SkY dininG AT

By ornA BALLoUT
124 / JULY - AUGUST 2012

STrATA

Mesmerising views, fun beverages and scrumptious seafood is all on offer at Strata, Dohas highest dining venue

GL AM experIenCe

CAViAr WiTH UmAmi oYSTer

HerB BUTTer PoACHed TUnA

Lime And CoConUT PoACHed HAmACHi

Smoked LoBSTer

THe STrATA ComPiLATion

An invitation to sample Strata was passed around my office before landing in my e-mail box; my colleagues are not seafood fans, and to be honest, neither am I. However, Im always eager to try something new, so I took the opportunity to visit Strata. Located on the 55th and 56th floor of InterContinental Doha The City, Strata is the highest dining venue and boasts some of the best views of Doha. I certainly cant argue with that. The restaurant, split over two levels, with a dining area on the lower floor and uber chic bar on the second, really does showcase spectacular sights. On arrival at the restaurant, myself and my two dining partners were ushered upstairs to the bar for a pre-meal tipple. The friendly servers were enthusiastic to give us the lowdown on some of the most exciting and popular drinks available. An interesting beverage menu pleases with a selection of classic and signature

beverages, alongside more entertaining offerings of molecular refreshments, which are produced through foaming or smoking techniques. The drinks are on the steep side of the price spectrum, so if youre on a budget, this is not the place for you. After consuming delicious beverages and splendid views, we were escorted to our table. The food menu offers a selection of three caviar and four oyster options, chilled indulgence platters of hand-chosen seafood, accompanied with Chefs sauces, salad and bread. We all opted for the Degustation Menu a five course set menu which costs QR 700. Each course is served with a different type of vino, so the price is justified. The first course presented was Caviar with umami oyster; it was tasty although I wasnt keen on the lemon foam which was generously coated over the portion. Up next was Herb butter poached tuna; as a tuna enthusiast this went down a real treat. This was followed by Lime and coconut poached hamachi; I liked the texture of the fish fused with vegetables and jelly, something different but delectable. The

fourth serving was Smoked lobster I adored this, especially the presentation. The serving portions are small but filling. Each course is presented with a specific beverage that compliments the food, but we couldnt drink quickly enough so by the time we had finished the meal we still had a table full of drinks to get through! My favourite part of the meal came with the sweet finale The Strata Compilation which is apparently proving to be one of the restaurant's most popular options. The dessert platter contains a mix of mouthwatering offerings including Guanaja chocolate millefeuille, coconut chocolate croquettes, Araguani chocolate crousti-fondant, jivara creme brulee, Grue de cacao olive macaron and Chocolate cinnamon sorbet. Strata is the perfect place if youre after a fine dining experience. Ill definitely go back to enjoy the views and clever cocktails, but I think Ill stick to the lounge and leave the dining to the fish fans. For more info visit www.intercontinental.com/dohathecity
JULY - AUGUST 2012 / 125