British-Arabian Recipes Add Spice to Museum of Islamic Art Cafe

Doha, August 21 (QNA) - Qatar-United Kingdom 2013 Year of Culture Wednesday welcomed British-Arabian culinary delights to its year-long cultural exchange programme that is boosting ties between the two countries. A culinary experience comprising Camel Cottage Pie and Eton Mess two traditional British recipes with an Arabic twist - have been introduced at the Museum of Islamic Arts (MIA) Cafe. MIA Restaurants' Executive Chef Romain Meder, who made these signature culinary treats for the MIA Cafe, said, "We wanted to ensure we capture the essence of traditional British food, being able to add an Arabian twist to the dishes. "By using the finest locally sourced ingredients we have created the Camel Cottage Pie and Eton Mess, representing Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture from a culinary angle." Commenting on the newly added delicacies, Qatar-UK 2013 Year of Culture Spokesperson Aisha Ghanem Al Attiya, said, "This cultural exchange programme has so far offered a wide range of events highlighting the relationship between Qatar and the UK mostly through artistic and educational exchange. "What we wanted to do with this menu is let people in Qatar experience the cultural relationship through a shared passion. By taking traditional British recipes and enhancing them with local ingredients, we are bringing the spirit of the Year of Culture to the table." The Camel Cottage Pie, features braised camel meat, aromatic garnish, mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese. Adding Arabic spices and camel meat, a regional delicacy, creates a tasteful blend bridging the two national cuisines. Museum visitors are in for a sweet treat, the traditional English dessert 'Eton Mess', named after Eton College in Windsor, will be the perfect choice. The dessert consists of a mixture, or mess, of fresh strawberries, meringue and cream, flavoured with thinly sliced local fresh mint. (QNA)