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Maneesh Bakshi
Doha
Sitting amid flourishing art scene of Doha Fire Station, as well as gelling with the past of its iconic building, an upbeat eating joint, aptly named Caf` #999, opened its doors to foodies on Saturday. The project, launched by Salam Hospitality in partnership with Qatar Museums, is a re-embodiment of what used to be a fire station, into a self-contained Art village.
One may not possibly be living in Doha if one is oblivious of this building that once housed the civil defence department of Doha, prominently recognised by its old decommissioned fire tender parked in front of its faأ§ade, reminding its past glory, the services it rendered and its brave fire fighters.
"It is a matter of great honour and pride for us to be a part of Doha Fire Station Artist in Residency complex, a flagship project of Qatar Museum, and by becoming the first one to offer our experience in the field of food and beverages by opening doors of Caf` #999 to the thriving artist community residing in this complex, and also to the general public at large," said Alan Massouh, general manager of Salam Hospitality.
The Fire Station is a dream project of Qatar Museums aiming to make art accessible to general public through its inspiring and dynamic arts centre with a creative atmosphere promoting an easy access to the art through public gallery, bookshop, art supply shop, restaurant, caf` and cinema.
"We want to express ourselves through our special menu which is an international one having a gentle twist to it making it unique in terms of its taste, flavour or something unknown that might force the customers to take a deep breath and wonder as to what they are having though it could be a simple burger," Alan told Qatar Tribune in a confident tone.
According to him, artists are simple people with simple thinking though they might follow a complex creative process."They still are simple to the core and our concept gels pretty much the same way. It has glass walls to three sides that makes it a place well lit with natural light and provides a great sense of freedom," he explained.
"The design concept of Caf` 999 is based on a minimalist approach comparable to an empty canvas, which in all its simplicity and rawness, carries a potential to be transformed into a work of art through an artist's expression. We foresee Caf` 999 to be a place for people to mingle over a cup of coffee or to indulge in a meaningful conversation over good food."
Talking about the distinctive features of the Caf` #999 offerings, the man responsible for its menu, chef Kumardeep Dutta said,"The dishes that we are serving in our menu can be termed as global food. Many of the dishes are based on European recopies with a bold touch of Middle Eastern cuisine. We have also included some camel meat preparations under the banner of tastes of Doha."
The chef noted,"We have given a local touch to the common caesar salad by using a typically Arabic sumac dressing and also by replacing the grilled chicken with regional delicacy of chicken musakhan served with shwarma bread. By little flirting with Arabic flavours we could present a classical sizzler salad in its completely new avatar.
"Caesar salad with chicken musakhan is certainly our signature dish in our salads and appetisers selection. Similarly, camel kofta with garlic sauce and rocca leaves can be considered as our signature dish in the wraps collection. Lamb tagine with cardamom marinated braised lamb shoulder with a dab of nutmeg, cumin and seasonal vegetables, is another yummy dish on Caf` #999 menu that will be our special presentation.
"In burgers our hot favourite will be sujuk burger with sujuk patty, guyere, kashkawan cheese. The option of camel meat is also available in our burgers section, which we call Doha Burger. Its usual burger buns were replaced with shawarma bread wrap in an altogether new presentation. Besides, shrimp arancini with arabiatta will be a delicacy not to be missed by seafood lovers and le president chocolate cake for those with a sweet tooth."
Tamer Lachine, the restaurant manager of Caf` #999, said,"We want to create an ambience inside the caf` that generate positive vibes and friendly atmosphere besides good food. We are focusing on families and friends, people of all age groups to hang around and have good time."
He continued,"Besides we are using ingredients which are organic and some of the items are gluten free. Taste of Doha with the camel meat. We have some vegetarian options also. Basically to help our customers identify with. Our focus is very much on healthy ingredients.
"We have also come out with an idea of maintaining a collection of books on wide ranging subjects for those who wish to sit in a cosy corner and enjoy some reading over a cup of coffee or indulge in some conversation over food. Located in the proximity of the thriving art community, it's definitely going to attract a lot of people with creative minds and the Caf` #999 will provide the right kind of place to exchange those ideas."
Lachine added,"It took us year and a half to conceive and develop the concept of Caf` 999 with a challenge to come out with something with a simple manifesto but having deep rooted and far reaching manifestation. We wanted to cater to the all-kind customers, even those who want to take away. We are operating take-away service from decommissioned fire truck from the civil defence service."
Informing more about the food truck, he said,"It used to be a fire truck in service by the fire department and was retired a couple of years ago and is now being utilised by Caf` 999 as a signature fire truck converted its interior into a food dispensing truck for our take-away service."
Those who wish to grab a quick bite may collect their food from the truck parked outside the restaurant.
In a way, the truck in the form of a fire tender also reminds of the heritage of this place. With the modernity apparent from its arty culture permeating from this complex, it also reminds people about the art of changing times and the dynamic nature of the changing world everyone lives in.
The truck has its original exterior representing its historic perspective as against the changed landscape of today which adds to the curiosity of the visitors. Sitting in the restaurant one wonders how the countless tales of valour and bravery of the fire fighters must haveechoed in the past.
And now a new set of people occupying the complex may not use fire trucks to dowse the fire, but through their creativity they can fire the appetite for sure.
It will certainly be exciting for the visitors to Caf` #999 to dine at such a historical place, where time stops, but not the creative elements.
