Culture Vulture | Fire Station Museum

Culture, Lifestyle, Photography, Travel, Uncategorized

The art movement in Qatar is in its infancy but it has a lot of potential. Not only that the government is very keen in amassing a good wealth of artwork from all over but is determined in developing talents within the country. A perfect example of this is the Fire Station Museum which originally housed the fire brigade. The idea of recycling a Civil Defense building to become an art hotspot is superb! But it doesn’t stop there. Qatar’s Museum Authority uses this hub to hone emerging creatives thru their residency program which I believe is what needed to propel the country as an art destination.

Photo Credit: Veronica Yu

Last week, we made a quick visit (my first) and on display is the German Encounters exhibit. It’s a very interesting collection of works that range from photographs to paintings to the mundane (stovetop?). According to the museum’s website, these pieces are from the Deutsche Bank Collection. I am neither an art critic nor enthusiast but I appreciate the idea and effort they put into this.

Here are some photos I took during my visit.

Just looking around…

There’s a section where you can submit words from your native language as well. I spotted some Ilocano (a dialect in the Philippines) words in the mix.

I don’t know but this reminds me of those beach hats Koreans wear when travelling in the Philippines.

That girl is working it!

This can be a good fabric print!

There’s also Cafe #999 in the compound for when you need a break from all the walking and looking around. They serve breakfast so this can be a good option during the weekend . Next to the cafe is an art supply store where you can buy all the stuff you need for your next masterpiece. LOL.

So, have you been?

B3W

In Photos | Christmas 2017 In Doha

Culture, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

For the fifth consecutive year, I’m celebrating the yuletide here in the sandpit and away from home. Some of you who have never stepped foot in this part of the world may think that Christmas in the desert is not the same as in the Philippines or Europe or in the US. It may be true to some extent (Qatar is a Muslim country so Christmas is not really considered a holiday—yes, we work on Christmas…and New Year’s too) but most of the things you enjoy or traditions you do back home to make this season memorable can be replicated here as well.

Oh, and cheat week (month is more precise?) is enforced. Yay for turkey!

Dinner at the Mestarihis

But first, photo op…:-)

and another one

(Early) Media Noche Feast at Sabai Thai

The lobby at Westin Doha.

And then, gluttony (I love my Asian food).

Welcome drinks at Sabai Thai

Care for some papaya salad?

Taking a break

Cheers to all the hardworking expats in Doha!

Night Out at the Souq

Shisha? Turkish coffee? Souq? Sign me up!

Bring it on 2018! I’m ready for you!

***

It was a great week despite the fact that I was alone at home—a first in five years I’ve been staying in Doha. I would have gone out more, maybe visited some museums, but I was too lazy. Must be the weather. LOL. I had fun and I hope everyone enjoyed theirs as well.

Cheers!

B3W

Saturday Brunchin’ at Santa Monica Breakfast Club Doha

Life In Doha, Tummy Adventure

Last Saturday, we went to meet some friends for brunch at the Santa Monica Breakfast Club located in Grand Hyatt Hotel (just opposite of Lagoona Mall).

The first thing you’ll notice when you walk in is the decor. Everything is vivid and colorful—from chairs to table napkins to the murals on the walls. This place will definitely put a smile on your face.

Weekends are made for brunches (and sleeping). It’s a fact. Do not argue with me.

Our group ordered the Super Nachos and some fries (regular and sweet potato) for starters. The fries were textbook—nice and crisp. The nachos, on the other hand, weren’t overloaded like the ones being served in other casual dining spots but was quite OK. It has the basics—nachos, cheese, sour cream, salsa and guacamole.

For our mains, most of us opted for the salad. I had the Ocean’s Eleven salad which is basically fennel, celery, octopus and some greens in orange dressing. It was light and the fennel didn’t overpower the other ingredients. The rest went for the Californication salad, Santa Margarita pizza, Pan Con Chicharon, Brekkie Bao Buns (this looked so yum but it’s meat so deadma) and Sweet Soy Glazed Chicken. I didn’t hear anyone of them complaining so the food they had must be good.

Ocean’s Eleven

Santa Margarita and Super Nachos

Eating out in Doha, just like everywhere else, can be expensive and will make you think twice about spending your hard earned money. But if you have the Entertainer app on your phone, it becomes guilt-free as you can use 2 for 1 vouchers (maximum of three per table) to trim down the bill. We used three and saved a lot! If you don’t have it yet, you may download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

B3W

A Great First Time | Stock Burger Co. at Holiday Inn Doha

Tummy Adventure

A few months ago, I started a mostly plant-based diet and when you’re someone like me who used to devour a lot of meat, the transition can be dreadful. I said mostly because I refuse to end my relationship with seafood—NOPE, not gonna happen.

Eating out can be a problem since most restaurants have limited vegetarian options. So when my colleagues decided last Thursday to try out this burger place at the new Holiday Inn on Airport Road, I was adamant to go thinking that my options will be limited to fries and slaw. But I didn’t feel like eating by myself so I went with them and hoped for the best.

The place was empty when we arrived. Not a good sign but considering they open at 12, it’s understandable—at least we won’t be competing with other hungry customers waiting to be served lunch. LOL.

Photo Credit: Stock Burger Co. Facebook Page

Let’s do a quick review, shall we?

The Look: This is a legit sportsbar. Think Champions at the Marriott Marquis Hotel but with better table setting. There’s also a bar set up right in the center serving alcohol and mocktails. This is the place to be if you’re a sports fanatic—they have viewing rooms with retractable leather seats and huge monitors.

In general, the place is great and perfect for after-work munchies with friends.

The Taste: I ordered the veggie burger which is surprisingly good—and no, it doesn’t taste like meat. LOL. The portion is good considering I only had a single. The sweet potato fries and onion rings are top-notch! Best we’ve had in Doha so far. The others went for the beef burgers and weren’t disappointed either. Certainly a place I wouldn’t mind going back to.

The Cost: Prices are not steep compared to other restaurants serving gourmet burgers. A decent lunch will cost you less than QAR100.

Overall, Stock Burger Co. is a nice addition to Doha’s food scene—good selection of food and drinks, average pricepoint and tasteful decor. Worth the try if you happen to be in the Najma area.

B3W

Culture Vulture | Museum of Islamic Art

Culture, Lifestyle, Photography

The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha is one of the best museums in the country. Inside and out, the place is just beautiful. As I read from the museum’s website, the architect behind the design is I.M. Pei.

Iconic!

This place is a nice break from the malls and hotels expats usually go in and out of. Check out their website for exhibition and opening times information.

Here are more photos from my visit: