and perhaps ten minutes .They were lovely but I expected something more .
The real stars were the dolphins here . During 40 minutes they were entertaining us . They played with balls ,with rings and swam with their tamers . The young man was very brave - the dolphins pushed him up in the air or pushed him ashore .These are quite heavy creatures and it was frightening to see how they threw this man out of the pool . The show was what you expect from a circus . No more no less .
Tickets were sold just before the show .It went very slowly . I wish they sold in advance as well .It was difficult to find the place and find out the info about buying a ticket .
P. S. there was a strange incident during the show .. a bird flew very fast very close to us then suddenly changed its direction in a sharp angle and flew away but it came back minimum three times .. what the heck it might have been ? It made the same with the audience of the opposite site .Was it a real bird ?
The real stars were the dolphins here . During 40 minutes they were entertaining us . They played with balls ,with rings and swam with their tamers . The young man was very brave - the dolphins pushed him up in the air or pushed him ashore .These are quite heavy creatures and it was frightening to see how they threw this man out of the pool . The show was what you expect from a circus . No more no less .
Tickets were sold just before the show .It went very slowly . I wish they sold in advance as well .It was difficult to find the place and find out the info about buying a ticket .
P. S. there was a strange incident during the show .. a bird flew very fast very close to us then suddenly changed its direction in a sharp angle and flew away but it came back minimum three times .. what the heck it might have been ? It made the same with the audience of the opposite site .Was it a real bird ?
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