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Torba Farmers Market Returns

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Pay a visit between 8am and 9pm every Saturday 

Saturdays in Education City throughout the winter are best spent at Torba Farmers Market.  

If you’ve been patiently anticipating its return as we have, we have good news for you: Torba will return this Saturday (December 10).  

However, before you rush to Ceremonial Court, note that the Torba Farmers Market is shifting to a new location next to Oxygen Park and Multaqa (Student Centre).  

With the new location, the market will be able to expand its plant section. Monthly themes, a kids’ area, workshops, and live cookery will also be available.  

And for those of you who own dogs, your four-legged friends are still extremely welcome. 

The Torba Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. until April.  

The list of vendors has not yet been released, but last year’s markets featured restaurants like Bao, Cafê Crêpe, and Toasted as well as coffee shops like Earth Organics, LOFT, and Waves.  

Visitors from the previous year had the opportunity to shop local icons like Cló Sunlight Apparel and Ecoterini.  

Interested in participating yourself? Applications for vendors are now also available.  

Keep an eye on @farmersmarketqa for the most recent information about the new site and the sellers at upcoming markets.  

opening on December 10th. Sat. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Farmers Market @farmersmarketqa, Torba Farmers Market, Multaqa, Education City. 

Hellas

Authentic slice of Greece in Katara Cultural Village

The Katara Amphitheatre is unquestionably the most breathtaking feature of Katara Cultural Village and a must-see for both visitors and locals. But the next time you’re in the region, we believe you should head straight for Hellas, an almost-as-impressive (albeit somewhat smaller) ode to Greek culture.  

At September 2020, Hellas opened its doors for business in Katara’s South Plaza, joining a small number of other Greek eateries already operating there. The decor, which features whitewashed walls, blue accents, and rattan finishings, will serve to some extent to transfer you to one of the Greek islands—without nearly as many tourists—and the outside terrace’s accessibility to the water is undoubtedly beneficial.

A brief glance at the menu makes our tummies growl as we settle into a cozy nook at the restaurant’s far end. Before going on to heavier courses like the eggplant rolls and bougiourdi, a bread basket and dips like tzatziki and melitzana are a must. Cheese enthusiasts will be in their element, and seafood aficionados will enjoy the grilled octopus with Santorinian fava or the calamari very much.  

The succulent and flavorful chicken souvlaki offered as a main course is presented on a skewer, while vegetarians will love the filling mushroom giouvetsi. Make sure to visit on a Sunday or a Monday if you’re going here for gyros (which, of course, you are). Otherwise, you won’t be able to place an order order it during the rest of the week. 

Choose the galaktoboureko, which is served with a scoop of ice cream and is topped in syrup, for an authentic treat. Even after our last huge feast, we still find ourselves squabbling over the last few bites.

On our most recent visit, we had no trouble finding a seat, but we anticipate that the outdoor seats will be in high demand now that the weather is cooling off. Service is prompt and courteous, and service members are always eager to suggest food (and to forgive us for our terrible pronunciation).  

This restaurant’s dedication to authenticity and delicious food will serve it well after a slew of new Greek eateries launch throughout the city.  

Greek flavors in Katara? Only Hellas could explain it.  

daily from noon to 11 p.m. Qatar’s Katara Cultural Village (4408 0810). 

B-lounge

Stunning pan-Asian spot overlooking The Ritz-Carlton’s marina is a must-visit for sushi lovers

B-Lounge unquestionably deserves an A rating for everything from the amazing ambiance to the delectable food, but as our most recent visit shows, service still needs improvement before it reaches that level.  

The environment will be the first thing to impress you, so let’s start there. The patio, which views out over the marina, will make a wonderful backdrop for any photograph, especially at dusk. Both spaces, which are divided into a restaurant on the ground floor and a lounge on the second floor that puts the lounge in B-Lounge, are chic and contemporary with copper tones, patterned wall tiles, and cloth that hangs from the ceiling to resemble sails. 

We start our meal with the sushi that B-Lounge is famous for after shooting a gazillion pictures. Although the veggie rolls with asparagus and mushrooms and the spicy and crunchy tuna rolls live up to their names, those who want to overindulge can order a plate of either 20 or 36 pieces. Fans of dim sum should choose the tom yum-sauced lobster dumplings, which are also a great choice, and edamame is always a good choice.

With entrees like ceviche, miso black cod, and chicken kung pao, you can explore all of Asia. For those who have already overindulged on sushi, a smaller dish from the robata grill would be a terrific way to end the evening, especially if you choose the avocado flame. The Thai red shrimp curry is also excellent. Of course, you may always end the meal with a sweet treat like the miso cheesecake or mochi. 

The B-Lounge is renowned for its cocktails as well. It has a wide selection of mixed drinks, some of which are unusual tea-infused drinks. We would have wanted to sample more mocktails, but the service is consistently exceedingly slow. We might tolerate a staff shortage, but unfortunately our server appears to forget about our table, so we end up waiting far longer than we would have wanted. 

We believe B-Lounge will lead the pack if the service is raised to the customary five-star Ritz-Carlton level.  

Sat. through Thurs. noon to midnight; Fri. 1pm to midnight. West Bay Lagoon, The Ritz-Carlton Doha, and loungedoha.com (5080 4421).

Best Spots to see West Bay skyline views in Doha

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Parks, cafés and restaurants with incredible views 

The West Bay skyline must rank among the most gorgeous in the entire world, even if we are undoubtedly biased (cough).  

No matter how often we utilize the same route, the renowned skyscrapers never cease to amaze us and make journeys along the Corniche feel special.  

These parks, coffee shops, and restaurants should do the trick if you’re seeking for the greatest spots in Doha to take in the West Bay skylin

Aqua Lounge

Aqua Lounge is located on the seventh floor of the Marriott Marquis, tucked away among West Bay’s tall structures. Standard Arabic fare like kebabs, hot and cold mezze, and pitas are available on the menu. This restaurant is particularly well-known for its shisha.  

5 p.m. to midnight every day. West Bay Marriott Marquis City Center Doha (4419 5510). 

Hotel Park

The park next door is a great place to see the West Bay skyline because the Sheraton Grand Doha has been there before it rose. There are several cafés and restaurants to choose from, and the park’s modest hills are a well-liked location for picnics (and picture shoots).  

Always available. the Doha Corniche, hotelparkdoha.com. 

Jiwan

© Victor Bellot 

An absolute must-visit is the restaurant located on the fourth floor of the National Museum of Qatar. From above, you can see the skyscraper that was designed to resemble a desert rose as well as the West Bay skyline behind it. Visit this location for afternoon tea and the sunset.  

Open Mon–Thu, Sat 12–9 p.m.; Fri, 1–9 p.m. Al Salata, National Museum of Qatar, jiwan.qa (4452 5725). 

Infinity Rooftop Lounge

The Souq Waqif and the West Bay skyline are both visible from the 20th floor of the Alwadi Hotel in Msheireb Downtown Doha. On Wednesdays, the Latino night offers two hours of unlimited Mexican mixed drinks for QR150. Don’t miss it!  

Mon-Sat 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. MGallery, Msheireb Downtown Doha’s Alwadi Hotel  

(4009 9999). 

MIA Park Coffee Shop

The MIA Park Coffee Shop may be our favorite place in the city to watch the West Bay skyline while we wait for the Museum of Islamic Art to reopen. It is impossible to describe the vision accurately.  

4 p.m. to 11 p.m. every day. Doha’s Corniche, MIA Park. 

Nobu

The outstanding cuisine at Nobu, a multiple-time winner of our best restaurant award, ought to entice you. The largest Nobu in the world also has a spectacular perspective of the West Bay skyline from its location on a private island, which will have you going back time and time again.  

Mon-Sat 6 p.m. to midnight hours. Doha, Qatar’s Four Seasons Hotel, The Corniche (4494 8500). 

Sky View

The West Bay skyline may be seen in the distance from Sky View’s terrace, which is located on the 15th level of the La Cigale Hotel. From Friday through Wednesday, there is a happy hour from 5 to 8 p.m. Fans of Cuban rock won’t want to miss the Saturday Havana nights too.  

Open 5pm–midnight, Monday–Saturday. Inn in La Cigale, Fereej Bin Mahmoud (4428 8204). 

Sora

Sora is located in Msheireb Downtown Doha and offers a fantastic view of the West Bay skyline from the Park Hyatt’s 21st level. Don’t miss the sora san setto menu, which is available from Monday through Saturday from 4 pm to 6 pm and offers house beverages starting at QR25 and discounted dishes.  

Open Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday. Msheireb Downtown Doha and the Park Hyatt Doha (4009 4330). 

Vertigo

All of the restaurants at the Banyan Tree Doha offer up fantastic views of the West Bay skyline, but it’s the rooftop lounge Vertigo that has stolen our hearts. The pan-Asian lounge is super stylish, and will serve as a perfect background for some Instagram snaps. 

Open Tue-Thu 5pm-2am; Fri-Sat 4pm-2am. Banyan Tree Doha, Mushaireb (4410 3338). 

Must try trips in Doha

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Escape the city at these brilliant locations 

Doha offers so much to do that we frequently spend our weekends taking in the city’s top attractions.  

However, there are many good reasons to leave the city, so we’ve gathered some of our top day trips from Doha for you to try.  

As usual, we ask that you behave properly by cleaning up after yourself and taking your trash with you so that these locations can continue to be as stunning for future visitors. 

Must try trips in Doha 

Al Karaana Lagoon

Al Karaana Lagoon was formerly used for wastewater, but a restoration project finished in 2019 by the Public Works Authority of Qatar (Ashgal) totally altered it. Red foxes, desert hares, snakes, and other species of birds are among the wildlife that now calls the three man-made lagoons home. If you enjoy the outdoors, doing this day excursion from Doha is certainly recommended. 

Location: Al Karaana Lagoon

Al Safliya Island 

The West Bay skyline is beautifully visible from this manta ray-shaped island close to The Pearl-Qatar, especially around sunset. Although there are no facilities on the island, it makes for a great day excursion from Doha to unwind on the sand. A tour company like National Cruise or 365 Adventures can help you arrange a boat journey, or skilled paddleboarders can join Blue Pearl Experience and paddle across. 

365adventures.me / nationalcruise.com / bluepearlexperience.com. 

East-West/West-East by Richard Serra

One of our favorite pieces of public art in Qatar has to be Richard Serra’s East-West/West-East. The sculpture, which spans a kilometer in the desert, is made up of four 14 m-high steel plates. When juxtaposed to the barren environment in Zekreet, they are precisely aligned and appear magnificent. For the full effect, depart from Doha for this day trip at either sunrise or sunset. 

Brouq Nature Reserve, Zekreet. 

Galactic Core Bay 

Stargazers, this one’s for you: due to the lack of light pollution in the area, this bay on Qatar’s northwest coast is ideal for snapping pictures of the night sky. But be warned—the road to this location isn’t ideal, so you’ll need a 44 to visit it. Anything is fair game for the ‘gram. 

Location: Galactic Core Bay. 

Inland Sea

You should visit the Inland Sea right away if you haven’t already. It will steal your breath away since it is one of the few locations in the world where the sea meets the desert dunes. You may reserve a spot with a tour operator like 365 Adventures for an overnight camping trip or a day excursion from Doha, or you can drive your own vehicle. If it’s your first time there, be careful to travel with a club, like the Qatar 4Wheelers or the Dune Riders Club, both of which frequently organize trips to the location. 

Inland Sea, 365adventures.me. 

Purple Island

Al Khor Island, commonly referred to as Purple Island, is where you should go if you’re in the mood for some vegetation. Though it was the first area in the world to create purple mussel dye, don’t anticipate to be greeted by a sea of purple. Getting back to the present, 365 Adventures and Blue Pearl Experience both offer tours to Purple Island where you may kayak through the mangroves that surround it. If kayaking isn’t your thing, there’s also a promenade where you can take in the view from dry land. 

Location: Purple Island. 

Shadows traveling on the sea of the day

Our list of must-do day trips from Doha already includes Olafur Eliasson’s installation Shadows traveling on the sea of the day (2022), which was  unveiled in October 2022. The piece is intended to be “an invitation to resync with the globe” and is made up of 20 mirrored circular shelters, three single rings, and two double rings. Resynchronize, unwind, and shoot a photo on Instagram. 

Location: Shadows travelling on the sea of the day. 

Book QR499 hot air balloon flights with the Qatar Balloon Festival

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Book your spot before March 10

Hot air balloons flood the sky every morning at the Qatar Balloon Festival, which also features a variety of other entertainment.  

The Qatar Balloon Festival is making the once-in-a-lifetime experience more affordable by returning for a third year and offering discounted tickets.  

You may reserve a seat in a hot air balloon for QR499 per person between now and Friday, March 10 by going to the Asfary website here.  

You don’t want to pass up this opportunity, as airfares often cost QR999 per person. 

The actual Qatar Balloon Festival will take place from Thursday, January 19 through Saturday, January 28.  

At dawn during that time, a large number of hot air balloons will be launched. See it for yourself if you like? The precise launch locations won’t be made public until the evening before, so keep an eye on @qbfestival on Instagram.  

At the Old Doha Port, the festival will feature tethered balloon flights, live music, food trucks, and the renowned nightglow presentation from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.  

On the website for the Qatar Balloon Festival, you may discover more details.  

Flights in hot air balloons: QR499. Mon Jan 2 – Fri Mar 10. Several places, asfary.com.  

Qatar Balloon Festival: January 19th through January 28th, 4pm to 10pm. www.qatarballoonfestival.com, Old Doha Port. 

Disney Princess – The Concert is coming to Katara Amphitheatre

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Broadway stars will perform alongside the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra 

Disney aficionados, we have exciting news: a performance in Doha will feature more than 30 songs from the Disney Princess franchises.  

Between Thursday, January 26 and Saturday, January 28, Katara Amphitheatre will host a star-studded lineup of artists, including Susan Egan, who provided the voice of Meg in the 1997 film Hercules, and Hiba Elchikhe, who portrays Princess Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin.  

The princesses and their prince, Adam Josef, will sing songs from movies including Frozen’s Let It Go and Moana’s How Far I’ll Go with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.  

You’ll hear both humorous and touching anecdotes from the cast’s time on stage and television throughout the course of the evening. 

Prices for tickets, which are currently on sale through Virgin Megastore, range from QR125 for bronze seats to QR750 for VVIP.  

“We are happy to bring this extremely remarkable performance to Qatar’s inhabitants and visitors while giving a unique experience of the play with the live orchestral accompaniment of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra,” said Sheikha Hessa Al-Thani, head of marketing and planning at Qatar Tourism.  

This outdoor performance offers a fantastic evening for individuals of all ages and will undoubtedly round out our schedule of amazing activities this winter.  

If you intend to go, dress in your finest royal garb.  

125 QR (bronze), 250 QR (silver), 375 QR (gold), 550 QR (platinum), and 750 QR (VVIP). Thu Jan 26–Sat Jan 28 starting at 7:30 p.m. The Katara Amphitheatre, 

Katara Cultural Village, tickets.virginmegastore.qa.

Curiosa launches new Friday brunch

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Feast features all of the Latin American restaurant’s signature dishes 

Have you yet had a chance to experience Curiosa by Jean-Georges at the Four Seasons Doha? Booking a table for the new brunch at the Latin American restaurant is the best way to immediately rectify that.  

The lavish feast is served every Friday from 12:30 to 4:00 while live music is playing. It will take you through the best dishes on the menu.  

Naturally, the event will start with traditional appetizers like guacamole, tuna tartare, and shrimp ceviche as well as smoky ones like chicken tacos and sizzling shrimp in garlic oil.  

A squash empanada filled with smoked mozzarella and topped with pear salsa will also be available for you to sample. We assure you that this is sufficient justification for making a reservation. 

For the main course, meat lovers will delight in the grilled octopus, prime beef rib-eye, and arroz con pollo served with patatas bravas and Mexican street corn.

After all that, if you still have room, you may satisfy your sweet taste with fruit popsicles, tres leches cake, and cinnamon churros.  

The cost of Curiosa’s brunch is QR330 with soft drinks or QR598 with house cocktails, which include blended drinks with Mexican and Brazilian influences.  

For those between the ages of five and twelve, the kids package costs QR160.  

You might want to check out the happy hour if you can’t make it down for brunch.  

A tray of appetizers and two house beers are available between 6 and 8 o’clock on Sunday through Thursday for QR145.  

We like the sound of either (or both).  

(Soft drinks) QR 330, QR 598 (house beverages). Every Friday from 2:30 to 4:30. The Corniche, The Four Seasons Doha, and curiosadoha.com (4494 8600).

Jason Statham movie filmed partially in Qatar

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Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre features shots of the Museum of Islamic Art

We weren’t overly surprised to find that Guy Ritchie’s most recent film would feature the I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art, one of the most stunning structures in the city.  

The action comedy Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerre, which was largely filmed in Doha, is currently playing in theaters all around the world.  

Spy Orson Fortune, played by action hero Jason Statham, is entrusted with finding and preventing the sale of a lethal new weapons technology used by billionaire arms dealer Greg Simmonds, played by Hugh Grant.  

Along with Josh Hartnett, who plays a movie director, other notable actors include Aubrey Plaza, Cary Elwes, and Bugzy Malone who will play Statham’s team. 

In January 2021, filming was taking place in Qatar, where Statham was seen in the courtyard of the Museum of Islamic Art as well as nearby on a speedboat.  

After departing from Qatar, the movie was also filmed in Farnborough, England, and in Turkey.  

After The Gentlemen and Wrath of Man, Hollywood film studio MIRAMAX has collaborated with Guy Ritchie on Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerre.  

By visiting operation fortune.movie, you can learn more about the movie.  

In Qatar, are you looking for a place to view the movie? Read through our list of the top movie theaters in Doha. 

5 of Doha’s most Instagrammable restaurants

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Doha, Qatar is a city that is best known for its glitz and glamour. The city is filled with tall buildings and beautiful architecture, but it’s also home to some of the most luxurious restaurants in the world.

B-Lounge

The outside patio of B-Lounge is one of the city’s most popular spots when the weather cools off (metaphorically, that is). This Instagrammable restaurant is lovely both during the day and at night, and it also offers delicious pan-Asian cuisine. Because B-Lounge is known for its sushi, we hope you’ve been practicing with chopsticks. The Friday brunch is a must-try where you may sample maki rolls, sashimi, and other dishes including dim sum, sweet and sour chicken, and more.

The picture: Take a seat on the outdoor patio located below and smile with The Ritz-Carlton marina in the background.Sat. through Thurs. noon to midnight; Fri. 1pm to midnight. West Bay Lagoon, The Ritz-Carlton Doha, and loungedoha.com (5080 4421).

Bayt El Talleh

From its vantage point above Katara Hills, the Instagrammable restaurant Bayt El Talleh provides stunning views of the surrounding neighborhood, including the renowned Children’s Mall and Galeries Lafayette. You can choose from set menus for breakfast, lunch, and supper, and you’ll be able to sample traditional Lebanese foods like hummus, vine leaves, fatayer, and lamb kofta. The image: If you’re feeling camera-shy, take a picture of the stream outside the restaurant. If not, reserve a seat on the terrace outside for an unforgettable view.Open from Saturday through Thursday from 9 am to 11 am, 1 pm to 5 pm, and 6 pm to 2 am; on Friday from 1 pm to 5 pm and 6 pm to 2 am. The Katara Hills (4408 1777).

BiBo

The first BiBo restaurant outside of Spain, which was launched in Doha in March 2020 by renowned Andalusian chef Dani Garca, has been making appearances on Instagram feeds ever since. Every dish is exquisitely cooked and presented with style, and the surroundings, which are centered around an art deco-style bar, are breathtaking. Try the tableside-made guacamole or one of the restaurant’s specialty dishes, the black calamari croquettes, which are served in a white porcelain hand. The shot is to pull up a seat at the bar, but make sure you look the part. daily from 6.30 p.m. until midnight. The St. Regis Doha, Al Gassar Resort, and grupodanigarcia.com (4424 4870).

BOHO Social

Will the bohemian movement ever fade from interior design? That remains to be seen, but if you adore that bohemian vibe, you should head straight for the Instagrammable restaurant BOHO Social. There are rattan chairs, including one that can be hung, a lot of foliage, and dishes that are almost too lovely to eat. You may start your day with millennial favorites like aça bowls, croffles, avocado toast (of course with an avo rose), and eggs benedict. The desserts are not to be missed, especially the hot Lotus, which consists of a blondie-Lotus cheesecake topped with churros and Lotus macarons and is drizzled with sauce. The picture: Although we don’t set the regulations, we’re rather certain that you won’t be permitted back if you don’t take a photo on the peacock chairs.

Glass House

It’s no surprise that the Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel has some incredibly charming (and Instagrammable) eateries given that it was meant to resemble a Victorian mansion. The place feels more like a greenhouse, with plants hanging from the ceiling, so we think the moniker Glass House is a little misleading. You may anticipate international alternatives including pizza, burgers, sushi, and more since this is Al Aziziyah’s all-day dining establishment.The shot: Get close to the center of the room and luxuriate in the light, making sure to get both the foliage and the crystal chandelier in the picture.Daily hours are 6.30am to 11am, 12.30pm to 3pm, 3.30pm to 6pm, and 7pm to 10pm. Aspire Zone’s Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel (4445 5535).