Joining the list of international restaurant franchises to open in Lebanon, Signor Sassi opened its doors on Zaitunay Bay a few months to provide customers with great service and Italian scrumptiousness.

The décor is reminiscent of a hotel restaurant in Italy, with the oak wall panels and a classic setting of tables and chairs mixed with a modern twist; cushioned and mirrored facades. This London-based Italian restaurant serves all the Italian goodies with a list of its very own unique must-have specialties like the Spaghetti Lobster, a delicious signature dish that has won the hearts and stomachs of most Signor Sassi customers. I did feel that some dishes lacked that rich Italian flavor, but the overall quality and presentation was fair.

My favorite part of the meal was the Spanish olives we were served at the beginning – delicious. The staff is extremely efficient, friendly and professional. Unlike other Italian restaurants, portions are huge, so make sure you don’t over order. Sometimes, a shared appetizer and main dish will be more than enough.

Dress code is casual

Price per person is approximately 30 USD.

For reservation:  +961 1 369 930

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

Certainly the first of its kind in Beirut, S.T.A.Y. is a culinary delight for the senses. Ideally situated in the heart of Beirut Souks, this stylish upscale venue is one of the most recent additions to the worldwide restaurant group owned by Michelin star chef Yannick Alléno.

Upon walking in, you are engulfed in the luxurious and stylish décor that spells out fine dining. S.T.A.Y. is posh in every meaning of the word, attracting a crowd that enjoys the finer things in life. This is certainly a place where your eyes and ears will be as thrilled as your nose and taste buds. The creative seating area allows for easier interaction among friends dining together and there is plenty of space between tables so that each conversation remains private. The overwhelming silver-gray color of the venue is the epitome of elegance, with candles and drapes here and there for that added charm. Mirrors, shiny surfaces and exquisite attention to detail put S.T.A.Y. on a league of its own. One of my favorite things about the restaurant is the bathroom. I cannot describe how heavenly it is, so I must wait for you to see for yourself. One floor up is a stylish bar for those who would like to linger around after dinner or enjoy an aperitif before a delicious meal.

Though on the pricey side, the food is exceptional. Whether it’s the artistic way each platter is presented, or the strange but delicious combination of ingredients. I absolutely loved the fresh foie gras that looked more like a dessert if you ask me. The beef filet and the veal were also perfectly cooked and melted with every bite. There are countless items on the menu to choose from, and frankly I simply cannot tell you which one is the best because each has a unique taste and must be tried. The desserts are sublime, whether it’s the richness of the chocolate cream or the perfection of the lemon tart. Although the portions are a little on the small side, the staff is very well-trained and quite helpful if you’re confused about what to order.

All in all, I loved the place. The only thing I could complain about is that it was rather costly, but I’d say it’s fair for such food quality, preparation and presentation; not to mention the impeccable style of the venue. This is certainly a place to go for the trendy crowd of Lebanon who are looking for a step up from the usual. Wear something chic, grab a group of your fashionable gourmet friends and make a night of it.

Are you a seafood lover who’s in the mood for some delicious fresh fish? Head over to the Mövenpick Hotel’s Méditeranée restaurant on Friday nights to enjoy a themed seafood buffet dinner, Ocean Jazz Night.

The extensive selection of seafood is spread across an open buffet of cold and warm platters including salads, a sushi station, a live frying and grilling station where you select your own fish, as well as paella, a wide variety of delectable desserts and much more.

The friendly staff will make you feel right at home; as they generously serve you and make sure you’re content throughout the evening.

The ambiance is dim and cozy with a picturesque view of the swimming pool as a live band plays soothing jazzy music all night long.

Whether you’re looking for a mellow, quiet evening or a delicious meal over lots of chit chat and laughs, and whether it’s with family members or with friends, if you’re a fan of what the sea has to offer, make sure you don’t miss out on this delicious evening, where you can eat to your heart’s desire.

Dress Code is casual or smart casual

For Reservation:  +961 1 869 666

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

Visiting Lebanon for the 9^th time, Claude Lauxerrois, the most-renowned Maitre Fromager in Doue, France, and winner of the Mercure d’Or in 1977, hosted two evenings of delectable selection of cheeses produced in his country, on March 16 and 17 at the Phoenicia Hotel’s Eau de Vie.

The two unforgettable evenings featured a special four course dinner along with a cheese course for $70 per person, or a four course dinner with a cheese course and four matching wines for $95 per person. Some even enjoyed just sampling the different varieties of cheese, including Bleu d’Auvergne, Abbaye, Brie de Meaux, Camembert Normandie and Cantal Auvergne at $25 per person.

With the help of Chef Marie France and Eau de Vie’s team of talented chefs and professional staff, Maitre Lauxerrois took cheese connoisseurs on a gastronomic journey of an age old culinary art as they enjoyed the music performed by singer Asmara.

After three intense days of cooking and tasting at the HORECA trade fair in Biel, the renowned guest chefs who flew in from all over the world were surely in need of some pampering, so the BeirutNightLife.com team hosted an evening of dining and drinking in which we took the chefs to wine and dine in the heart of Beirut to enjoy the city’s finest.

What better destination to convey the beauty of Beirut than the downtown district? We started off the evening at the entrance of downtown Beirut, and specifically at Le Gray Hotel which impressed the chefs with its creative contemporary design and convenient location. We had our aperitifs at the Bar ThreeSixty as the chefs admired the 360 degree panoramic view of the city and relaxed to soothing drinks and lounge music.

Dinner followed shortly one floor down at Indigo, a fine dining experience to please even the pickiest of tastes.  The welcoming atmosphere and staff awaited us, a group of 30, who were seated across three neatly set up tables. We began with some delicious white wine and fresh homemade bread, followed by a delicious starter with scallops and an endives salad. The main course was a sublime succulent Asian style sea bass and the dessert platter was a selection of signature Indigo bites of heaven!

The chefs were very happy with the meal and emphasized on the freshness of the ingredients, the appetizing presentation, and the fresh, contemporary and classy décor.

The dinner and drinks were courtesy of Le Gray Hotel.

With happy full stomachs, we walked across the street to the Annahar building where an evening of drinking awaited us at Iris. A big table was prepared for us at this impressive indoor rooftop garden, whose concept and ambiance thrilled the international chefs. After a couple of drinks and a few hearty conversations, we were all ready to leave and get a few hours’ rest before the last day of HORECA.

The drinks were courtesy of Iris.

The chefs were delighted with the city; its stylish venues, and how it blends its heritage with international concepts, offering an unforgettable experience for locals and tourists alike.

As always, day 1 of HORECA was a blast. With over 350 exhibitors and hundreds of visitors, this annual extravaganza is spread across three halls, displaying all the best from the wine, good and hospitality industry.

Instead of boring you with facts and figures, I will tell you why HORECA is so awesome.

For those of you who are in the industry, it’s a great opportunity for you to participate and show the public what you have to offer from old and new products and services. It’s a good way to regain your competitive edge when you’re surrounded by competitors in a positive environment.

For those of you who are not in the industry, it’s still essential for you to come if you love food, alcohol or wine. Not only will you be among the first to try some new goodies that you’ll be bragging about to your friends later, but you’ll also know what to buy at the supermarket or order at the restaurant next time around. You can taste some delicious bites prepared live by renowned chefs or you can participate in some wine tasting at the wine lab. There are various cooking and drinks competitions you can participate in or enjoy.

As for the goodies scattered around here and there, I urge you to visit at least once and keep your eye out for the following:

Have a delicious Perrier cocktail at the Perrier stand. If you’re feeling tired or worn out, one of these refreshing drinks is exactly what you need. I recommend you ask for the strawberry flavor – Delicioso!

Still feeling thirsty? Check out the Fattal stand – you simply can’t miss it! With its tall black borders and blasting music, its bar-like atmosphere is quite the attention-grabber; and it’s evident from the many people hanging around there enjoying a glass of Kefraya wine or Grey Goose vodka. It’s like happy hour at HORECA!

Speaking of wine, you simply have to drop by the Abi Ramia Bros stand for something none of your friends have tried yet. The soon-to-be launched Pays d’Oc French red Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s smooth and highly enjoyable. I absolutely loved it and couldn’t help for ask for several refills. If you are still feeling the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, you simply must try Stella Artois Beer. Now I’m not a regular beer drinker, but boy was that good!

Or how about some more wine at Ixsir? If you haven’t tried their delicious Grande Réserve Blanc Chardonnay (mixed with Viognier and Sauvignon), what are you waiting for? Run over to their stand, ask for a glass of it (or three) and thank me later. It’s such a good white wine.

If you’re a Chardonnay fan, head right over to the Ksara stand and get a taste of their fantabulous Chardonnay that was rated among the best in the world – no joke. Don’t leave before tasting the rich Le Souverain, a Cabernet Sauvignon, Arinarnoa red wine. And how about enjoying one of the 1001 wines to try before you die? The Cuvée du Troisème Millénaire, a delicious full-bodied Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Syrah.

Head over to Massoud for some Bargylus, a delicious  full-bodied Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Syria.

At this point, you have probably drunk way too much and are either falling asleep or starving. In this case, head over to the Nabil stand where you simply must try the potato chicken nuggets. Believe it or not, they are frozen goods, but taste like little pieces of heaven.

A few steps away are the Golden Mie noodles – and they taste Asian indeed just as their slogan indicates: “Authentic Asian Taste”

Souk el Tayeb never ceases to impress, with its simple approach, fresh and organic ingredients, and homemade cooking. I had some delicious Kibbi. I wonder what they will be serving today – yum!

I was lucky enough to enjoy some live cooking by pastry chef Herve Gerard and Salmontini Riva’s Executive Chef. I wonder who will be there today!

Time for some dessert! Head over to the Pregel stand where the ice cream and chocolate is so mouthwatering, you’ll never want to leave.

If you want some ice cream but prefer to stay on the healthy side, try some Alaska ice cream, made from 100% organic coconut milk. In case you don’t know the remarkable benefits of organic coconut milk and oil, please head over to Google and do some research. It does wonders to your body and you simply must try it out.

Have some scrumptious Jelly Belly jelly beans and try to guess what flavor each one is or have some rich and tasty Valrhona chocolates.

Yes ladies and gentlemen, that’s quite a lot to taste in just a couple of hours, but I simply had to give you a little sneak peek of why HORECA is just so awesome.

For those of you who missed out on day 1, you still have today and tomorrow to make up for that and treat yourself to a feast for the senses!

Meet us at HORECA in Biel from 4 to 9 pm. The BeirutNightLife.com team will be at stand M52.

Meet the BeirutNightLife.com and DineOutLebanon.com team there and enjoy the best of what the hospitality and food industry has to offer at HORECA 2012. Drink and eat away from March 20 – 23, from 4 to 9 pm at Biel. Be the first to discover the latest trends, innovations and additions in the world of food, beverages and hospitality. Walk around for hours from stand to stand, taste some wine, enjoy some live cooking, meet international chefs and learn some cooking tips and tricks, be a part of the events.

For those of you who missed out on last year’s fun now is your chance to make up for it.

We’ll be expecting to see you at our stand tomorrow.

For more information on the event, please click here.

The Mövenpick Hotel Beirut’s Méditerranée restaurant has recently launched its themed buffets, delivering a diversity of cuisines and ambiances to its valuable guests. Combining good food with a good mood, you are sure to leave with a happy heart, satisfied taste buds and a full stomach.

Here’s more information on each themed buffet for those of you who haven’t been there yet:

‘Ocean Jazz’ night
Every Friday night starting 8.00 pm
You can enjoy soul-soothing live jazz tunes while feasting on a generous seafood buffet at the Méditerranée restaurant. The seafood buffet features a wide selection of appetizers ranging from delicious sushi and sashimi, to an extravagant lobster and oyster bar. You get to pick your main course from a variety of grillades, and the chefs will cook it for you. Finish your meal with a delectable array of desserts.

‘Latino Grillades’ night.
Every Saturday night starting 8.00 pm
How mouthwatering does this sound? A barbeque night with a vast selection of scrumptious appetizers, girllades, sauces and desserts – combined with Latino fever as live Latino music plays in the background, creating an unforgettable lively ambiance for all ages to enjoy.

Sparkling Sunday brunch
Every Sunday from 1.00 pm until 4.00 pm
Feast your eyes on an actual feast, with a huge selection of seafood platters, Lebanese delicacies, International hot dishes, a fine cheese selection and rich salad bar, as well as mouthwatering desserts, all accompanied by red, white and sparkling wine. A kids’ corner full of activities is also available.

For reservation, please call +961 1 869 666

In a corner at the end of the charming Mar Mikhael strip, there’s an attractive white façade of a building with nothing but a small indication of what’s inside, a sign displaying the name Fiore and the drawing of a flower (which is its translation in English). This newly opened Mediterranean restaurant is now one of my favorites in town. Want to know why? Read on.

When I first walked in, I was overwhelmed by the delicious aroma of food that filled up the place, and I thought to myself: I am definitely having something from the sea the minute I sit down. After the warm welcome, we were escorted to our table which was one of only a few – just the way I like it. As I looked at the color scheme around me and listened to the relaxing loungy music playing in the background, I was transported to another place. I felt I was at an open-air restaurant overlooking the sea as I listened to the sound of the seagulls and the waves. Mind you, I was still in Beirut . . . and it was still January, where it was raining and freezing outside.

As soon as we sat down, the waiter asked us what we’d like to drink as an aperitif, I chose a delicious Prosecco. As I enjoyed one refreshing sip after the other, I studied the décor around me – and it is certainly one to be admired. The setting is that of an old house – or should I say, a room of an old house – with the charming windows, innovative chandeliers, an overwhelming splash of white color with little essential touches of blue every here and there. It is cozy, fresh and delightful all at once. Little details, like the choice of cutlery, made the place that more appealing to me.

As our table filled up with our friends for the evening, the staff rushed to our side, taking our orders and opening up two delicious bottles of wine – one white and one red. I took a personal liking to the red, Nero d’Avola, which is Sicily’s finest. We started with a welcome platter, scallop in pesto sauce – it was delicious, perfectly cooked; and most importantly, fresh. Continuing dinner with some antipasti of course, the platter contained different types of delicious cheese, bresaola, Serrano ham and eggplant Melanzana. The verdict? Yummy – and it prepared our appetites for what was to come next; the paccheri. This was my favorite dish of the evening. The pasta was perfectly cooked to al dente; the fresh mussels and shrimps, along with the light garlic butter sauce resulted in a harmonious mixture that’s a pure delight to the taste buds. I would have ordered another, but as soon as I laid my eyes on the next platter I couldn’t wait to sink into it. Côte de boeuf, grilled to a perfect succulent medium-rare (just as I love it), maintaining the full flavor of the meat with a side of sautéed haricots verts and a rich potato puree. The dessert was the star of the evening that fascinated us all; the crème brûlée catalana. This is the best dessert I’ve had in years – no exaggeration. The catalane twist made all the difference in the world from your average crème brûlée. Its creamy, rich texture and full flavor lingered on my taste buds long after I had savored my last bite; it will be the reason for my return visit – hopefully I’ll be able to convince the chef to give me the recipe.

Speaking of the chef, JJ Fiore – yes, the venue is named after him – is the man responsible for preparing seriously delicious platters at Da Giovanni several years ago, then at Margarita, then at Aliacci. What do all these places have in common?  They are the best Italian eateries in town. Fiore breaks away from being a purely Italian cuisine, and instead introduces the Mediterranean twist in all his platters. I love how chef Fiore combined Italy’s best with Spain’s finest in his cooking – the result is full-flavored sauces, fresh ingredients, appetizing presentation, and simplicity in each dish; dishes that give that “mmmmmmmm” effect. The venue’s success does not only fall on the chef, but on the restaurant’s very helpful and well-trained staff who are truly competent of the menu (which is something I sadly do not witness in many places I have dined at), as well as the partners who are highly-experienced in the industry, in Lebanon and abroad.

I’d say anyone who’s well-traveled and has a refined palate will truly appreciate this place and will not be able to resist advertising it to all their friends the minute they walk out. One may think that such a place would be pricey, since the restaurant scene in Lebanon now needs a high budget of its own each month, but the prices are shockingly affordable, especially if you compare them to the quality of food and to other venues.

Fiore is great for families and groups of friends in the early to mid 20’s and up, granted that you’re a gourmand. It is a place where you can enjoy the cozy ambiance, have a few good laughs in a relaxed environment . . . oh, and enjoy a scrumptious bite or two.

Dress Code is smart casual

Price per Person including drinks is approximately 60 USD

Rating: 4.5/5

For Reservation: +961 1 444 322

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

In a corner at the end of the charming Mar Mikhael strip, there’s an attractive white façade of a building with nothing but a small indication of what’s inside, a sign displaying the name Fiore and the drawing of a flower (which is its translation in English). This newly opened Mediterranean restaurant is now one of my favorites in town. Want to know why? Read on.

When I first walked in, I was overwhelmed by the delicious aroma of food that filled up the place, and I thought to myself: I am definitely having something from the sea the minute I sit down. After the warm welcome, we were escorted to our table which was one of only a few – just the way I like it. As I looked at the color scheme around me and listened to the relaxing loungy music playing in the background, I was transported to another place. I felt I was at an open-air restaurant overlooking the sea as I listened to the sound of the seagulls and the waves. Mind you, I was still in Beirut . . . and it was still January, where it was raining and freezing outside.

As soon as we sat down, the waiter asked us what we’d like to drink as an aperitif, I chose a delicious Prosecco. As I enjoyed one refreshing sip after the other, I studied the décor around me – and it is certainly one to be admired. The setting is that of an old house – or should I say, a room of an old house – with the charming windows, innovative chandeliers, an overwhelming splash of white color with little essential touches of blue every here and there. It is cozy, fresh and delightful all at once. Little details, like the choice of cutlery, made the place that more appealing to me.

As our table filled up with our friends for the evening, the staff rushed to our side, taking our orders and opening up two delicious bottles of wine – one white and one red. I took a personal liking to the red, Nero d’Avola, which is Sicily’s finest. We started with a welcome platter, scallop in pesto sauce – it was delicious, perfectly cooked; and most importantly, fresh. Continuing dinner with some antipasti of course, the platter contained different types of delicious cheese, bresaola, Serrano ham and eggplant Melanzana. The verdict? Yummy – and it prepared our appetites for what was to come next; the paccheri. This was my favorite dish of the evening. The pasta was perfectly cooked to al dente; the fresh mussels and shrimps, along with the light garlic butter sauce resulted in a harmonious mixture that’s a pure delight to the taste buds. I would have ordered another, but as soon as I laid my eyes on the next platter I couldn’t wait to sink into it. Côte de boeuf, grilled to a perfect succulent medium-rare (just as I love it), maintaining the full flavor of the meat with a side of sautéed haricots verts and a rich potato puree. The dessert was the star of the evening that fascinated us all; the crème brûlée catalana. This is the best dessert I’ve had in years – no exaggeration. The catalane twist made all the difference in the world from your average crème brûlée. Its creamy, rich texture and full flavor lingered on my taste buds long after I had savored my last bite; it will be the reason for my return visit – hopefully I’ll be able to convince the chef to give me the recipe.

Speaking of the chef, JJ Fiore – yes, the venue is named after him – is the man responsible for preparing seriously delicious platters at Da Giovanni several years ago, then at Margarita, then at Aliacci. What do all these places have in common?  They are the best Italian eateries in town. Fiore breaks away from being a purely Italian cuisine, and instead introduces the Mediterranean twist in all his platters. I love how chef Fiore combined Italy’s best with Spain’s finest in his cooking – the result is full-flavored sauces, fresh ingredients, appetizing presentation, and simplicity in each dish; dishes that give that “mmmmmmmm” effect. The venue’s success does not only fall on the chef, but on the restaurant’s very helpful and well-trained staff who are truly competent of the menu (which is something I sadly do not witness in many places I have dined at), as well as the partners who are highly-experienced in the industry, in Lebanon and abroad.

I’d say anyone who’s well-traveled and has a refined palate will truly appreciate this place and will not be able to resist advertising it to all their friends the minute they walk out. One may think that such a place would be pricey, since the restaurant scene in Lebanon now needs a high budget of its own each month, but the prices are shockingly affordable, especially if you compare them to the quality of food and to other venues.

Fiore is great for families and groups of friends in the early to mid 20’s and up, granted that you’re a gourmand. It is a place where you can enjoy the cozy ambiance, have a few good laughs in a relaxed environment . . . oh, and enjoy a scrumptious bite or two.

Dress Code is smart casual

Price per Person including drinks is approximately 60 USD

Rating: 4.5/5

For Reservation: +961 1 444 322

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