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Quick Bite: Oishi Sushi's Shoyu Ramen & Oishi Dhow

Monday, December 15, 2014
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3-Course Dinner at La Villa - Grand Mercure Hotel

We got this cheap deal on Qgrabs for a 3-course dinner at the Grand Mercure Doha. It isn’t actually an ideal place for a date because of all the construction going around in the Musheireb area but since I have about 6 unprocessed film canisters (yes, I use film) and the only place, Gulf Colours, in Doha that develops film in 2-hours is that same place, we decided to purchase the deal and schedule the dinner.

La Villa is a Mediterranean restaurant with exactly that feel. Although, the views from the windows are mostly on-going construction, the interior was still pleasant enough. We went there right after work and they open at 7:00pm so we had to wait a little while on the hotel lobby.

The interior of the restaurant is very neat and clean. You could definitely see the Mediterranean feel of the place from the warm lights and appropriate furnishings.

SOUPS

French Onion Soup

Chicken Tom Yam Soup

The soups were both very refreshing especially the Tom Yam Soup. My husband says its the best Tom Yam he's tasted in a while.

MAIN COURSE

Moroccan Chicken Tajine

The Chicken Tajine was a surprise, I was a bit hesitant with this dish but I wanted to try it at the time. It was first time to try a Moroccan dish so I didn't know what to expect. After having tasted it, I would say that it was a great experience and I would love to try more Moroccan dishes.

Beef Tenderloin Aiguillettes with Gravy

This dish was a sure win, the tenderness of the beef and the savory gravy sauce was the perfect combination.

DESSERT

Caramel and Pear Treat

This tart-ish dessert topped with blueberries was not at all too sweet (just the way I like it).

Dark Chocolate Tower with Orange Sauce

The Chocolate Tower is a mouse based dessert covered in dark chocolate served with orange sauce and berries. The perfect top-off to any meal.

The overall place was warm and the staff was accommodating. The waitress was overly chatty and very friendly. We would surely come back for a second visit.

This is NOT a sponsored post.

Friday, November 21, 2014
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Gerry's Grill

Food

Gerry’s Grill is quite famous in the Philippines. The Filipino community was ecstatic when we saw that Gerry’s Grill would open in Doha, but of course we were not hoping for it to be the same from back home. There are a few things that we were certain won’t be available here in Qatar.

For one, it's famous Beer Tower will definitely be on the no-no list. It's branch here in Qatar will surely be a dry establishment. Of course some of it's famous pork items such as the Crispy Pata (Pork Knuckles) and my favorite Shredded Pork Adobo Bits will also be unavailable.

Well, enough about those that are not here and let's talk about what's available.

Baked Tahong

The baked tahong (mussel) is one of my favorites. The mussels are sprinkled with some cheese and baked.

Coco Fish Fingers

Fish Fillet coated in Coconut Milked and deep fried. These, I ordered on impulse but I was surprised when we had a bite. You can actually taste the coconut milk used for coating the fish fillet. Served with garlic sauce.

Seafood Rice

I was a little disappointed with the Seafood Rice, there was not much "seafood" in it, except for the mussels you see on top of the rice which I think was more of a garnish than for flavor.

Adobo Rice

The Adobo Rice was more my thing than the Seafood Rice. Cooked White Rice with Adobo Sauce and bits of Chicken Adobo wrapped in banana leaf.

Crispy Tadyang ng Baka

Crispy Tadyang ng Baka (Beef Ribs) is the best substitute for Crispy Pata (Pork Knuckles). I was very surprised as it was very tender and the meat was actually falling off the bone. It is served with soy sauce and vinegar.

Inihaw na Pusit

Grilled Squid, this is one of their best sellers and I would definitely recommend this for all seafood lovers. It is served with the same soy sauce with vinegar dip as the Cripsy Tadyang and some Atsara (pickled carrots and unripe papaya).

The restaurant is clean and the staff are friendly. Although, I would suggest that you order some appetizer as most of the food take time to cook.

They are located in Al Nasser Street, just right in front of Family Food Center. Parking is quite scarce in this area, but if you're lucky, you might just find one in front of the establishment.

GERRY'S GRILL
Al Nasser Street
Doha, Qatar
+974 4443 8323

You can check their menu here

Gerry's Grill Menu

This is NOT a sponsored post.

Friday, October 31, 2014
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Lunch at California Tortilla

Food

Just right beside our workplace, it's literally our go-to place for lunch (sorry not a Dinner Date post). California Tortilla is a Mexican restaurant which offers authentic Mexican food. Yes, you read right, California Tortilla is not an American chain. A little bit of trivia, California was once a province of Mexico in the early 1800's; thus, the name California Tortilla.

Now, enough about history and let's talk about the food.

Honey Lime Burrito

As much as I'd like to try all the flavors of their celebrated Burrito, I do not fancy black beans as much, so I stick to my favorite Honey Lime Burrito.

Beef Nachos

We like our dips and topping separated from the Nachos (we're weird that way) because the nachos tends to lose its crunchiness when the cheese sits on it for a long period. And everybody hates sloppy nachos.

Taco Salad with Grilled Chicken

Chicken Tacos

They usually serve soft shell tacos but you can always as them for the hard shells if that's your thing.

WALL OF FLAME

They have a shelf filled with different bottles of hot sauce ranging from mild to “super-duper” hot. The bottles are numbered from 1-4, 1 being the hottest. The top most part of the shelf is where they put the number 1s. Of course I get my sauces from the bottom shelf (yes, I’m a coward).

Wall of Flame

Our favorites

The bottles are also for sale for QR40 each, you can take one of the sealed bottles from the shelf and just pay for it at the counter.

It’s usually almost packed with people, especially those who work from around the area, during lunch hours and I hear they’re also busy during the evenings.

Although, I would suggest that you delay your visit after the road works along C-Ring Road are completed before you visit. Parking, right now is a major problem for this area, it has been since mid-February, when they started the road expansion in C-Ring Road.

CALIFORNIA TORTILLA

Ramada Intersection

C-Ring Road, Doha

+974 4434 4144

You can check their menu here

California Tortilla Menu

This is NOT a sponsored post.