Last Friday was the first time the Chinese fine dining resturant at the Pearl, Tse Yang, hosted a Friday brunch. Having lived in Doha for 6 years now, I generally run away when there is a brunch because of the infamous Doha Dozen or Doha stone. I've gathered more than my share of both; but it sounded unique enough that I was curious. Tse Yang has been brought to The Pearl-Qatar by Hospitality Development Company (HDC) and is famed worldwide for the elegance and sophistication of its authentic Chinese cuisine.

My husband and I attended what will likely fast become our favorite brunch and gorge alternative. Tse Yang has a family friendly feel with a room dedicated to children's activities so if you have little ones (like we do, toddler age) you can feel safe that they won't run through the halls as may be the case at hotel brunches. Face painting, stuffed animals, and other activities keep the young ones busy while you taste the finer points of the splendid buffet.

The Tse Yang story began in Paris, the culinary capital of the world, in 1980. Since then it has brought its unique blend of classic Chinese cuisine and contemporary dining to cities as far afield as Geneva, Munich, New York and now Doha. The name Tse Yang refers to part of Beijing’s famous Forbidden City and is designed to evoke the glamour of the Chinese emperors.

And there's nothing spared from the elegant menu on Friday: from crab legs to dumplings and the dim sum trolley that makes its rounds through the resturant, you can sip to your heart's content and feast at a pace only possible with the delights of the far East. Save room for dessert as the bite size treats are the perfect way to top off an indulgent afternoon.

The first Jollibee Middle East Convention was held in Jeddah, at Al Bilad Hotel. In this event, the first awarding for Jollibee’s prestigious F.S.C. (Food, Service, and Cleanliness) award for the Middle East Jollibee stores was also given. F.S.C. Award is the highest ratings being given by Jollibee Foods Corp based on the results of its extensive audit done on a per store level that assess each Jollibee store compliance to the strict standard of Jollibee.

Through the efforts of the management under the franchise leadership of Tariq Marzooq Al Shamlan of Qatar, Jollibee Al Meera in Mansoura, the first store in Doha, was awarded the Certified Star Award. This award signifies that Jollibee Al Meera is a certified Jollibee store serving only quality food and the highest standard of service and cleanliness. This award is the result of the commitment of Jollibee Qatar to give the best to its customers making their every visit to Jollibee a satisfying and memorable experience to remember.

The award for Jollibee Al Meera was handed by Dennis Flores, Vice-President for International Operations – Middle East and Asia-Pacific, Jollibee Food Corp. and assisted by Rodel Alcantara, Jollibee Middle East Operations Manager, Jollibee Food Corp.

Sunrise Trading and Food Stuff Co owned by Tariq Marzooq Al Shamlan is the franchise company for Jollibee – Qatar.

Throw traditional décor rules out of the nearest window and embrace Collective Soul, THE One’s most daring home fashion theme from their exciting Spring/Summer collection. This wonderfully distinctive style ambitiously blends colours, textures and shapes, with a multitude of cultures and time periods, to create a truly exciting result.

As the saying goes, ‘the living room is at the heart of the home, and comfort is what keeps it beating’. So starting with a simple yet stylish grey backdrop, fashion a luxuriously lived-in look by using key pieces with real personality, such as an inviting down-stuffed black leather sofa, a rustic coffee table made from recycled wood and a solid brass Balinese-design side table.

This eye-catching eclectic theme oozes international appeal with its mixture of urban industrial chic and Asian elements, like a gunmetal sideboard and an oriental cabinet in alluring aqua. But the secret to this modern style is allowing the vibrant accessories to do the talking. For example, punched steel ceiling lamps and a unique patchwork kelim rug inject a touch of Moroccan magic, while Chinese calligraphy prints, orchids and a Buddha statue add far eastern flair.

To bring a polished yet funky flavour to the dining room, begin with a statement-making table crafted from bamboo and stainless steel. Complement it with elegant dining chairs, upholstered in white linen and garnish with a spread of Asian-inspired tableware.

As a part of the ongoing Lulu Food Fiesta 2011, Regional Director of Lulu Hypermarket Group Mohamed Althaf inaugurated the ‘Biriyani Bash’ yesterday at the D-Ring Road branch of the Lulu Hypermarket. Over 26 varieties of Biriyanis are on display at the festival.

Merwebhotel Central Doha held an Easter themed cooking class for an enthusiastic crowd of junior Chefs. Children were actively working with real ingredients, under the amused yet professional supervision of Executive Head Chef Hendro Widjanarko.

“As a Qatari brand, we take great interest in collaborating with the local community and encouraging creativity among the younger generation,” said Ruwaida Abela, the hotel’s PR and Marketing Manager.

A crowd of 15 children between the ages of three and nine from the “Doha Mums” group were hosted as guests of honour at the “Qat’ra Deli” and began working on their Easter creations.

Appropriately dressed with especially made chef’s hats and aprons, the little cooks spent a couple of hours under the wing of the hotel’s chefs. Together, they learned how to prepare and decorate cookies. While the children were working on their masterpieces, parents were invited to share a delicious morning coffee break.

Merwebhotel Central Doha will today offer a special Easter buffet including kids activities, priced at QR135 per adult and free for children up to the age of four, children aged four to 12 will receive a 50 percent discount.

For more information call Merwebhotel Central Doha on 4409 4444 or visit merweb.com

The Mövenpick Tower & Suites Doha launched a Thai Food Festival in the presence of Japanese and Thai ambassadors at the Wok Mee Noodle House on Wednesday.

Thai Cuisine is one of the most popular cooking styles in the world, combining a selection of herbs and spices to produce a variety of dishes from mild to spicy. The beauty and sheer delight of Thai cuisine comes to Wok Mee during this special week with dishes from the land of smiles. All of these will be specially prepared by Thai Chef Somsak in his own unique style.

The live cooking market which was also available during that night, made the opening ceremony more distinctive.

This promotion runs until April 22 at the Wok Mee, coinciding with the Thai New Year celebrations of Songkran. There is a special a la carte menu available, plus a three-course business lunch set menu.

The Pearl-Qatar celebrated the opening of “Megu,” one of the most sophisticated New York-based Japanese restaurants, yesterday. Established in 2003, Megu chose the Hospitality Development Company as its exclusive joint venture partner in the Middle East and North Africa Region, spanning over 17 countries.

Walid Maalouf, general manager, Acquisitions & Development of HDC said: “We are truly honoured to launch Megu, one of the most exclusive Japanese restaurants in the world on The Pearl-Qatar. Megu goes beyond a usual dining experience, as it encompasses a lifestyle and refined cultural experience. I look forward to the successful introduction of Megu in Qatar, paving the way to more openings in the region.”

Guests including the Japanese ambassador Kenjiro Monji and other prominent personalities of Doha were served an extensive array of exquisite Japanese cuisine as they enjoyed a spectacular performance by Japanese drummer group, Voltage, and an alluring acrobatic act.

Megu’s extensive menu features signatures dishes such as Megu Original Crispy Asparagus battered in “Okaki” rice cracker, flash fried; Yellowtail Carpaccio, Chili ‘Kanzuri’ sauce; Salmon Tartare, Ikura Sauce with Salmon Caviar topped with soy-marinated Ikura and wasabi jelly’; Wagyu Kobe Beef Chateaubriand, and Kuwayaki-Grilled with Fresh Wasabi with Soy Reduction/Ginger and Black Sesame a la Rikyu.

Starwood Hotels and Resort group’s St Regis property is set to be opened in Qatar by the end of the fourth quarter of this year, according to a visiting official, who identified the local and regional markets as essential components of the group’s future plans.

Starwood’s global director of sales for the Middle East, Rene Camilleri explained that the region represents the second largest and fastest growing market for Starwood, who have some 47 hotels already established, and 21 more in the pipeline in the area. Already operating the W Doha and the Sheraton Doha Resorts and Conference Hotel, Starwood will open the St Regis this year, and have plans to open a Meridien in the country in 2013.

Rene Camilleri explained that as Qatar continues to develop, the prominence of Qatar Airways continues to facilitate its growth as a major destination. “The airline plays a major part in the development of the country,” he said, adding “the local market is primarily driven by corporate travel, there is more and there will be more MICE business which will be a key area – Qatar is a destination that can host significant meetings and Qatar Airways is a large part of that.”

He noted that with the World Cup to be hosted in 2022, many more opportunities will arise, but declared it too early to announce any other concrete plans for his company. With the St Regis set to open in Doha around the same time as the brand is also unveiled in Abu Dhabi, one of the hotels will become the first St Regis to open in the region, and Camilleri explained that the property will reflect the top end of the luxury market.

“This is our premium luxury brand,” he said, adding “it is the only band with a butler service and will cater to the top end of the market.” “You always need to have a brand fit – that is very important,” he argued, adding “you need to see what is needed in a city and then look at a good fit.”

General managers from Starwood properties all over the world took part in the roadshow yesterday, to meet with customers and other industry officials.

Camilleri explained that whilst London remains the most popular destination with travellers from the region, Paris, Germany, Austria, Kuala Lumpur, Thailand and China are also strong markets for Middle Eastern custom. Speaking at the Sheraton, Doha, Camilleri also expressed his pride at the property and the iconic status it has achieved as a landmark in Qatar over the years.

“The hotel still looks good, and it does exceptionally well in terms of numbers,” he said, adding “it is an iconic property and despite any new additions, it will always remain the Sheraton.”

The Renaissance Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott and the Marriott Executive Apartments Doha City Center will be opened in Qatar in the second quarter of 2011, a company spokesman yesterday said.

Mark Satterfield, chief operating officer for Middle East and Africa at Marriott International has announced the appointment of Oliver Kahf as the multi-property general manager of the three properties in Doha.

As part of his role, Kahf will oversee the final stages of the pre-opening phase of the three properties and spearhead them through to a successful opening and operational phase. Kahf, who has had a long and successful 30-year career in hospitality, had earlier led the expansion of the 763-unit Renaissance Mumbai Convention Center Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments in 2008 as its multi-property general manager.

Announcing the appointment, Satterfield said: “We are very excited to appoint Oliver Kahf as the multi-property general manager for our exciting launch project in Qatar. We will clearly benefit from the vast experience that he will bring to the well established and seasoned pre-opening team in Doha. We look forward to his leadership and vision in this exciting growth phase.” Commenting on his appointment, Kahf said: “I am thrilled to be back in Doha with these new Marriott properties, each unique in their own way, and reinforcing Doha’s emergence as a top destination.”

Kahf started his career with a number of F&B positions between 1980 and 1986 across Germany and Switzerland, and then took up an assignment with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. In 1988, Kahf moved to Doha in a sales & marketing role. In 1994, he took over as general manager at what is today the Hua Hin Marriott, Thailand, and later moved to Bangkok Marriott Resort and Spa. After a sabbatical from the industry, he rejoined the group in 2005 in Asia-Pacific as general manager of Busan Marriott in South Korea, followed by roles in Vietnam and India.

According to the Marriott website, the new Marriott Executive Apartments Doha City Center reflects the finest of serviced apartments in the city. It is conveniently located in the heart of Doha’s financial and business districts, 15 minutes from Doha International Airport and has beautifully appointed 1-, 2- and 3- bedroom apartments, many with breathtaking views of the Doha skyline & the Arabian Gulf. Each blends comforts of home, such as a full kitchen, entertainment centre, plush bedding and dedicated work area, with the approachable luxury, attention and services of a Renaissance hotel. The Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel is located in the new business district of West Bay, only 15 minutes from Doha International Airport.

“It is an elegant, hip & contemporary deluxe-class hotel offering breathtaking views of the Doha skyline and the Arabian Gulf. The Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel connects to the City Center shopping mall . All 257 guest rooms are expressively yet functionally designed, with complete amenities to pamper all, whether it is for the well travelled business executive or the fun seeking leisure traveller.”

Features of the hotel include state-of-the-art meeting facilities, an outdoor pool, Vitality Health Club, Saray Spa and an exciting array of upscale restaurants.

The Courtyard by Marriott Doha is also conveniently located in the heart of the city’s financial and business districts, 15 minutes from Doha International Airport.

“All 204 guest rooms offer a spacious layout with work desk, high-speed Internet, satellite TV, mini-bar and safe. The Courtyard by Marriott Doha City Center connects to the City Center Shopping Mall.

This month’s restaurant pick is the “Diet Shop” restaurant on Salwa Rd. The restaurant is under the umbrella of the “Nutrition and Diet Center”, in Qatar. At first glance it looks like a local deli on the streets of any large city. But step inside and you realise it is a full fledged restaurant serving a wide variety of foods from salads and soups to full course meals, from sandwiches and appetizers to tantalising desserts. There were many ethnic choices such as Chinese, Arabic, Greek and they even offer “sushi”. It was hard to believe they were diet healthy choices. Sometimes diets can be so limiting, but actually the preparation seems to be the key.

The menus are divided so that each food item can be ordered as a healthy choice if you are maintaining your weight or a diet (smaller portion controlled) version of the same item. The caloric content is listed for both.

The atmosphere is modern and yet cozy. The shop supervisor, Ms. Maricar Cabanatan was kind enough to give me a detailed tour. She explained that they have an upstairs area available for meetings/luncheons and even a small separate smoking section. According to Cabanatan: “At the Diet Shop we bake steam or grill all our dishes to reduce the fat and calorie content. In addition, all the desserts are made with fructose (sugar found in fruits) rather than ordinary sugar.”

The best thing about having lunch or dinner at the Diet Shop is that it is easy to determine how many calories are in each item. There really is no excuse for cheating. The food was very good and the presentation of the dishes was both colourful and appealing. My Chinese beef and crispy prawn starter were well proportioned and satisfying. The “chocolate tart” dessert was heavenly! Oh and by the way, they take weekly orders from their menus if you decide to create a total diet meal plan from their selection. Each week the menu changes just to keep things interesting.

I would definitely recommend the Diet Shop as a nice spot to meet with friends for a lovely lunch or dinner, minus the guilt.