Lazy Saturday Brunch at Sel & Miel – actually not so lazy, more like enjoyable, exquisite, exciting and entertaining; in fact, excellent all ’round!

Sel & Miel at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha combines Qatari modernity with the everlasting values of the brasserie which places emphasis on flavour and freshness. Sel & Miel is à la carte so you can settle down and concentrate on the food and conversation. Make no mistake, the chefs here are masters of their craft and the flavours and tastes are exquisite.

Reminiscent of a Parisian brasserie, Sel & Miel brings an authentic slice of France to Doha with a menu of classic French favourites, kept up-to-date by the innovative chefs at The Ritz-Carlton for a young and modern audience. Designed to echo the tastes and flavours of Paris, the bistro-style setting combines nostalgia with excellent dishes that blend simple flavours and exceptional ingredients. Effortlessly sociable, it’s the ideal spot for gourmet diners to gather for à la carte choices, memorable specials and regular get-togethers like Lazy Brunch served every Saturday.

For the Lazy Brunch, the menu looks amazing with everything you could wish for but leaving you wondering how you could manage to appreciate all these dishes as they deserve. Not to worry, your dedicated waiter, in our case Mr Nader, is there to explain all. Firstly, he greets you with a welcoming sparkling drink. He’s friendly and informative with a professional desire to please. Firstly, you are presented with a full selection of famous French hors d’oeuvres and Nader explains everything: there is pâté, rillettes of salmon, charcuterie, tuna, king crab, prawn, burrata, and a choice of crispy or softer sourdough bread with dressings and condiments, including their trademark salt and honey – sel et miel.

Tuna
Tuna
King Crab Salad
King Crab Salad
Seafood Salad
Seafood Salad
Burrata
Burrata
Charcuterie
Charcuterie
Vichyssoise
Vichyssoise

Nader seemed to know everything and was always at hand to top up your glass with your choice of colour and carbonation. The variety of these tasty treats (I counted at least 10) was so satisfying, including the famous silky smooth soup Vichyssoise (a chilled creamy potato and leek soup which was introduced to Americans by French chef Louis Diat at the Ritz-Carlton in New York in the summer of 1917, to help keep patrons cool).

That was great and now the main dishes are a-coming. All the staff are friendly and sociable and we are presented with a greeting card and a special drink, I presume just to keep us in the mood… The barman (who knows everything about drinks) made a great cocktail with all the usual moves and shakes.

Four dishes that headline the best in French Cuisine: Foie gras – duck liver seared in a pan, with some brioche and apricot chutney – delicious.

Steak Frites (left) and Bouillabaisse
Foie Gras (left) and Confit de Canard

Then Confit de canard – a luscious leg of duck slowly cooked in duck fat until meltingly tender, complemented by lentils and skinny, crisp fries – luscious. Next up is Steak Frites – the French national (and now international) dish, slim, succulent, so easy to digest with the same mound of skinny fries which, unlike thick-cut fries, add a touch of drama to your plate, served with a soupçon of cafe de Paris, a flavoured butter for steak that’s infused with a tantalising mix of herbs, spices and savoury condiments – scrumptious. Then, down to Marseilles and the Mediterranean, to all the bountiful diversity that the sea offers, and that feast-in-itself Bouillabaisse, that mouth-watering mélange, that marine medley that aims to the depths of your soul – yes, it’s splendid, spectacular and sumptuous.

After that culinary climax, the selection of (thankfully petit) desserts, with a relaxing cup of coffee, was the ideal way to wind down and realise how many pleasant and agreeable moments can happen together in a short space of time. Variety is the spice of life, and in Sel & Miel we experienced the best cuisine, the best professionalism which was still friendly, engaging and proactive.

I will definitely go again and recommend it to anyone.

Sel & Miel – the modern brasserie in Doha – showcases elegant yet comfortable interiors with four different seating sections both indoors and outdoors. Lazy Saturday Brunch adds a touch of glamour to the Doha brunch scene to be shared with your friends and family.

Saturdays, 12:30 – 3:30 pm. QAR275 per person, inclusive of unlimited hops, grapes, beverages, cocktails, cocktails, soft beverages, tea and coffee. QAR125 per child (6 to 12 years of age)

For reservations or more information, call 4484 8522 or WhatsApp +974 5599 0916


Author:  Terry Sutcliffe

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