“Chef Romel’s smoked lobster is an incredible gastronomic feat.”
A
s the lift doors open on the fifty-fifth floor of the new Strata restaurant you are transported not only to a sophisticated eatery but also to the pinnacle of Doha’s skyline. Floor-toceiling windows ensure breathtaking views and dining at night is particularly spectacular due to the close proximity of the bright lights of the ever-growing city centre. The décor is modern and chic with a black and white theme. Black Swarovski crystal studded curtains frame the stunning view and compliment the marbled tables and faux crocodile skin chairs. It’s an intimate restaurant with a subdued ambiance enhanced by dim lighting emitted from impressive tubular fittings, which overhang the majority of tables. An open kitchen runs the length of the restaurant and sports a striking glass front displaying sizable lobsters and huge langoustines on ice; tempting you with wares before you even open the luxurious menu. Make no mistake, this is a fine dining seafood restaurant. Even the menu feels expensive with pearlescent pages that sparkle as you peruse the fishy fare. There’s caviar and oysters in abundance, a choice of chilled Indulgence seafood platters and a selection of Western or Asian themed seafood. It’s a succinct menu and purely seafood — carnivores be warned, there’s no meat selection. On the Manager’s advice we select the Degustation menu, a chance to sample portions of the Chef’s signature dishes with each course accompanied by a glass of complementary wine. We begin our seafood soirée with a pleasant amuse bouche and then proceed with caviar perched atop a delicate blini served with a delicious Umami oyster and accompanied by a glass of Lanson champagne — just superb. Next is the herb butter poached tuna, perfectly seared it melts in the mouth and the Hugel & Fils ‘Gentil’ glass of chilled white wine is both fresh and fruity. Portions are small on this taster menu, so don’t be overwhelmed by the number of courses if you do debate the Degustation. Our next offering is a meaty poached Hamachi with zesty lime and coconut flavour, served with tasty baby bok choi. Saving the best until last, Chef Romel’s smoked lobster is an incredible gastronomic feat. Wonderfully fresh it’s still smoking under a domed glass platter when it arrives. The taste is beyond delectable. It’s unusually paired with a robust red wine, which surprisingly completely complements the smokey flavour of the lobster. Desserts are brought with a flourish, knowing they will provoke a gasp of awe. The Strata Compilation is a collection of six simply divine chocolate desserts. A chocoholics dream, each one seems to outdo the previous, leaving us unable to decide our favourite amongst such consistent excellence. Do make sure you ascend to even dizzier heights and try the bar above the restaurant, whether you dine here or not. Equally chic and trendy it boasts an impressive cocktail menu of the likes never before seen in Doha. The Alchemist has to be seen, and tasted, to be believed; the barmen here really are nothing short of scientists. The dishes at Strata are a feast for both palate and eye with unimagined piscatorial presentations that taste just as good as they look. Equally commendable is the fact that fruits of the vine, as well as the sea, are treated as an integral part of your dining experience here. With outstanding service, oysters, champagne and one of the best views in Doha, Strata is guaranteed to leave you literally feeling on top of the world. 97