A recent addition to Beirut’s restaurant scene, Cappuccino Grand Café opened its doors on the trendy new hotspot Zaitunay Bay, adding to its already existing chain of outlets across Middle East, North Africa and India. This franchise, originally from Palma de Mallorca, Spain, brings with it a Mallorcan flavor with a Mediterranean spirit. Since 1991, this grand café experience brings with it a delicious vast menu and a comfortable ambiance that everyone can enjoy.

The scenic setting of Zaitunay Bay provides an ideal outdoor seating area for Cappuccino, where customers can enjoy the warm sun and picturesque marina of boats and yachts gently floating on the deep blue sea. The newly constructed buildings in the vicinity provide a charming backdrop that is reminiscent of cities abroad. Spending an afternoon at this location is like being teleported to one of your favorite jetsetter European destinations for a few hours.

The indoor area is a delight! The three lounges make you feel right at home; whether it’s the comfortable sofas that you and your friends can sink into for hours, the pastel-colored murals on the walls by Maria Trimbell, or the charming fireplace, you will feel right at home – as though you’re in the living room relaxing with friends and family. Even the chairs and tables are very comfortable; and all in all, the setting is inviting to the extent that you may come for a café, but end up staying for hours, lunching and laughing with your companions.

Cappuccino Grand Café offers a variety of freshly squeezed juices, cocktails, teas, iced coffees, and a unique but broad menu of coffees.
There are several choices for the breakfast menu, ranging from the London, Palma, Berlin, Mediterranean, Fruit, Light, and the Beirut Breakfast.

The food menu combines European, Asian and American cuisine.

For lunch there are several options; starting with the salads, you can try the Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella; Rocket & Pear; the typical ‘Pa amb oli’ (pan moreno, tomato, manchego cheese, Serrano ham, olives and Mallorcan oil) from Mallorca, among others. You can also try the miso soup with Foie Gras and Truffle, the Spanish ‘gazpacho’, or Warm cream of pumpkin and carrot soup, among others.  Continuing with a second course, why not try the Home-Made Hamburger, Chicken Yakitori, Tikka Masala, or Boscaiola Penne, which are but a few of the choices on the menu.

For dessert, you can try the new Cappuccino Cakes (Carrot and Walnut, Apple, Chocolate, Cheesecake, Banoffee Pie, Chocolate brownie), or a typical Mallorca dessert like Mallorcan Almond Sponge (Cake with Almond Ice-Cream), aside to other popular choices.

This fun and relaxing Café is ideal for leisure travelers, business men, friends, families and kids. Built with both comfort and elegance in mind, Cappuccino Grand Café offers all the pleasures of a modern coffee shop and has quickly become a favorite around town in the short period it’s been open.

Dress Code is casual

Price per Person including drinks is approximately 35 USD

For Reservation:  +961 1 371 012

If you have been to Cappuccino, please leave a comment on the page, letting us know how your experience was and how you think the venue can improve.

Cassis opened up alongside some other restaurants and bars on Uruguay Street, the newest addition to Lebanon’s nightlife hotspots. It is also the newest member to Add-Mind’s list of successful outlets including White, Iris and Rococo. It is located right in the middle of Uruguay Street, surrounded by other bars and restaurants and has a very cozy feel to it.

The décor is very raw and has an unfinished feel to it; Brick walls with a caged effect, a wooden ceiling with modern dim lighting, creative chairs, a slick bar and grey floors. All the contrasting and artistic elements come together harmoniously to create a trendy New York style venue that also feels like your mom’s kitchen, serving a combination of French, British and American food.

Whether you want to escape from work for a lunch break, enjoy happy hour drinks with your colleagues or wine and dine with friends during the night, Cassis is definitely the place to be. During weekends it also serves a delicious brunch menu that is absolutely mouthwatering.

Be sure to try some or any of the following platters: Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms, Salt and Pepper Calamari, Tender Friend Cajun Chicken and Avocado Salad, Hamburger, Grilled Australian Tenderloin, Baked Salmon. The food is tasty but heavy.

If you’re feeling nostalgic about certain bars or restaurants you’ve been to abroad, you should certainly check out Cassis and enjoy its fresh concept as you escape from the world around you for a few hours.

Dress Code is casual

Price per Person including drinks is approximately 50 USD

Rating: 3/5

For Reservation:  +961 1 989 811

If you have been to Cassis, please leave a comment on the page, letting us know how your experience was and how you think the venue can improve.

Momo took on Beirut with a blast when it opened early last year. After its success in London, Mourad Mazouz decided to branch out even further by bringing Momo to the Souks – Beirut Souks that is. Situated right above the Jewelry Souks in the heart of Beirut, Mazouz found “the perfect fusion between tradition and modernity in an Arabic Mediterranean city.”

The venue’s décor is stunning; with hand painted patterns on the walls, psychedelic bathroom stalls, vintage furniture mixed with designer pieces all in a breathtaking garden setting overlooking the souks. The dining area is secluded and separated from the drinking and dancing section. Even the décor is different. That way you can enjoy a delicious and calm dinner in one setting then move to a more happening and buzzing atmosphere for some drinks and good music.

The menu features a wide and diverse assortment of delicious North African cuisine combined with some traditional French recipes. Focusing on strong taste and flavor, the dishes remain simple and delightful to please the palates of any gourmet. The Briouats, Gambas Salad, Tuna Tartar, Chicken liver, Pigeon Pastilla, Pata Negra, Tagine are just a few of the delicious specialties that you can indulge in.

Momo is always among my first choices when I’m looking for a fun night out that combines good food, good music and cool vibes with friends all under one roof.

Dress Code is smart casual

Price per Person including drinks is approximately 100 USD

Rating: 3.5/5

For Reservation:  +961 1 999 767

If you have been to Momo, please leave a comment on the page, letting us know how your experience was and how you think the venue can improve.

There are things in life one should not miss. In my case, since I have such a strong passion for good food and fine dining, attending the French Gastronomic Week in Lebanon was a must.  This event is special in many ways; not only do we get to try dishes prepared by outstanding chefs from France, but this year’s edition marked the 10^th anniversary of its well renowned “French Gastronomic Week” at the Al Dente restaurant.

Under the patronage of H.E Mr. Denis Pietton, French ambassador to Lebanon, the Hotel Albergo Relais et Chateaux, Beirut, celebrated this event together with the support of Libano Française – Finance, Laurent-Perrier Champagne, Vintage Wine Cellar, and Air France Airlines.

More so, this year’s Festival of French Gastronomy coincided with the 1^st anniversary of UNESCO declaring French cuisine “World Intangible Heritage.” This international recognition seeks to protect cultural practices in the same way as UNESCO protects sites of cultural value or great natural beauty. French gastronomy has been singled out by UNESCO experts as a “social custom aimed at celebrating the most important moments in the lives of individuals and groups.”

So, I booked myself a table on the second day of the event to check out how Chef Jean-Pierre Jacob from “Le Bateau Ivre,” Hôtel Ombremont, Le Bourget du Lac would impress us. Here’s what Chef Jean-Pierre prepared for the evening with my humble opinion on each:

“Opera de Foie Gras, Gelee de Figues”

A four layered cake-like preparation of two slices of foie gras, laid on a crunchy brioche “Blinis”, topped with thin red fig jelly and accompanied with a slice of dark chocolate; the mixture was to die for. Your teeth would travel from one layer to the other leaving the honor for the tongue to indulge in the different aromas combined in this entree extravaganza. A half of a fresh Lebanese fig decorated the plate with a certain class.

“Royale de Brochet, Emulsion D’ecrevisses”

Brochet is a fish with an elongated form and pointed head, thus slightly resembling a pike. It is highly colored and has an oscillated spot at the root of the tail that explains the yellowish aspect of the dish. It is an inhabitant of the fresh waters of South America and Trinidad.

It was prepared in a mousse style, with a crayfish emulsion. The combination of fish and freshwater crustaceans resembling small lobsters is a marriage that no one thought about before. Topped with grilled almonds, it makes you say ‘mmmmmm.’

For the occasion, before passing to more serious details, we had the special edition “Laurent Perrier Champagne, 2002″ adding a majestic touch to this tasting journey.

“Homard, Jus a la Verveine”

Crunchy, adequately cooked lobster, cut in cubes, all surrounding a freshly mixed citrus dressing with a verbena green juice. Plates were simple, clean and clear, full of taste and creativity where every bite tells a story of passion and love. I won’t call that eating, but rather an enjoyment of life.

“Lavaret du Lac du Bourget, Jus Acidule au Parfum de Gingembre et Citronnelle”

Lavaret is a European whitefish found in high lakes. It was prepared in a sushi style roll. I’ll be honest by saying that the presentation of this dish was not that appealing, but after tasting it, my perception surely changed.

“Soupe Cremeuse de Lievre aux Marrons, Raviole de Polente, Epaule Confite en Pastilla”

This dish is intriguing. We received a plate with 4 pieces, placed one next to the other. We didn’t understand what is it was exactly and where we should we start.

The waiter then came by and added confit and ravioli to the hare chestnut dark soup. It was a superb dish.

After enjoying the creativity of Chef Jacob, it was time for desert. 

“Pomme Grammy-Smith, en Coulis, Semi-Confite, Mousseline de Caramel, Sorbet”

A well prepared creative ensemble of biscuit, apple confit, and caramel mouseline; one layer over the other in a tower-like shape, floating in green apple sweet sauce.

Wines served included: Les Domaniers Blanc 2010, Domaines ott Chateauneuf du Pape, Les Cedres 2007, Paul Jaboulet 2007

The overall experience, the ambiance, and the charm of the restaurant were amazing; adding to it the welcoming note and the tombola games prepared by the sponsors. All this made the experience unforgettable.

I was one of the lucky winners who won a champagne bottle, while others won plane tickets, and vouchers to meet with the chef himself in France.

The average price was fair for such an event, and especially cheaper than similar events around town. We paid $180 person all inclusive.

Waiting for next year, I will surely reserve earlier to find a table for every night.

Price per Person: 180 USD

Rating: 4.5/5

A tasting night at Eau de Vie, Beirut, with Chef Frederic Vardon from the 39V Restaurant, Paris. An interesting journey…

The Intercontinental Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut recently hosted a special high end tasting dinner with Chef Frederic Vardon, a renowned French chef who flew in straight from Paris, France.

Known as neoclassical cuisine lover, Chef Vardon has worked with the best. He has collaborated for 14 years with Alain Ducasse, one of the world’s most decorated chefs, known for his incomparable French cuisine.

Chef Vardon has now set up a luxurious restaurant at 39 Avenue George V, tucked away on the sixth floor roof of a apartment building. His gastronomy skills define the contemporary, rich and delicious French cuisine. Elegant, seductive and just right, his talent draws its inspiration from French culinary heritage, while using new techniques in modern style.

As the saying goes, giving a first impression is very important, and Chef Vardon – in my opinion – did just that. The first impression he marked was very catchy, as he left a written note in his own handwriting, welcoming us to this journey. It was written in French: “Toute l’equipe du restaurant Eau De Vie et du 39V se joint a moi pour vous remerceier de voter presence parmi nous.”

The journey started as we experienced a beautiful seven course meal filled with only the finest and noblest ingredients, handpicked by the chef himself, including urchins, scallops and line caught sea bass delicately complementing foie gras, truffle and farm veal as follows:

- Royal-style warm sea urchins, sliced scallops with crispy celery and truffle.
- Duck foie gras with toasted and pickled brioche; served cold and comes in 4 layers of gelee and patee with three slices of magret de canard. Yellow soft brioche with raisins.
- Roasted sea bass in green herb sauce with salted butter; 2 pieces of shrimps, 4 pieces of mussels covered with bread crumbs.
- Roasted French farm veal, seasonal vegetables with slightly spiced sauce.

During the dinner, we were served five different kinds of carefully selected wines including:
- 2010 Blanc de Blanc Ksara
- 2003 Rudesheimer Berg Roseneck, Riesling
- 2007 Chateau Fontareche
- 2003 Chateau Meyney, Saint Eatephe
- 2004 Lacrima D’oro Kefraya

With all that came after Ksara’s Blanc de Blanc, I honestly didn’t understand why we started with this specific wine; instead we should have started with the finest and the best.

This voyage of discovery ended with sublime desserts and, of course, Frédéric Vardon’s signature dessert: the 39V Crispy Chocolate Cake. We tried the Pearly meringues, fresh cream cheese ice cream with a chest of  honey; the crispy dark chocolate cake with a gold paper leaf; as well as coffee, sweets and some chocolates.

All was nice. But before I end this review, I have a few points to share with you, which I believe are essential and crucial for these kinds of events.

The dinner was very good, tasty, amazingly presented, carefully prepared but in my opinion lacked that ‘wow’ effect.  Whenever a Michelin star chef invades a kitchen, he should have that wow effect on his guests, which I translate as the “mmmm” effect when you close your eyes to savor the taste. I didn’t really feel that. The taste would have surely been better if the dishes were less complicated.

The music was inappropriate. Lounge music? Rock music to continue? Dance music to end? That was unacceptable. It is known worldwide that for these kinds of events, classical music is a must.

The menu was in English. A Michelin star French chef specializing in French cuisine that was served with French wine – all these details impose a French written menu. I have toured French restaurants all around the world, even in Seoul, where the menu is written in French with maybe a small English translation where needed. I don’t think it was acceptable that the menu was in English during this event.

I believe it was overpriced compared to events of the same caliber around town.

Rating: 3.5/5

Gordon’s Café is one of the several brilliant outlets at the Le Gray Hotel in Downtown. Stylish, trendy, hip and cool, it is a favorite among professionals working in the area and pedestrians shopping in the vicinity.

Its slick and European indoor area balances maturity and neatness with creativity and eye-catching art. From the interesting pictures hung on the walls (like the sliced bread depiction of the continents) to the stylish wine display in the middle of venue, every detail about the place creates just the right atmosphere for a quick escape from work or the Beirut bustle.

The outdoor seating area is located right at the entrance of the Downtown district, surrounded by picturesque architecture amidst the life and energy of the cars, tourists, shoppers and professionals. The terrace itself is on the wide sidewalk located right outside the hotel; it’s very spacious and is integrated with everything around it, but still secluded enough to enjoy some tranquility.

The service at Gordon’s Café is impeccable thanks to its well-trained, professional and efficient staff. You can enjoy a variety of items from its menu, serving international food with a selection of salads, burgers, sandwiches and platters. The food is fresh, simple and deliciously prepared to please all tastes. The Caesar salad and hamburger are mouthwatering. If you’re not feeling hungry, ask for one of the café’s refreshing smoothies.

Gordon’s Café is a great choice for a quick lunch break or an evening coffee with friends.

Dress Code is casual

Price per Person including drinks is approximately 30 USD

Rating: 3.5/5

For Reservation:  +961 1 962 862

If you have been to Gordon’s Café, please leave a comment on the page, letting us know how your experience was and how you think the venue can improve.

Zaatar w Zeit is proud to announce the opening of its new branch in Jbeil, Mastita highway providing the region with a new experience of urban eatery.

More than 120 Zaatar W Zeit lovers gathered on Thursday December 1st to celebrate this special day with Zaatar W Zeit Family.

Guests were dazzled by the handsome building Located on Mastita Highway and occupying a 200 square meter space in a marvelous modern architecture.

ZWZ in Jbeil also includes a lounge area that will definitely entice people to want to frequent it for more than just a meal.

Guests enjoyed the melt-in-your-mouth food that satisfy any craving, leaving you wanting more; and were also amazed by the saxophonist and Trash Band.

Not to forget that everyone left with a souvenir photo with ZWZ Giant Key of Jbeil Branch.

Zaatar W Zeit in Jbeil is definitely a place with “Wholesome Freshness & Taste!

Brgr Co. is a scrumptious burger joint that opened up on the Abdel Wahab el Englizi Street after celebrity chef Hussein Hadid, the Par Contre Restaurant Group and Joey Ghazal teamed up to bring us the best burger in Beirut. Within weeks, nay days of opening, everyone in town was talking about it. The burger craze that’s been going on in Lebanon for a while reached a peak when Brgr Co. welcomed burger lovers to its mouthwatering eatery.

The venue is casual, cozy and creative. With an open kitchen, counter seating and quotes written all over the mirror; there’s something truly welcoming about this place.

A place where you come to eat a “gourmet burger”, Brgr Co. was unanimously proclaimed the best burger in town thanks to its custom blend of fresh-ground Angus beef and freshly made fluffy buns.  Accompanied with crunchy French fries, a rich vanilla bean milkshake and scrumptious onion rings, Brgr Co. is the best comfort food you can have in Beirut. Taking it a step further, the succulent Wagyu burger is not to be compared with anything else; not to mention the blackboard butcher specials – yummy!

Whether you choose to go with your friends or your family or even with someone you just met, you are guaranteed to enjoy a delectable, stomach-filling, heat-fulfilling meal that’ll keep you coming back regularly.

Dress Code is casual

Price per Person including drinks is approximately 30 USD

Rating: 3.5/5

For Reservation:  +961 1 333 511

If you have been to Brgr Co., please leave a comment on the page, letting us know how your experience was and how you think the venue can improve.

Table Fine’s memorable cuisine leaves sophisticated food connoisseur taste‐buds in awe. Exquisite à la carte festive dishes such as French Rougié foie gras terrine with figs, Angus beef fillet and Table Fine Paella with a grand finale of decadent Moëlleux au chocolat, set a new family tradition.

On the 31st December, spend an unforgettable New Year Eve in stylish surroundings. Table Fine will be offering a superb set menu with the choice of mouth‐watering cold and hot appetizers, signature main courses and magnificent desserts, coupled with especially selected wines and Champagne for $350 per person.

Reservation for Christmas and New Year dinners are recommended as spaces are limited.

Open every day and on public holidays (closed on the 24th December and all Mondays except the 3rd of January), from 12:00 for lunch and as of 20:00 for dinner.

Every once in a while I try a new restaurant that absolutely wows me, and my most recent addition to my list of fantastic eateries is Tartare. Open since July of this year on the Monot strip, Tartare serves delicious French cuisine with a Mediterranean background, with some occasional daily Italian platters all prepared by owner and chef Michel Jabbour, who holds a diploma from Paul Bocuse in France, and has the cooking skills to prove it. After studying to be a chef then working as one in France for 2 years, Jabbour switched to management when he moved to the United States.

After working in several popular restaurants in Lebanon, Jabbour gathered enough expertise to open up his own place; and along with his passion and great skill for cooking, the rest is magic.

The restaurant has two entrances, one from each side of the venue. The place itself is very cozy, simple and fresh. White is the leading color of the venue; white chairs and fixed tables made of dark wood seat either 6 or 2 people. The non-smoking dining area with 8 tables, seating 32 people, is separated from the smoking bar area by a narrow passageway. An elegant display of fine liquor bottles provides you with an adequate selection of beverages to choose from while sitting at the bar. The open kitchen is quite a treat for any foodie, who can happily watch the chef and his team prepare the delicious meals from scratch, using fresh ingredients with the epitome of hygiene.

The menu is brief and simple, yet features a variety of salads and entrées, a rich tartare selection, main dishes and desserts. Believe me when I say that every item on the menu is mouthwatering and prepared in a very simple way, focusing on taste, flavor, presentation and freshness. We started with the Salade de Crabe Frais, which was very rich and appetizing. We also had the Burrata, a must-have platter that was mouthwateringly fresh as we savored each bite that melted on our paletes. The Tartare de Boeuf, one of the chef’s favorites, was certainly one of the best I’ve had in the country. The crunchy homemade chips on the side were also delicious. We continued by trying the Tartare de Thon and Tartare de Saumon which deserved a two thumbs up; whether it was the light dressing, the combination of ingredients, the presentation, or the freshness, every element simple added to making these dishes so wonderful. My personal favorite, the Tartare de Mérou, was heavenly. It was unarguably the best I’ve had anywhere before. Bursting with flavor and freshness, it’s one of the reasons I’ll be returning to this restaurant again and again. For our entrées, we had the St Jacques Poêlées, cooked to perfection with butter and truffle oil. Even the vegetables on the side were scrumptious. Continuing with the Terrine de Foie Gras, it was matched perfectly with the fig chutney and onion compote as we felt a celebration of contrasting flavors on our taste buds. Moving on to the main dishes, we had the Poulet Farci on a bed of hash browns with a side of deliciously prepared vegetables, harmoniously accompanied with a delectable mustard sauce. The best part of our entire meal was the Confit de Canard, which was by far the best duck I’ve ever had. Cooked to perfection, succulent and bursting with flavor, this is another item that is a must-have on the menu. After all the delicious dishes we tried, we still made room for desserts and had the Soufflé au Chocolat and the Tarte Fine aux Pommes. Although both were rich and absolutely delightful, I was partial to the apple tart which was the perfect conclusion to our hearty meal.

The wine menu features a wide variety of bottles from all over France as well as Lebanese selections that would please any wine connoisseur.

The portions are fair for French cuisine and the staff is professional and timely.

This restaurant is a great meeting point for a mature group of friends who appreciate gourmet food. It’s also a nice place for an intimate date or a Sunday lunch with the family.

I’ll definitely be making a return visit as Tartare is on my personal top 5 list of favorite restaurants around the country, and I have no doubt it will be on yours too.

Dress Code is smart casual

Price per Person including drinks is approximately 55 USD

Rating: 5/5

For Reservation:  +961 1 322 477

If you have been to Tartare, please leave a comment on the page, letting us know how your experience was and how you think the venue can improve.