The dinner we had at the Le Sahtain restaurant of the Hilton is one to remember. The smart and chic La Sahtaine brasserie has a sophisticated atmosphere with live piano music and a tempting a la carte menu influenced by modern French and Mediterranean flair cuisine.
We booked for this specific meal much before we get to Doha while still in Greece. The Hilton has only recently opened its doors here in Doha and it is located in the heart of the Diplomatic district on the Corniche. A friend of ours who dined at the La Sahtaine a couple of weeks earlier recommended it to me because he knows how picky I am on food and how I love the fine wine. The new Hilton is only a 15 minute ride from the International Airport of Doha.
The hotel is impressive with style and glamour. The restaurant is on the upper floor with a sophisticated atmosphere and comfortable seating. As we were going up the stairs we came across an all-glass wine cellar which was really impressive. I have never seen something similar in other restaurants. The sommelier was telling us that the selection of wines is extensive here.
The lady playing the piano -some steps on the lower level by the glass cellar was playing throughout the evening some of the most beautiful pieces creating the perfect ambience for a romantic dinner.
With all the above it was a guarantee for an amazing outing and because we wanted it to be that special I asked to see the Chef of the cuisine who would recommend tonight’s dinner. In a while Mr. Beermann who is German showed up and greeted us in Greek. What a nice welcome and a surprise that was!
So our dinner was based on Seafood and as a very picky person I asked for a variety of “nothing but the best” and relied totally on the chef. (Prices are in Quatari Riyals per person).
We had a glass each of fresh with fruity notes sparkling French champagne. (The NV. Nicolas Feuillate, Brute Reserve from Epernay). The cost was 90 per glass.
For a start we were brought a platter with varied bread rolls and crisps along with a nice creamy dip to accompany our champagne.
To accompany salads we had a bottle of Sauvinion 2011 blanc wine, (Nederburg) from South Africa for 225. We had 5 different signature samples of salads brought in a platter. Each one was of fresh superior ingredients of fine flavor and color, unique in its kind and so nicely presented! Mr. Beermann is an experienced chef coming from an industry where appearance and taste is paramount and has an eye for detail. We had the “Capress” salad for 55, Glazed Green Asparagus for 75, Poached Lobster Tail and Tiger Prawn for 95, Crab, tomato and Avocado Tian for 95, Thyme and Rosmary Flavoured Potato for 55.
I really love soups so next we had the Veloute Soup with fried garlic and fried sage leaves for 45. It was yummy!
Our Seafood platter included the Herb Crusted Fillet of White Snapper for 120, Chilean Seabass (A) baked in thyme for 160, the Fresh Mussels (A) 120, and the Butter Poached King Prawn with braised green celery, gratin potatoes and vanilla saffron sauce for 170. The taste, presentation and quality exceeded by far our expectations.
We had a bottle of Etheral & Delicate Wine. It was an exceptional 2010 Baron Phillipe de Rothschild, Mouton Cadet. –A Sauvinon blanc of fine taste which I can still remember.
Oh well, for dessert we had each the amazing Banana & Toffee “Napoleon” for 40. (Crusty puff sheets filled with toffee cream topped with caramelized banana slices). The second dainty morsel was the Mixed Berry cream Mess with “Meringue” Strawberry sauce for 45. Sugar was balanced and both dishes were unbeatable.
We had a sweet alcoholic beverage (Croft’s Tawny Port) for 35 to accompany the above desserts but we thought not to leave without trying at lease the Chocolate Mousse Cake that we always love so we had one that we shared. I felt for a moment guilty for the extra calories but the moment I tasted it I felt pleased that I had it.
From the style and ambience of the elegant dining room, to the delivery of unparalleled service, dedication to detail, makes every Le Sahtain experience one you will always cherish.
I highly recommend it for both business and romantic outings. Guys, keep the good work up….you are the best!