By Our Correspondent

Every which way you look out, the city seems to be swathed in shimmering lights of many hues. The more distant places appear speckled with gold dust.
To the pumping beats of house or dance music, you unwind, take a swig from your chilled beverage, and take in the spectacular view laid out before you.
It’s the neatly refurbished Strata Lounge at InterContinental Doha The City, located on levels 55 and 56, offering what is arguably the finest view in Doha. Wednesday night saw a bustling re-launch of Strata as the all new play of lights and décor stirred up an ambience befitting the venue.
As part of their unique and enhanced concept, both floors will now serve a menu of contemporary Asian cuisine along with one-of-kind molecular signature cocktails. In addition, the interior has been refreshed with a new modern décor creating a cool and vibrant place for socialising.
“We are so proud of the enhancements we have made in Strata Lounge,” said Pascal Eggerstedt, General Manager, InterContinental Doha The City. “Strata already offers the best view in Doha. With the creative presentations of the new dishes and signature cocktails, and the fresh look and feel of the space, we’re providing an experience that can’t be found anywhere else in town.”
The new Strata menu features a selection of hot and cool temptations such as a divine duo of salmon and tuna tartar surrounded by crisp parmesan tuile and creatively presented in an ice bowl. A wide selection of delectable sushi and sashimi is also available along with carpaccio in truffle oil and aged balsamic.
For those craving a hot bite, Strata chicken lollipops or the wagyu beef sliders with Cajun wedges are sure to satisfy. Pan fried vegetarian dumplings and mixed chicken and shrimp dim sum served up in traditional Chinese steam boxes round out the menu.
Following the Izakaya-style of dining, the dishes are steadily brought to the table creating an informal yet sophisticated style of eating and drinking with a modern twist. To complement the new selection of contemporary cuisine, Strata’s expert mixologists have designed a special menu of signature drinks.
Using techniques of molecular mixology, Strata’s signature drinks offer greater intensities and varieties of flavours along with interesting textures and presentations that enhance the overall experience.
For instance, Franch 2075 features lemon juice pearls in sparkling vino sprinkled with gold powder for a sophisticated yet fun drink bursting with flavours. The Pearl features a fresh oyster containing a taste of orange and lemon juice pearl that adds a perfect sweet explosion to the saltiness of the oyster.
For those who love a show-stopper, The Alchemist delivers a solid punch. A smooth mixture featuring maple syrup and fresh lemon juice, it is served smoking with apple wood flavour.
The refreshed interior of Strata features a mixture of stylish table and lounge seating in crisp white with pops of red. Enhanced with alluring lighting, Strata has been transformed into a sleek and inviting space in which to relax with the early evening sounds of ambient and chill out music.  Moving into the late evening, Strata takes on another dimension as the resident DJ dives into deep house and dance music.
“We are looking forward to providing our guests a unique journey that touches on every sense throughout the evening at Strata,” said Eggerstedt.
In conjunction with the reworked concept, Strata will begin to implement new theme nights as well as continue its popular Pink Wednesday ladies night in which ladies have the chance to win high-end designer items each week.