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Cloud of Lace

Cloud of Lace

Category Archives: Reviews

Sun-setting at St Elmo’s Seaside Brasserie

27 Tuesday Aug 2013

Posted by Hiba K in Places, Reviews

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Tags

Beirut, Brasserie, Food, Lebanon, St Elmo's, St Elmo's Seaside Brasserie, Sunset at St Elmo's, TripAdvisor, Zaitunay Bay

After visiting The Brasserie when it first opened a couple of years ago, I was totally hooked up! After all, one thing to say about the folks behind this place: they are definitely filled with positive energy! There’s always something to keep you coming back. From their most unique version of Bloody Mary, the Bloody Mess, to their food, music, atmosphere, service and even the rose-water syrup during Ramadan! Sun-setting at St Elmo’s Brasserie easily became a tradition of ours.

It is noteworthy that after I once reviewed St Elmo’s on TripAdvisor here, I was invited to one of their vibrant Champagne Sunday Brunches, celebrating the launching of their new menu. They are definitely one of the very few locales here in Lebanon that know how to make use of the digital media to optimize their reach.

This time, however, we were visiting local designers’ boutiques that were spread around Beirut’s central district, when we decided to go grab a delicious bite while enjoying the fresh air and a relaxing view on the Mediterranean. So we headed to Zaitunay Bay.

The menu includes a selection of uniquely executed items. My friend went for the Park Avenue Chicken Club, while I – ever craving hot and spicy flavors – took what the waitress recommended, and had the El Gringo Burger. The food was sensational. Both presentation and flavor wise.

Even if you’re not out for food, you can always pass by and enjoy a drink and/or a desert at their terrace, or lazily lounge indoors in the cold winter days. Any time of the year, St Elmo’s is always almost full. It is mostly loved by the trendiest crowd, the tourists and families alike!

We will let the pictures speak for themselves… Leave us a comment on how much you’d like to visit St Elmo’s, if you haven’t yet.St Elmo's Seaside Brasserie St Elmo's Seaside Brasserie St Elmo's Seaside Brasserie St Elmo's Seaside Brasserie St Elmo's Seaside Brasserie St Elmo's Seaside Brasserie

St Elmo's Seaside Brasserie

{This image is a courtesy of St Elmo’s}

Photos are a courtesy of Cloud of Lace, unless otherwise indicated.

33.888629 35.495479

Brunch at Bread Republic

26 Saturday Jan 2013

Posted by Hiba K in Places, Reviews

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

Beirut, Bread, Bread Republic, Brunch, Hamra, Omlette, Ras Beirut

Cloud of Lace at Bread Republic #Beirut

Sunny Saturday morning, fresh Beiruti breeze, and a sweet get together date with dear ones after a long departure dictated a cozy outdoor outing over some cozy meal… & Bread Republic perfectly serves this purpose.

Located in a walking distance from where I was residing in Hamra, it was refreshing to get to Bread Republic amidst an odd collection of beautiful old houses and shops that are threatened of being demolished in favor of the new elegant, glass and cement towers that are invading Ras Beirut. We chose to sit outside, taking benefit from the warmth of the sun, beside some friendly international tourists, journalists and a bunch of college students.

Bread Republic offers home-made like platters and freshly squeezed juices. My omelette was composed of eggs scrambled with gruyere cheese, wrapping fresh green thyme leaves, chopped tomatoes, a sprinkle of green onions. The omelette was perfectly paired with a freshly baked slice of bread… It was a pure delight on such a lazy beautiful Saturday 🙂

Cavalli Caffè Beirut

05 Saturday Jan 2013

Posted by Hiba K in Places, Reviews

≈ 20 Comments

Tags

Beirut, Cavalli Caffè, Cavalli Caffe Beirut, Italian cuisine, Roberto Cavalli

Cavalli-Caffä-Beirut-2

Photo via robertocavalliblog.com

I was delighted to find out that Cavalli Caffè has officially and finally opened its doors yesterday, Friday January 4th in Beirut.

Located in Karagulla Building, right next to Beirut Souks, the prestigious business, shopping, dining and nightlife district of Down Town Beirut, the Cavalli Caffè over looks a breath-taking view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Beside offering a wide mouth-watering selection of the finest Italian dishes, Beirut’s Cavalli Caffè will also showcase a boutique shop that will sell a wide range of imported Italian delicacies, like chocolate gift boxes, Cavalli Reserve red Wine, Cavalli Premium Italian Vodka and Grappa, among others.

It’s decoration definitely reflects Cavalli’s signature creative touch, which can be noted in the zebra and giraffe prints on the fashionable chairs and sofas, in the crystal lamps as well as other striking details of the contemporary interior.

“Experiencing the enjoyment of exquisite food and surrounded by pleasant company, sipping a delicious cup of Italian coffee… this is the Cavalli Caffè philosophy. My desire was to transmit my deep passion for beauty and sensuality in a hospitality project… I believe Beirut will rapidly become a big fan of Cavalli Caffè”, said Roberto Cavalli, Chairman of Roberto Cavalli Group.

I can’t wait to show you more details of their cuisine and interior decoration!

Leila Min Lebnen

26 Friday Oct 2012

Posted by Hiba K in Places, Reviews

≈ 15 Comments

Tags

Beirut, dining in Lebanon, Lebanese cuisine, Lebanese food, Lebanese restaurant, Lebanon, Leila, Leila Restaurant

Leila Min Lebnen, literally translates to ‘Leila from Lebanon,’ is relatively a newly established destination for authentic Lebanese cuisine, since back to 2006. It’s owners have now expanded the brand to include two delightful new outlets Kahwet Leila (Leila’s Coffee shop) and Matbakh Leila (Leila’s kitchen).

Leila restaurant has many branches in Lebanon, and in Beirut itself, as well as the GCC and now Alexandria. I always used to visit its very first branch in ABC Mall Achrafieh, however, I have fell in love, thanks to a couple of my friends, with the one in Dbayeh. Purely delightful! & I’m not just talking about the food here.

Photo courtesy of Leila Restaurant

Photo via my iPhone

It’s decoration is a simple and modern mix of vintage Lebanese items: labels of music icons, traditional coffee sets, shelves of mason jars and clay pots of traditional jam, syrups, vinegar bottles and labneh makbouseh, and not to forget beautiful chandeliers and oh… Flower arrangements, fresh and lovely on almost every table 🙂

Leila’s clientele are almost from all backgrounds, for despite the dispute among the Lebanese, ironically, two things can successfully pull us together: Food and fashion. Also, it’s a must go-to destination for all tourists alike. some make it almost a daily routine! Stopping by for coffee, some dessert, or an arghileh (of which I hate!).

We went for dinner last time, and have had a luscious array of Lebanese Mezze: Humus with minced beef on top, aubergine Mtabbal (baked aubergine with tahini, lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt, topped with olive oil when presented), Sujuk (Armenian hot sausages), Tabbouleh (shame on you if you don’t know what that is 😉 ), Fattoush (traditional Lebanese salad), Rahib salad (or the Monk’s salad: baked aubergine with some minced tomato, parsley, onions, lemon juice that could be substituted with pomegranate, and topped with olive oil upon presentation), Batata Harra (fried potato cubes, with coriander, garlic and hot spices), Makanik (Lebanese sausages), potatoes that are baked in an old-fashioned wooden oven, and freshly made Lebanese bread… Yummmm… As for the main dish, we had the famous Arayiss Kafta (Lebanese kabab wrapped within two layers of Lebanese bread, and baked), served with old-fashioned yogurt with chopped cucumbers and garlic. All were perfectly delicious…

Whether you are in Lebanon, Dubai, Bahrain, Egypt, or Kuwait, Leila Min Lebnen is definitely a must go to destination if you would like to grasp a bit of the Lebanese culture, with a modern twist. Don’t forget to grab one (or some) of their traditionally made Lebanese jam and syrups! Ask any of the staff to help you make a choice, they are so helpful and friendly!

Until next time!

Xoxo,

Hiba Min Lebnen

Lebanese Mezze. Photo courtesy of Leila Restaurant

Batata Harra

Humous with minced beef on top. Photo via my iPhone

Clockwise from top right: Raheb salad, Lebanese bread, Tabbouleh and Fattoush salad. image via my iPhone.

Arayis Kafta

Photo courtesy of Leila Restaurant

Lebanese bread being made on the spot! Photo courtesy of Leila Restaurant

Photo courtesy of Leila Restaurant

Simply beautiful. Photo courtesy of Leila Restaurant

 

La Bodeguita Del Medio Beirut

26 Saturday May 2012

Posted by Hiba K in Places, Reviews

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

Beirut, Che Guevara, Cigar Lounge Beirut, Cuba, Cuban, Cuban cuisine, Havana, La Bodeguita, La Bodeguita Del Medio Beirut

Image by Beiruting.com

Cuddled up in the heart of Beirut, La Bodeguita Del Medio  brings the essence and spirit of Havana, Cuba… With its Cuban style decoration, colored walls that are covered with signs and frames of significant Cuban symbols, vintage wooden floors and tables, luxurious Cigar displays and lounge, authentic Cuban cuisine as well as culture-specific cocktails, all are engulfed with the tunes of authentic Latino rhythms, played by the Cuban band.

Image by Beirutnightlife.com

This place, located at the old Damascus Road, has an attractive architecture. It’s design is distinct with a high sense for every detail. From the exterior look and feel of La Bodeguita’s building, right to its door handle. From the lighting, to the smell of the air inside (which is a mixture of high quality Cigar and wood), to the widespread happy spirit present among its clientele, and then right to the mouth-watering taste of its delicious food (especially La Bodeguita Del Medio’s specialty ice cream, that contains rum raisins), and drinks, especially Mojito’s  😉

Image via Beirut.com

Each and every time I visit, I can’t but admire the exquisite interior design, with all those Che Guevara pictures, paintings and illustrations, those photos of Havana and cuban people, in addition to some celebrities & happy customers… The look & feel of the place are inspired by the original one first established in Cuba, and then those founded in Miami, Berlin, Prague, Kiev, London, & several other cities around the world.

Image via Beirutnightlife.com

The place is constituted of two floors, and a terrace for the warmer season. The ground floor is where the bar, the cigar lounge, & the band are, whereas the upper floor is constituted of elegant tables, set around a square central opening, that ensures the spirit of the ongoing Salsa & the band to spread upstairs. Note that even if you’re sitting at the upper floor, the band will also pay you a visit! 🙂

At the upper floor. – Image by Beirutbightlife.com

Even though I dislike the conventional smell of cigarettes, and I don’t smoke myself, I can’t help but admire the smell of the tobacco leaves that constitute a fine authentic Cuban Cigar. The Cigar lounge, with a Cigar menu containing a wide array of fine cigars that are also beautifully displayed, is quite admirable.

Later on in the evening, as the music goes louder (and the cocktails start to have their effects), you’d see people, from all ages, happily dancing on Latino rhythms played by the band, all with wide smiles on their faces, everyone partnering with everyone, dancing and wandering around, clapping for the musicians, greeting us and everybody with just a smile and a nod as they go by, as if everybody truly know everyone around! The place is surely a hit for both amateur, as well as authentic senior Salsa lovers.

For all the people who are always fascinated by the authentic Cuban culture, La Bodeguita Del Medio Beirut, will guarantee you a rich experience for all your 5 senses, leaving you in the most jolly mood by the time your evening ends…

image by Beirutnightlife.com

Aleida Guevara at La Bodeguita Beirut. – Image by Beirutnightlife.com

Some interesting wall illustration of Guevara. – Image taken via my iPhone.

Il Siciliano

05 Thursday Apr 2012

Posted by Hiba K in Places, Reviews

≈ 48 Comments

Tags

Beirut, Beirut restaurants, Food, home-made pasta, Il Siciliano Beirut, Italian cuisine, Italian restaurants, Italian seafood, seafood, Sicilian cuisine, Siciliano, Sicily

Opened back in 2006, this magical place called Il Siciliano, was designed and executed down to each and every detail, to allow its visitors to be transformed in time and place, into the good old days of the charming Italian island of Sicily.

Image via my iPhone

From the moment we entered this three-storied restaurant, we took the notion of its inviting ambiance, which is a mixture of traditional Sicilian casa architecture, Sicilian decoration and appealing aromas. Add to these, just the right touch of chic modernity in some details.

We were greeted with great hospitality that accompanied us throughout the evening. Our waiter was not only nice and friendly, but also very knowledgeable about each and every dish! It was our first time at Il Siciliano, and he was good enough to make us completely rely on him to choose the variety of dishes we ate through out our dinner… & everything we had was simply marvelous!

I never really dare to order seafood pasta or pizza anywhere, because I rarely end up liking it. It either is too salty, too dry, too raw (with non-fresh ingredients, so you could imagine the taste), or just too much of the other ingredients with only one tiny baby shrimp and a small piece of canned calamari to justify the name! However, Il Siciliano proved to be top of the line when it comes to Italian seafood dishes.

Each and every plate had been a feast by itself. Made with the freshest of herbs, vegetables lamb and seafood, with authentic olive oil, home-made pasta, and of course those several kinds luscious cheese and freshly made bread (that you won’t get enough of its smell!).

Here, take a look at some of what was on our table 😉 (but please, excuse my poor iPhone camera, and the dim – but nice – lighting of the place)

Image via my iPhone

Image via my iPhone

Image via my iPhone

Image via my iPhone

Image via my iPhone

I personally mark Il Siciliano as one of the best ‘culinary spots’ in Beirut. It definitely is a must try for all of you who love traditional Italian food that is made to perfection at the Casa Della Sicilia, or even if you’re just looking for a nice quite outing, to enjoy a drink and a Cigar indoors at their Chicago Bar, or at their marvelous garden Giardino di Palermo, under an olive tree, enjoying lemon and rosemary scents.

One small remark: I’d have loved to listen to some traditional Italian folklore or opera music playing in the background, instead of the excessively long pauses that were interrupted with short pieces of the classics. It was only our first time there, I’m sure there must have been an explanation, like us showing up early for dinner, since usually in Lebanon, the ‘real’ outing starts at around 10.30pm & onwards 😉

— Images that are not taken via my iPhone, are a courtesy of Il Siciliano.

Mayrig’s Armenian Cuisine

05 Monday Mar 2012

Posted by Hiba K in Places, Reviews

≈ 108 Comments

Tags

Adriana Karembeu Beirut, Armenia, Armenian cuisine, Banirov Maamoul, Beirut, Charles Aznavour, Gemmayzeh, khachkhach kabab, Lebanese cuisine, Lebanon, Little Mother, Maamoul, Mante, Mayrig, Mayrig Lebanon, Moutabbal, Sou Boureg

Image taken by my iPhone

‘A young girl on a long and lonely voyage, a beautiful stone house by the sea, and a book of fiercely guarded recipes. These are just some of the elements which compose the fascinating history of Mayrig.’ That’s how the people behind one of Beirut’s fine dining milestones describe their fascinating destination, Mayrig.

A Little Bit of History

It all started with a 3-year-old girl named Manoucheg, who like thousands of others, fled her mother country Armenia, to settle down in Lebanon, where she grew up and started her own family.

Manoucheg became a talented and famous cook, to the envy of her entire neighborhood. She would make exquisite dishes, that were tinged with the love, spices and aromas of her mother land.

In 2003, Aline Kamakian and Serge Maacaron decided to immortalize their grandmother’s extremely delicious and rich food, and share it with the world. So they recollected her recipes, and gradually established this renowned restaurant. They found themselves a very nice old traditional Lebanese house, and named it ‘Mayrig,’ which is an Armenian term of affection that means ‘Little Mother.’

Our Experience

Consisting of an ancient stone house at the more quiet, lower side of Gemmayzeh, the lively street at the far end of downtown Beirut, Mayrig never failed us. With its creative state of the art cuisine, its traditional & warm interior and table presentation, as well as its outstanding customer service, Mayrig keeps on being a leading destination for the locals and tourists alike, for the ‘common people’ (like myself :p ) and the famous, whenever they wanted to grasp a true Lebanese Armenian dining experience.

A view of the bar

Mayrig, or the ‘haven of dining perfection,’ as food critics named it, offers a generous variety of traditional Armenian dishes, while borrowing from Lebanese and other mediterranean cultures. The plates are rich in middle eastern spices, freshly collected ingredients, and presented in delicately hand-made creations… All in a charming setting that brings on reminiscence of Beirut’s glorious days.

With the music of Charles Aznavour, who is a regular at Mayrig whenever he’s in Lebanon, Frank Sinatra, Edith Piaf, Julio Iglesias, Garou, and many other legendary artists amusing our ears, we tried a selection of their recommended dishes, with the help of a very friendly, polite and knowledgeable waiter.

Appetisers:

Moutabal

Image taken by my iPhone

Itch, the Armenian version of Tabouleh,

Moutabbal (photo on the right). Grilled eggplant and Tahina sauce dip,

Gdzou Patates: Crispy fried potato cubes fried in a mixture of hot spices, herbs and garlic,

Soujouk Fekhara, a true Armenian specialty. It consists of richly flavored slices of marinated Armenian sausages, combined with fresh tomatoes, all sizzling in a Terracotta pan, and

Image taken by my iPhone

Sou Beureg (right-side photo), which is a delicacy that used to be made at special occasions only, due to its hard labor. It consists of layered pastry, stuffed with three kinds of local white cheeses.

Main Dish:

Of course after the rich variety of appetizers we have selected, little space was left for a main course. However, we could never have passed Mayrig’s specialty, the extremely delicious KhachKhach kabab plate. It is made according to a special recipe, combining Kabab with fresh ripe tomatoes, with the adequate amount of onions and spices, all grilled over the fire.

By then, surely we could not accommodate any other bite, so we had to sacrifice the desert to some other time. However, the middle eastern generosity at Mayrig prevailed when we were offered a rich plate of specially made sweets, on the house, because it was St. Georges day. We had a bite each, & yum!!! A true grandma’s made delicacy!

Here are some other delicacies found at Mayrig:

Mante, the delicious crispy baked meat dumplings that are served with a hot tomato sauce and cold yogurt with garlic

A friend of Mayrig’s, and a faithful guest once said while describing their famous Maamouls:”My mom never gave me affection… Get me some cheese Maamouls for these are the true motherly love and affection…”

Banirov Maamoul: Hot Maamoul stuffed with a secret kind of cheese that melts down while you dig in!!! Tastes great either with sugar syrup or with Mayrig’s delicious homemade jams.

Charles Aznavour signing Mayrig’s Golden Book

& Garou

& James Blunt too

Frederic Francois was here

& Adriana Karembeu as well

Finally, due to the success of Mayrig’s dining experience, it is now open in Jeddah, check out how beautiful it looks!

Mayrig in Jeddah!

Note: Photos that are not taken by my iPhone, are via Mayrig’s facebook page & Mayrig Lebanon website.

Latest Wedding Catering Trends for 2012

18 Saturday Feb 2012

Posted by Hiba K in FOOD, Reviews

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

Beirut, catering, wedding, wedding catering

Beirut’s Wedding Folies 2012 presented the latest ideas from multiple organizers, decor and fashion designers, and catering houses.

For your wedding’s catering options, it’s all about trendy individual portions this year; big stuffed platters that are usually displayed on buffets are a not being favored anymore. Think of cakes, cupcakes, tarts, mousse… All served in mini portions in tiny plates, attractive glasses, and bite-sized portions. & this does not apply to desserts alone, even Tabbouleh, Hommos, Kibbeh, steaks, salads, etc.. are also elegantly being served this way.

– Images via.

Up On The Thirty First

09 Thursday Feb 2012

Posted by Hiba K in Places, Reviews

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Beirut, Drink, Food, Habtoor Grand Hotel

Needed some quiet quality time, where one could enjoy a drink, great live (and noise-free) music along with a smooth catch-up chat with friends, in a comfortable, yet elegant setting.. So we headed to one of our favorite spots in Beirut: Up on the Thirty First.

Located on the thirty-first floor (hence the name) at the Habtoor Grand Hotel, Up on the Thirty First jazz lounge and bar never fails us when we are looking for high-end culinary experience, accompanied by a selection of fine drinks, while enjoying the vocals of a young woman who elegantly sang Arabic, Italian, English & French classics.

The atmosphere is quiet classy, with adequately dimmed lights, candle-lit tables, wooden walls, vintage chairs and sofas, with both low and high-rise tables depending on your preference. What magnifies the charm of the setting, in my opinion, is the floor to ceiling glass circumference, that showcases a marvelous view of Beirut lights, up from the highest bar in Lebanon.

Even though the food menu is kept quiet limited, yet it is very diverse, attending to every taste. It contains a variety of salads, cold cuts, cheese cuts, steaks, small sandwiches, as well as a sashimi and a couple of sea food platters. Whereas the drinks menu is more rich. It includes a variety of fine wines from all around the world, bourbon, whisky, cognac, Armagnac, and internationally famous cocktails as well as those that are the bartender’s specialties..

My candle-lit Jamaica

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