California Tortilla - Grand Opening

The Grand opening of California Tortilla was an interesting affair that had to be mentioned in our diaries. We were  thrilled to be invited to this exclusive soiree! 

Doha was in dire need of a place that served good Mexican food, and we are beginning to think this might be the end of our search. As we entered, we were handed stick-on moustaches which we could not resist trying out. The ambiance of the restaurant is diner-ish, very easy and comfortable. No muss no fuss. As we looked around we realized that all the tables were occupied. The evening was clearly a hit already.

As we were waiting for the tables, the Mexican Live Band started playing a song full of energy that occupied us. There were many busy tables and a lot of people were left standing, but this did not bother us as much. Eventually, we (finally) found ourselves a place to sit down. Soon after, a server walked up holding a tray loaded with chicken and meat burritos. They were just brilliant. The light bread was soft and delicious, filled with chicken/meat, flavoured rice and refried beans all seasoned perfectly. Since it was the opening and the food was meant to be tasted, the burritos were fun sized. We decided to call them the “three-bite-burritos” since we, with our raging appetites, could finish each in 3 bites and could not resist having more. We noticed that there were no vegetarian options, which was quickly rectified after we pointed it out to the servers and a vegetarian “three-bite-burrito” was brought to our table on a platter which was just as good as the non-veg alternatives. Joy oh joy.

Still shaking to the tunes of the lively band, we were definitely ready for more. We looked around expectantly and a large plate of fresh tortilla chips was brought to us. The chips were still warm as if pulled out of the oven a little while ago and they were delightfully crunchy. This was when we noticed the Wall of Flame. The Wall of Flame is a cupboard loaded with different kinds of sauces in varying degrees of hotness. We decided to go all out and tried everything possible from the not so spicy Ginger Peach sauce to the tongue, throat and stomach set on fire traditional Chipotle based sauce. It was a whole different kind of adventure as we started to explore the various flavoured sauces when a server stopped by again and handed us some salsa and the house guacamole. The guacamole was our favorite; the chunks of avocado, tomatoes, onions spiced with garlic and lime went well with the tortillas. Although the chips and burritos earned good marks from our end, we were hoping there would be more variety!

A special mention about the Servers of the night, they completed our dining experience. They were attentive, cheerful, swift and handled the crowd with ease.

Though we struggled to find seating and got bored with the chips after a while, we are definitely intrigued with the place. It is an easy, location friendly restaurant that is definitely going to be on our food radar!

We reviewed just the opening night, so we haven't included the entire menu. Would you like us to review the restaurant for you?

 

California Tortilla is located at C Ring road at the Ramada Junction, right opposite Chilis

Meal for two: Approx 100 QAR

Doha Diaries reviews are not sponsored. 

Spa Love

Shaily Agarwal, a long time resident of Doha, says that one of her favorite past times in Doha is trying out the different hotel spas around the city (We love her already!) Undoubtedly one of the best ways to unwind and unplug, a good spa treatment can leave you feeling like a new person. Shaily tells Doha Diaries about her favorite Spa treatments here in Qatar!

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The weather has been really fine this past week. For those of us who like to be out and about, the rains made the breeze crisp and the mood lighter. A lot of things can be unpredictable when you are a busy working professional. But something that is guaranteed to leave you refreshed is a nice, long day of spa indulgence.

For those of us who love the summer and have been a little disappointed about not being able to go to the beach or get that sun-kissed skin, hold your thoughts, for the summer is just around the corner! In this upcoming month temperatures will go higher and the heat will be up. You are going to crave that pleasant stream of water and that wonderful feeling of being pampered. Summer or not, we all love a day of rejuvenation, don't we?

And this is why, through Doha Diaries, I am giving you a quick snap shot of some of the most relaxing spas I have been to in and around the city. From mid-level to the expensive range, take your pick and see what suits you best!

The Movenpick Spa 

Situated on the 26th floor of the Movenpick Hotel, the Bayview 26 Wellness Centre boasts a wonderful view of the Corniche along the sea, and the Doha city while you sit in the warm Jacuzzi. I have tried the Aromatherapy Massage that is about the most soothing and relaxing massage there is. The staff is very nice and the rooms are neat and clean. Additional facilities include hot indoor pool, fully equipped gym, steam room and showers. All of this for QR 400 – that’s really not a bad deal for an entire day of respite!

Summer is approaching – what more can you want? Book your appointment here right away!


Angsana Spa 

Housed in the Wyndham Regency, the Angsana Spa is a cozy retreat in the middle of the busting city. It provided you with access to a small swimming pool with water baths next to it. I tried out their hydrotherapy - a mix of showers at different temperatures with sound effects – and their bliss package, which I highly recommend to you! It has everything a girl would want for her day out – a massage, a facial, and a wrap. What makes everything special is their customer service. They are ever so friendly and accommodating, that I would go back just because I can rely on being treated like a princess. The staff and manager make you feel like exceptional and are willing to tailor treatments for anyone who would like. Big points for great service here!

For more information, you can visit their website here .


Six Senses
 

A favorite with the women, this place really stands out because of its traditional Qatari architecture and archaic feel. It has a lovely mix of old town Doha with the modern amenities. Starting with delicious flavored water, the spa offers the best services at the Al Sharq Hotel. Their rejuvenating facial is a good option if you want to relax and tone up. Their focus is entirely on healthy living and caring for your senses. So much so, the tea the herbal tea after any treatment is a great finish to a well-spent day at the crossroads of the old and the new. Once a month, they also have specialists who host spa sessions. 

For more information, you could check out their catalog and the offers they have here.

The Four Seasons Spa

The Four Seasons Spa is probably the nicest spa I have been to. They have it all! When it comes to the Four Seasons, the facilities alongside the therapy rooms are the real attraction. A variety of steam rooms, water pools, Jacuzzi and the very unusal ice room! It does make the whole experience feel like another world. I tried the wonderful “Indulgent chocolate delight” that was unlike anything else I have tried. Who doesn't love a little chocolate in their spa? This treatment was the perfect mix of a fragrant coffee wrap and a warm chocolate massage. Though slightly on the expensive side, they do such a good job that you can’t not go back! Besides the most relaxing treatments and wonderful service, the Spa also features Franck Provost’s hair salon and the Nails Boutique. 

What are you waiting for? Check it out NOW!

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About the writer: Shaily is a resident of Doha for the past 12 years. She is a jewelry designer who loves to be creative with ideas, stones and silver. To know more about her and the gorgeous jewellery she designs, visit her facebook page here 

**Pictures used only for representation purposes