The Diplomatic Club introduces new menus, new chefs

Epicureans in Qatar are no strangers to the succulent steak of Le Grill and the scrumptious seafood of Sayyad - the two restaurants of the Diplomatic Club Doha.

Based in the exclusive Qutaifiya Lagoon development at the entrance to The Pearl Qatar, the club offers members the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and entertainment with such amenities as a gymnasium, sports facilities, pool & spa, a beauty salon and a library and of course its gourmet restaurants. "The elite of Qatar have made the club their home away from home," says Dina Khlat, acting General Manager, and considering the number of high-profile members of the Diplomatic Club who visit regularly to unwind and network, it's no understatement.

"Meal times are always busy for the kitchens of the two main restaurants of the club, with dozens of tables of hungry guests with very high expectations. "Both our restaurants offer fine-dining, and as such have limited seating with only the best in food and service," says Alexander Trager, Director of Food & Beverage at the Diplomatic.

Le Grill is the club's famed steakhouse, which has a reputation for serving the juiciest, most tender cuts of beef in town. "We import the freshest Wagyu beef all the way from Australia to prepare our steaks," shares new Executive Chef Joseph Yammine, "and throughout the trip and storage, the beef is never allowed to be frozen to preserve its consistency. It is kept chilled just above freezing to keep it fresh without destroying its tender texture." Also known as Kobe-style beef, the meat from Wagyu cattle is known worldwide for its superior quality through a naturally enhanced flavor, tenderness and juiciness. "Our freshly baked onion bread is also a huge favorite with guests," says the chef with a proud smile.

Sayyad, on the other hand, is just as popular, if not more, for its exquisite seafood dishes and complementary cold mezza. "Our seafood is purchased locally everyday to ensure quality and freshness," shares Chef Joseph. "Our Hammour is unmatched anywhere in the world! Just ask our loyal customers." Aside from the seafood itself, the mixed grill is also hugely popular with guests, as is Shisha in the evenings.

"The two restaurants have proved extremely popular with our guests over the years," shares Trager. "In fact, we have a very loyal, discerning clientele, some of who dine with us every single day simply because nothing else compares." Then why the changes in the menu and the kitchen? "Both restaurants have been around for a few years now, and precisely because we have a loyal clientele, we owe it to them to provide some variety." Trager however promises that "while the changes will be significant, the essence of each restaurant will remain the same and all favorite dishes will find a place on the new menus."

While Sayyad's new menu was introduced last Saturday, the media will be the first to sample the new fare of Le Grille this Wednesday, including the new chef's special 'secret' sauce, new presentation and additional items on the menu. The new Pastry Chef Mohamad Hamdan is putting together a whole new dessert menu including authentic American cheesecakes. "Every bit of our desserts are made right here in our kitchen," he says. "No ready materials are ever used, and that's the secret to our legendary desserts."

Sayyad also gets a new dessert menu, as well as two new curries of chicken and fish by popular demand form diners. "Sayyad is a more traditional restaurant, and so the focus is going to be on innovative use of spices, special marinades and other time-honored ingredients," shares Chef Yammine. Chef Hamad has more to add: "The dessert menu will reflect the same theme," he says. "A lot of the new desserts will be fruit-based, and we're also introducing some traditional oriental items and frozen desserts."

While the jury is out on the new menus of the Diplomatic Club, there is little doubt that both Le Grill and Sayyad will continue to remain favorites with discerning diners in Doha. Perhaps the acting General Manager Dina Khlat put it best: "From the fine food & drink to the elegant presentation & sophisticated ambience and the company of Qatar's elite, the Diplomatic offers a whole dining experience that is unmatched anywhere else, and that for one is never going to change."