Here at Qatar Eating we have discovered that there are some quite spectacular places to eat out in Doha where you can find epicurean delights in venues with amazing views. But, how about checking out restaurants based upon the Chef behind the menu? When eating out we pick our restaurant choice based upon varying factors from cost and location to personal recommendations and special events. But how many of us actually choose based upon who is going to be wearing the chef’s hat?
The Executive Chef is often the personality behind the restaurant, and his vision goes towards determining the direction of the overall menu. He is also in charge of the ingredients ordering system and may even source the products himself, particularly if they are gourmet ingredients such as black truffles.
Surprisingly, Chefs in such a high role may spend little time on actually cooking the dish. Their duties require them to create an impressive and technically proficient menu, but it will be their fellow colleagues who will do most of the cooking. Communication can be difficult in an international setting like Doha where many different languages are spoken, but he has to also ensure that his fellow chefs and kitchen colleague’s work to high standards for up to 14 hours a day.
Here are just a few of our favourite food maestros’ – and with the planned openings, such as Nobu at the Four Seasons, we are sure that we will be adding to this list very quickly!
WHO: The Head Chef at Kempinski Marsa Malaz’s Spanish-inspired restaurant, El Faro. His menu highlights the art of paella and serves traditional tapas in a relaxed creative setting. The walls of the dining room are painted in a modern graffiti interpretation of Picasso art.
FOOD: Try the tapas bites, the seafood-packed paella or the oxtail stew. But leave room for dessert of authentic churros.
KEEP IN TOUCH: Raúl has an excellent Twitter account where he posts regularly both in Spanish and English. Even better are his tweets and photos of El Faro @elcabanyal128.
BOOK: Call 40355011 for dinner service (5-11.30pm) or email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com to make a reservation.
WHO: Head Chef Durmus at the Grand Heritage’s Agora. His Turkish-inspired cuisine has helped Agora win the ‘Time Out Doha Award 2014’ for Best MENA (Middle East and North African) regional restaurant. He is lauded for bridging the gap between traditional Turkish dishes and contemporary elements.
FOOD: Celebrate the Qatar-Turkey Year of Culture 2015 by trying dishes such as lamb kofta, Tavuk Guvec and Beyti.
BOOK: Located in Aspire Zone call 4445 5555 to make a reservation.
WHO: Market by Jean-Georges is the multi-award-winning restaurant concept by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The current Executive Chef Carlos is keeping his eye on the culinary scene with his sophisticated plating and perfect flavour pairings.
FOOD: Try everything – new on the menu to try currently are the short ribs! The express Business Lunch is a great introduction to the gourmet food on offer.
KEEP IN TOUCH: Check out Chef Carlos’ twitter account with lots more dish pictures @Chef_CarlosE
BOOK: Call 4453 5135, or email BnFreservations.wdoha@Whotels.com.
WHO: He is the new Chef in town over at the Italian restaurant Il Teatro at the Four Seasons.
FOOD: Vegetable Minestrone Soup, Romagna Style Lasagna, Lamb Chops and yummy desserts….the must-try list is never-ending!
KEEP IN TOUCH: Chef Marco has a twitter account which he updates now and then @marcoarlotti.
BOOK: Call 4494 8600 to make a reservation.
When choosing your next restaurant venue don’t forget to consider one of the most important components – that of the role of the head chef. Keep an eye out for more of these Chef posts – we here at Qatar Eating are out to applaud the maestros of Doha!