THE SPANISH DELIGHT

Discovering her love for Spain all over again, FACT’s Anushay Taimur Khan couldn’t wait to try the new menu at The Cellar, Oryx Rotana. Dreaming of tapas and all good things, she went to lunch at one of the best dining spots in Doha…

An underrated hotel in my opinion, I was absolutely delighted to hear about the new menu launch at The Cellar in Oryx Rotana. The property boasts a few of my most favourite restaurants in town and I have never been disappointed with the quality of their food. So, with high expectations comes great responsibility and I conveyed that immediately to the chef.

The Cellar was even more beautiful than I remembered from a few years ago. The spacious restaurant has a lovely view of the changing Doha weather with big windows that are covered with chicks, completely in sync with The Cellar vibes. I took a seat next to the window and witnessed the first wind of fall sweep Doha away whilst waiting for my appetisers.

Starting the Spanish extravaganza, my appetisers showed the variety that comes at this food joint. From Salpicon de Mariscos, Patatas Al Horno Con Huevo Y Cebolla to the magnificent Cangrejo Al Horno, I was already roped in for the hour. Personally, Cangrejo Al Horno, which is oven baked crab meat, stood out due to the different flavours of the dish. The Patatas Al Horno was a close second because you can never go wrong with baked potatoes in my opinion!

As soon as the Estofado De Rabo De Toro was served, I was instantly taken back to sunny Barcelona, sitting in a café at La Rambla, devouring the Oxtail stew that came in luscious tomato sauce, adding richness to the dish. I couldn’t believe I had found my own little Barca in the heart of Doha. As for the Bacalao A La Vizcaina, it couldn’t have been better than this. The garnishing, the taste and the absolute joy that followed after this – heavenly! Since I had requested the chef to surprise me with his own favourites, I could tell that the menu was carefully planned for a delightful evening for me. It is one thing to have a liking for a certain dish but, I always want to see what the chef considers his favourite and this was exactly the new thing I was looking for.

Conversation flows easily in the ambience of the restaurant and where I was waiting for the good ol’ churros to come in with the dripping chocolate sauce, the Chef surprised me by sending Tarta De Santiago, a Galician almond cake decorated with raspberry sorbet. I forgot all about my commitments after as I sat and took in every single bite of this glorious dessert. We cannot continue this conversation without mentioning the Quesada Pasiega, the milk cheese pudding which was amplified with caramel sauce – soft like butter and a treat from the dessert kings!

The new menu at the The Cellar certainly has its flamenco flair and you wouldn’t be happier to visit on any day of the week. The right drinks with the delectable food is all that is needed to complete a first-class act and this restaurant has got you covered for just that, and more. ✤

GO: CALL 4402 3333 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.