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GCC
LET’S DO LUNCH
For all the time-crunched executives who often forgo lunch, bq lists some good reasons to change your modus operandi. By Shereen D’Souza, Doha Decisions are best made on a full stomach, according to researchers at Cambridge University. They conclude missing meals lowers levels of the brain chemical serotonin which plays a key role in regulating emotions such as aggression. Low levels of serotonin may mean emotions overrule and bad decisions are made. Fortunately for all decision-makers, Qatar and the GCC have an array of express lunches - far better than on the go.
Medi, Qatar
La Varenne, Qatar
Medi at The Village draws inspiration from the warmth and hospitality of the countries around it. The restaurant menu is a fusion of Italian, Lebanese, Greek and Spanish cuisines. The three course express lunch menu is reasonably priced, and a great place for quick luncheons. Price: QR 49 Timing: 12pm – 5pm Location: Near Midmac roundabout, Salwa Road, Doha Reservations: +974 4444 4700
Situated on the 28th floor of West Bay’s Tornado Tower, La Varenne is the only brasserie serving traditional French cuisine in a modern setting in the city. You can choose the two course or three course express lunches with about four options in each – starters, main course and dessert – the experience looks promising. Price: QR 85 for two courses and QR 95 for three courses Timing: 12pm – 3pm Location: West Bay, Doha Reservations: +974 4499 0680; contact@lavarenne.qa www.bqdoha.com
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Aroma, Qatar Stay healthy and select from the low-calorie menu options of the revamped express lunch at Aroma at the Kempinski. Simple and delicious flavours, carefully selected fresh produce and creative preparation are the ingredients of this fine lunch, best suited for business people on the move. The menu includes a dessert-to-go option as well. Price: Starting QR 90 Timing: 12pm – 3pm, Saturday to Thursday Location: West Bay, Doha Reservations: +974 44053325; restaurants.doha@kempinski.com
Chi’Zen, Qatar Chi’Zen at Oryx Rotana offers an express lunch with a contemporary twist on Chinese cuisine. The ambience is vivid yet elegant with a colour palette of blacks and rich reds. The menu comprises treats like the Warm Duck Salad, Crystal Prawn Dumplings and Sweet Chili Hammour among others. Derived conceptually from the critically acclaimed Zen chain of restaurants in Hong Kong, China, London and Mexico, Chi‘Zen offers a novel and exclusive lunch experience. Price: QR 65 for two courses and QR 75 for three courses Timing: 12pm – 4pm Location: Airport Road, Doha Reservations: +974 4402 3484
Paper Moon, Qatar Paper Moon’s trademark Italian par excellence in food and service can now be relished in Doha with the opening of its new restaurant at Jaidah Square. In the midst of soothing décor and relaxed ambience, you can now savour their express lunch menu and choose three courses from a selection of set menus. Valet parking is available. Price: QR 79 per person Timing: 11:30am – 4:30pm Location: Jaidah Square, Airport Road, Doha Reservations: +974 4016 6000; papermoondoha.com
D’Chopstix, Qatar The express lunch at D’Chopstix, Holiday Villa Hotel & Residence has two options for customers - a Chinese set lunch which is served with soup, a choice of main course, rice and fruit. A set lunch with soup, noodles and fruit is also available. The other option is the Japanese set lunch with a Bento Box or Teppanyaki set, soup and fruit and Don Buri – a combination of rice, main course served in a bowl, soup and fruit. Price: Starting QR 55 for both Timing: 11:30pm – 3pm Location: Al Muntazah, Doha Reservations: +974 4408 4230; chopstix@holidayvilladoha.com
www.bqdoha.com
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Golestan, Bahrain Golestan Iranian Restaurant at the Sheraton is a good option for an express lunch. The starters include freshly made Arabic bread and some other classic dishes like Mast-o-Khiyar and fresh greens with feta cheese, walnut and mint. The main course has a lot of options like Jujeh Kebab Bestokhan and Koobideh served with Zereshk, Baghali and Saffron Rice. Khorest-e-Ghormeh-Sabzi is another option and is served in Saffron Rice as well. You can select any one option from the main course. Makhloot (Iranian rice ice cream) is served for dessert. The express lunch includes beverages as well. Price: QR 100 per person Timing: 12:30pm – 2:45pm, Monday to Saturday Location: Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, 6 Palace Ave, Manama Reservations: +973 1753 3533; golestan.bahrain@sheraton.com
Surf Cafe, Oman Located in Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa's Al Waha hotel, Surf Cafe is a relaxed internet cafe with indoor and outdoor seating that serves a wide selection of healthy fresh salads, sandwich wraps, home-made pastries and seasonal fruits. Take away service is also available. The express lunch includes Surf Cafe's Signature Nicoise Salad with Seared Omani Tuna, Surf Cafe's Salmon Steak on Olive Focaccia Bread and a Warm Apple Tart. Price: QR 170 per person Timing: 11am – 10pm Location: Al Jissah Street, Qantab, Muscat Reservations: +968 2477 6565; fbreservation.slmu@shangri-la.com
Mezzaluna, Abu Dhabi Mezzaluna, an award winning Italian restaurant is located on the ground level of the Emirates Palace and has views of the beach and marina. Their exquisite express lunch menu serves their traditional antipasto, a choice of one main course dish and a complimentary coffee. Price: Starting QR 175 Timing: 12:30pm – 3pm, Weekdays Location: Corniche Road W – Abu Dhabi Reservations: +971 2690 7999; restaurants@emiratespalace.ae
The Med, Dubai The Med at Media One Hotel offers a selection of two courses from a range of appetisers, substantial main course options and desserts. If you’re left wanting for more, you can throw in QR 25, and make your meal a three course one. Soft drinks included. Price: QR 83 Timing: 12pm – 3pm Location: Plot No.1, Dubai Media City, Dubai Reservations: +9714271000; bite@mediaonehotel.com
www.bqdoha.com
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