Now that summer is calling a truce, outdoor dining is entering the scene. SD heads to Aqua Lounge for an evening of incredible views and an extensive protein spread.
Aqua Lounge, located on the mezzanine floor, just above the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha poolside, is a great segue into Qatar’s al fresco season. With the temperatures dropping and a brand-new menu, it’s no surprise that we’re comfortable, seated in our cabana at one of the country’s coolest terrace venues.
The space is lined with sofas below canopies, each with hanging plants. The weather is pleasant and we’re happy to have a few mocktails on the terrace. Each seating section has an outdoor air-conditioner, too. Perfect. We start off with Aqua Lounge’s signature Lemon Iced Tea and a Virgin Strawberry Mojito, taking in the amazing views and appreciating the cosy, chic atmosphere.
The terrace has a stunning view of Doha, with the towering, lit-up skyscrapers in West Bay surrounding us. The colourful buildings make for a magical evening ambience. The sunsets must be great here, but we have just missed it. Get the right time frame, and you’ll have an Insta-worthy picture. We move into the air-conditioned cabana (with glass doors, seating for at least six people and our very own television) to kick off our dining experience this evening.
The chef introduces himself and tells us a little about the new menu. We’re expecting some top flavours as all his new preparations focus on Latin American barbecues.
We begin with a large Chips and Dips Platter. The chips are homemade – a mix of potato and beetroot – with three unique dips. Our favourite is the French onion, a fun take on a classic flavour with cream cheese as the base and caramelised onions on top. The spinach and artichoke is a surprise – served cold. We’re a little apprehensive at first, but one dip into it, and it’s clear the chef knows what he’s doing. It is savoury and delicious. The third variety is a mix of blue cheese and ranch – a real treat for blue cheese lovers.
Two salads are served and it’s a tough choice between a Charred Mango and Avocado Salad with a honey ginger dressing versus a Flank Meat Salad, mixed with lettuce and a blue cheese dressing. The meat is cooked wonderfully and, as much as we want to finish it all, we have to save some space for a generous Angus Beef Burger. We can’t pick a winner, but the former salad has fried cashew nuts – so you decide.
On the side, the chef also whips up some delicious chicken lollipops tossed in Buffalo sauce with a blue cheese dressing. This is a great snack and goes very well with the lemony Aqua Iced Tea.
A BLT makes a brief appearance. It’s not ordinary. Beef bacon is layered on sourdough, with avocado and Boursin cheese. What a nice twist.
It’s time for the main affair. A massive platter of all the meats you can imagine. Perfect for sharing. The American Barbecue Grill Platter features individual portions (trying to put the size into perspective) of short rib, flank meat, brisket, picanha and homemade beef sausage. There’s so much to enjoy in this truly glorious selection of turf, precisely sliced up and seasoned. Alongside, we’re served jacket potatoes and sour cream topping – an excellent complement to the meats. There are veggies on the side, too, but we’d be lying if we said we ate those. We’ve gone a bit too far with the protein. The end is a chocolate dessert. Cubed brownies are topped with ice cream and a chocolate cup sits on the glass rim. Now for the fun part – we pick up a small jar of hot chocolate sauce and pour it into the cup, which then melts into the brownies and ice cream. Decadent is one way to describe it. But realistically speaking, there cannot be a better way to end this rich meal. The cabanas feel rather homely (if you live in a home with amazing views of Doha city), and the staff always check on us. We never have to wait too long before asking for something.
There is a DJ playing music right across a beautifully decorated bar area. Look over for great views of the pool.
Overall, Aqua Lounge is an impressive terrace venue and, with this new menu launch, we’re convinced it’s going to become a mainstay in Doha’s dining scene, especially this winter.
For more information or to make a reservation, please call
Aqua Lounge at Marriott Marquis City Center Doha on 4419 5000.
@aqualoungedoha
@marriottmarquisdoha