|
 A proud, unique and colourful city – the Lebanese capital is buzzing again
Local Knowledge
Ziad Nawfal Radio Producer, DJ & Promoter
The incredible Tasbahji building stands like a watchtower over the neighbourhood of Hamra. Interdesign is one of the oldest furniture design firms in Lebanon and their office is an elegant blend of Bauhaus architecture, futuristic spaceship design and a subterranean creature from an H.P. Lovecraft novel.
Top Tables
Casablanca
Set in a fabulous old house overlooking Beirut’s seafront, Casablanca makes its devoted regulars misty-eyed with its consistently excellent food. The dishes deliciously fuse European, Lebanese and Japanese cuisine, and organic fish and meat is often used. Add some inventive vegetarian dishes and regular specials, and Casablanca remains one of Beirut’s best restaurants. Ain Al-Mreiseh, +961 1 369 334
Walimat Wardeh
At this much-loved Hamra restaurant you’ll find affordable, authentic Lebanese cuisine served in the warm glow of an old house. Walimat serves all the usual mezze, breads, salads and sides as well as a fantastic bulgur wheat stew, best accompanied by fresh spinach and yoghurt. It’s usually a quiet place to retreat, but if you’re lucky you might catch the passionate midweek tango night. Rue Makdissi, Hamra, +961 1 752 320
Suitcase Fillers
Sarah’s Bag
Bright, bold and very Beiruti, Sarah’s handbags and accessories have become a buzzword for style, sophistication and a touch of pizzazz . A must-have gift for any self-respecting shopper in the Lebanese capital, the funky, retro-glamour bags also support underprivileged women. Mhanna Building, Rue du Liban, Gemayze, +961 1 575 585
Souq Al-Tayeb
The market for produce of good taste and character, Souq Al-Tayeb is Lebanon’s first farmers’ market, a weekly open-air showcase of traditional seasonal foods and products sold directly by small producers from across the country. The souq is held every Saturday (9am-2pm) in SaifiVillage, the beautifully restored artisans’ corner on the south-east edge of downtown, and the produce, unsurprisingly, tastes so much better than the stuff from the supermarket.Parking lot, SaifiVillage, Downtown Beirut, +961 3 340 198, www.soukeltayeb.com
At Your Leisure
Eddé Sands Beach Resort
This beach resort in Byblos will make you think you’ve travelled to the French Riviera. While you’re there, visit the Eddé Yard restaurant and its exhibitions of local art. It tends to get busy, especially during the summer months, so get there early. Byblos, +961 9 546 666, www.eddesands.com
Don’t Miss This
Beirut Film Festival
Beirut’s film festival takes place on 1-8 October at several venues across the city, including UNESCO Palace and Empire Sofil. The schedule includes Jackie Salloom’s much-anticipated documentary Slingshot Hip-Hop, about rap music in Palestine. www.beirutfilmfoundation.org
|
