There are some fabulous things about Fridays – no work or school, enjoying a good meal out for dinner, and that Doha institution, brunch. But however great brunch is, sometimes it’s just a little bit too early (who doesn’t like a lie-in on Fridays!). There again, dinner is too late – you’ve sat around the house all day binge-watching Netflix and can’t be bothered to move…
Thankfully, those amazing folks at the JW Marriott Marquis City Center hotel have come to the rescue. Their authentic Cantonese restaurant Shanghai Club currently hosts the Sunset Brunch, which starts at a very pleasing 3 pm and lasts until 6:30 pm. So after a suitably leisurely day, off we went for some delicious food.
After a wonderful warm greeting from the maitre d’, we were shown to our table next to the window – the best place to sit! Situated at the top of the hotel on the 43rd floor, diners are afforded excellent 360˚ views of the city and corniche. Within seconds we were furnished with a welcome drink and a selection of amuse-bouches while we perused the menu.
There are a number of favourites on offer, all served at your table, so even more considerate of the hotel to think of energy conservation on our lazy day! First up on the menu are dim sum and spring rolls with chicken, shrimp and vegetable fillings and assorted condiments and sauces, as well as some curio called radish cake. We’d never heard of it before, but it was delicious and something we’d definitely order again.
For main course – and we recommend not filling up too much on the dim sum, delicious though they are – more of the chef’s specialities are featured. New Executive Chef Ooi Kar Kim introduced himself and talked us through the various classic and contemporary dishes that have been chosen from the restaurant’s main menu. We tucked in to slow-cooked beef brisket, mapo tofu, sweet and sour pomegranate chicken, crystal shrimp balls, spicy corn, green beans, pomelo salad, egg fried rice, stir-fried noodles with chicken and vegetables … there is so much food! And if you take a particular fancy to a dish and still have room for more, they’ll bring you another serving. The front of house staff is excellent, full of facts about the food on the menu and happy to help where possible with any dietary concerns you may have.
To compensate for our over-indulgence, we congratulated ourselves on the 10-metre dash to the dessert station, where we enjoyed a brilliant display of sugar work. Should you be interested in burning off more calories, walk around a bit more to also enjoy an equally engaging performance by the tea sommelier!
As the sun started to set over the famous Doha skyline, brunch came to a close and we waddled to the lift, taking in the chic Chinese décor on our way. Satisfactorily sated and in no need of further sustenance, the only quandary in the taxi was what to watch when we got home!
Facts:
Every Friday from 3 pm – 6:30 pm
QAR360 per person including special beverages
Reservations are recommended, call 4429 5295
Author: Sarah Palmer
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