General manager of restaurant Morimoto Paulo Bastos peaks about the Distinguished Service Award from Michelin Guide won recently by the restaurant and what it means to the establishment.
BL: What does winning the Michelin Award for distinguished service mean for restaurant?
Bastos: Winning a Michelin Award for distinguished service signifies that Morimoto has achieved exceptional excellence in its hospitality and customer service. It reflects the establishment’s ability to provide a seamless, welcoming, and memorable dining experience, including professionalism, attentiveness, genuine care and a warm atmosphere. This recognition enhances our reputation, attracts more guests and positions it as a leader in the fine dining industry.
BL: As a restaurant manager what are the top five things that you espouse for the betterment of Morimoto Doha?
Bastos: The five key principles I uphold to elevate Morimoto Doha are: delivering outstanding customer service; ensuring consistent excellence in food quality; prioritizing employee growth and well-being; embracing innovation; and maintaining adaptability to stay ahead.
BL: Given your hospitality experience, what new have you introduced to the restaurant that has consistency with the golden benchmarks of running an Asian restaurant?
Bastos: At Morimoto Doha, we have introduced several elements that elevate the dining experience while staying true to the golden benchmarks of running an exceptional Asian restaurant:
Refined sushi omakase service: In Doha, we have implemented a personalised sushi omakase experience, where guests are guided through a journey of curated dishes prepared by our chefs. This style of service not only highlights the artistry of Japanese cuisine but also creates an intimate and memorable connection with our patrons.
Exclusive culinary offers: Our menu in Doha features unique offerings tailored to the local market, including regionally inspired dishes that incorporate premium ingredients such as saffron, local seafood, and spices while maintaining the authenticity and innovation that define Morimoto. This ensures our menu stands out from what is commonly available in the market.
Interactive dining concepts: To differentiate ourselves, we’ve incorporated interactive dining elements such as live sushi masterclasses giving guests the opportunity to witness the precision and expertise of our chefs firsthand.
Special events regularly: Hosting seasonal and cultural dining events such as sake and elevated drinks masterclasses, Kai Tai shows , ichiba offers, all with an eye to help reinforce the authenticityof our brand while providing something unique and at the same time, standing out as a pioneer in the local dining scene.
BL: The business of food is also an art. What is your take on this?
Bastos: The business of food is undeniably an art – one that transcends nourishment to evoke emotion and connection. Each dish is a canvas, where flavours, textures, and colors tell a story, celebrating tradition while daring to innovate. In Qatar, where food is both a cultural celebration and a sensory journey, this artistry takes on profound meaning, bridging heritage with modernity and creating experiences that linger in memory. The art of food lies in crafting not just meals, but moments that resonate deeply.
SIDEBAR: “Our recipes capture the true essence of the Morimoto brand”: Restaurant manager Paulo Bastos
Culinary excellence: Every dish must showcase premium ingredients and exceptional craftsmanship, reflecting Morimoto’s dedication to innovative techniques and unforgettable flavours.
Authenticity with innovation: The menu should blend traditional Japanese culinary heritage with modern, creative twists that embody the Morimoto ethos.
Seasonality and sustainability: Prioritising fresh, in-season, and sustainably sourced ingredients to ensure outstanding flavour and environmental responsibility.
Visual presentation: Each plate must be crafted with precision and elegance, reflecting the aesthetic sophistication synonymous with Morimoto.
Consistency: Recipes are standardised to guarantee a consistently exceptional dining experience across every visit.
Guest-centric approach: Menus are thoughtfully designed to accommodate diverse dietary preferences and restrictions while maintaining authenticity and quality.
Harmonised flavours: Dishes must achieve a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and aromas, embodying Morimoto’s philosophy of culinary harmony. By upholding these standards, we deliver menus that capture the true essence of the Morimoto brand.
