tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26781684015159454482024-03-16T20:52:34.879+02:00BeirutistaServing Beirut to the PublicBeirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.comBlogger524125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-31723338425427901162023-11-14T09:30:00.001+02:002023-12-18T21:51:13.568+02:00Tantalizing Treats from the Coast to the Mountains<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">For many of us, the undisputed beauty of Lebanon lies in the quality of food and drink available to denizens. If we Lebanese are blessed with one thing, it’s a highly discerning palate and a deep-seated appreciation for food, no matter the cuisine or category.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Here are a few of my newfound favorites bejeweling the Lebanese frontier, from the coast to the mountains!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><b>Gilbert’s Burger Bites</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Having grown up in California, I know a good burger when I see (and sink my canines into) one. The Lebanese have always had a love affair with burgers, but if you grew up in the 90s, a burger around here ubiquitously meant a thin kafta-like patty smothered with coleslaw and fries, tucked inside a sesame seed bun large enough to bury a baseball. While nostalgia-inducing, that specimen belongs in our past.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Since moving to Lebanon in 2011, I’ve enjoyed a number of decent burgers. But the crowning jewel is without doubt Gilbert’s Burger Bites. I’m not sure why it’s dubbed “Bites,” because their burgers are anything but. For the uninitiated, start with the “Classy” classic burger, featuring an Angus beef patty seared to a pink core, cheddar, tomato, pickles, onions and thousand island sauce (US $8.00).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The real magic however happens inside the Triple Smashed Burger, showcasing a trio of cheddar-laden Angus patties with loosely-packed meat, onions, pickles, and thousand island (US$ 12.00). It should be criminal to make a burger this deliriously delicious. And be warned: it is huge. Indulge slowly, and consume moderately.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">GBB boasts two locations, one along the Antelias-Rabieh highway, and the other at the Tabarja roundabout. I’ve tried the former for both dine-in and take-away, and it’s consistent!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczed9zSSDvCbknaHw5DF-ojUwAUHfITr10ENhtyDoRroCR4EA8qDNSCS-DUTnIlCcYC027euk2J2KfhbTNe9LZQj2OwHHPS42n28TW556Vr82muKHi14w6yyt9oyL4E8X75y-sG9x-trsXql95HU4RZaBXy0O5drcOdh3_rkwWdUUQcbL2qk-lGoxZixs/s4000/20231006_225455.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczed9zSSDvCbknaHw5DF-ojUwAUHfITr10ENhtyDoRroCR4EA8qDNSCS-DUTnIlCcYC027euk2J2KfhbTNe9LZQj2OwHHPS42n28TW556Vr82muKHi14w6yyt9oyL4E8X75y-sG9x-trsXql95HU4RZaBXy0O5drcOdh3_rkwWdUUQcbL2qk-lGoxZixs/w480-h640/20231006_225455.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Triple Smashed Burger at Gilbert's Burger Bites</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/gbb.lb/" target="_blank">GBB on Instagram</a></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><b>Al Abdalla</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It’s no wonder Al Abdalla has rather quickly expanded beyond Lebanon to Iraq and UAE – their barbecue chicken is impressive. Order a large Chicken Sandwich (US$ 7.50), and you’ll know what I mean. Replete with fragrant charcoal-grilled chicken and slathered with a duo of garlic and chili sauces, the Arabic pita bread wrap is then brushed with a sumac-infused oil and pressed to the grill. It’s zesty, it’s spell-binding, and it’s definitely a unique take on Lebanese chicken sandwiches.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCb-fcvd2vb3S2wBH3yRJ9GWFR5J9stO0uGWrP9sTVOM7LEFUsTaTWYb2PjiLVYPjUtDvVpCPH-AhU1tYCVIep_Y_NvWR2b-zmmeDJoLWj1v5qf3GWao05vf-tPrG7iV2XBIQ9BXoG1eRdtxrFtiRIVVTkPTDjzFf1gX-5G4Mo99BJHZuKeaf1s3F1Etob/s4000/20231009_202242.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCb-fcvd2vb3S2wBH3yRJ9GWFR5J9stO0uGWrP9sTVOM7LEFUsTaTWYb2PjiLVYPjUtDvVpCPH-AhU1tYCVIep_Y_NvWR2b-zmmeDJoLWj1v5qf3GWao05vf-tPrG7iV2XBIQ9BXoG1eRdtxrFtiRIVVTkPTDjzFf1gX-5G4Mo99BJHZuKeaf1s3F1Etob/w480-h640/20231009_202242.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Sandwich at Al Abdalla</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/alabdalla.lb" target="_blank">Al Abdalla on Instagram</a></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><b>Chawarma Diclan</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A friend directed us to this shawarma hotspot in Bikfaya, which we had quite some trouble locating despite its position along the main Bikfaya avenue. While its perch may seem subtle and understated, its shawarma wraps are bold and packed with lean meat. This is the first time my conscience didn’t gnaw at me as I wolfed down the sandwich ravenously. With a perfect dose of tahini, parsley, tomato, and pickle, the meat shawarma won’t leave you feeling heavy or bothered. Afterward, you can proceed happily to the Bachir stronghold down the street for good old-fashioned Lebanese bouza.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><b>Elmir Craft Beer</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It took a wine festival in the heart of Beirut to introduce me to what might arguably be Lebanon’s finest craft beer. I sampled it on tap, and wow – what an experience! The “Aleph,” a medium-full Lebanese Terroir beer brewed with carob molasses, is truly the nectar of the gods, and registers an alcohol content level of 8.5%. It seems right to borrow the wine term “full-bodied” to describe this liquid gold. Anfé (4.8%), referring to the northern coastal city known for its salt marshes, is distinctively dry and sour with a pleasantly salty finish. For a classic brew, the IPA (5.5%) is robust and quenching.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Elmir is sold at a number of retail stores and served on tap at various restaurants, pubs and bars (see their Instagram posts for the exhaustive lists).</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbAtySlkTGP2SUoZCqVX1mtN9uS6Xnysq9WGLwv9wv0G6Ej_NCo-SWcfXABq-eJojngSd6nXeynAr9hkS0WJxcy5OD91qep5vEXwHbQz-vMrS83PEDpNON9d56jSXvT-0J62bEToPhHAfHPzeIfIEYyVccYXpbXrNUnBeVacskvIqmh1h9r37Yzwm-2f6/s4000/20231006_210454.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbAtySlkTGP2SUoZCqVX1mtN9uS6Xnysq9WGLwv9wv0G6Ej_NCo-SWcfXABq-eJojngSd6nXeynAr9hkS0WJxcy5OD91qep5vEXwHbQz-vMrS83PEDpNON9d56jSXvT-0J62bEToPhHAfHPzeIfIEYyVccYXpbXrNUnBeVacskvIqmh1h9r37Yzwm-2f6/w480-h640/20231006_210454.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elmir's draft beer stand at Vinifest 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/elmirbrewery" target="_blank">Elmir on Instagram</a></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></i></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfgaKArSOTpKAic5qLX8Y0f8bAvWEjOVJjkTQZ5kZpBEv4ryWcRY_ttjaG8RxSb1lHsl-Gym2SIizRQxwDYFOVwvKtU0iuThjuk_O4gQnXZ3CcEkza5IB9pB9ox3HMXW0hA_obduAEEpp/w73-h73/Facebook.png" style="cursor: move;" width="73" /></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0B6KjTwowkcqCQKR7Q96qwp4yTsxQgdLuSkRDec06ny238ZssY5zqePEZroXDfdA6hK57md4B-O6jRs08trvbZoLvJQn3LG2Ogg_ckWeuEO2JqJpw_8aSxfhwnO0Y2iRb7PdiNoZOjN/w77-h76/Instagram+logo.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="77" /></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXQHND_HHD4OAbPffFnheDGMZ-O8hEeCwffIGOKEOzRE7bBlxTC5Zhw2gX7gNCpsy2e4Slh8sWs82IDxjcLP2iwTmCYNBhxLKHTLJisjjdKxqi7vH8Nk18gygtPFSuuDT0DUG97UzRbg3/w77-h77/Twitter+logo.png" style="cursor: move;" width="77" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-64362079407754106292023-10-10T10:00:00.001+03:002023-12-18T21:49:27.613+02:00What’s New In & Around Beirut<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In light of the multiple financial and economic crises that continue to grip Lebanon, it always fascinates me when I see new places crop up, or living spaces being treated to a facelift. Revival in Lebanon is at the core of our fabric. Our entrepreneurial culture perpetually outweighs the lesser than ideal circumstances that beleaguer us. All this to say, it’s a heartwarming feeling when you see others around you continue to invest and not relinquish hope in this country.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Here’s the latest example of that!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><b>Xpark</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Perched on high in the hills of Mar Roukoz, not far from Waves waterpark, Xpark is Lebanon’s first indoor jump park spread across an impressive 3,300 square meters. Find different areas to suit every age and expert level: (1) X Mini for ages up to 6 to explore trampoline style jumping, (2) Freestyle, (3) Xpertramps for elevated performance enthusiasts, (4) XDunk for bouncing and shooting hoops, (5) soft-play for toddlers, (6) edutainment zone catering to ages 4-12, and more. Upstairs discover a café serving drinks and snacks, multipurpose rooms to house birthday parties, and lockers. Xpark, exclusively employing Lebanese athletic youth, is perfect for adrenaline junkies interested in a novel way to stay trim and active.</span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJH_P3Gdj7ILOjK-LGUqin1B0aiwZh74AyZjNI2Zvv0O02eLu9r7oVIzkBOp0jYKsS07UFOXaprKpQDYXP7Lgmo6s4bFg88smLdOQOb1G1QiUwx8niI3bmYzfS3dJj4UL_Poq8dHfF9INgrOKiTmeadJcJ319heQjAKoaen1nL3RgB-4siTf-ysMO_Nnd/s1089/Screenshot_20231010_122414_Photos%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1089" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJH_P3Gdj7ILOjK-LGUqin1B0aiwZh74AyZjNI2Zvv0O02eLu9r7oVIzkBOp0jYKsS07UFOXaprKpQDYXP7Lgmo6s4bFg88smLdOQOb1G1QiUwx8niI3bmYzfS3dJj4UL_Poq8dHfF9INgrOKiTmeadJcJ319heQjAKoaen1nL3RgB-4siTf-ysMO_Nnd/w424-h640/Screenshot_20231010_122414_Photos%20(1).jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xpark is Lebanon's first indoor jump park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/XPARKLEBANON/" target="_blank">Xpark on Instagram</a></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><b>Burger King - Jal el Dib</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Burger King’s flagship branch has decorated the Jal el Dib highway for 24 years now. This location has always been preferred by my little ones, owing to a formidable four-tiered play place and an outdoor playground to boot. I was pleased to see a total renovation completed last month, encompassing new seating and benches, enhanced lighting, touchscreen kiosks for quick ordering, fresher bathrooms, and an expanded play zone outside. Jal el Dib’s BK also features a café, serving up coffee, pastries and soft serve ice cream. Be sure you download their mobile app to take advantage of frequent promos and discounts on food.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiK0wuWD9uutzNQtys2VkucI836UbVz8FHqKPzdqS1ab7X2FspkVxEeGgScF8NlSpdoycoPJ55o_06Otk0nxTcd7hf7fdl0ViKzmjsmohI2BKjq4_t_BAbR-akDdflG2pwfH-4g-AJsr0fY5yBl6Q8uT42gGc868pJi7WGWgOVKrN_pRl5PaNkPukY5qzo/s4000/20231003_193919.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiK0wuWD9uutzNQtys2VkucI836UbVz8FHqKPzdqS1ab7X2FspkVxEeGgScF8NlSpdoycoPJ55o_06Otk0nxTcd7hf7fdl0ViKzmjsmohI2BKjq4_t_BAbR-akDdflG2pwfH-4g-AJsr0fY5yBl6Q8uT42gGc868pJi7WGWgOVKrN_pRl5PaNkPukY5qzo/w480-h640/20231003_193919.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The renovated space inside Burger King - Jal el Dib</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/burgerking_lebanon/" target="_blank">Burger King Lebanon on Instagram</a></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><b>Burger Basics</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I know what you’re thinking – yet another burger joint in Lebanon? Isn’t the scene pretty saturated as it is? Burger Basics is the brainchild of an experienced Lebanese family restaurateur whose identity remains anonymous for now. But if you can appreciate their longevity (over 40 years in business) and unwavering commitment to excellence, you’d be pretty keen on trying just about anything they put out there. And I was more than happy to wolf down Burger Basic’s Mighty Meat burger. It’s got all the ingredients of culinary goodness: soft, supple, brioche bun; juicy, smashed, beef patty; American cheese; tomato; lettuce; and thousand island dressing. At present, Burger Basics is available exclusively as delivery through Toters.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzL5xC8_XjFOtpNo83IPOU6zG7kcBSdLkoo7odcvcCzrM97hYKtcVwKANScqYf3NWToAbGC6IuaqPu98cc8ZyXXSXBCexZPEP0Zq-8YiaxlZ4pAPBVqMr0I3fDBEYQ99-JviS1cwnOsy3EKP6Kq_cvhJB4dmdOHjf3TsqrO9jT1YtzjJawhk-k6fXm8kmF/s4000/20230918_133806.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzL5xC8_XjFOtpNo83IPOU6zG7kcBSdLkoo7odcvcCzrM97hYKtcVwKANScqYf3NWToAbGC6IuaqPu98cc8ZyXXSXBCexZPEP0Zq-8YiaxlZ4pAPBVqMr0I3fDBEYQ99-JviS1cwnOsy3EKP6Kq_cvhJB4dmdOHjf3TsqrO9jT1YtzjJawhk-k6fXm8kmF/w480-h640/20230918_133806.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mighty Meat at Burger Basics</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><b>Kintsugi Beirut</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“Rooms. Bar. Resto.” Don’t you love a slogan that adequately captures the offering in full? Kintsugi sits where Villa Clara once did, tucked inside the narrow, storied residential streets of Mar Mikhael, just off of Armenia Street. The Japanese word “kintsugi” refers to the art of mending broken pottery with gold – a metaphor for renewing one’s lease on life and embracing all flaws and imperfections as intrinsic to the process. French owner Olivier, a resident of Beirut for two decades and the man who counts “Behind the Green Door” as among his successful ventures, was just 600 meters from the Beirut port explosions of August 2020. Kintsugi Beirut houses seven unique guest rooms, each with its own flair and color scheme, in addition to a restaurant and glasshouse for dining under the stars even whilst it rains.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWYoxRJod69Sq0W3yJtoL6ibjgb857DUbohTL5-CUNnbGLb5u6pqh4w8EQ5gH3qUlrToQ0ZI_27orwf5VDL648VqwRp8DiFcRv-_YnU1U_Xfc6iIwXNv9UxcZzPjVXI0TQaDGC8lFLl7TuGc48jSS5b6u3czrVb52QvA7ybPOuvnBsJ3TkD7SE8JTKCiK/s4000/20231005_131427.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWYoxRJod69Sq0W3yJtoL6ibjgb857DUbohTL5-CUNnbGLb5u6pqh4w8EQ5gH3qUlrToQ0ZI_27orwf5VDL648VqwRp8DiFcRv-_YnU1U_Xfc6iIwXNv9UxcZzPjVXI0TQaDGC8lFLl7TuGc48jSS5b6u3czrVb52QvA7ybPOuvnBsJ3TkD7SE8JTKCiK/w480-h640/20231005_131427.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main entrance of Kintsugi in Mar Mikhael</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kintsugibeirut/" target="_blank">Kintsugi Beirut on Instagram</a></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></i></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfgaKArSOTpKAic5qLX8Y0f8bAvWEjOVJjkTQZ5kZpBEv4ryWcRY_ttjaG8RxSb1lHsl-Gym2SIizRQxwDYFOVwvKtU0iuThjuk_O4gQnXZ3CcEkza5IB9pB9ox3HMXW0hA_obduAEEpp/w73-h73/Facebook.png" width="73" /></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0B6KjTwowkcqCQKR7Q96qwp4yTsxQgdLuSkRDec06ny238ZssY5zqePEZroXDfdA6hK57md4B-O6jRs08trvbZoLvJQn3LG2Ogg_ckWeuEO2JqJpw_8aSxfhwnO0Y2iRb7PdiNoZOjN/w77-h76/Instagram+logo.jpg" width="77" /></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXQHND_HHD4OAbPffFnheDGMZ-O8hEeCwffIGOKEOzRE7bBlxTC5Zhw2gX7gNCpsy2e4Slh8sWs82IDxjcLP2iwTmCYNBhxLKHTLJisjjdKxqi7vH8Nk18gygtPFSuuDT0DUG97UzRbg3/w77-h77/Twitter+logo.png" width="77" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-29518029388462605132023-04-26T09:09:00.005+03:002023-04-26T09:12:31.623+03:00Lebanon's Retail Landscape In Need of Customer Service Overhaul<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Last weekend, I found myself visiting two different
retailers with which I’d previously been unfamiliar. We received housewarming gifts
that I wished to exchange for something of more utility, and after being
repeatedly reassured that swapping would be effortless, I embarked on said mission.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The first retailer has two branches: one in Jdeideh, north
of Beirut, and another in Ballouneh, in the Ajaltoun district. The gift was
purchased in Ballouneh, and I was going to attempt the exchange in Jdeideh,
which is considerably closer to our home. I entered the shop and presented
the item – a half dozen set of tumblers – to the two ladies seated behind the
cashier desk. Almost instantly I was greeted with, “that’s an old item.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“Excuse me? This was purchased 24 hours ago from your other
location,” I retorted. As though we were duking it out on a tennis court, the
cashier swiftly shot back that she had to check whether they even carried this item
in Jdeideh, because if they did not, she would deny me the exchange.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I narrowed my eyes and furrowed my brows. How ridiculous did
she sound? “Isn’t this one company? The buyer was reassured that I as a
recipient could easily exchange the item at either branch without a fuss. I’m
not going to navigate the long drive to Ballouneh if I can come here instead.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">She proffered me her
fakest smile and asked me to be patient as she sent a staff member to check the
warehouse for the availability of this exact item. “Unless I’m carrying another
half-dozen tumblers of an identical make and model, I cannot exchange these. I
need to be able to display a full dozen in the showroom.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">With each preposterous word, this salesperson was pushing my buttons. Not only was she so manifestly opposed to making my customer
experience a happy one, but she was linking my exchange to her inventory. Why should
I be concerned with what she has in stock? Is that my job as a customer, to
promote balance in her showroom so that future customers can pluck up a coveted
dozen cups rather than a cursed half dozen? Why do I need to make that my
business? I'm just here for a quick exchange.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A rational line of reasoning should have been as such: the purchase
has already been rendered. The transaction is complete. Customer is not here for a
refund. She is simply picking out a different item and potentially paying a
difference for whatever she homes in on. Store-owner should not be
aggravated as though cash will be dished out from the register back to the
customer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Anyway, as luck would have it, an identical half-dozen set
was located – in the showroom, in plain sight. And the salesperson was forced
to retreated and accept my exchange. I glared at her for
sabotaging my first and assuredly last visit to her shop.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjG0HjZ6WExPo48IEtOMNNPqT4MAjHiP6AX8UVqFPPbQICX3MdF5kaDlsewWV56TCvpRWn_aBkvh1GD2ST7AKzX4qkHhCj6iEhrvuT03xaogn2ugucHUupAc6s3Rhz2-D4isTPvFQQk-lchUQVfteuwQ1zJe2864VQczy2J66gfnd9zkWTND2jMudsKA/s640/IMG_3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjG0HjZ6WExPo48IEtOMNNPqT4MAjHiP6AX8UVqFPPbQICX3MdF5kaDlsewWV56TCvpRWn_aBkvh1GD2ST7AKzX4qkHhCj6iEhrvuT03xaogn2ugucHUupAc6s3Rhz2-D4isTPvFQQk-lchUQVfteuwQ1zJe2864VQczy2J66gfnd9zkWTND2jMudsKA/w640-h428/IMG_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mall in the eastern suburbs of Beirut (<i>photo credit: Al Habtoor Group</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Next stop, a wholesaler of tableware and decorative items
located in Zalka on the second floor of a commercial building. I got the
impression that this was more of a B2B operation, as the showroom was devoid of
any customers at midday on a weekend, and in lieu of cashiers, there were administrative
offices. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This time, however, the exchange was readily facilitated. I was told
the amount of my gift (<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">€</span>56.00) and directed upstairs, where a salesperson
strived to help me find another item within range. The task was admittedly
onerous: the vast majority of items were far pricier than <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">€</span>56,
but I finally unearthed two serving trays tagged at US$ 30 apiece.
Given that the EUR/USD rate is close to 1.10, I quietly congratulated myself on
having met the budget with stellar accuracy. Quick mental math suggested I might
even receive a couple bucks back, as $60 is lesser than <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">€</span>56.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Surprisingly, the office executive said I owed US$ 5. “How’s
that?” I inquired. She had applied an 11% sales tax to the trays, bringing
their total to $67. Fine, I acceded, but how about the item I am returning
tagged at <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">€</span>56?
Is that not subject to sales tax as well?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“Yes, and it was already paid by the original buyer. But
when you exchange an item, you forfeit the sales tax.” So essentially this
wholesaler was collecting tax on an item that was going back into inventory
and back onto the balance sheet. And now they were collecting tax again from me
for the exchanged item. How is that ethical business practice? That’s
absolutely mind-numbing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I opened my wallet and handed her a $5 bill. “Can I get a
receipt, please?” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“No, we don’t issue receipts.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Well, forgive me for asking. My oversight.
Why would a self-respecting, honest-to-goodness business issue its customers
receipts upon purchase? That would defy all logic of the modern marketplace.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The sad reality is that poor customer care is rampant across the
Lebanese retail landscape. With the general exception of major brands that
boast a network of locations across the country and enjoy excellent reputations to
boot, most small- to medium-size businesses have yet to understand the value of customer
care in perpetuating a client relationship and steady footfall. If you want folks<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to “shop local” and “support local,” two
phrases we’ve been barraged with since the start of Lebanon’s deep financial
crises, then these local enterprises better measure up to basic standards of customer service. Otherwise, I’m happy to take my business
elsewhere, where it’s certain to be appreciated.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfgaKArSOTpKAic5qLX8Y0f8bAvWEjOVJjkTQZ5kZpBEv4ryWcRY_ttjaG8RxSb1lHsl-Gym2SIizRQxwDYFOVwvKtU0iuThjuk_O4gQnXZ3CcEkza5IB9pB9ox3HMXW0hA_obduAEEpp/w73-h73/Facebook.png" width="73" /></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0B6KjTwowkcqCQKR7Q96qwp4yTsxQgdLuSkRDec06ny238ZssY5zqePEZroXDfdA6hK57md4B-O6jRs08trvbZoLvJQn3LG2Ogg_ckWeuEO2JqJpw_8aSxfhwnO0Y2iRb7PdiNoZOjN/w77-h76/Instagram+logo.jpg" width="77" /></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXQHND_HHD4OAbPffFnheDGMZ-O8hEeCwffIGOKEOzRE7bBlxTC5Zhw2gX7gNCpsy2e4Slh8sWs82IDxjcLP2iwTmCYNBhxLKHTLJisjjdKxqi7vH8Nk18gygtPFSuuDT0DUG97UzRbg3/w77-h77/Twitter+logo.png" width="77" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;" /></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></i></p>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-26944448820978565032023-01-26T08:30:00.001+02:002023-01-26T08:30:00.183+02:00Caramello Delivers Divine Desserts Right To Your Doorstep<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I don't usually take my chances with
dessert. If you know me, you know I have a predilection for sweet over salty.
And I lived in the capital of fine treats – does Paris really need an
introduction? So I'm decidedly discerning when it comes to gastronomy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">But I had a good feeling about
Caramello. The newly launched home business is the brainchild of a homemaker
and self-taught pastry aficionado with 30 years of experience under her belt.
For decades she dreamt of sharing her dainty delights with the world, and that
dream has finally been realized with the help of her supportive family. On
offer? Her specialties are distinctly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">les</i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">macarons</i>, fresh fruit tarts and
cheesecakes.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mc2PsCHfm75THKG0mmGpC3xFdkMBvCF1A7TZ2xqNJTGSgDK7I-zl3O9mJS5LZM-zSNXyOe9Rwn9GOAaOMLwuLprmDM9A4TeaBDi-0ZQaebp35IPUtxI5Slmg2Anw9YthScpnHkIHcHnFGWPDbjlVR1pA0X7TbExlV_q5EhI9sslLXMPaFFtIjPg-tg/s4032/20230113_120325.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mc2PsCHfm75THKG0mmGpC3xFdkMBvCF1A7TZ2xqNJTGSgDK7I-zl3O9mJS5LZM-zSNXyOe9Rwn9GOAaOMLwuLprmDM9A4TeaBDi-0ZQaebp35IPUtxI5Slmg2Anw9YthScpnHkIHcHnFGWPDbjlVR1pA0X7TbExlV_q5EhI9sslLXMPaFFtIjPg-tg/w480-h640/20230113_120325.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Among Caramello's specialties are <i>les macarons</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">For my son Alexander's third
birthday, we homed in on a Biscoff Lotus cheesecake, fresh strawberry tartlets,
and a selection of macarons. I didn't have much customer feedback or
testimonials to fall back on, since the operation is new. But the pictures featured
on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/caramello.lb/">Caramello's Instagram page</a> spoke volumes to me. Like I said, I had a strong
feeling we were in for a treat (pun intended).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">And boy, were we! Firstly, the
delivery of the items is professional. I specified a date and window of time
during which I’d be home, and on the day of, Caramello texted me with the
driver’s contact info, assuring me that my items had been dispatched. Indeed,
the boxes arrived punctually and completely intact. Nothing had budged not even
a centimeter during transit, for painstaking care had been taken by the
driver to fasten the boxes in place.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbaQHKk-VGhm6reZ0PCyQrDVHvZwRxKin3GNXE7ZHIbr6XoNtN_b-mGtpn5dQv9c9df_2Lt614DdQJGahPgTcIuApNFt-i9HOmRwosIcB4hD6MsAX8km3pTPOStcxrK8qxZhv9xmEVIY2ZcHonVOM3rNLaahZFGoOcy6GOO6ZKDIJaz_hYiFtfEYf2g/s4032/20230113_120300.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbaQHKk-VGhm6reZ0PCyQrDVHvZwRxKin3GNXE7ZHIbr6XoNtN_b-mGtpn5dQv9c9df_2Lt614DdQJGahPgTcIuApNFt-i9HOmRwosIcB4hD6MsAX8km3pTPOStcxrK8qxZhv9xmEVIY2ZcHonVOM3rNLaahZFGoOcy6GOO6ZKDIJaz_hYiFtfEYf2g/w480-h640/20230113_120300.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything arrived neatly intact</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The packaging itself is
simplistically attractive: white boxes, gold hued trim, and a slotted container
for the macarons so that their delicate nature can be preserved. There’s even a
QR code on the side of each box that will direct you to Caramello’s Instagram page.
Can we take a moment to appreciate the details?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobEs_oz7mxShqpXaWZgZw3RNNklFAtUCLqop9jtklNVv3cMKGDNyQlqSCTqmcn6rZbYN-p_9X--4vTmCiVl3-LCSzQ4gabJn3lOJxa7QSjHJcUE-1qONUl6IWi4QFFD8B0UH5mfNTcYo4uGqffcnxC66XDuZSRGotOYdoTzaCX024vHDFN6_2yqXOHg/s4032/20230113_120355.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobEs_oz7mxShqpXaWZgZw3RNNklFAtUCLqop9jtklNVv3cMKGDNyQlqSCTqmcn6rZbYN-p_9X--4vTmCiVl3-LCSzQ4gabJn3lOJxa7QSjHJcUE-1qONUl6IWi4QFFD8B0UH5mfNTcYo4uGqffcnxC66XDuZSRGotOYdoTzaCX024vHDFN6_2yqXOHg/w480-h640/20230113_120355.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A slotted container ensures the macarons don't shuffle in transit</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Notice how the macarons have
beautiful calligraphy of Alex’s name. I’ve never beheld such a creative touch!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bF653D7YtekG1ClfeD16LYTT9Aj290SY-7rLD4ep5viZfVk0I2wFGKNG1C9m58oQB4AOLhWfJhoI0uBseFujZjGJFNaEYvEsCh_zdZ21Imn_GUl-3srL3Frvz06vBKemxnx4tZC9LC4nIyO12al_N4q_nWtsJ7enGfX2NL7kkUNfFljMq5suuvv9eA/s4032/20230113_120345.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bF653D7YtekG1ClfeD16LYTT9Aj290SY-7rLD4ep5viZfVk0I2wFGKNG1C9m58oQB4AOLhWfJhoI0uBseFujZjGJFNaEYvEsCh_zdZ21Imn_GUl-3srL3Frvz06vBKemxnx4tZC9LC4nIyO12al_N4q_nWtsJ7enGfX2NL7kkUNfFljMq5suuvv9eA/w480-h640/20230113_120345.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"H.B. Alex," a birthday greeting for my son!</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">And now for the taste. That’s why
you’re still here reading, right? So far we’ve established that the aesthetics
are mesmerizing. And the sweet whiff of sugar that greeted me upon opening each box
is effusive. But how does the <i>taste </i>of each dessert measure up?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Lotus cheesecake is superb.
Rich. Creamy. Boldly biscuit-y. A thick layer of crushed biscuits blended with
butter forms the bed of this cake, topped with an ethereal layer of whipped
cheesecake and blanketed with a fudge-like coat of Biscoff ganache. The
biscuits as centerpiece are crunchy with bite and, as I discovered, dip nicely
into the cheesecake.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBwoQjgWLL_EtAXjSohNDGEyLNvLUFS1yyrMe0m4hAU8yQkjMXyZC20Xj3tjZgjvvRMC2zFps3EYr5cHBrCqRuVxFI4YeEC51nGWagS1mKb41oR_X0bnP-GGR6Vi16gpTCzb0M8sYkafx67aPLJhcDQFs74JfaYqRWV6-bGOU4rsr2YzDO3JEn1GriQ/s4032/20230113_120445.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBwoQjgWLL_EtAXjSohNDGEyLNvLUFS1yyrMe0m4hAU8yQkjMXyZC20Xj3tjZgjvvRMC2zFps3EYr5cHBrCqRuVxFI4YeEC51nGWagS1mKb41oR_X0bnP-GGR6Vi16gpTCzb0M8sYkafx67aPLJhcDQFs74JfaYqRWV6-bGOU4rsr2YzDO3JEn1GriQ/w480-h640/20230113_120445.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lotus cheesecake</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquKsbS-JqcuI7hx8zwJg_JeseueWrtj7Klm8G0n_HqBAIQBKixzHItylKBhBcSyImZqI-dhjLu5cv25fLplRgj7j0TfnOzu7oWlz9cDYVOuC1dqpvp_4IoCZfPx9f9U2xyF5zrp-8iqF5W-7DHsvtPBv-OcmF5b0SVTl6viyxV43cc-NQFtz-tDUYmw/s4032/20230113_120457.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquKsbS-JqcuI7hx8zwJg_JeseueWrtj7Klm8G0n_HqBAIQBKixzHItylKBhBcSyImZqI-dhjLu5cv25fLplRgj7j0TfnOzu7oWlz9cDYVOuC1dqpvp_4IoCZfPx9f9U2xyF5zrp-8iqF5W-7DHsvtPBv-OcmF5b0SVTl6viyxV43cc-NQFtz-tDUYmw/w480-h640/20230113_120457.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let your eyes take in each carefully crafted layer of this cheesecake</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWg48fIbwRNKigipaGFvyN_5mVydtsPLAQCebMgX9J3nZrszTuWVXLnF_qLP3bWHWhkLs0I_sBt7ptom5Jno0yTocaOiGnrE48f79cMs5t4wfarbmDIRcd4ehXYYDacl_eFCdGLH66IajbthrGOAClmueB6iva9-KA4wuxQpIU7I5xLYK0de8a9_1XA/s4032/20230113_120508.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWg48fIbwRNKigipaGFvyN_5mVydtsPLAQCebMgX9J3nZrszTuWVXLnF_qLP3bWHWhkLs0I_sBt7ptom5Jno0yTocaOiGnrE48f79cMs5t4wfarbmDIRcd4ehXYYDacl_eFCdGLH66IajbthrGOAClmueB6iva9-KA4wuxQpIU7I5xLYK0de8a9_1XA/w480-h640/20230113_120508.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the biscuits are fresh and crunchy to the bite</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The fresh strawberry tartlets dial down
the sugar to rely on the natural sweetness of the berries. And they really pull
through! The crème patissière is on point, and the shortbread base is
splendidly firm. Even the next day, the tartlets didn’t take on a soggy
texture, which is a real marvel.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjothtgO2ufU5vH-U6j-cmzLMnrpsMSCcaZp_GcR6amDhHLho2Gc17bpa7AessV0z1UCGxXR9YXB69ppRorc1i8KcbPbwhmT-rQCbOv8fwBLJP_FwawUq_LsRbmexlzcaL2PXDLpDSBHzBHQwppf8o-urSFd-tGuFkAVGCIyt-U--yUO48syA5MuieTww/s4032/20230113_120535.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjothtgO2ufU5vH-U6j-cmzLMnrpsMSCcaZp_GcR6amDhHLho2Gc17bpa7AessV0z1UCGxXR9YXB69ppRorc1i8KcbPbwhmT-rQCbOv8fwBLJP_FwawUq_LsRbmexlzcaL2PXDLpDSBHzBHQwppf8o-urSFd-tGuFkAVGCIyt-U--yUO48syA5MuieTww/w480-h640/20230113_120535.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Individually portioned strawberry tartlets</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSt0pD_onua5dRULlylsi5bemE7U0v5HsgvyeK2p3qRb81dygtKZx6lDr6ciG4oGqkfQlEgoMB4SeocgHc3JRyXsmqglxYI5Jt7vkWo1nFTkNqmQy5NhjiWtna9RWN48tIs2p-LhBZEp1LgsE0Jf3jj4iCBnCNGlZC5Yr1P27OD6Dhjwu0MNIPnup07w/s4032/20230113_120543.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSt0pD_onua5dRULlylsi5bemE7U0v5HsgvyeK2p3qRb81dygtKZx6lDr6ciG4oGqkfQlEgoMB4SeocgHc3JRyXsmqglxYI5Jt7vkWo1nFTkNqmQy5NhjiWtna9RWN48tIs2p-LhBZEp1LgsE0Jf3jj4iCBnCNGlZC5Yr1P27OD6Dhjwu0MNIPnup07w/w480-h640/20230113_120543.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caramello is brilliant in that tartlets are placed inside a duo of cupcake liners, the bottom of which is fixed to the cake tray. This ensures that the tartlets don't slide about. </td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Finally, the macarons are exactly
what you’d expect if you’ve had the original French creations (La Maison Durée's,
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">par exemple</i>). A soft shell yields to
a densely chewy and sweet interior that washes down best with tea or coffee. Flavors
are as varied as white chocolate, pistachio, rose, and strawberry. You’d never
guess these perfectly formed cookies emerged from a home kitchen.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you’re curious about the menu and
price list, you can find it as a Highlight on Caramello’s Instagram page, or you can
directly contact the team via WhatsApp on +961 81 982201. At the time of this
article’s publication, a dozen macarons sell for USD 12, a fruit tart for nine people commands $18, and a cheesecake of an identical size is $22 (Lotus
flavored rings in at $25).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Caramello has my full vote of confidence,
and I have no reservations whatsoever recommending it!</span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGG2WiXVECvwiHYL1qKMzbRo3Y6V4rTYYs-veKhIL-FyP3rYDS6f7X8o21Zei0nazQQnaIQ_Imfd69zp0C8F7Ln1EYR2m47qp5PFvl2SXF92u1r4ud46ZvAo3s-LrA-BuN2JMlZYQFxlEajrpaCu1WC46Wq3DibO1HQ0dDisdmDdNG--O8TCNKFctEQ/s4032/20230113_195700.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGG2WiXVECvwiHYL1qKMzbRo3Y6V4rTYYs-veKhIL-FyP3rYDS6f7X8o21Zei0nazQQnaIQ_Imfd69zp0C8F7Ln1EYR2m47qp5PFvl2SXF92u1r4ud46ZvAo3s-LrA-BuN2JMlZYQFxlEajrpaCu1WC46Wq3DibO1HQ0dDisdmDdNG--O8TCNKFctEQ/w360-h640/20230113_195700.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boys Alexander and Stephen</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Caramello Lebanon<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Instagram:
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/caramello.lb/">https://www.instagram.com/caramello.lb/</a><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">WhatsApp:
+961 81 982201</span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfgaKArSOTpKAic5qLX8Y0f8bAvWEjOVJjkTQZ5kZpBEv4ryWcRY_ttjaG8RxSb1lHsl-Gym2SIizRQxwDYFOVwvKtU0iuThjuk_O4gQnXZ3CcEkza5IB9pB9ox3HMXW0hA_obduAEEpp/w73-h73/Facebook.png" width="73" /></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0B6KjTwowkcqCQKR7Q96qwp4yTsxQgdLuSkRDec06ny238ZssY5zqePEZroXDfdA6hK57md4B-O6jRs08trvbZoLvJQn3LG2Ogg_ckWeuEO2JqJpw_8aSxfhwnO0Y2iRb7PdiNoZOjN/w77-h76/Instagram+logo.jpg" width="77" /></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXQHND_HHD4OAbPffFnheDGMZ-O8hEeCwffIGOKEOzRE7bBlxTC5Zhw2gX7gNCpsy2e4Slh8sWs82IDxjcLP2iwTmCYNBhxLKHTLJisjjdKxqi7vH8Nk18gygtPFSuuDT0DUG97UzRbg3/w77-h77/Twitter+logo.png" width="77" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p></p>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-28620243599953139082023-01-11T16:54:00.001+02:002023-02-04T23:48:16.055+02:00Beirutista Featured on "Malini Angelica" YouTube Travel Documentary About Beirut<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A little over three months ago, on October 1, 2022, I met
with video creator Malini Angelica at L’Appartement terrace in Beirut. Malini,
visiting from London to film a YouTube travel documentary with her partner, had
come across my blog Beirutista and wished to meet in person. We agreed to a
casual rendezvous at a venue of her choosing, and conversation flowed naturally
as we sipped on Qanafar rosé from the Bekaa region.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Among a number of things, we spoke about my
Lebanese-American upbringing in southern California, the transition to Lebanon over one decade ago, the birth of
Beirutista, whether or not there is a real Lebanese identity, and the current
state of affairs inside these borders. The videotaped exchange lasted an hour or so and would be incorporated in a travel
doc destined for Malini’s eponymous YouTube channel.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Three months later, exactly on New Year’s Day, the video was
released, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vySRz_7Dbc&ab_channel=MaliniAngelica">you
can see it here</a> (jump to 21:30 to catch my segment). Only a few short
minutes of our dialogue made the cut, so if my words seem terse, bear
in mind that they’ve been edited. (No, I didn’t polish off my wine glass in one quick
gulp, as that last take would have you believe!).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you do get around to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vySRz_7Dbc&ab_channel=MaliniAngelica">watching</a>,
let me know what you think in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you, dear reader!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vySRz_7Dbc&ab_channel=MaliniAngelica" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1297" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWSaJFVFmrXiE7_pb_pwG954eocT8cucJqqBoWZbF3__GViRcSFvNpOLh2uBUU5mVQ6C4wraZ5u3ZUimNYCqnpsAam94SbMa0pnz57fFQYaQvkz7blTiZYnJt7StSUn29MvyHX5MKpzjXPZH6FM3D7LeocVtlYnFqIv5hfxqDTLWhbUjhFipiY8eN2A/w640-h530/original_2301fd12-a8d4-4a36-9f19-19e670edff9e_Screenshot_20230101-194613_YouTube.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vySRz_7Dbc&ab_channel=MaliniAngelica" target="_blank">Catch me on Malini Angelica's YouTube travel documentary on Lebanon</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfgaKArSOTpKAic5qLX8Y0f8bAvWEjOVJjkTQZ5kZpBEv4ryWcRY_ttjaG8RxSb1lHsl-Gym2SIizRQxwDYFOVwvKtU0iuThjuk_O4gQnXZ3CcEkza5IB9pB9ox3HMXW0hA_obduAEEpp/w73-h73/Facebook.png" width="73" /></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0B6KjTwowkcqCQKR7Q96qwp4yTsxQgdLuSkRDec06ny238ZssY5zqePEZroXDfdA6hK57md4B-O6jRs08trvbZoLvJQn3LG2Ogg_ckWeuEO2JqJpw_8aSxfhwnO0Y2iRb7PdiNoZOjN/w77-h76/Instagram+logo.jpg" width="77" /></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXQHND_HHD4OAbPffFnheDGMZ-O8hEeCwffIGOKEOzRE7bBlxTC5Zhw2gX7gNCpsy2e4Slh8sWs82IDxjcLP2iwTmCYNBhxLKHTLJisjjdKxqi7vH8Nk18gygtPFSuuDT0DUG97UzRbg3/w77-h77/Twitter+logo.png" width="77" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-62826004497294938742022-11-07T08:57:00.002+02:002023-03-26T22:26:50.720+03:00Wondering How Best To Send US Cash to Lebanon? Try Sendwave.<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Updated: March 26, 2023</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">For the Lebanese, remittances have always been a hard fact
of life. With a vast diaspora often quoted to be upward of five times the population
inside Lebanon, it is not uncommon for Lebanese expats to send money to family
members living in the motherland.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">But now more than ever, that fact has become a deepening
necessity. As the country battles a multi-faceted crisis promising no clear
resolution, the Lebanese find themselves struggling to make ends meet, and their
reliance on remittances from abroad grows unabashedly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The real question, however, is how to channel funds safely, cost-effectively and directly into the intended recipient’s hands. I finally found a surefire answer,
and I could not recommend it more heartily.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCPZfqpwlS96-FLO_Ij2r9sMiVbytrSjr0uGejBvdeSwfhgfv4FDKEZw5Fdly9auFMrFLcFMcPbf4owviyFfKNq3GceELAnQgWOjJQlyOnxQ8b-jtenIbsHP1Cx20weT6a7_Bgsk2g2ZV44z6KcB_qCG6csZxiK7coGDhCkwFblgW_hkeb02XGACJ3w/s1408/US%20dollars%20cash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1408" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCPZfqpwlS96-FLO_Ij2r9sMiVbytrSjr0uGejBvdeSwfhgfv4FDKEZw5Fdly9auFMrFLcFMcPbf4owviyFfKNq3GceELAnQgWOjJQlyOnxQ8b-jtenIbsHP1Cx20weT6a7_Bgsk2g2ZV44z6KcB_qCG6csZxiK7coGDhCkwFblgW_hkeb02XGACJ3w/w640-h360/US%20dollars%20cash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now more than ever, the Lebanese are relying on cash remittances from abroad to survive (<i>Getty images</i>).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoSubtitle"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;">What is Sendwave?</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Sendwave is an app born in 2014 out of a desire to slash the
high fees and minimize the inconvenience of sending money to people in Africa
and Asia. App founder Drew Durbin had been heading an NGO in Africa and understood
first-hand the effects of exorbitant remittance fees universally encountered
and deplored by donors. In a nutshell, hard-working folks in the diaspora
suffered whenever they sent home money to their loved ones. Acting on that
need, Durbin developed the Boston-based company Sendwave, which has since
expanded its services for diasporas in the United States, Canada and Europe remitting
to Asia and Latin America.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Sendwave boasts nearly a million active users and a <a href="https://www.trustpilot.com/review/sendwave.com">4.6/5.0 rating on
consumer review site TrustPilot</a>, a score that is considerably higher than
that achieved by its competitors.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoSubtitle"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;"><b>How Does It Work?</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Simply <a href="https://www.sendwave.com/">download the app</a>,
link your debit card, verify your identity and quickly transfer money to
friends and family. 19 countries are served by Sendwave, and Lebanon is the
latest to join the list!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Here are the technical details:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">(1) The cash, in USD, can be picked up at any </span><a href="https://whish.money/locations" style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">Whish</a><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"> location in Lebanon, and there
are more than 500 stations!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">(2) There is </span><b style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">absolutely
no charge to recipients</b><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">. You read that right: </span><b style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">zero fees</b><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">! Competing brands charge a 2% fee to beneficiaries in
Lebanon.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">(3) </span><b style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">Senders
are charged 2.6% of the amount transferred, with a maximum capped fee of $20</b><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">.
For example, if you send $500 to a recipient in Lebanon, you pay $500 x 2.6% =
$13. If you send $770, you pay $770 x 2.6% = $20. If you send $1,000, you still
pay $20.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">(4) In terms of </span><b style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">verification
required</b><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">, senders must typically provide a photo of their ID and the last
four digits of their social security number (SSN). Recipients must furnish
photo ID, the sender’s full name, and the approximate amount of money transferred.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Sendwave has set sending limits for new users at $999 per
day and up to $2,999 per month. However, users can increase their limits to
$2,999 per day and $11,999 per month after a mere two months of usage. If you do
the math (and I encourage you to!), that translates to a $20 sending fee times four
transfers, which equals $80 in fees for a maximum monthly send of $12,000 (that's a rock-bottom 0.67% fee rate)! Best
part, there are no lines out the door at Whish locations as you would
experience at agencies like MoneyGram or Western Union. And that convenience is
everything!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMVINrqyyEP0Ix2e95E_0_VSDmifSuZg3t-kC9xvj9fYFnAMwGO_wq15BNjjPQv3VhF61FSZ-Rnz8GqoUI1s2FrGv15MPAhCLh3wUNrGuitGZ28pERT3mC5_7E4RUPTEwn6z4y1khAewCwAjeMuSM01WYZw6mfL_u2RiBriLm1QCAeTYrlNa3IaSDBg/s2000/Sendwave%20comparison%20table.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="2000" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMVINrqyyEP0Ix2e95E_0_VSDmifSuZg3t-kC9xvj9fYFnAMwGO_wq15BNjjPQv3VhF61FSZ-Rnz8GqoUI1s2FrGv15MPAhCLh3wUNrGuitGZ28pERT3mC5_7E4RUPTEwn6z4y1khAewCwAjeMuSM01WYZw6mfL_u2RiBriLm1QCAeTYrlNa3IaSDBg/w640-h456/Sendwave%20comparison%20table.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoSubtitle"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;"><b>Use Promo Code “ISSA15” for $15 Free Credit</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I’m confident in
Sendwave’s ability to disrupt the remittance scene in Lebanon. So I’ve teamed
up with them to give you a taste of just how effortless the process is! For
first-time users, input promo code “ISSA15” (that’s my last name!) to receive $15
in free credit to send to your recipient in Lebanon. <i><span style="color: red;">Update: this offer is valid indefinitely!</span></i></span><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNu9hLU62ctxVwmlbPg1eq30DZ2TDJHc62TqxD6oHLLxRLjtRwb1AwOos2bKrU0tLgFB1d0Cxsr3A7ruxklcr62J8uWDhCmigxm38YtF0K4KsbRsHdsUJer6y41lIUYYRHCaG8p3f2Y9dnEJj2rwW27B8x31QErtP7H3g7xok6Miqs-2SjHV_LOJd4g/s1600/IMG-20230131-WA0096(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNu9hLU62ctxVwmlbPg1eq30DZ2TDJHc62TqxD6oHLLxRLjtRwb1AwOos2bKrU0tLgFB1d0Cxsr3A7ruxklcr62J8uWDhCmigxm38YtF0K4KsbRsHdsUJer6y41lIUYYRHCaG8p3f2Y9dnEJj2rwW27B8x31QErtP7H3g7xok6Miqs-2SjHV_LOJd4g/w640-h456/IMG-20230131-WA0096(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><p></p><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you do the math (and you should <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">always</i> do the math!), send any amount below $577 and that free $15
credit offsets the 2.6% fee. Now there’s an offer you’d be remiss to miss out
on. And be sure to share promo code “ISSA15” with friends and family who also
funnel funds to Lebanon. <strike>Act fast, as this offer ends 1/1/2023!</strike> <b><span style="color: red;"><i>This offer is valid indefinitely!</i></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Go ahead. Send and make waves in the lives of those you love
and support. Giving shouldn’t have to come with unreasonable costs. Sendwave
makes that possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Sendwave <a href="https://www.sendwave.com/contact" target="_blank">support</a> is
available 24/7 at +1 (888) 966-8603, or on <a href="mailto:help@sendwave.com">help@sendwave.com</a>.
</span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfgaKArSOTpKAic5qLX8Y0f8bAvWEjOVJjkTQZ5kZpBEv4ryWcRY_ttjaG8RxSb1lHsl-Gym2SIizRQxwDYFOVwvKtU0iuThjuk_O4gQnXZ3CcEkza5IB9pB9ox3HMXW0hA_obduAEEpp/w73-h73/Facebook.png" width="73" /></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0B6KjTwowkcqCQKR7Q96qwp4yTsxQgdLuSkRDec06ny238ZssY5zqePEZroXDfdA6hK57md4B-O6jRs08trvbZoLvJQn3LG2Ogg_ckWeuEO2JqJpw_8aSxfhwnO0Y2iRb7PdiNoZOjN/w77-h76/Instagram+logo.jpg" width="77" /></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXQHND_HHD4OAbPffFnheDGMZ-O8hEeCwffIGOKEOzRE7bBlxTC5Zhw2gX7gNCpsy2e4Slh8sWs82IDxjcLP2iwTmCYNBhxLKHTLJisjjdKxqi7vH8Nk18gygtPFSuuDT0DUG97UzRbg3/w77-h77/Twitter+logo.png" width="77" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-81059840924601916162022-10-03T09:42:00.011+03:002022-10-03T09:48:45.595+03:00 An Unlikely Encounter with Sir Richard Branson<p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Do you remember as a child being prompted with the question, “Who
do you most admire?” Apart from my parents, naturally, my role model was Sir Richard
Branson, British billionaire, entrepreneur and business mogul who in the 1970s
founded the Virgin Group. Today Virgin controls more than 400 companies in
various fields.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In some way or another, we’ve all been touched by Virgin. I’ll
start. Every day I tune in to Virgin Radio here in Beirut, which launched a
good decade ago and has easily led its peers in music and content programming.
I have flown on Virgin Atlantic (and Virgin America) numerously. We often shop
for our electronics needs at Virgin Megastore, which boasts a network of
branches throughout Lebanon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Arguably, most people know of Sir Richard, perhaps through
one of his many books. My friend once mailed me “Screw It, Let’s Do It” (2006),
which he picked up at an airport, leafed through ravenously on his flight, and
was convinced I’d appreciate. I did. And I have hung on to it over the years,
awe-inspired by the creative entrepreneurial juices that emboldened Branson
from a young age.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">But never did I ever expect to meet him in person and entertain
a conversation with him! Allow me to set the scene.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">On Monday, September 5, 2022, my kids and I had just stepped off a 10-hour transatlantic
flight from Los Angeles to London, where we were connecting to the
second leg of our trip, destined for Beirut. We were making our way through the
labyrinthine halls of Heathrow airport and had just passed through the security
check on our way to the gate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Standing on a horizontal escalator (or conveyor belt, as I like
to refer to them), I immediately recognized Sir Richard walking to the side on a carpeted floor, with only a tennis bag and tennis racket slung over his
shoulder. He was not flanked by any security attachment or throngs of fans as
one might expect. In fact, he was striding ever so calmly, accompanied by one
Virgin Atlantic team member and his wife, a few steps behind. As the moving
walkway aligned us, I confidently called out, “Sir Richard, how are you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Continuing to walk, he turned to look my way, smiled and reciprocated
the pleasantries. I had one child on either side of me, firmly clasped in either hand. I mentioned to him that we just got off a Virgin Atlantic flight from LA
and were connecting to Beirut. He smiled fondly, inquiring as to whether “they
treated us well on board?” Sure, I had a few comments and suggestions, but one has to be realistic and sensible: this wasn’t a strategic think tank session. I had to
keep it short and sweet before my seconds ran out. “Yes, indeed,” I replied, “everything
was wonderful.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The moving sidewalk ended, so my kids and I stepped off. At
that instant, I seized the opportunity to request a picture with Sir Richard.
Not of me, of course, but of my two boys next to the magnate. He happily agreed
and in a subtle gesture of modesty, stooped to be at their level for the photo.
They had no idea who they were posing with, but one day they will cherish that
priceless snapshot.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEE0gzWfap063-WTnMSn8Zdytgy2TcfNjy_u0v_GtsQE2EzZrBy4x2TmzTEtspb6A_MPfw0DidttR_ybtVf6Kqi9D2kf02WRdT1MGl5V_y5aEeDTaCAcNM76cwIDiKe5kKPrtsFgg_Y-nsQv0RIiVu9bRLB5NJr3li4L9LRVmXvPnnNNT13ai3fPoMQ/s4032/20220905_035141.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEE0gzWfap063-WTnMSn8Zdytgy2TcfNjy_u0v_GtsQE2EzZrBy4x2TmzTEtspb6A_MPfw0DidttR_ybtVf6Kqi9D2kf02WRdT1MGl5V_y5aEeDTaCAcNM76cwIDiKe5kKPrtsFgg_Y-nsQv0RIiVu9bRLB5NJr3li4L9LRVmXvPnnNNT13ai3fPoMQ/w480-h640/20220905_035141.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sir Richard Branson paused a moment to take a photo with Stephen (center) and Alex at London Heathrow</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLpiDAIahykFxWrKNWJ3ErunHwP0RovhlKapEWKn1bKhS3MYkIvoe2tx-aG89Dp2Z3oBoKyTs9mt8VXkf0s08SK8txzRoTlHndy97Ki9VZoS681R7SAoRc2zqrTrPpIuTMUg_CB7OTCIhJF2Uy38xdsgQnmAMVniSlUOHDvUttns67txvMZaPlagk5g/s4032/20220905_035140.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLpiDAIahykFxWrKNWJ3ErunHwP0RovhlKapEWKn1bKhS3MYkIvoe2tx-aG89Dp2Z3oBoKyTs9mt8VXkf0s08SK8txzRoTlHndy97Ki9VZoS681R7SAoRc2zqrTrPpIuTMUg_CB7OTCIhJF2Uy38xdsgQnmAMVniSlUOHDvUttns67txvMZaPlagk5g/w480-h640/20220905_035140.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were walking toward our gate to Beirut while Sir Richard headed to his, destined for Bridgetown</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A few steps later, we arrived to his gate, which was
Bridgetown (in Barbados, as I later learned). We exchanged goodbyes
and went our separate ways as I floated on a cloud through the remaining
stretch to our gate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A deluge of thoughts flooded my mind. First, how incredible
is this businessman who opts to fly commercially when he could be zipping
around the world in a private jet? And even then, rather than arrange for a
private golf cart to shuttle him to his gate, he walks and subjects himself to
the headache-inducing airport experience like the rest of us run-of-the-mill
passengers?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Sir Richard in reality is exactly who I’d envisioned he'd be all
these years: approachable, friendly, genuine, down-to-earth (in contrast to his
space enterprise Virgin Galactic!). Someone who doesn’t exploit his fame to
bypass the rules society is governed by. Someone who, as a savvy businessman,
understands the imperative to see things through the customer’s eyes, so he
walks in their shoes on a daily basis.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I remember when I finished grad school and was seriously
pondering which companies I’d be keen on working for, Virgin was always at the
forefront of my mind. Admittedly I knew I wouldn’t be rubbing shoulders with
Sir Richard himself, but it seemed readily apparent that the company fabric and
culture were a reflection of his own spirit. I never did apply, because life
took me in a different direction. But I still dream of working alongside
someone who is so passionately devoted to furthering the human race and whose faultless reputation few can hold a candle to.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Sir Richard, if you’re reading this (I know, I know, that
wish is far-fetched!), it was an indescribable honor meeting you, and I hope against
hope that our paths cross again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2HfYO1kOfBJfV7VNlYKlAlzImo_3F3B1-Y7E54huIThNGnYJbLXBG325jkjd3gZM2vu272Ei0v75Tv2ebA-q3aETnclqEGHQYzOZSy77YCAv_jY3gvLtFNxPUKMHfPTFCH59qFn9PlHTKnIDH0kun-u8QbHZi0N9wJrT2ziwR7AURsGDX-NotF3AJA/s4032/20220905_035138.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2HfYO1kOfBJfV7VNlYKlAlzImo_3F3B1-Y7E54huIThNGnYJbLXBG325jkjd3gZM2vu272Ei0v75Tv2ebA-q3aETnclqEGHQYzOZSy77YCAv_jY3gvLtFNxPUKMHfPTFCH59qFn9PlHTKnIDH0kun-u8QbHZi0N9wJrT2ziwR7AURsGDX-NotF3AJA/w480-h640/20220905_035138.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An unforgettable moment that I will cherish a lifetime</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfgaKArSOTpKAic5qLX8Y0f8bAvWEjOVJjkTQZ5kZpBEv4ryWcRY_ttjaG8RxSb1lHsl-Gym2SIizRQxwDYFOVwvKtU0iuThjuk_O4gQnXZ3CcEkza5IB9pB9ox3HMXW0hA_obduAEEpp/w73-h73/Facebook.png" width="73" /></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0B6KjTwowkcqCQKR7Q96qwp4yTsxQgdLuSkRDec06ny238ZssY5zqePEZroXDfdA6hK57md4B-O6jRs08trvbZoLvJQn3LG2Ogg_ckWeuEO2JqJpw_8aSxfhwnO0Y2iRb7PdiNoZOjN/w77-h76/Instagram+logo.jpg" width="77" /></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXQHND_HHD4OAbPffFnheDGMZ-O8hEeCwffIGOKEOzRE7bBlxTC5Zhw2gX7gNCpsy2e4Slh8sWs82IDxjcLP2iwTmCYNBhxLKHTLJisjjdKxqi7vH8Nk18gygtPFSuuDT0DUG97UzRbg3/w77-h77/Twitter+logo.png" width="77" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-82064989526719324242022-08-10T08:18:00.000+03:002022-08-10T08:18:22.745+03:00You’re No Lebanese Gourmet Unless…<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">This article has been adapted from the original version, which is published on the <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/articles/youre-no-lebanese-gourmet-unless" target="_blank">Al Wadi Al Akhdar website</a> under the <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/articles" target="_blank">"Visit Lebanon" tab</a>.</span></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.alwadi.com/ContentFiles/1847Image.jpg?w=603&h=473&mode=crop&scale=both" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="603" height="473" src="https://www.alwadi.com/ContentFiles/1847Image.jpg?w=603&h=473&mode=crop&scale=both" width="603" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The delectable Lebanese (and Levantine!) dessert <i>konafa (<a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/articles/youre-no-lebanese-gourmet-unless" target="_blank">photo source</a>)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Lebanese people naturally gravitate toward good food. This
is no mere generalization or exaggeration. The reality is that we lay claim to
an aesthetically- and tummy-pleasing cuisine that demands only the finest,
freshest produce and meat. That kind of pickiness at the table forges a very discriminating
palate, which is why wherever we wander in the world, you can immediately single
us out. We happily lap up at the table of good and plenty, and we make it known.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">So how do you spot a fellow Lebanese gourmet? Here are five food-related
behaviors that quickly betray our identities!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>As sure as the sun rises, your day invariably begins with labneh and zaatar.
</i><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Admittedly, a vast number of Lebanese are lactose-intolerant,
but that’s never prevented us from enjoying the tart, creamy strained yogurt currently
trending across the global culinary canvas. Spread labneh generously inside
pita bread, garnish it with crisp slices of cucumber and vine-ripe tomato, and treat
it with a generous pour of extra virgin olive oil before wrapping it up and
going in for the kill. On those rare days when you’re not consuming labneh (maybe
you exhausted your supply!), you make a beeline for the trusty duo of zaatar
and olive oil. As myth would have it, zaatar stimulates the brain and gets
those cranial juices flowing. Well, that’s a questionable truth, but hey, there’s
no pop quiz after this!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span class="Heading2Char"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Lunch is by far your biggest meal of the day, and it’s never simply
a main dish.</i></b></span></span> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">You don’t eat to live; you live to eat. If you hail from the
easternmost stretch of the Mediterranean – aka Lebanon – eating is defined by
the sensory experience of indulging in and appreciating every taste, texture
and flavor with an emphasis on what’s in season. Heard of the Arabic verb
“mazmiz”? You’ve probably figured out that its root word is “mezza!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, leading up to the main dish is a parade
of many smaller dishes and munchies, including perhaps a roasted nut medley,
pickled vegetables, fresh vegetables, olives, a green salad doused in olive oil
and lemon dressing, and fresh <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">markouk</i>
or pita bread. By the time the main dish makes an appearance, your tummy is
tickled and stretched in more ways than one, but that doesn’t mean you’re going
to curb your meal prematurely.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span class="Heading2Char"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><i><b>When it comes to your liquid arsenal, the trifecta is olive
oil, pomegranate molasses, and Arak.</b></i></span></span> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Everything, and we do mean everything, could benefit from
that deep green elixir known as olive oil. Whether it’s a creamy, nutty hummus
dip or the warm stew that is <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/articles/a-vegan-guide-to-lebanese-street-food"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">foul moudammas</i></a>, it immediately bumps
up to next-level when you decorate it with olive oil. You may run a tight ship
when it comes to counting calories and watching your waistline, but olive oil
doesn’t figure into those calculations. Pomegranate molasses, too, works
wonders, especially in elevating your salad to scrumptious heights. You might
also use it to finish meat or chicken liver after cooking. And finally, Arak is
the ultimate palate cleanser and bacteria annihilator. As any Lebanese
gastronome will attest, the cloudy Lion’s Milk sipped on the rocks both
freshens our mouths and aids in the digestion of lavish, raw-meat-decked meals.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></i></p>
<h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Any dish can be enormously improved with lemon and garlic. </i><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Is that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">moudardara</i>
rice and lentil pilaf too salty? Squeeze a wedge or two of lemon over it. How
about the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">lahm bi ajeen</i>? Is it
unbearably spicy? Nothing a squeeze of lemon won’t solve. And what of the tasteless
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fattouch</i>? Sure, it’s bursting with
color and robust freshness, but it just doesn’t hit the spot. So mash a few
cloves of garlic! And the chicken <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">taouk</i>
sandwich?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take it from us – you won’t be
able to wolf it down without a deeply fragrant garlic aioli. No matter if
you’re seeing people afterward or on a date: if they don’t understand, then
they’re not real friends (or lovers!). A pearl of wisdom from us: be wary of
those who reject the powers of garlic and lemon!</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Your favorite Lebanese dessert is konafa, even if you don’t particularly
care for sweets. </i><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In fact, that’s exactly why you enjoy it, because it strikes
the perfect balance between salty and sweet. Lebanese konafa is traditionally
crafted with melted white Akkawi cheese and semolina. If it weren’t for the
addition of syrup, which packs in sugar, orange blossom water and rose water,
then konafa would hardly qualify as a dessert. For good measure, you stuff a
slice of konafa inside a sesame-studded <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kaakeh</i>,
promoting it to sandwich filler status. Bizarre, isn’t it? But hey, let’s not
question a perfect thing!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfgaKArSOTpKAic5qLX8Y0f8bAvWEjOVJjkTQZ5kZpBEv4ryWcRY_ttjaG8RxSb1lHsl-Gym2SIizRQxwDYFOVwvKtU0iuThjuk_O4gQnXZ3CcEkza5IB9pB9ox3HMXW0hA_obduAEEpp/w73-h73/Facebook.png" width="73" /></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0B6KjTwowkcqCQKR7Q96qwp4yTsxQgdLuSkRDec06ny238ZssY5zqePEZroXDfdA6hK57md4B-O6jRs08trvbZoLvJQn3LG2Ogg_ckWeuEO2JqJpw_8aSxfhwnO0Y2iRb7PdiNoZOjN/w77-h76/Instagram+logo.jpg" width="77" /></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXQHND_HHD4OAbPffFnheDGMZ-O8hEeCwffIGOKEOzRE7bBlxTC5Zhw2gX7gNCpsy2e4Slh8sWs82IDxjcLP2iwTmCYNBhxLKHTLJisjjdKxqi7vH8Nk18gygtPFSuuDT0DUG97UzRbg3/w77-h77/Twitter+logo.png" width="77" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-38477768443186035512022-07-24T09:39:00.001+03:002022-07-24T09:39:40.199+03:00Lebanese Delicacies That Are Off-the-Grid: Yay or Nay?<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 38px; margin: 0pt 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">This article has been adapted from the original version, which is published on the <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/articles/lebanese-delicacies-that-are-off-the-grid-yay-or-nay" target="_blank">Al Wadi Al Akhdar website</a> under the <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/articles" target="_blank">"Visit Lebanon" tab</a>.</span></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.alwadi.com/ContentFiles/1846Image.jpg?w=603&h=473&mode=crop&scale=both" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="603" height="473" src="https://www.alwadi.com/ContentFiles/1846Image.jpg?w=603&h=473&mode=crop&scale=both" width="603" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lebanese <i>fwerigh</i>, or stuffed intestines (<i><a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/articles/lebanese-delicacies-that-are-off-the-grid-yay-or-nay" target="_blank">photo source</a>)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lebanese
cuisine might strike the unsuspecting as dainty, delicate and delicious with
its vegan tabbouleh, </span><a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/articles/a-vegan-guide-to-lebanese-street-food"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">manakish za’atar</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and hummus. But beware: it’s got a
gut-wrenching side to it. We’re talking liver; raw meat flanked by white cubes
of pure fat; snails; frog legs; sheep brains; beef tongue; and the list goes
on, and on, and on, for about the length of a sheep’s intestines (also a dish
in the exotic roundup!). If you’re a diehard Lebanese, you undoubtedly dote on
these delicacies and gloat about their dense nutrient and vitamin content to
anyone who questions their merits. There’s not an ailment out there that can’t
be cured with these antidotes. If you’re less adventurous with what you eat,
you probably want to stop reading right about here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Go
ahead, sign off. We’re warning you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">And
yet, you’re still here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Well,
if you insist, be our guest… But we recommend you pour yourself a glass of Lebanese
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">arak</i> in case nausea overcomes you!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<h1 style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Asbeh</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chicken
and beef liver figure prominently in Lebanese cuisine. Beef liver is characteristically
pan fried with onions, whereas chicken liver is finished with tangy pomegranate
molasses. In some rarer instances, chicken liver can be accompanied by crunchy
chicken heart. Has your own heart sunk into your stomach just yet? Stay with us
here. Sheep’s liver is enjoyed raw. Gather it up in a piece of fresh Lebanese pita,
garnish it with green onion and mint leaves, dunk it in salt and pepper and
sink your canines into that sucker. Raw cubes of meat can be consumed in much
the same manner. A tall glass of arak with ice helps wash down these meaty bundles
and obliterates any bacteria therein, or so we like to convince ourselves.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<h2 style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Nkhe’et & Lsenet</i><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Did a relative ever try to cajole you into
eating lamb brains (“nkhe’et”) to enhance your own intelligence? That may be a
myth, but one thing’s for sure: these delicacies are ethereally soft and supple.
Sheep brains are cooked until tender and then tossed with the magical mixture
of garlic, lemon, olive oil, and salt. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with
wedges of lemon and pita.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One of the most tender meats you will ever feast
on is tongue. Sheep and beef tongues (“lsenet”) are an exquisite treat in
Lebanon. To prepare, start by soaking them in water, then boil and slow-cook
before skinning and slicing to achieve a more palatable presentation. Again,
dress with mashed garlic, a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of olive oil, and a
dash of salt for the perfect seasoning.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<h2 style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Baid Ghanam</i><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The French translation <i>amourettes d’agneau</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> would have you believe you’re about to
consume something fine and delicate</span>. And while sheep testicles (“baid
ghanam”) might qualify as such texturally, wait until the realization of what
you’re consuming sinks in! To start, the butcher peels and discards the outer
membrane of the organ to reveal the tender flesh inside. It is then sliced,
battered, and pan-fried, receiving a squeeze of lemon to finish. The end
result? Something subtle and otherworldly. Truly, baid ghanam give a mystical
edge to Lebanese cuisine!<span style="color: red;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<h2 style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Fwerigh</i><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">In an ironic twist, would you ever consider
feasting on the very organ where food is broken down and digested? Allow us to
introduce you to “fwerigh,” or sheep intestines, but be warned: they’re not for
the uninitiated. The intestines must first be thoroughly cleansed with lemon,
salt and vinegar before being outfitted with minced meat, rice and spices, the
same filling used for stuffed grape leaves and zucchini. When prepared
correctly, this dish is fragrant and festive. Just try and blot out the mental
image that you’re wolfing down guts.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<h2 style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>A’asafir</i><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Birds,
specifically the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bec-figue</i> or
fig-eating variety, are a popular Lebanese specialty beloved for their fatty
bodies. They’re plucked, gutted, and beheaded before being tossed onto the
grill or pan. Once cooked, birds, or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a’asafir
</i>in Arabic, are dressed in pomegranate molasses or olive oil and wrapped in paper-thin
“markouk” bread. As you’re chewing, that gentle crunch is actually the crushing
of bird bones between your teeth. Tantalizing, isn’t it! </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">So
… how far along did you get to the bottom of your arak glass? Or perhaps you’re
already on your second round? Can’t say we didn’t caution you about the nastier
bits of Lebanese cuisine. And as starkly contrasting as they are to the vegan
offerings our Mediterranean table boasts, they remain a source of great pride
for the most passionate gastronomes among us. You know the saying: there are
two sides to every coin!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfgaKArSOTpKAic5qLX8Y0f8bAvWEjOVJjkTQZ5kZpBEv4ryWcRY_ttjaG8RxSb1lHsl-Gym2SIizRQxwDYFOVwvKtU0iuThjuk_O4gQnXZ3CcEkza5IB9pB9ox3HMXW0hA_obduAEEpp/w73-h73/Facebook.png" width="73" /></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0B6KjTwowkcqCQKR7Q96qwp4yTsxQgdLuSkRDec06ny238ZssY5zqePEZroXDfdA6hK57md4B-O6jRs08trvbZoLvJQn3LG2Ogg_ckWeuEO2JqJpw_8aSxfhwnO0Y2iRb7PdiNoZOjN/w77-h76/Instagram+logo.jpg" width="77" /></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/beirutista" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXQHND_HHD4OAbPffFnheDGMZ-O8hEeCwffIGOKEOzRE7bBlxTC5Zhw2gX7gNCpsy2e4Slh8sWs82IDxjcLP2iwTmCYNBhxLKHTLJisjjdKxqi7vH8Nk18gygtPFSuuDT0DUG97UzRbg3/w77-h77/Twitter+logo.png" width="77" /></a></div><p></p>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-19469914701330196492022-05-30T23:03:00.006+03:002022-05-30T23:06:05.458+03:00A Vegan’s Guide to Lebanese Street Food <p><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">This article has been adapted from the original version, which is published on the <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/articles/a-vegan-guide-to-lebanese-street-food" target="_blank">Al Wadi Al Akhdar website</a> under the <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/articles" target="_blank">"Visit Lebanon" tab</a>.</span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Some of the most memorable and adventurous meals are often
come by in the street. In Beirut, that certainly rings true. No matter which narrow
city alley, village <i>souk</i>, or seaside
boardwalk you find yourself exploring, there’s bound to be a delicious bite
within arm’s reach. While meaty shawarma wraps and <i>lahm bi ajeen</i> pies readily come to mind in Lebanon, there is in
fact a myriad of vegan foods to appeal to every palate. These savory meatless
munchies form an integral part of Lebanese cuisine. To be quite frank, going
vegan in Lebanon may prove to be an effortless endeavor!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2ZiEvGZfMEhvyTEuvms8YDaxgJTkg9XBfuxZ6Cg9UzNzhucu8mqBSdidxmNFdieR8iFRvRc1NTuEjduhWf9YcFC-Ji6is5YacXLoG3M3-ZeXbidEucDwTKHFzGcXi2KZ2PDf5uL969GMlRSAjTJcTdyu0tJu_tysZa7rQ98nZUykBzbOo_uJ0Zc7Dg/s603/Falafel.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="603" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2ZiEvGZfMEhvyTEuvms8YDaxgJTkg9XBfuxZ6Cg9UzNzhucu8mqBSdidxmNFdieR8iFRvRc1NTuEjduhWf9YcFC-Ji6is5YacXLoG3M3-ZeXbidEucDwTKHFzGcXi2KZ2PDf5uL969GMlRSAjTJcTdyu0tJu_tysZa7rQ98nZUykBzbOo_uJ0Zc7Dg/w640-h502/Falafel.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lebanese falafel inside pita bread (<i><a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/articles/a-vegan-guide-to-lebanese-street-food" target="_blank">photo source</a></i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Manakish Za’atar</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Pizza is to the Italians as
“manakish” is to the Lebanese. It’s all about fresh-baked, soft, round
flatbread crafted before your very eyes. If you’re visiting a Lebanese <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">furn</i>, or bakery, never settle for
reheated manakish from the cooling rack. Behold the baker work his magic,
spreading that supple dough. Trust me, the extra wait will be worth every
second. The classic <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mankouche</i>
(singular form of manakish) is slathered with a blend of za’atar – comprising
dried thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds – and olive oil and served in either
folded or rolled up format. But don’t overlook the essential veggie garnish.
Top with mint leaves, olives, tomato and cucumber for a burst of freshness. </span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Foul Moudammas</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Soaked overnight in water before
being boiled to a tender core, broad beans, also known as fava beans, are
dressed up with a drizzle of olive oil, ripe tomatoes, fresh parsley, spring
onions, and ground cumin. A classic breakfast dish common throughout the Levant
and Egypt, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">foul </i>(pronounced as
“fool”) are considered to be one of the healthiest, fiber-dense meals you can
consume. Scoop up this bean stew with warmed pita, and it’ll keep you happily sated
all day.<i> </i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><i><br /></i></span></span></p>
<h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Corn and Lupini
Beans</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Pace the seaside promenade, or
stop at any major roundabout like Dora, and you’re bound to bump into vendors
selling boiled ears of corn dusted with cumin. You’ll also find loose corn
kernels served in bowls for more convenient consumption. Another snacking
option is pickled lupini beans, better known as “turmus” in Arabic. Rich in
fiber and protein, these legumes hold the power to lower your cholesterol and
provide antioxidants. There you have it: delicious and healthy snacking! Who
can resist that tempting duality? </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><br /></p><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Spinach Fatayer </i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Particularly popular during the Christian
Lenten season but available year-round at bakeries, fatayer are triangular
turnovers stuffed with a mélange of boiled spinach (or occasionally Swiss chard)
and onions, sumac, a squeeze of lemon and olive oil. They often figure in to
the classic Lebanese mezza in bite-size format, but to fill up, you’ll relish
the jumbo edition sold in bakeries. Arguably, the perfect fatayer are all about
balance: a filling that strikes ample acidity, and dough that does not suffer
from oiliness. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p>
<h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Kibbet Lakteen</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">You might recognize <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kibbeh</i> as the Lebanese national dish. In
general, kibbeh describes a foodstuff fashioned from bulgur wheat and onions. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kibbet lakteen</i> is a vegan variation on
the original, typically featuring spinach with chickpeas inside a shell formed
from bulgur, onions, and pumpkin (in Arabic, “lakteen”). It is absolutely
moist, flavorful, and complex in texture and taste. But don’t let me dictate
the verdict – try it yourself! </span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Falafel</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Occasionally stigmatized as the
food of paupers, fried falafel balls draw on fava beans, chickpeas, and cumin.
In reality, they’re godly if prepared correctly! These spherical croquettes
feature an ethereally crispy shell that gives way to a grainy textured core
dotted with coriander. Line them inside Arabic pita before slathering with
tahina, or sesame seed paste, and animating with pickled horseradish, parsley,
and tomatoes. </span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Sandwich Batata</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Looking to overload on carbs?
Here’s a genuinely Lebanese thought: roll a handful of fries, or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">batata</i>, inside pita bread. We know: the
concept seems far-fetched. Who would wrap up one carb inside the other? You’d
never consider stuffing rice or pasta inside a sandwich. But there’s something
distinctly otherworldly about golden, crispy fries tucked inside thin pita,
cushioned with creamy coleslaw, generous heaps of garlic aioli, ketchup and
pickles. It’s so good, you’ll wonder how you’ve made it this far in life
without being properly cultured. But hey, I'm not judging. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p>
<h2><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Sandwich Arnabit</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Akin to the “sandwich batata,” the
“arnabit” wrap replaces fried potato spears with cauliflower. There’s no
disputing that vegetables do formidably well when they’re fried (though
dietitians around the world are shuddering at the mere thought!). We tend to
think of cauliflower as bland and boring. But dip it in hot frying oil, and
suddenly you’ve got yourself a dynamic new specimen! Be sure to dress
cauliflower fritters with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tarator</i>, a
dip combining tahina, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s next-level. I promise. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">So there you have it – the authoritative guide to Lebanese vegan
street food. Sounds like a mouthful, but no doubt your mouth will be thanking
you for this food fiesta that packs in as much flavor and oomph as it does
nutrition and wholesomeness.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfgaKArSOTpKAic5qLX8Y0f8bAvWEjOVJjkTQZ5kZpBEv4ryWcRY_ttjaG8RxSb1lHsl-Gym2SIizRQxwDYFOVwvKtU0iuThjuk_O4gQnXZ3CcEkza5IB9pB9ox3HMXW0hA_obduAEEpp/w73-h73/Facebook.png" width="73" /></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0B6KjTwowkcqCQKR7Q96qwp4yTsxQgdLuSkRDec06ny238ZssY5zqePEZroXDfdA6hK57md4B-O6jRs08trvbZoLvJQn3LG2Ogg_ckWeuEO2JqJpw_8aSxfhwnO0Y2iRb7PdiNoZOjN/w77-h76/Instagram+logo.jpg" width="77" /></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXQHND_HHD4OAbPffFnheDGMZ-O8hEeCwffIGOKEOzRE7bBlxTC5Zhw2gX7gNCpsy2e4Slh8sWs82IDxjcLP2iwTmCYNBhxLKHTLJisjjdKxqi7vH8Nk18gygtPFSuuDT0DUG97UzRbg3/w77-h77/Twitter+logo.png" width="77" /></a></span></div>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-51243358884005309602022-04-27T22:27:00.001+03:002022-04-27T22:27:29.570+03:00The Diabolical Debit Card Situation in Lebanon<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you’re a (miserable) account-holder at a Lebanese bank
and you reside in Lebanon, you’re probably in possession of a debit card. After
all, that’s the only God-forsaken method of siphoning some of your locked-up
assets from the bank. And by siphoning, I mean extracting via trickle method.
One miniscule drop at a time.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The current predicament that cardholders face however is the
rejection of their plastic wallet accessory by a vast number of retailers.
Months ago, gas stations across Lebanon unanimously stopped accepting card
payment. Then supermarkets and grocery stores, in a show of solidarity,
enforced a 50/50 approach: they'd only accept 50% payment by card and 50% by
cash. We’re talking about retailers like Spinney’s, Carrefour, Le Charcutier,
Stop and Shop, O&C, and the likes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A range of epiceries, or upscale grocers like Aziz, haven’t accepted card
payment for at least a year – understandably, they don’t want to deal with
local banks, heinous capital controls and having to forego a portion of revenue
as commissions thereof.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Up until a few weeks ago, McDonald’s accepted debit, but “in
light of the current circumstances,” they now no longer do. Burger King followed
suit just this past weekend, and I suppose it won’t be long before Dunkin’,
Starbucks, and other international chains jump on the bandwagon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0FczuVKVmpY3EkX2z9JYwUDhRp9mZvRBXOvOq4Ye3ukN_A92BSqoXbHBDSUXou6GoZoU5RGWNhkignO2-X6dYaLK__1b9wlNJVRT3qiOkckPG42wPFf4rVzh6UfeKmN0syC69S9p4LUcsGk4yJHIgKvYKJHWmkKaNXXmwJT3Wt_SBtJhPvYTWpwT_A/s2560/Debit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1700" data-original-width="2560" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0FczuVKVmpY3EkX2z9JYwUDhRp9mZvRBXOvOq4Ye3ukN_A92BSqoXbHBDSUXou6GoZoU5RGWNhkignO2-X6dYaLK__1b9wlNJVRT3qiOkckPG42wPFf4rVzh6UfeKmN0syC69S9p4LUcsGk4yJHIgKvYKJHWmkKaNXXmwJT3Wt_SBtJhPvYTWpwT_A/w640-h426/Debit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lebanese debit cards are being more and more useless as fewer vendors accept them as a valid method of payment. (RIDO/Shutterstock)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If we’re considering local dining out/takeout eateries that
accept card payment, here are the few of which I’m aware that are still willing
to swipe (or tap) your card: Roadster, Zaatar W Zeit, Bartartine, and Deek
Duke, all of whom are owned by the same parent company. Tomatomatic, Classic Burger,
and Furn Beaino also aren’t griping about the swiping, and perhaps that is so
because they prioritize sales volume over profit margin.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Some joints flat-out charge a fee for any card-based
transaction. So while they’re willing to take your debit card, they’re going
to slap a premium on its use. For example, Kababji and Gelato Show apply a 30%
uptick on your bill. Say you purchase products from one of these vendors in the amount
of LBP 100,000 and elect to pay by card. You will be billed LBP 130,000.
Steep? I’d say.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Pâte à Choux, the iconic patisserie in Antelias, charges a
more reasonable 10% for card transactions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Just the other day, I discovered that the sporting goods
shop Decathlon, situated inside Le Mall Dbayeh across two floors and hundreds
of square meters, accepts 70% payment by card and 30% payment in cash. (On an
unrelated note, Decathlon easily boasts the best refund/exchange policy I've witnessed in
Lebanon: you have 30 days to secure a refund and a whopping 365 days for a product exchange!)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">How long will it be before debit card payments are denied
everywhere in Lebanon? For those subscribing to Central Bank of Lebanon’s
Circular 158, that imminent and inevitable blow will ultimately be the bane of our
collective existences. In the way of a recap on the stipulations of the circular,
depositors who held USD-denominated checking or savings accounts prior to the
year 2019 are able to withdraw, on a monthly basis, USD 400 in cash and the
equivalent of USD 400 in Lebanese pounds LBP at a designated rate of LBP
12,000 to $1. That amount, which works out to LBP 4,800,000, is dispensed half
in cash (i.e., LBP 2,400,000) and the other half exclusively at points of sale
(POS), via debit card. Soon we will have to forego that LBP 2.4M as fewer and fewer institutions accept our pathetic plastic.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Anyone else proud to be Lebanese?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>If you wish to add any other vendors to the list of accepting (or not accepting) debit card payments, comment below.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfgaKArSOTpKAic5qLX8Y0f8bAvWEjOVJjkTQZ5kZpBEv4ryWcRY_ttjaG8RxSb1lHsl-Gym2SIizRQxwDYFOVwvKtU0iuThjuk_O4gQnXZ3CcEkza5IB9pB9ox3HMXW0hA_obduAEEpp/w73-h73/Facebook.png" width="73" /></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0B6KjTwowkcqCQKR7Q96qwp4yTsxQgdLuSkRDec06ny238ZssY5zqePEZroXDfdA6hK57md4B-O6jRs08trvbZoLvJQn3LG2Ogg_ckWeuEO2JqJpw_8aSxfhwnO0Y2iRb7PdiNoZOjN/w77-h76/Instagram+logo.jpg" width="77" /></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXQHND_HHD4OAbPffFnheDGMZ-O8hEeCwffIGOKEOzRE7bBlxTC5Zhw2gX7gNCpsy2e4Slh8sWs82IDxjcLP2iwTmCYNBhxLKHTLJisjjdKxqi7vH8Nk18gygtPFSuuDT0DUG97UzRbg3/w77-h77/Twitter+logo.png" width="77" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-83321029742985864072022-04-07T22:44:00.002+03:002022-04-08T09:09:25.060+03:00Lebanon's Premier Lahm Baajin Specialist Furn Beaino Lands in Dubai!<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Eight years ago, I stumbled across Furn Beaino while
researching Lebanon’s acclaimed "lahm baajin" bakeries. At the time, I was freelancing
as Food & Drink editor at Beirut.com, and “best of” roundups were my bread
and butter. <a href="http://furnbeaino.com/">Furn Beaino</a> kept surfacing
again and again in the literature, so I had to go and see what the fuss was
about.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I still remember that first visit in late September 2014. Wissam Beaino, son of the furn’s founder and visionary
Toni Beaino, greeted me and briefly recounted the history of his family’s
enterprise. Established in 1975, the furn, Arabic for "bakery," had quickly risen to fame for its
matchless lahm baajin, a fragrant blend of mince lamb, onions, and
tomatoes spread richly on a thin round flatbread, baked swiftly at high
temperatures, and finished with a drizzle of lemon and a dash of pepper. These
meat pies were Furn Beaino’s signature item, but customers clustered at the
small Jounieh stronghold for everything from manakish zaatar to spinach pies.
The unifying motifs? Quality. Generosity. And excellence.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRrjh-BCg7x0VYxx1LnAHT2TA6AWqER0KDdGUTKrvsyLxnDRxGo6st_DhlyURZsujYqbMw3NA7P2EzuJSZ9stxeW4lnel9lTUSVwGHp6FZkIGQc_90A7dBhBqmsroHAlRhfa7V49RgubJsJ4u4Y1xlO0G07GRv4WDgndhhW4vTok52kZL5MCbIN_CYw/s640/Furn%20beaino.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRrjh-BCg7x0VYxx1LnAHT2TA6AWqER0KDdGUTKrvsyLxnDRxGo6st_DhlyURZsujYqbMw3NA7P2EzuJSZ9stxeW4lnel9lTUSVwGHp6FZkIGQc_90A7dBhBqmsroHAlRhfa7V49RgubJsJ4u4Y1xlO0G07GRv4WDgndhhW4vTok52kZL5MCbIN_CYw/w640-h640/Furn%20beaino.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Furn Beaino is popular for excellent lahm baajin and an assortment of manakish</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I was enraptured. <a href="https://www.beirutista.co/2015/07/furn-beaino-extraordinary-lahm-baajin.html">I
came back to meet Toni</a>, the legend himself, and shadow him in the kitchen as
he walked me through his daily routine, which started every morning at 3:30 AM.
I also crossed paths with Samer, Toni’s younger son, who doubled as manager and cashier. And
over the years, I’ve fondly watched the <a href="https://www.beirutista.co/2017/08/what-happens-when-you-schedule-dream.html">operation
expand from a solitary kitchen in Sarba to two central kitchens</a> – one in
Zouk, the other in Bauchrieh – to serve the greater areas of Keserwan and
Beirut, respectively. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">The menu has amplified considerably, featuring wraps,
salads, pizzas, and dessert, in addition to the original manakish line-up. And the
food? Absolutely sublime. The wraps are colossal, bundling premium ingredients
inside a supple round bread measuring 30 cm in diameter. Salads are copious and
refreshing. Pizzas are thin-crust and pleasing. And desserts incorporate
authentic Belgian chocolate and fresh fruit.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrJmU0lxJefBIF7s1xfb2cGFE2mG7ogZddFDiP_AiZDmuFQdkx9qf5x_y1tM23mFn_5YROThzSKUVVH4TQRH3dPM1GeEfVjt1mMgIL49aXNvSW7nvgbxKRShv_34Fl27J_xrI7bE87_VEiouUmX5hkYBF5BYgeBCZ2e-G2LEo-wyN0ms2v6BCXZ7Csw/s3024/original_282defce-4037-4058-8d14-a6d2f5208b14_20220406_175429.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2957" data-original-width="3024" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrJmU0lxJefBIF7s1xfb2cGFE2mG7ogZddFDiP_AiZDmuFQdkx9qf5x_y1tM23mFn_5YROThzSKUVVH4TQRH3dPM1GeEfVjt1mMgIL49aXNvSW7nvgbxKRShv_34Fl27J_xrI7bE87_VEiouUmX5hkYBF5BYgeBCZ2e-G2LEo-wyN0ms2v6BCXZ7Csw/w640-h626/original_282defce-4037-4058-8d14-a6d2f5208b14_20220406_175429.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A mankouche zaatar, or Lebanese zaatar pie</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yMWdSLyuK341L1Hys3_QqZy3Oj0anv9uhXC1ywvjj2EUuM_9kWPCU1i3SoCAkcApp376FTkVhEJnVrm9iulSbGw9nNog0afrCU0v6Ys5BI3B0uOYEcpxcLQsJjx5CHpFf-npH8ll-vG22CSDEFy6hTpC4z2tQTrZGF-PqyLEuTD17KKax2oLx3pc4A/s3024/original_1e63bf9d-b0b3-4974-94a5-0ab0eec5b25c_20220406_180544.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2995" data-original-width="3024" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yMWdSLyuK341L1Hys3_QqZy3Oj0anv9uhXC1ywvjj2EUuM_9kWPCU1i3SoCAkcApp376FTkVhEJnVrm9iulSbGw9nNog0afrCU0v6Ys5BI3B0uOYEcpxcLQsJjx5CHpFf-npH8ll-vG22CSDEFy6hTpC4z2tQTrZGF-PqyLEuTD17KKax2oLx3pc4A/w640-h634/original_1e63bf9d-b0b3-4974-94a5-0ab0eec5b25c_20220406_180544.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Crispy Chicken wrap</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4J53EepTivBexEZNdxdH1w8OYo7Gbfp_46FJicfw17ukvgnhJrFcfP14ox7McuQcTpgzVR51BUc5a8b0-oxEAuwiksmc-gTizzzkVzu4PjoBFFhXgT8wNCSbyoz0lpY-T_Umz0QzvMkiceKv0FviN8w6yA6fFg_uRNz5RWWV37iidPf0HQUVFFJGbMg/s4032/original_a1b1c998-708c-4b35-9ba5-9a9cf2c3b803_20220406_180955.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4J53EepTivBexEZNdxdH1w8OYo7Gbfp_46FJicfw17ukvgnhJrFcfP14ox7McuQcTpgzVR51BUc5a8b0-oxEAuwiksmc-gTizzzkVzu4PjoBFFhXgT8wNCSbyoz0lpY-T_Umz0QzvMkiceKv0FviN8w6yA6fFg_uRNz5RWWV37iidPf0HQUVFFJGbMg/w480-h640/original_a1b1c998-708c-4b35-9ba5-9a9cf2c3b803_20220406_180955.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kafta & Cheese in wrap format, garnished with tomato, pickles and mayo</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcQnlG-DzCl1ZOuM6NXC63YnUGKdU5KmE_QJ8XcUI4FmSUanp_fSoBDird-OIipnmTqHDEismQUMss_EEWe77tV7i7Wo_7aoU_w84ilR8xKB4piXxhZssdIXsh3lgLHm3-ouGwzmMEieWdWj8pWDYnBETo39vbMCJ3ictvdEAF0A3bd4ri5pARDXCcQ/s4032/original_383ecfd7-44ab-4a6f-ae7b-e3cbc6920d85_20220407_182930.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcQnlG-DzCl1ZOuM6NXC63YnUGKdU5KmE_QJ8XcUI4FmSUanp_fSoBDird-OIipnmTqHDEismQUMss_EEWe77tV7i7Wo_7aoU_w84ilR8xKB4piXxhZssdIXsh3lgLHm3-ouGwzmMEieWdWj8pWDYnBETo39vbMCJ3ictvdEAF0A3bd4ri5pARDXCcQ/w480-h640/original_383ecfd7-44ab-4a6f-ae7b-e3cbc6920d85_20220407_182930.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The chocolate wrap incorporates Belgian chocolate, crushed hazelnuts and banana</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Today marks another huge milestone in the timeline of Furn
Beaino’s evolution. It is the day Furn Beaino inaugurates operation beyond
Lebanon’s borders. They’re launching a cloud kitchen in Dubai<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> for the purpose of preparing food for delivery or takeout only. Orders can be placed via the app (<a href="http://furnbeaino.com/" target="_blank">both iOS and Android</a>), and couriers
will initially include Talabat, Smiles and Zomato.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyvnS3lGUxrfE2uY6_OvT6ehKk6y5DZweO-07I0e3zeb0-5McbCy5Od2ahW3HnNDZ41OZ9RemESM_d5PX1q46nbZa5WfK6L-NAJPWMGnhd2zjQsq4F31z1RP0AP9q4sYkXYZU-zf9LI1iExWL6PG_b7zU69wTY9JfiY3O6MofKGSZg_X99j-k9N6qnQ/s3000/original_07468b60-05aa-40ab-ae5c-8a53d03d591e_20220406_175227.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2990" data-original-width="3000" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyvnS3lGUxrfE2uY6_OvT6ehKk6y5DZweO-07I0e3zeb0-5McbCy5Od2ahW3HnNDZ41OZ9RemESM_d5PX1q46nbZa5WfK6L-NAJPWMGnhd2zjQsq4F31z1RP0AP9q4sYkXYZU-zf9LI1iExWL6PG_b7zU69wTY9JfiY3O6MofKGSZg_X99j-k9N6qnQ/w640-h638/original_07468b60-05aa-40ab-ae5c-8a53d03d591e_20220406_175227.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dubai customers can place orders via the Furn Beaino app</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">No doubt Lebanese
expats residing in Dubai will bask in the knowledge that the premier lahm
baajin specialist from Lebanon has nestled in their own neighborhood. Strong brand
recognition will surely help Furn Beaino spread its wings in the Emirati
city. And hopefully in little time, the storied restaurant will tap into a
totally new customer base that will have the privilege and pleasure of feasting
on Lebanon’s finest fast casual food.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you’re in Dubai,
give them a try and invoke my good name in your praises!</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzDFhSJn0dnz1687PoUJ1br05nZmUirydui3NrPdtTQRmgse0zlfNkXoF6QUhZAR8EsH0zyP-ykHIYRnOINyi3JolPtIIEM52n0Acw4BU_NGqoFjS473n2U6rXx8SVkNIFscjClAwQ5CUq7CdR7UzAzBqR2kGDITLMPmDI9-ubA6e07E3tLsSuGd03g/s3277/original_26d93624-7c86-44d7-95f8-914c4a8765ed_20220407_184017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3277" data-original-width="3014" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzDFhSJn0dnz1687PoUJ1br05nZmUirydui3NrPdtTQRmgse0zlfNkXoF6QUhZAR8EsH0zyP-ykHIYRnOINyi3JolPtIIEM52n0Acw4BU_NGqoFjS473n2U6rXx8SVkNIFscjClAwQ5CUq7CdR7UzAzBqR2kGDITLMPmDI9-ubA6e07E3tLsSuGd03g/w588-h640/original_26d93624-7c86-44d7-95f8-914c4a8765ed_20220407_184017.jpg" width="588" /></a></span></div><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfgaKArSOTpKAic5qLX8Y0f8bAvWEjOVJjkTQZ5kZpBEv4ryWcRY_ttjaG8RxSb1lHsl-Gym2SIizRQxwDYFOVwvKtU0iuThjuk_O4gQnXZ3CcEkza5IB9pB9ox3HMXW0hA_obduAEEpp/w73-h73/Facebook.png" width="73" /></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0B6KjTwowkcqCQKR7Q96qwp4yTsxQgdLuSkRDec06ny238ZssY5zqePEZroXDfdA6hK57md4B-O6jRs08trvbZoLvJQn3LG2Ogg_ckWeuEO2JqJpw_8aSxfhwnO0Y2iRb7PdiNoZOjN/w77-h76/Instagram+logo.jpg" width="77" /></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXQHND_HHD4OAbPffFnheDGMZ-O8hEeCwffIGOKEOzRE7bBlxTC5Zhw2gX7gNCpsy2e4Slh8sWs82IDxjcLP2iwTmCYNBhxLKHTLJisjjdKxqi7vH8Nk18gygtPFSuuDT0DUG97UzRbg3/w77-h77/Twitter+logo.png" width="77" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-75066192812228471252022-02-08T00:14:00.006+02:002022-02-08T08:48:20.643+02:00A Sublime Wine & Dine Experience at Kempinski Beirut's Rojo Restaurant<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I bear good news. The hospitality industry in Lebanon is still alive and well. Very well, in fact, namely at Beirut's premier
five-star property <a href="https://www.kempinski.com/en/beirut/kempinski-summerland-hotel-resort/" target="_blank">Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort</a>. Boasting its
own private beach and marina on the Mediterranean, the estate is a little piece
of paradise promising seclusion, seduction, and absolute sumptuousness. It
definitely delivers on those promises, as our visit last week to its cozy <a href="https://www.kempinski.com/en/beirut/kempinski-summerland-hotel-resort/dining/rojo/" target="_blank">Mediterranean eatery Rojo</a> attested.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTfYISFrxieFz7XjUzciy4cHHhSyr5oXbsW2RGkKDv-MevDwvS5Zj0LJW3YNC7ClgwWbb5bddUn2mnlELSH9wuLBnVPsRT6OawvqEnvLyTOogUb5jXweHErq9Ch1YukgXb1QARR1alCOlh7D1ay4kb-Z8IypK2RlVboKPAHXMcJh_KSwCR-UZ7vD65nQ=s1200" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTfYISFrxieFz7XjUzciy4cHHhSyr5oXbsW2RGkKDv-MevDwvS5Zj0LJW3YNC7ClgwWbb5bddUn2mnlELSH9wuLBnVPsRT6OawvqEnvLyTOogUb5jXweHErq9Ch1YukgXb1QARR1alCOlh7D1ay4kb-Z8IypK2RlVboKPAHXMcJh_KSwCR-UZ7vD65nQ=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rojo restaurant at the Kempinski Beirut (<i>photo source: <a href="https://www.kempinski.com/en/beirut/kempinski-summerland-hotel-resort/image-gallery/" target="_blank">online gallery</a>)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It was a tempestuous Friday evening and the winds were
howling, but we were nestled safely inside at a table for two, eager to embrace
the night’s “Wine and Dine by the Sea with Latourba” menu proposition. I knew
very little about <a href="https://latourba.com/" target="_blank">Latourba</a>, a private Lebanese vineyard located in the West Bekaa in a
town called Saghbine. Assuming that we were in for a typical wine and
dinner pairing, I was pleasantly surprised to find the owners and founders – Christine
and Elias Chehwane – presiding over a casual presentation of the <a href="https://latourba.com/shop/" target="_blank">Latourba range</a>.
We toasted to the affair with a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cuvée speciale
</i>named Kristina, eponymous with the founder. The newest addition to Latourba’s
gamut, this sparkling brut rosé is light, effervescent, and appetite-stirring.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglsPDitGe2udm3Vm6PvLPBnEbluxovHMiN6Tv8yJE2KX99wbSXkVUYTqXC0A6mjtBVPBITJy95DxHgfYScF5qJOY5XKWRVmZfnKumIfQurq3pQhvLA721frZzIXOOpEqIct4jfi_xoARFAb8KJsZBbSlQylJzLj1OvYvXEQXprFlKIorqbUJ_tOYGAaw=s3778" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3778" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglsPDitGe2udm3Vm6PvLPBnEbluxovHMiN6Tv8yJE2KX99wbSXkVUYTqXC0A6mjtBVPBITJy95DxHgfYScF5qJOY5XKWRVmZfnKumIfQurq3pQhvLA721frZzIXOOpEqIct4jfi_xoARFAb8KJsZBbSlQylJzLj1OvYvXEQXprFlKIorqbUJ_tOYGAaw=w512-h640" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christine Chehwane, co-founder and owner at Latourba winery</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDEWbr92ERcAHqqs3uW8vPbZF1WLPPDWiKy9qD8iMpV5-YYmGxmMoh2LJhlDoBmhxgN8nWKtMUvH0muLEK-DycVWPID-3v2kjAoKcJiDw2CkXi53KyvRKdRUBdRr4Vs6Fg1oZKmOemH2DdMGWRk1pY4R1WE8r-s-WwiDE4xZ3ngmCKNcouXD28UmXN8A=s4032" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDEWbr92ERcAHqqs3uW8vPbZF1WLPPDWiKy9qD8iMpV5-YYmGxmMoh2LJhlDoBmhxgN8nWKtMUvH0muLEK-DycVWPID-3v2kjAoKcJiDw2CkXi53KyvRKdRUBdRr4Vs6Fg1oZKmOemH2DdMGWRk1pY4R1WE8r-s-WwiDE4xZ3ngmCKNcouXD28UmXN8A=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elias Chehwane, co-founder and owner at Latourba and husband to Christine</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">After tasting a number of other Latourba gems, including
Solac and Simil from their young wine range, we floated back to our table and
earnestly awaited the parade of gastronomic delights crafted by Chef Georges
Mansour. A basket of fresh baked bread elevated by a medley of dips – balsamic vinegar,
tapenade, and olive oil – greeted us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">First up, supple seared scallops complemented by cauliflower
puree and pineapple yuzu foam, washed down with a dry white Chardonnay 2018. It
made for the perfect transition into the meal service, teasing our tummies and boosting
expectations for the ensuing courses.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAkXqZ2q7KNkXNOuTnr2ky0rRWAaz2W_n0WkkkvhwSRYMfFp77o_8MqECkGnVg36j41yG7eX_wQ1A_Xa6PrQjV2RobYdxY3zGiU_BGpFjBPWNTWSOzd9wHTCPS_R30K3ejwb-lVgZyBT8cEXNyspUjx4c0X1VCCWgvZUq0dEBctVfYPnaACtTS3IvvFw=s3780" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAkXqZ2q7KNkXNOuTnr2ky0rRWAaz2W_n0WkkkvhwSRYMfFp77o_8MqECkGnVg36j41yG7eX_wQ1A_Xa6PrQjV2RobYdxY3zGiU_BGpFjBPWNTWSOzd9wHTCPS_R30K3ejwb-lVgZyBT8cEXNyspUjx4c0X1VCCWgvZUq0dEBctVfYPnaACtTS3IvvFw=w512-h640" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seared scallops on cauliflower puree</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We segued to a vol au vent brimming with sautéed mushrooms
and duck confit. The succulent red meat struck a good match with the Petit
Verdot 2016.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3CuM3u_f3GBnOsQdfmCbP71coiTC0RFHF9o3HiQwIYoOgwCBdNg6Haao-DNn4-ECFEGIqHIaRQWfpsMI9rqYnrwt2Bj3Eut6p0vIvugIicf9bxSQsJsONk3lLtgYWbppzXvZNO7rRZDQ2B14n0U5TZDox7EvhPm1K5DtXbCu9MWis5Sd_7lAmlH54sQ=s4032" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3CuM3u_f3GBnOsQdfmCbP71coiTC0RFHF9o3HiQwIYoOgwCBdNg6Haao-DNn4-ECFEGIqHIaRQWfpsMI9rqYnrwt2Bj3Eut6p0vIvugIicf9bxSQsJsONk3lLtgYWbppzXvZNO7rRZDQ2B14n0U5TZDox7EvhPm1K5DtXbCu9MWis5Sd_7lAmlH54sQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vol au vent caching sauteed mushrooms and duck confit</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">plat principal</i>
was a rather interesting concoction of two very generous beef medallions,
creamy quince puree, and pissaladière, a pizza-like flatbread topped
per tradition with caramelized onions, black olives, and anchovies. Rather than
relegate this to a side, I would have resolved it into its own course with
complementary wine pairing, because it doesn’t quite suit a steak. Latourba’s
private selection Litaj 2015, blending Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah,
took center stage.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhesV4z__7jyCJr-onXrvz7RXjByeC7RnS_DiS93g5RE_F4hxQqihgoBdEpslpTS7tC1et1uCQtDMtnIw-cx20beW0kha8OU5X0NmSCHCLP1zy_AEVSHhD5mI99Ji2VkR5oYZFwSRsF1IQllLjx_at63i2MFDUk1R2O0ZQeeNJcGiQ0jIUUGZ4YWdqGQQ=s4032" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhesV4z__7jyCJr-onXrvz7RXjByeC7RnS_DiS93g5RE_F4hxQqihgoBdEpslpTS7tC1et1uCQtDMtnIw-cx20beW0kha8OU5X0NmSCHCLP1zy_AEVSHhD5mI99Ji2VkR5oYZFwSRsF1IQllLjx_at63i2MFDUk1R2O0ZQeeNJcGiQ0jIUUGZ4YWdqGQQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beef medallions, quince puree, and pissaladière</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Finally, dessert was an alluring assembly of a dense lemon and
poppy seed cake, raspberry coulis, parsley-mint crumble, yuzu cream, and cotton
candy. Even as I reflect on it now, I wonder how the chef conjured it up,
imaginative as it is! Cleanse the palate it does, unequivocally, coupled with
Latourba’s sparkling brut Chardonnay.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbJAeoV4aBNly1VXQH5lM_GwWHik2UogxeXy3RlUxuZqADn3abkKMWh8BSNc__2F6Y-C88jedX5aXmJYkaDVp167ZHWEAx3SCvhQLwzyx2AxcEHiIs6oI4DjXpGIoIJ-XGY_Zj7JXuQJKFkFdEbwvaqsRtpnM3yTVzQnhdQBHZvWdPL8jwTonATEK3gA=s4032" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbJAeoV4aBNly1VXQH5lM_GwWHik2UogxeXy3RlUxuZqADn3abkKMWh8BSNc__2F6Y-C88jedX5aXmJYkaDVp167ZHWEAx3SCvhQLwzyx2AxcEHiIs6oI4DjXpGIoIJ-XGY_Zj7JXuQJKFkFdEbwvaqsRtpnM3yTVzQnhdQBHZvWdPL8jwTonATEK3gA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Citrus Parfait dessert</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">With the trifecta of dinner, wine, and impeccable service led
by a young and knowledgeable wait staff, we struggled to remember the last occasion wherein we’d enjoyed ourselves so thoroughly out on the town. Sure, the times have
threatened to blot out the pleasure and treasure with which our Mediterranean hospitality
has grown synonymous over the decades. But Kempinski Beirut is a firm reminder of
the beauty that beckons once we’re ready and able to rekindle our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">joie de vivre</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Price per person: USD
45 net.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Kempinski Summerland Hotel
& Resort: +961 1 858 000<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Rojo restaurant: +961 81
312 004</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfgaKArSOTpKAic5qLX8Y0f8bAvWEjOVJjkTQZ5kZpBEv4ryWcRY_ttjaG8RxSb1lHsl-Gym2SIizRQxwDYFOVwvKtU0iuThjuk_O4gQnXZ3CcEkza5IB9pB9ox3HMXW0hA_obduAEEpp/w73-h73/Facebook.png" width="73" /></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0B6KjTwowkcqCQKR7Q96qwp4yTsxQgdLuSkRDec06ny238ZssY5zqePEZroXDfdA6hK57md4B-O6jRs08trvbZoLvJQn3LG2Ogg_ckWeuEO2JqJpw_8aSxfhwnO0Y2iRb7PdiNoZOjN/w77-h76/Instagram+logo.jpg" width="77" /></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXQHND_HHD4OAbPffFnheDGMZ-O8hEeCwffIGOKEOzRE7bBlxTC5Zhw2gX7gNCpsy2e4Slh8sWs82IDxjcLP2iwTmCYNBhxLKHTLJisjjdKxqi7vH8Nk18gygtPFSuuDT0DUG97UzRbg3/w77-h77/Twitter+logo.png" width="77" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-36646449204616233172022-02-02T22:55:00.004+02:002022-02-03T08:31:43.113+02:00Ça Suffit! (Enough!) With All The Criticism Surrounding "Emily in Paris"<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I'm largely annoyed by the so-called criticism surrounding
"Emily in Paris." If you've watched the series on Netflix,
whose first season aired in the thick of the pandemic in 2020, you discovered how
the show immerses its viewers in the magic and charm of Paris where the entire
show is filmed. Emily, played by actress Lily Collins, is a marketing executive who has been sent by her Chicago-based
company for a year of international experience at its subsidiary in the French capital. There she strives to fit in with her colleagues and newfound
friends, all while grappling with a new language and culture she knows
relatively nothing about.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In the media, there is an onslaught of negative feedback by
Parisian viewers who claim the culture captured on the show is not rooted in
reality. The over-the-top fashion Emily sports, the unrealistic spaciousness of
Emily's apartment, the minimal hours employees keep at work, the great divide
in what is uttered and what is meant. Apparently the French are not merely
disgruntled: they're downright furious at how distorted the reality is on
"Emily in Paris."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I’ve gotta say, as someone who spent one full year during
the prime of her life in Paris -- at the age of 23, juggling both an MBA and a
junior consulting gig at a real firm in the city -- I did <u>not</u> feel like the portrayal
of Paris or its denizens is wholly inaccurate. Let’s break it down.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">1. Emily’s
attire is over the top. </b><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">I agree! It sure is. In fact, it rivals the
impressive attire the </span><i style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">Gossip Girl</i><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">
characters donned. Emily dresses as though she’s attending Paris Fashion Week.
But that’s not the point. How she dresses is not indicative of stereotypical Parisian wear.
The French characters on the show all exhibit understated elegance in their
apparel. Sylvie, Camille, Gabriel – there is nothing showy or ostentatious
about their dress. So let’s not get those two very disparate categories
muddled. Emily is Emily. And her outfits are easy on the eyes! If she blended
in with the Parisians, we wouldn’t have an enticing show, now, would we? <i>N'est-ce pas</i>?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; text-indent: -0.25in;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwEj7LCeKnosIP5ZMhFPxzdULYpxPkLLkD4b1DhVKU5DeiS7nD2wrDLoSV_V3_N2641-jQxYiLIIoaL7z9SkjQK-m5fNWuc_p3N-bl1s5GeGv6kbLGOxfKybKs3fUQ0Eg56JuMv8S_STg0q5qg_vEhY3SZaIulgzMc0WPJW_F7DmpX4MWZzkX7PjxspQ=s1000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwEj7LCeKnosIP5ZMhFPxzdULYpxPkLLkD4b1DhVKU5DeiS7nD2wrDLoSV_V3_N2641-jQxYiLIIoaL7z9SkjQK-m5fNWuc_p3N-bl1s5GeGv6kbLGOxfKybKs3fUQ0Eg56JuMv8S_STg0q5qg_vEhY3SZaIulgzMc0WPJW_F7DmpX4MWZzkX7PjxspQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily Collins stars as Emily Cooper on "Emily In Paris" (photo credit: Carole Bethuel/Netflix and Stephanie Branchu/Netflix)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"> <b>2. </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">The
French have very relaxed work schedules.</b><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"> I’ll confess: when I was working as
a junior consultant at the state-owned nuclear power company AREVA, my boss
didn’t care what hours I kept, and he made that clear on day one. As long as I made
a regular appearance at the office, and as long as my performance
was excellent, I could strut into the office at noon, for all he cared.
It was my understanding that there was no official starting hour for the
permanent staff surrounding me, but to be frank, most of them arrived by 9 AM
and left around 5 PM. Nobody worked on weekends – that’s correct, as the show
illuminates. And yes, there are labor laws to protect employees. Now is that
such a bad thing? </span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 3. Emily’s
apartment is ridiculously large</b><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">. It’s true that most aspiring
20-something-year-olds in Paris can’t afford more than a tiny room or a shared
cramped flat at best. Take me for example. I dwelled in a <i>chambre de bonne</i>, or a nanny’s room in the eaves of the highest floor of a posh building near Musée d’Orsay
in the 7ème arrondissement. It was no larger than ten square meters, and the
roof was slanted. But I was in the heart of the city, and the farther out you
venture toward the <i>p</i></span><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">é</span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">riph</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">é</span></i><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>rique</i>, space becomes considerably more affordable. My
peers who resided at the Cit</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">é</span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Univ</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">e</span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">rsitaire had sizeable dorm rooms with
private bathrooms to boot. And my Parisian comrades shacked up with flatmates
in 50-60 square meter apartments in more affordable neighborhoods in the 13</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">è</span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">me,
14</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">è</span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">me, and 15</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">è</span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">me. So for Emily to call home a two-bedroom crash pad is not uncommon
or mind-blowing. Besides, we know nothing about her housing allowance. Maybe
she’s getting paid handsomely!</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"> <b>4. </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">French dialogue is opaque</b><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">. In other words, the French are portrayed as lacking
transparency and meaning something altogether different than what actually passes
their lips. That’s not far-fetched! The French will actually own up to this, as they take
pride in their cloaked speech. In fact, they’re often contrasting themselves
with their German neighbors to the east, who are no-nonsense, punctual, and say
exactly what they mean <i>sans</i> frills or airs. The French happily proclaim they are
everything to the contrary.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Beyond this, I argue that the producer Darren Star, who also
created the TV series “Sex and the City,” does a fantastic job jabbing at Americans, which goes to show he can take himself and the culture from
which he emanates rather lightly. Americans on “Emily in Paris,” notably Emily
herself and her boss Madeline, are straightforward, ambitious, and engrossed in
their work. Even when they’re out of the office, they’re always straddling pleasure with potential business opportunities. That’s very American! From a
young age, the philosophy of living and breathing your work is drummed inside
American youngsters. Taking a sick day is frowned upon, as though there is no
room for recuperation or leisure. These very American notions are on display in
the show. Americans are also portrayed as making little to no effort to learn
or speak French, as we can clearly deduce from Emily’s poor pronunciation of
the language. That’s also fair, believe me! I'm American -- I'd know.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Finally, for those who are up in arms and incensed that the
show casts a negative light on their beloved city and residents, consider the
converse: the show actually lures viewers to Paris, with all its quaint charm, forward fashion, supreme gastronomy, enviable
work/life balance, and historic facades. If anything, the show mobilizes
tourism for Paris. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Ah bon</i>, it's no wonder the Parisians have taken so much offense to "Emily in Paris": they are notoriously averse to foreign footfall, cringing whenever their city is overtaken by loud, frivolous, camera-wielding tourists. Can't say I blame them though. Once you live in Paris long enough to blend in with the landscape, you roll your eyes in disdain at over-enthusiastic tourists. <i>Mais oui, c'est vrai!</i></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UNWLxBSLjbN2INRdjqDa1vY8JZHPxtbbbOO_3J0qULZECsNK6nCnJ2LA5rGDo9u3eUahs1Bnu3Gw1WLgaEkfMIJBiUxdNv93Snw-3NrPXAxUIymHPr9oSCWBOp3ZVJpSA86kazyb5rAa/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="976" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UNWLxBSLjbN2INRdjqDa1vY8JZHPxtbbbOO_3J0qULZECsNK6nCnJ2LA5rGDo9u3eUahs1Bnu3Gw1WLgaEkfMIJBiUxdNv93Snw-3NrPXAxUIymHPr9oSCWBOp3ZVJpSA86kazyb5rAa/w640-h360/image.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo credit: Stephanie Branchu/Netflix</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /><br /></i></span><p></p><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfgaKArSOTpKAic5qLX8Y0f8bAvWEjOVJjkTQZ5kZpBEv4ryWcRY_ttjaG8RxSb1lHsl-Gym2SIizRQxwDYFOVwvKtU0iuThjuk_O4gQnXZ3CcEkza5IB9pB9ox3HMXW0hA_obduAEEpp/w73-h73/Facebook.png" width="73" /></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0B6KjTwowkcqCQKR7Q96qwp4yTsxQgdLuSkRDec06ny238ZssY5zqePEZroXDfdA6hK57md4B-O6jRs08trvbZoLvJQn3LG2Ogg_ckWeuEO2JqJpw_8aSxfhwnO0Y2iRb7PdiNoZOjN/w77-h76/Instagram+logo.jpg" width="77" /></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXQHND_HHD4OAbPffFnheDGMZ-O8hEeCwffIGOKEOzRE7bBlxTC5Zhw2gX7gNCpsy2e4Slh8sWs82IDxjcLP2iwTmCYNBhxLKHTLJisjjdKxqi7vH8Nk18gygtPFSuuDT0DUG97UzRbg3/w77-h77/Twitter+logo.png" width="77" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div></span></div>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-72200232774476593292022-01-06T23:14:00.005+02:002022-01-06T23:14:47.402+02:00My 2022 Outlook<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I held off writing this piece because I wanted a little
whiff of 2022 before hastening to assign any labels or meaningless wishes to
the new year. It's the same song and dance every end of year, isn’t it? The
year comes to a close, and we almost too giddily sweep it out, as though it should
be discarded with the rubbish in our dustbins. Then we proceed to usher in the
coming year, imploring it to "treat us well," or to
"behave." Because, you know, that personification boosts our chances
of negotiating assured success.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If I'm being honest, 2020 and 2021 just blended into each
other, like one indistinguishable continuum. In fact, my perception of time over
those two years is very wishy-washy. In my mind, 2019 still seems like last
year, and everything that's transpired since fell into the span of one
seemingly endless, hopeless, wretched annum. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I attribute it to simply how
bizarre this epoch of the pandemic has been. Covid's hold over the world, over
our collective health and well-being, our mobility, our happiness, is
unmistakable. It has suspended the way the world goes round and somehow made
these two years feel unremarkable. Don't get me wrong: I am well aware that
2020 & 2021 have rapidly gone down in the annals of history, but to me they
were depressingly uneventful, and it's a challenge differentiating between the
two years.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGVeDCkmuvEavpeU_hbHLsc3wtjnS3PFzjQXnlt-o2z-GDxQU5P1Ce-4d89d8xozCbplliY1UmFvsCWRcQa-Lcs-ubwi3Bm5zv6Lmvty2KB7z1PbgDuGJttjy-rEH6sIftrOV5Z6Rv_uyOM_5ofdarEQBY1K9_sdY9I76wCc0aALH2cQ1nrBKT2bV0hA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGVeDCkmuvEavpeU_hbHLsc3wtjnS3PFzjQXnlt-o2z-GDxQU5P1Ce-4d89d8xozCbplliY1UmFvsCWRcQa-Lcs-ubwi3Bm5zv6Lmvty2KB7z1PbgDuGJttjy-rEH6sIftrOV5Z6Rv_uyOM_5ofdarEQBY1K9_sdY9I76wCc0aALH2cQ1nrBKT2bV0hA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Where will 2022 take us? The horizon continues to be clouded with unrest and confusion.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Now the ultimate question is: will 2022 fare any better? Are
you familiar with the “rule of three,” or “omne trium perfectum” in Latin? Good
(or bad) things come in bundles of three. Already I see vestiges from the
foregoing two years. In Lebanon, for example, the US dollar continues to annihilate
the Lebanese pound, seconded no less by a struggle with perpetual electricity
outages (nine hours a day where we live in the northern suburbs of Beirut),
slothful internet speeds and shaky connectivity, stagnant infrastructure, and
negative economic sentiment. Around the world, Covid-19 cases have exceeded the
previous peak set in February 2021. Even as we navigate this surge, folks
persist in their opposition to the vaccine, posing an impasse for how to
overcome the coronavirus definitively. How many restrictions must be set in
place before the obstinate shed their worldview and accept the shot?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">On an individual level, I find myself constantly striving to
remain afloat mentally. There's zero to look forward to, and as someone who
thrives on planning ahead and setting tangible goals, I am groping in the dark as
I try to forge a path forward. There's no light at the end of the proverbial
tunnel, and this realization reduces me to a fragile state.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Admittedly, the little things have preserved my sanity and
persuaded me to keep keeping on: A cheerful conversation with the baristas at the
Dunkin near our home. A chilled glass of Marsyas red wine,
once the kids have been tucked in bed. Homemade chewy chocolate chip cookies
(finally discovered a foolproof recipe!). Molding the fine minds of my little
ones. Duking it out with my husband over a game of Scrabble. And for the past
two months, consuming a stream of cheesy Christmas romance flicks on Amazon
Prime. I've already checked off close to two dozen, with a few more in my queue
despite the fact that Christmas is a wrap. Hey, those films give me the warm,
fuzzy feels in a world that's gone frigid.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBy-ZyJqpd5fkFbftsuYLurQAwF3wstCvVzcbGy4ieEIUh_5nM7xuA2PHzfzzxyyeyExhAgMfZ1RT1y4LXPCQoiK5bTle9XDMtm--CKwgCW6Ltjn2l2VHxfCgKIl8OTg_h2MA7SPGjtjQOpG8UJ3fLrVDjsx9CQNYy0-aPnNds1OwWxrGhkSR3rBfVeA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBy-ZyJqpd5fkFbftsuYLurQAwF3wstCvVzcbGy4ieEIUh_5nM7xuA2PHzfzzxyyeyExhAgMfZ1RT1y4LXPCQoiK5bTle9XDMtm--CKwgCW6Ltjn2l2VHxfCgKIl8OTg_h2MA7SPGjtjQOpG8UJ3fLrVDjsx9CQNYy0-aPnNds1OwWxrGhkSR3rBfVeA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It's all about the little things, isn't it? A quick visit to the local Dunkin is an injection of positivity for every member of my family, big and small.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">At length, I will spare you vapid new year's resolutions that mean absolutely nothing. What then are
my expectations for 2022? Little to none. That's one surefire way of curbing
unnecessary disappointment. While I do see an extension of the foregoing two
years, I hope humanity can find a way to march forward. But it's evident we have a long way
to go. When our values are too scattered and antithetical to one another, then
how can we expect to make progress? United we stand, divided we fall -- thus goes the adage. We just
have to remember we’re all on the same side.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfgaKArSOTpKAic5qLX8Y0f8bAvWEjOVJjkTQZ5kZpBEv4ryWcRY_ttjaG8RxSb1lHsl-Gym2SIizRQxwDYFOVwvKtU0iuThjuk_O4gQnXZ3CcEkza5IB9pB9ox3HMXW0hA_obduAEEpp/w73-h73/Facebook.png" width="73" /></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0B6KjTwowkcqCQKR7Q96qwp4yTsxQgdLuSkRDec06ny238ZssY5zqePEZroXDfdA6hK57md4B-O6jRs08trvbZoLvJQn3LG2Ogg_ckWeuEO2JqJpw_8aSxfhwnO0Y2iRb7PdiNoZOjN/w77-h76/Instagram+logo.jpg" width="77" /></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXQHND_HHD4OAbPffFnheDGMZ-O8hEeCwffIGOKEOzRE7bBlxTC5Zhw2gX7gNCpsy2e4Slh8sWs82IDxjcLP2iwTmCYNBhxLKHTLJisjjdKxqi7vH8Nk18gygtPFSuuDT0DUG97UzRbg3/w77-h77/Twitter+logo.png" width="77" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span></div>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-49043631319770707282021-12-17T09:20:00.000+02:002021-12-17T09:20:04.403+02:00Seven Shelves Culinary Boxes: Bringing World Flavors (Including Lebanon's!) Into Your Kitchen<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Saint Augustine once said, “The world is a book, and those
who do not travel read only a page.” But during this unusual era of the
Covid-19 pandemic, our collective mobility as a society has been severely impaired.
Face it. When was the last time you traveled carefree? When was the last time you were
able to board a train, or hop on a plane, or embark on a ship, to transcend
country borders? Can you remember when you last ambled about freely and explored
an exquisitely different culture and cuisine?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Acting upon this realization, the savvy gourmands behind <a href="https://keysixteen.com/en/">Key 16</a> – a Belgium-based enterprise that
organizes culinary trips, events and tastings – launched <a href="https://sevenshelves.com/">Seven Shelves</a>. The idea is rather simple. If
you can’t roam the world for new tastes and flavors, why not bring the world
into your kitchen? No need to sail the seven seas. Just tap into a treasure trove
of high-quality products sourced from farmers and producers in adherence with
fair-trade practices.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">And thus were born the <a href="https://sevenshelves.com/product-category/boxes" target="_blank">Seven Shelves boxes</a>, themed around a particular
cuisine or food concept and incorporating carefully selected ingredients,
spices, and herbs, among other things. For example, the Italian box boasts olive
oil, nutmeg, tomato sauce, a Parmesan knife, and a gnocchi board to elevate the
in-kitchen experience of cooking enthusiasts and experts alike. Lebanon has
recently been added to the box lineup with not one but FOUR mesmerizing
arrangements:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -24px;">✔</span><b style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="https://sevenshelves.com/product/mezze-box/">Mezze</a></b><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">: inspired by
Chef Barbara Massaad and her eponymous cookbook spotlighting the traditional
Lebanese spread. Social impact organization: Ayadina.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -24px;">✔</span><b style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="https://sevenshelves.com/product/manushe-box/" target="_blank">Man’ouche</a></b><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">:
also inspired by Chef Massaad and her first cookbook, centered on the versatile
Lebanese zaatar pie. Social impact organization: Food Heritage Foundation.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -24px;">✔</span><b style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="https://sevenshelves.com/product/kanz-box/" target="_blank">Kanz</a></b><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">:
inspired by Chef Youssef Akiki, founder and owner of the nature-based eatery
brut. Social impact organization: Beit el Baraka</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -24px;">✔</span><a href="https://sevenshelves.com/product/lebanese-dekenet-box/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>D</b></span><b style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">ekenet</b></a><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">:
in collaboration with Tawlet and Souk el Tayeb. Social impact organization:
Lebanese Food Bank.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Each box was unveiled separately in a meaningful event
and manner, orchestrated by the social calendar gurus at <a href="https://www.lebtivity.com/">Lebtivity</a>. I had the pleasure and
privilege of attending the launch of the Kanz box in Beirut in October, at
the scenic (and enchantingly secret!) garden Blue House Tea tucked away on a
side street in the historic Gemmayze district. Kanz, which literally translates
to “treasure” in Arabic, is a tribute to a fine selection of Lebanese delicacies
curated by Chef Youssef Akiki, who is a culinary genius in his own right (if
ever a Lebanese chef were awarded a Michelin star, it would undoubtedly be
Akiki).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Times New Roman"; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Fv3fqt_IHL3sNE8HtkROcsoxjd7ZGReNuxJnyQa-oO9XkxhnkeElxunEVPidJWx6f7v3X3ogZxm7d1-OX-EVyrgz-lfLsy0SLeTkbW0KXg62BFoukPq2emp6Mo2ySC8-zm14yisch5bK/s4032/20211020_131809.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Fv3fqt_IHL3sNE8HtkROcsoxjd7ZGReNuxJnyQa-oO9XkxhnkeElxunEVPidJWx6f7v3X3ogZxm7d1-OX-EVyrgz-lfLsy0SLeTkbW0KXg62BFoukPq2emp6Mo2ySC8-zm14yisch5bK/w480-h640/20211020_131809.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Kanz box by Seven Shelves, curated by Chef Youssef Akiki</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://sevenshelves.com/product/kanz-box/" target="_blank">The Kanz box</a> revisits the traditional taste of home with natural
products that aim to support the rebirth of a self-sustainable economy. Care
for a sneak peek at what’s inside?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;">✔Extra virgin olive oil flavored with wild
Lebanese herbs (250 ml) from Bkarzla Akkar</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -24px;">✔</span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">Sage water (250 ml) from Baklush</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -24px;">✔</span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">Pomegranate molasses (250 ml) from Abbassieh
Tyre</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -24px;">✔</span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">Tomato kammouneh (200 g) from Qana South</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -24px;">✔</span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">Thyme with mixed nuts (115 g) from Abbassieh
Tyre</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -24px;">✔</span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">Carob molasses (360 g) from Jeita</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -24px;">✔</span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">Fleur de sel (115 g) from Anfeh</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -24px;">✔</span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">Middle Eastern Spices (50 g), a blend developed
by Chef Youssef Akiki</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IUZbVFNq1HLt6V_B53H3epvaZpzgLwdMSTZIDuYhsXpT_qXI9XfUneEI8hxjHmsdfPyORvagHvlanO23cXy3-l0q_TMVp-EE6EEWHx_NSUcSRlekjRrUmGobLJmuJgnvRRAINYA1t3Pw/s4032/20211021_213020.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IUZbVFNq1HLt6V_B53H3epvaZpzgLwdMSTZIDuYhsXpT_qXI9XfUneEI8hxjHmsdfPyORvagHvlanO23cXy3-l0q_TMVp-EE6EEWHx_NSUcSRlekjRrUmGobLJmuJgnvRRAINYA1t3Pw/w480-h640/20211021_213020.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Contents of the Kanz box</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">At the launch, guests were treated to a slate of dishes
prepared by Chef Eric Humbert, founder and managing partner at Key 16, assisted
by Elissa Abou Tasse. On the menu? A pineapple carpaccio made the rounds, festooned
with crumbled feta, pomegranate seeds, extra virgin olive oil and
pomegranate molasses. Also featured was zaatar spread inside phyllo reminiscent
of a savory baklawa. Several other delectable plates, each integrating one or
several elements from the Kanz box, were presented to attendees.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjn1ca9aSnZ1jS2x3nHu3SbnSwXUASGVz02HKxRCYj6oGIQUNRLU_EtVRLu9-T2P2zhbVhpYVQKD9g32Xo7TxuFQx34hkDV5v6GcfsAIIKa6s0oBxFp062GFc9nARoC_k3kU457zPlGZX/s4032/20211020_122635.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjn1ca9aSnZ1jS2x3nHu3SbnSwXUASGVz02HKxRCYj6oGIQUNRLU_EtVRLu9-T2P2zhbVhpYVQKD9g32Xo7TxuFQx34hkDV5v6GcfsAIIKa6s0oBxFp062GFc9nARoC_k3kU457zPlGZX/w480-h640/20211020_122635.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pineapple carpaccio topped with crumbled feta, pomegranate seeds, extra virgin olive oil and pomegranate molasses</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Times New Roman"; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0i9qKADu8AjYGGuIhNofXlEqTxHYtsCRoXx7pmbq4K2FtJMg7PHmmG13dVNnFAeEKuXvP8VoyO8XqqDYjI83SqwFfqlfNBuS_QGRCM9NnWLFSVMSAcsGmMAq5BAt9uo8Mvci3avhqSqr/s4032/20211020_125251.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0i9qKADu8AjYGGuIhNofXlEqTxHYtsCRoXx7pmbq4K2FtJMg7PHmmG13dVNnFAeEKuXvP8VoyO8XqqDYjI83SqwFfqlfNBuS_QGRCM9NnWLFSVMSAcsGmMAq5BAt9uo8Mvci3avhqSqr/w480-h640/20211020_125251.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A unique zaatar blend sandwiched inside phyllo</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I cannot adequately emphasize just how appealing the
contents of the box are. Not only are these handcrafted delicacies rich in
flavor and packing in a strong punch, but each are subject to a production
process that takes into consideration the people and environment from which
they originate. Sourcing from the origin highlights the “terroir” of these
elements, adding a layer of edible luxury, creativity and intense flavor to one’s
cooking. And by partaking in these products, the consumer in turn is supporting
a healthy value chain. This is the underlying social impact Seven Shelves
achieves in empowering and creating market access for local small-scale
producers spanning rural Lebanon. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQf_8jHxgUyGVmrvK2Hej9r7_MwwB50zsodkiQSKTAtcQmnCpRjJ8yrI8oW0IwUoLTFi20kEgbBS8R0np6DGYjPYQQT3E2UZ8eX59yUWIzwmNcMgx2O2QnUOBfIMiWMKmeGjzOuTCr0l6/s4032/20211020_124634.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQf_8jHxgUyGVmrvK2Hej9r7_MwwB50zsodkiQSKTAtcQmnCpRjJ8yrI8oW0IwUoLTFi20kEgbBS8R0np6DGYjPYQQT3E2UZ8eX59yUWIzwmNcMgx2O2QnUOBfIMiWMKmeGjzOuTCr0l6/w480-h640/20211020_124634.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Chef Eric Humbert prepared a slate of dishes incorporating ingredients from the Kanz box</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Currently, boxes can be shipped to customers across Europe
(shipping can be arranged globally exceptionally, but
customers must bear the steeper costs associated with international delivery).
Consult the <a href="https://sevenshelves.com/product-category/boxes/">complete
list of boxes here</a>, and be sure to nab the <a href="https://sevenshelves.com/product/kanz-box/" target="_blank">Kanz</a> if you seek an otherworldly
gastronomic experience. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">For although Lebanon may be inaccessible to many at the moment,
the fruits of its fertile soil can still find their way into your pantry and onto
your table. And that makes for the ultimate culinary excursion.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIhcMWqdgSpaHNF90_BaIjQWNVEl5BWRfTP48JV-YdXKDwodbOuUgJDGMuMlNqkPh_hyi2V6yNzhPvKY0AqNf7-po9y2kI41xsU2weg25_r1UIdgxY86nWtvHNzauYbCjQ4H6_3qbaOGd/s4032/20211020_120210.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIhcMWqdgSpaHNF90_BaIjQWNVEl5BWRfTP48JV-YdXKDwodbOuUgJDGMuMlNqkPh_hyi2V6yNzhPvKY0AqNf7-po9y2kI41xsU2weg25_r1UIdgxY86nWtvHNzauYbCjQ4H6_3qbaOGd/w480-h640/20211020_120210.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yours truly at the Kanz box unveiling in Gemmayze, Beirut (October 2021)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfgaKArSOTpKAic5qLX8Y0f8bAvWEjOVJjkTQZ5kZpBEv4ryWcRY_ttjaG8RxSb1lHsl-Gym2SIizRQxwDYFOVwvKtU0iuThjuk_O4gQnXZ3CcEkza5IB9pB9ox3HMXW0hA_obduAEEpp/w73-h73/Facebook.png" width="73" /></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0B6KjTwowkcqCQKR7Q96qwp4yTsxQgdLuSkRDec06ny238ZssY5zqePEZroXDfdA6hK57md4B-O6jRs08trvbZoLvJQn3LG2Ogg_ckWeuEO2JqJpw_8aSxfhwnO0Y2iRb7PdiNoZOjN/w77-h76/Instagram+logo.jpg" width="77" /></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXQHND_HHD4OAbPffFnheDGMZ-O8hEeCwffIGOKEOzRE7bBlxTC5Zhw2gX7gNCpsy2e4Slh8sWs82IDxjcLP2iwTmCYNBhxLKHTLJisjjdKxqi7vH8Nk18gygtPFSuuDT0DUG97UzRbg3/w77-h77/Twitter+logo.png" width="77" /></a></span></div><p></p>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-52564653547406823092021-11-10T23:04:00.000+02:002021-11-10T23:04:25.676+02:00Retail in Lebanon: A Never-Ending Tide of Scams<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It seems to me like every day, the Lebanese are put through
a charade of scams intended to test (1) how vigilant they are, and (2)
how unabashed they can be when it comes to calling out the perpetrator. If you live
in Lebanon, you know exactly what I’m talking about. False advertising?
Rampant. Just go inside a "dollar store," and you'll notice that nothing is actually for a dollar. Fine print? There’s always some
of that, but rarely is it printed. Shortchanging? Would it really be a
Lebanese enterprise if it didn’t condone this?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In the span of just one week, I’ve seen it all, and it
sickens me now more than ever before. Why? Because the Lebanese people have
been stripped naked over the course of the past two years and suffer from overnight theft of their bank deposits, a failed state, a corrupt government, hyperinflation,
acute unemployment, lack of basic necessities, and an onslaught of every
conceivable bane in the book. So now is not the time to push their buttons. They’ve
been whittled to the bone and don’t deserve to be subjected to the underhanded
tactics of retailers, some of which I have detailed below.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOF6SHYmu3-WFglKia2PZVcYzS6ksqmmReozThHq4v9JwsqNF-ViLEpJVMLo3pUxvIYpShbGNaWz_Emi9DctqdhsswWNZq6BIRb1_X2DNGqNDlEJ8K3ieHK9FljGoQdYo2xwSeQwu0XPJE/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="876" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOF6SHYmu3-WFglKia2PZVcYzS6ksqmmReozThHq4v9JwsqNF-ViLEpJVMLo3pUxvIYpShbGNaWz_Emi9DctqdhsswWNZq6BIRb1_X2DNGqNDlEJ8K3ieHK9FljGoQdYo2xwSeQwu0XPJE/w640-h360/image.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Photo: Courtesy MGN Online)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>First case in point: </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">One major supermarket was advertising 76-g bags of Master
Kettle chips for 6,999 LL. A massive sign displaying the price decorated the bin where these bags of chips lay, and they were bundled in twos,
wrapped with a yellow tape signifying what would universally be accepted as a
buy one get one free offer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Customers were clustering around the bin trying to grab as
many bundles as they could, presuming it a decent deal. Usually, a 76-g bag of
said chips goes for 9,999 LL, whereas the larger 144-g bag is marked at 17,999
LL. So nabbing two 76ers (or 152-g of kettle chips) for 7,000 LL is a bargain.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">One wary customer took the bundle to the nearest
price detector and scanned the UPC sticker affixed to it. The reader spit back “15,999
LL,” in sharp contrast to the advertised sign of 6,999 LL. Too late. Customers
throughout the course of the day had already greedily snatched up their loot and headed to the checkout
stands to pay. And the thing about Lebanese customers is that they barely glance at the receipt. In fact, oftentimes they’ll walk
away from the cashier after settling payment and leave the receipt in the
register. So
imagine how many customers bought those chips in a frenzy, not realizing that
they were in fact paying more than double the price advertised, and close to the
full price of the commensurate large bag. No deal here!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I mustered the courage to call out this scam to an employee
who was restocking the bin with more chips. How could the store be falsely
advertising the price of those "on-sale" chips? He agreed that I was right and apologized
for any confusion. An apology doesn’t cut it. Think of all the customers who
were deceived into paying more than double in their blind trust of the store’s reputation. It’s infuriating.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVwAUxmh6RIP5t2M72cKHkZ3UUkqajy-3GbgYR932FjMxKJlNlw8sBEV22fn5abRouf8yrH03i6BYtyw6JcJEPQ-hzRc6M3kWXwAbl82_GEJpDEnoGVfUSA5Lpv4p7TKY9lklXLoxI5HT/s1107/20211110_223206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVwAUxmh6RIP5t2M72cKHkZ3UUkqajy-3GbgYR932FjMxKJlNlw8sBEV22fn5abRouf8yrH03i6BYtyw6JcJEPQ-hzRc6M3kWXwAbl82_GEJpDEnoGVfUSA5Lpv4p7TKY9lklXLoxI5HT/w416-h640/20211110_223206.jpg" width="416" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I later learned that the store updated its price label. A friend sent me this snapshot hours after I left the store</span>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Second case in point:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">One of Lebanon’s favorite delivery apps has been running a
free-delivery campaign over the past week. Order your food from any of their participating
eateries, and benefit from no-fee delivery by applying a certain promo code at
checkout.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">These days, that freebie is substantial. Fuel isn’t cheap, so
you could save at least 15,000 LL on the cost of delivery. We decided to take
up the offer by ordering a couple sandwiches from a popular
fast-food joint. When I typed in the promo code, the app seemed to recognize
it, but the deduction from the balance owed was not posted. Confounding! As this
app doesn’t boast a call center, I contacted their support via in-app chat. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Did I type in the promo code in caps or
lowercase letters</i>, he prompted me? Once we got past that hurdle, the agent
mentioned that there were numerous exceptions to the free delivery offer. <i>Oh, really!?</i> A number of retailers, including our chosen establishment, were excluded from
this promotion. How convenient! Why then was this not communicated in the email
and app notifications sent to app users? Good point, the agent admitted. He’d
let management know. Absolutely ridiculous.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8N9uFWapPmkYqXF62AiDbpKSdE85jHzvJVerTlydWo8JNoVrfKKY19Akxes5zqlkByjFy2aBq4MHZU8-4rNmqsIpLZ3b0AXgO-wvKycmBscG2Is7ve1M9z-oqZcumpuACiGQdlxfRU-Y/s2016/20211110_215745.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8N9uFWapPmkYqXF62AiDbpKSdE85jHzvJVerTlydWo8JNoVrfKKY19Akxes5zqlkByjFy2aBq4MHZU8-4rNmqsIpLZ3b0AXgO-wvKycmBscG2Is7ve1M9z-oqZcumpuACiGQdlxfRU-Y/w342-h640/20211110_215745.jpg" width="342" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here's the email advertising the promotional free delivery. Notice the asterisk with the "terms and conditions apply," but nowhere in the body or footnote of that email are they stated. So how is one to know?</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Third case in point:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Who else has fallen victim to some type of gas station
trickery? Every time I pull into the station nearest our home, the attendant
motions for me to park past the pump rather than directly in front of it. On the surface, it
would appear that he wants to accommodate a second car if it were to pull up
right behind my car. But it might also mean he doesn’t want me to be able to
read precisely how much fuel my car took.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This happened to me just a few days ago, and I kept twisting
my neck and squinting my eyes, trying to make out the numbers on the pump after
the attendant had removed the nozzle from my car. Alas, the glare from dusk
was just too much for my eyes, and I resorted to asking how much I owed. “269,000
LL,” he replied. I handed him my debit card trustingly and waited for him to give
me the card reader so that I could key in my pin. That’s when I noticed he’d
typed in 296,000 LL as settlement of fees. I immediately set him straight, and
he apologized, handing me the shortfall in cash. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Now it may have been an
honest to goodness mistake, which I like to think it was. But it also could
have been a conniving tactic on his part to pocket a little extra change.
It's always crucial to reconcile the pump reading with what the attendant reports
back to you!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Who else has been the victim of some type of scam in or
around Beirut lately? Comment below with your experience and whether you addressed it on the spot or didn't catch on until later. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a> and on social media:</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfgaKArSOTpKAic5qLX8Y0f8bAvWEjOVJjkTQZ5kZpBEv4ryWcRY_ttjaG8RxSb1lHsl-Gym2SIizRQxwDYFOVwvKtU0iuThjuk_O4gQnXZ3CcEkza5IB9pB9ox3HMXW0hA_obduAEEpp/w73-h73/Facebook.png" width="73" /></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0B6KjTwowkcqCQKR7Q96qwp4yTsxQgdLuSkRDec06ny238ZssY5zqePEZroXDfdA6hK57md4B-O6jRs08trvbZoLvJQn3LG2Ogg_ckWeuEO2JqJpw_8aSxfhwnO0Y2iRb7PdiNoZOjN/w77-h76/Instagram+logo.jpg" width="77" /></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/beirutista" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXQHND_HHD4OAbPffFnheDGMZ-O8hEeCwffIGOKEOzRE7bBlxTC5Zhw2gX7gNCpsy2e4Slh8sWs82IDxjcLP2iwTmCYNBhxLKHTLJisjjdKxqi7vH8Nk18gygtPFSuuDT0DUG97UzRbg3/w77-h77/Twitter+logo.png" width="77" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-55337491734577018312021-10-12T09:26:00.002+03:002021-11-01T21:46:19.220+02:00Al Wadi Al Akhdar: 42 Years of Authentic Lebanese Food and Specialties<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">As a Lebanese-American who called Southern California home
for two decades, access to anything from the motherland half a globe away was
absolutely sacred. My brothers and I would squeal with delight whenever we’d
visit the Middle Eastern stores in Anaheim and Orange County. Scanning the
aisles, I remember ogling products that had been crafted in Lebanon and
exported to communities across the world dense in the Lebanese diaspora.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">One of my first and fondest recollections is the <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/products/pistachio-halawa">pistachio
halawa</a> by <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/">Al Wadi Al Akhdar</a>. That
circular tub with the forest green lid is forever seared in my memory. My
parents always had two or three stocked in the pantry, alongside bottles of Al
Wadi’s fragrant orange blossom and rose waters that Mom reached for regularly
throughout the year, whether for baking <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">maamoul</i>
(stuffed Lebanese semolina cookies) or concocting lemonade from scratch.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq83nkhQtpoM-CjAm6ONG8gm_SyaNKR7UG-0VFZY9_hHJrhvOFcMZVuQSojpctZ335NXvQeZTLxLiO6PPa8xLlJ13smkXKonXAFvG_-VhuP23Cekr6hw9cgzkVQqnEC2uv4F3QnAQqQspZ/s1432/Pic+1+Halawa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1432" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq83nkhQtpoM-CjAm6ONG8gm_SyaNKR7UG-0VFZY9_hHJrhvOFcMZVuQSojpctZ335NXvQeZTLxLiO6PPa8xLlJ13smkXKonXAFvG_-VhuP23Cekr6hw9cgzkVQqnEC2uv4F3QnAQqQspZ/w640-h360/Pic+1+Halawa.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Al Wadi Al Akhdar’s pistachio halawa is crafted from 100% pure sesame seeds tahini, sugar, and halawa extract.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In 2007, when I shipped out to Boston for grad school, I stumbled
across three neighboring shops in Watertown that imported a selection of
Lebanese products. Al Wadi Al Akhdar figured prominently in that lineup, and as
a student strapped for time, I greedily snatched up a number of their canned
goods: <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/products/hummustahina">hummus
tahina</a>, <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/products/babaghannougemoutabbalbatenjenreadytoeat?id=14&source=&search=">moutabal
batenjen</a> (more famously “baba ghannouge”), <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/products/chickpeas-in-brine?id=14&source=&search=">chickpeas</a>,
and <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/products/foul-moudammas-lebanese-recipe?id=14&source=&search=">foul
moudammas</a> (or cooked fava beans). Tucking into one of those cans
transported me across the Atlantic and to the easternmost shores of the
Mediterranean where Lebanon, the land of my forebears, perches. I could taste
my heritage and its love of good food in every bite. Of course, I’d polish off
the meal with a heaping spoon or two of pistachio halawa. I even got my
Lebanese classmates hooked on halawa directly out of the tub, sans bread. To
this day, it remains an otherworldly treat for me.<o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnJdh34j9kWTtDCZEvjzhxP10qCBff19X1m3zjgrnIwoRoK85XikoivZVxHwxdNqkSUSq3ZLL-KJ7qgqF6-t6pHhEVD3o3vJuMFGnZ8WgY36HASf6RmR41gL00OwuB2qiZPvGBUh0dpAO/s1432/Pic+2+Canned+goods.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1432" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnJdh34j9kWTtDCZEvjzhxP10qCBff19X1m3zjgrnIwoRoK85XikoivZVxHwxdNqkSUSq3ZLL-KJ7qgqF6-t6pHhEVD3o3vJuMFGnZ8WgY36HASf6RmR41gL00OwuB2qiZPvGBUh0dpAO/w640-h360/Pic+2+Canned+goods.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A selection of canned Al Wadi Lebanese specialties (L-R: hummus tahina, chickpeas, moutabal batenjen, and foul moudammas).</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><h2><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">History, Founders, and Timeline</span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">And that is the power of Al Wadi Al Akhdar, a brand that <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/our-story">credits its inception in 1979
to co-founders Bechara Obegi and Frank Farage</a> (watch the story <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7nJTpmvzO4&ab_channel=AlWadiAlAkhdar">here</a>).
Lebanon was at the height of civil war, and food supplies were scarce. The two
men launched the company with three cornerstone products: <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/products/hummustahina">hummus tahina</a>, <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/products/chickpeas-in-brine?id=14&source=&search=">chickpeas</a>,
and <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/products/foul-moudammas-lebanese-recipe?id=14&source=&search=">foul
moudammas</a>. By 1984, the Dove processing factory had commenced production of
these Middle Eastern specialties, and the canned vegetables category came into
existence. Notably, Al Wadi began to export to France and the United States.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">By the late 1980s, baba ghannouge was added to the product
repertoire, crafted using the traditional roasting method – and Al Wadi
uniquely lays claim to it whereas other brands have opted for grilling the
eggplant. Tahina, or ground sesame paste, and fruit jams made it to the market
during this decade. By 1992, Al Wadi had achieved market leader status in
Lebanese specialties and was the first to launch frozen vegetables in Lebanon.
In 1997, that leadership would extend to the category of canned vegetables.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Impressively between 2005 and 2010, the company’s revenue in
Lebanon alone doubled, which speaks volumes about Al Wadi’s brand recognition,
consumer confidence in its products, and all-around excellence in goods
produced. Over the past decade, Al Wadi has continued to plow ahead, garnering
accolades for being the first brand to establish a social media presence in
Lebanon and receiving recognition for its website at the regional Pan-Arab
Awards. The US magazine <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bon Appetit</i>
stamped its seal of approval on Al Wadi’s tangy pomegranate molasses. To meet
the surging demand for product research and development, the company
inaugurated a Laboratory of Innovation, which birthed the <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/categories/organic-frozen-vegetables">Al
Wadi organic range</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQ1Zi1Gn8cq-Nr3lftqtcoNPSUA5hpJoUUhAStq0WYb7XQlZt2WAeXgl19A4RQxqo2LfSs8sClMmSm2RmZjnWezh3YEM_aHZlLUX540cM9VHuYYo4869hcFrRi0ISJtZ3YtzwH58t9jcX/s1432/Pic+3+Innovation+lab.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1432" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQ1Zi1Gn8cq-Nr3lftqtcoNPSUA5hpJoUUhAStq0WYb7XQlZt2WAeXgl19A4RQxqo2LfSs8sClMmSm2RmZjnWezh3YEM_aHZlLUX540cM9VHuYYo4869hcFrRi0ISJtZ3YtzwH58t9jcX/w640-h360/Pic+3+Innovation+lab.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Al Wadi's laboratory of innovation was carved out of the company’s desire to be a trailblazer in new products.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">At present, Al Wadi products are sold <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/about-us/our-presence">across six
continents in more than 30 countries</a>, including Australia, Canada, Chile,
England, France, Iraq, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Spain,
Sweden, UAE and the US. In the more than four decades that the brand has
flourished both within and beyond Lebanon’s boundaries, its name has become
synonymous with Lebanese cuisine. That expertise is fostered by high-quality
raw ingredients coupled with the best and newest technologies to promote
stringent safety standards.<o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheguRHcfIgRrdG_RjS_LB7b32pX-ivxezGgQZ0f8pQT58OqTE7UsCWqX94m6fDBmRT8Q_diZe8rL1hzootFAbUVkJEkgfejM-0NPjLFxAm7dLR8Gv15O5uUUV40UWx4w5kRTg2MtoA9RC-/s1432/Pic+4+Map.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1432" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheguRHcfIgRrdG_RjS_LB7b32pX-ivxezGgQZ0f8pQT58OqTE7UsCWqX94m6fDBmRT8Q_diZe8rL1hzootFAbUVkJEkgfejM-0NPjLFxAm7dLR8Gv15O5uUUV40UWx4w5kRTg2MtoA9RC-/w640-h360/Pic+4+Map.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Presently, Al Wadi products are exported to approximately 30 countries across six continents.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><h2><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Major Product Categories</span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">More than <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/products">150
products spanning around 15 categories</a> are at the heart of Al Wadi Al
Akhdar. Arguably the five most popular categories are</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1. </span><a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/categories/lebanese-specialties" style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">Lebanese specialties</a><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">,
representing authentic mezze dishes like hummus and baba ghannouge</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">2. </span><a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/categories/canned-vegetables" style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">Canned
vegetables</a><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">, packaged immediately after harvest</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">3. </span><a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/categories/frozen-vegetables" style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">Frozen
vegetables</a><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">, frozen immediately after harvest to preserve nutritional
profiles</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">4. </span><a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/categories/halawa-and-tahina" style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">Halawa and
tahina</a><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">, the former of which is a sweet confection, and the latter of which
is an indispensable element in hummus and baba ghannouge</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">5. </span><a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/categories/flower-essences" style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">Floral waters</a><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">
and </span><a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/categories/molasses" style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">molasses</a><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">,
the former of which are essences distilled from rose and orange blossom
flowers, and the latter of which refers to the natural sweetener “debs el
remmen”</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Al Wadi’s latest and greatest niche is the <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/english/categories/al-wadi-chilled-range">chilled
Lebanese range</a>, encapsulating hummus and baba ghannouge presented in
convenient pouches, in addition to individually portioned hummus paired with
pretzels for dipping. These refrigerated products boast an enviable 12-month
shelf life and are free of preservatives. Isn’t that mind-blowing? Leave it to
the folks at Al Wadi to pioneer new frontiers!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgH9gj1vtRDNrKrf0ugpCVEcxmSuPM2G5pN8OEMwGOSqsrxIvmyn-6wMb3RGSP52PV-4lTP8qcb6mNjoDYZFPFXsmyzcbkXc5fJxBpqK4ywmhCeW6RAiS514VAv7kYepyVTJPTnihfGs-/s1432/Pic+5+Chilled+range.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1432" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgH9gj1vtRDNrKrf0ugpCVEcxmSuPM2G5pN8OEMwGOSqsrxIvmyn-6wMb3RGSP52PV-4lTP8qcb6mNjoDYZFPFXsmyzcbkXc5fJxBpqK4ywmhCeW6RAiS514VAv7kYepyVTJPTnihfGs-/w640-h360/Pic+5+Chilled+range.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Al Wadi's chilled range is the latest to hit store shelves. These Lebanese specialties are ideal for quick snack or meal ideas and are free of preservatives.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><h2><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Closing Remarks</span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">One of the most reliable and effective ambassadors of our
beloved Lebanon has in fact been <a href="https://www.alwadi.com/">Al Wadi Al
Akhdar</a>. Think about it. Our rich Mediterranean cuisine has landed us a spot
on the international food map, but it is brands like Al Wadi, with its
deep-seated commitment to quality, consistency, and authenticity, that bring
those delicious specialties directly within reach, no matter which corner of
the globe we find ourselves nestled in.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">For me, and for my family that continues to reside in
California, Al Wadi Al Akhdar recreates the genuine tastes and flavors of the
Lebanese table in our home. When I flashback to those episodes of a fraught
student yearning for the comfort of the familiar, or of the young child eager
to embrace her culture and cuisine from the other side of the world, I realize Al
Wadi is permanently part of my past. And it will, by that same token, figure
squarely into my future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6DbneAGl0nqORVDuDOoZI-YGIkE_9sDtcvsDmMh_I4VQvEzrGjCt6KIltVEk83MOCd2ZII0ACv3rQ0WLoK9QRwCt7zQYaDgTGXqfMiUkeQ2v0P0l8WICULIDQsgSVcBt4U_7ccBkhE0m/s1600/Pic+6+Al+Wadi+team.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6DbneAGl0nqORVDuDOoZI-YGIkE_9sDtcvsDmMh_I4VQvEzrGjCt6KIltVEk83MOCd2ZII0ACv3rQ0WLoK9QRwCt7zQYaDgTGXqfMiUkeQ2v0P0l8WICULIDQsgSVcBt4U_7ccBkhE0m/w640-h426/Pic+6+Al+Wadi+team.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Al Wadi Al Akhdar dream team. The company stands for community, transparency, and professionalism.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beirutista" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="63" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfgaKArSOTpKAic5qLX8Y0f8bAvWEjOVJjkTQZ5kZpBEv4ryWcRY_ttjaG8RxSb1lHsl-Gym2SIizRQxwDYFOVwvKtU0iuThjuk_O4gQnXZ3CcEkza5IB9pB9ox3HMXW0hA_obduAEEpp/w63-h63/Facebook.png" width="63" /></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beirutista" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0B6KjTwowkcqCQKR7Q96qwp4yTsxQgdLuSkRDec06ny238ZssY5zqePEZroXDfdA6hK57md4B-O6jRs08trvbZoLvJQn3LG2Ogg_ckWeuEO2JqJpw_8aSxfhwnO0Y2iRb7PdiNoZOjN/w66-h65/Instagram+logo.jpg" width="66" /></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/beirutista" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXQHND_HHD4OAbPffFnheDGMZ-O8hEeCwffIGOKEOzRE7bBlxTC5Zhw2gX7gNCpsy2e4Slh8sWs82IDxjcLP2iwTmCYNBhxLKHTLJisjjdKxqi7vH8Nk18gygtPFSuuDT0DUG97UzRbg3/w66-h66/Twitter+logo.png" width="66" /></a></span></p>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-68618757505514590032021-10-07T23:39:00.003+03:002021-10-11T22:19:51.590+03:00What's Life in Lebanon Really Like At The Moment? Here's The Non-Media Version.<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I'm certainly no famed columnist, but I'm framing this blog post as such. Lately, a number of my readers in the diaspora have been probing me in their attempt to make sense of the situation in Lebanon. It's no enigma that the media (and social media to boot) highlight a narrow view of present-day life in Lebanon, while the reality is often starkly different. Here I endeavor to illuminate how things are on the ground, and how our lives have genuinely been impacted by the various crises gripping the country.</span></p><div dir="auto"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Dear Beirutista,</i></span><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>I just want to understand how you -- and the folks living in Lebanon -- are coping during these austere times. Having lived there for years with my husband, we tried to hold out hope for months into the revolution, but after the August 4 [2020] explosions, we deemed the situation too dangerous and resettled in the United States.<br /></i></span><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>I know it’s so stifling with the banks stealing everyone’s savings. I find it weird that no one seems to be mentioning the real tragedy: are a lot of people able to get their money out of the bank in dollars? I have some well-off friends in Beirut, and they seem to be enjoying the same life as before October 2019 [when the revolution commenced]</i></span><i style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">. </i><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Is this the reality?</span></i></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Any insight would be so appreciated.</i></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Yours truly, </i></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Dazed & Confused</i></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Dear Dazed & Confused:</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">So here is the no frills, unadulterated reality captured by a civilian (me). Lebanon has and always will be the country of contrasts, mysteries, and miracles. There is no doubt about that. Nothing is ever what it seems.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Let's first talk about banks and depositors. Nobody today is able to extract any of their deposits in US dollars (USD). Everyone has a monthly withdrawal cash limit in Lebanese pounds (LBP) and a separate daily limit for debit cards denominated in LBP. If your savings were strictly in a foreign currency, i.e., USD, you exchange at the unofficial rate of LBP 3,900 up to a certain threshold, after which the official rate of 1507.5 LBP/USD kicks in.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VWW98tkRQl1yuUEvC7vIkNIwg5MrsrXKL5rIUt1tIOTYaPJfpn-8uddTp9_BWvw_hWr92o9iZBNIGwhXJd9zwjYLUh7TEx-u6zSjC3VRJnqs3aCBibDjTvLoQhoeWIT-nNKsaF7pHu-p/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VWW98tkRQl1yuUEvC7vIkNIwg5MrsrXKL5rIUt1tIOTYaPJfpn-8uddTp9_BWvw_hWr92o9iZBNIGwhXJd9zwjYLUh7TEx-u6zSjC3VRJnqs3aCBibDjTvLoQhoeWIT-nNKsaF7pHu-p/w640-h427/image.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A man counting 100,000 LL notes at an exchange office in Beirut, Lebanon. (Photo credit: Reuters/Mohamed Azakir) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">For those who are affluent, hold a foreign passport, yet still call Lebanon home, as you mention, they either have bank accounts abroad and transfer money in as needed, in the form of "fresh funds," exchanging at the black market rate (which on 7 October 2021 was around 18,500 LBP/USD). Or they're exploiting their daily debit limits. Indeed, some people are totally unfazed by everything that's transpired. Those who are armed with dollars have more buying power today, as the lira continues to weaken.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">So the short answer is sure, it is possible to resume life and carry on, though not entirely in the same manner as before. Take our family as an example. Our outings are limited to the near vicinity: I shuttle the kids to City Mall Dora, Le Mall Dbayeh, my in-laws' residence at Holiday Beach Nahr El Kalb... Essentially, we live in a sheltered bubble. Schools and universities have reopened for in-person instruction, after nearly two years of closure. The desperate hope is that they remain in session. Perhaps it is the one facet of life here that's taken on some semblance of normalcy (so far).</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Other than that, lines at the pump have dissolved (well, they had until yesterday. Now with the expectation of rising fuel prices <i>yet again</i>, people may be resorting to stockpiling).</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In terms of power outages, where we reside in Jal El Dib, they are no longer. I realize that's not the case everywhere, but I imagine things have begun to reflect even a sliver of improvement. Granted, consumers are certainly paying for it. Our generator "moteur" fees for the month of September amounted to nearly LBP 1,600,000 for 10 amperes of metered usage. At the official exchange rate, that's well over $1,000!</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Finally, it's important to comprehend the sheer volume of Lebanese who rely on remittances from family abroad. That's the only reason they're able to weather these multidimensional crises and stay afloat. The media has been quoting around 75% of Lebanese families now live under the poverty line, which is absolutely true on paper, if you consider solely their salaries. But if a family member abroad sends them a couple hundred bucks every month, they could make ends meet -- perhaps not comfortably, but pragmatically so.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">At length, it's crippling to see how the Lebanese have been forcibly relegated into an unmistakable silence. I often hear critics in the Lebanese diaspora deriding how quiet and submissive their compatriots are, that they should take up arms and fight off the injustices befalling them. But the reality is, even if they did, can they expect a different outcome than before? Civilians tried to revolt peacefully, and they were met with violence. The family members of the victims killed in the August 4 port explosions have been repeatedly attacked and curtailed by the security guards of politicians (and even army members) in front of whose homes they assembled to demonstrate. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">And those nightmarish fuel lines which saw civilians lining up overnight just to fill their tanks? Those queues were arguably a premeditated distraction to preoccupy people with the inane when they might have considered raising their heads and demanding justice. Folks at this point just want to move on. It's a hopeless and helpless situation.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">For many Lebanese here and in the diaspora, being Lebanese occasionally feels like a curse. In spite of the gains we achieve abroad, academically and professionally, the losses we register within our borders on political and socioeconomic levels seem to perpetually outweigh them. Chronic discontent flows through our veins. And though we've been dubbed "resilient" to the point of disgust, we no longer derive flattery or pride from that term. We don't care to be resilient. We simply care to be. Will we ever be?</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></div></div></div>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-60481156302961751932021-09-24T01:54:00.000+03:002021-09-24T01:54:07.281+03:00Who Remembers the Lebanon of the Not-So-Distant Past? Let Me Jog Your Memory.<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lebanon has arguably never
seen worse days than those we’re weathering now. Constant electricity outages;
a seemingly unresolvable fuel shortage translating to long lines at the pump; rampant hyperinflation; poverty engulfing three-quarters of the population; rising unemployment;
the depletion of medicine; oversaturated hospitals and healthcare facilities…all
impetuses propelling the mass exodus of emigrants who will go literally anywhere
to escape the trials and tribulations of home.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Where were we just two
years ago, and where are we now? Ever see those memes split into two columns,
juxtaposing “How it started” and “How it’s going”? Yeah, well, in Lebanon’s
case, it just isn’t going. End of story.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">No doubt many of us find
ourselves reflecting on the not-so-distant past, nostalgic for the golden age
we didn’t even know we were reveling in until the rug was violently pulled out from
under our feet. Here's what I've been missing most.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Who
remembers when Anthony Salamé and Frankie Walters ruled the airwaves? I distinctly
recall Virgin Radio’s debut to Lebanon in 2012, one year after my arrival.
Anthony – an Australian-Lebanese comedian – used to rap his own hilarious tunes
(does “Djej and Toum” ring a bell?) and gush over his adoration for raw kibbeh,
while poking fun at his sweet co-host, Frankie, who is part-Lebanese,
part-British. Their on-air chemistry was undeniable, and they kept us commuters
intrigued during the morning hustle.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. And
who could ever forget Gavin Ford in the Morning? He was the longstanding host
and life of Radio One, who washed up on the shores of Beirut from England decades
before and could never bear to part with his adopted Mediterranean perch. Writing
about him posthumously makes my eyes well up. I rubbed shoulders with Gavin
at a number of media events, and two things struck me about him: his prominent
stature and his immediately personable character. He had a wonderful humility
about him, and he was genuinely interested in having rich discussions. Gavin still
comes to mind often, as does his eloquent co-host Olga Habre, who has since
relocated to Dubai. Since Gavin’s appalling murder in his Broumana home in
November 2018, Radio One has gone off the air permanently.</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">3. When
it came to lavishness and hospitality, nothing could compare to Le Gray nestled
in the heart of downtown Beirut. A bastion of modernity with an appealing architecture
unlike any other, Le Gray was home to Gordon’s Café, a trottoir hangout that
served the best high tea in Beirut. Their lemon poppy seed cake was an
unrivalled treat. I could wax poetic for hours (and believe me, I have, as
evidenced through the sheer number of blog posts dedicated to nearly every
aspect of the establishment, from </span><a href="http://www.beirutista.co/2017/02/puregray-at-le-gray-ultimate-pampering.html" style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">the
spa</a><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">, to </span><a href="http://www.beirutista.co/2016/07/a-weekend-getaway-at-le-gray-beirut.html" style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">the
accommodations</a><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">, to the </span><a href="https://www.beirutista.co/p/restaurants.html" style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">fancy dining, infinity
pool, and rooftop venue</a><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">). Suffice it to say that there really was nothing
grey or bleak about Le Gray: it was unequivocally sublime.</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zkh7oExFeBxZf_fswVRt_NRoN_KBI4dVM0pBzCxcxZCuzZ8qZaAeo4okXOMkq-i1L2hf0987ntGwjtmf17wenk7pHwb54tGwCNfBYv5qcbOptITaR0_mNTyaOjvRrge7eZNJtpgdolPM/s640/Le+Gray+infinity+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zkh7oExFeBxZf_fswVRt_NRoN_KBI4dVM0pBzCxcxZCuzZ8qZaAeo4okXOMkq-i1L2hf0987ntGwjtmf17wenk7pHwb54tGwCNfBYv5qcbOptITaR0_mNTyaOjvRrge7eZNJtpgdolPM/w480-h640/Le+Gray+infinity+pool.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rooftop infinity pool at Le Gray, which overlooked Beirut Port</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. Did
you ever try Castania’s honey-roasted peanuts for 250 LL? I was spellbound with
those little bags. They made the perfect snack before dinner, as I roamed the
corridors of Beirut Souks waiting for my husband to get off work. Back in the
day, you could buy a 90-g bag of “cricri” (coated peanuts) for 1,000 LL
(equivalent then to $0.66). Five sticks of Trident gum would run you 500 LL
($0.33), and a 330-ml can of soft drink was priced at 750 LL ($0.50). Each of
those numbers has been multiplied by at least 10 to reflect today’s pricing. Seriously
now, do you have the heart to shell out 8,000 LL for a can of Pepsi? It’s
mind-numbing.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. Did
anyone else ever take advantage of the matinee showings at theatres across
Lebanon? In this country, matinee means 2 PM at most movie houses (only Vox
inside Beirut City Centre used to boast séances scheduled as early as noon). If
you were free and keen, you could sit back and enjoy a Hollywood blockbuster
for a mere 9,000 LL ($6).</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplhpLjs-AugjMlPGUOlda9iQaOsrJRe4BHt20ZUHv2yTTpnjBDN-UWGBB9dIfVjSfBaayzYVb5daHeFPrSkcHiy4Vmh2zELBbIR0Fv2cbzus2mCBUCFIIAkGm2J5YdOYQmpdrfdOEQGIU/s640/Vox+cinema.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="495" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplhpLjs-AugjMlPGUOlda9iQaOsrJRe4BHt20ZUHv2yTTpnjBDN-UWGBB9dIfVjSfBaayzYVb5daHeFPrSkcHiy4Vmh2zELBbIR0Fv2cbzus2mCBUCFIIAkGm2J5YdOYQmpdrfdOEQGIU/w496-h640/Vox+cinema.jpg" width="496" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vox Gold lounge at Beirut City Centre</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;">6. Isn’t
it hard to believe that “service” taxis would set you back just 2,000 LL a few
years ago? A full-fare private cab started at 10,000 LL if you didn’t wish to
vanpool with other riders. Now, what can 2,000 LL fetch you at the grocery
store? A 500-ml bottle of water? A dinky wafer bar coated in sketchy “chocolate
compound”? The other day, I paid 1,500 LL at a local print shop for one A4
B&W sheet of paper.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;">7. Every time
I pass by a gas station, anxiety sets in. Will it ever go back to no lines at
the pump, no overnight queuing for that precious fluid presently priced at 205,000 LL
per tank (20 l, or roughly 5 gal)? It’s as though the higher prices soar, the greater
the demand. And that cascades to delivery prices set by couriers like Toters,
who only today announced yet another adjustment to their rates (beginning at
15,000 LL and distance-dependent). I miss hearing the words “free delivery.”</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;">8. Perhaps
one of the few things that haven’t surged in price is mall parking. City Mall
charges 3,000 LL for the first three hours and 1,000 LL per hour thereafter. Le
Mall Dbayeh parking is complimentary. Then again, I always did believe in free
parking – why should you have to pay a dime if you’re rendering payment at a vendor
for acquired merchandise? Where’s the incentive in that?</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">9. What
crushes my heart the most is all the food and beverage outlets that have caved
under the weight of the multiple crises gripping Lebanon. I need to update </span><a href="https://www.beirutista.co/p/restaurants.html" style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;">this page</a><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"> and mark the
shuttered establishments as “Closed”, but I just can’t bring myself to do so –
cue the flood of memories and wistful tears. Lebanese people are renowned for
their entrepreneurial spirit, their risk-taking, their unchecked ambition and
optimism. All of that has been snubbed, and a rare few have been able to keep their
businesses open and flourishing at a profitable level.</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: -0.25in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjk4Wp6a6EN0emp8KL3HS0PbpnvaRwV95NZlAiagSWQzBDvV1z8IzxkppNf81ZE0aGz4lfPtI36wn4t3annrhCRXsKii_ByjQQg5Wmu7msyx5WTjLcueXHKnRTFHnrTIaBEi0-Nm8jn35/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjk4Wp6a6EN0emp8KL3HS0PbpnvaRwV95NZlAiagSWQzBDvV1z8IzxkppNf81ZE0aGz4lfPtI36wn4t3annrhCRXsKii_ByjQQg5Wmu7msyx5WTjLcueXHKnRTFHnrTIaBEi0-Nm8jn35/w480-h640/image.png" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The communal dining table at <a href="https://www.beirutista.co/2017/01/lobster-society-fresh-affordable.html" target="_blank">Lobster Society</a>, Mar Mikhael, 2017. On the right, its founder Karl Naim, who also created <a href="https://www.beirutista.co/2015/09/exclusive-culinary-experience.html" target="_blank">ChefXChange</a>. Both innovative concepts have since withered away. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></span></p><br />
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What do you miss most about
pre-2019 Lebanon?</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></p>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-36396461239126774272021-08-13T07:21:00.001+03:002021-08-13T07:21:03.982+03:00Abysmal and Inconsolable: A Day in the Life of A Lebanese Resident<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Reader, brace yourself. I’m about to push you beyond your comfort zone. You’re being warned: the following sequence of events is not
for the faint-hearted. Prepare for a freefalling nightmare of evils and darkness, a
bottomless pit of misadventures. This story is about agony, grief, humiliation, inhumanity, and curse after curse after curse. After all, every day -- and not just today -- is now Friday the 13th in Lebanon.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Imagine waking at half past 02:00, in the dead of night,
choking on the insufferable Mediterranean heat and humidity of a treacherous
summer. The air conditioner is off, the room is pitch black. You get up and
fumble your way to the light switch, only to find there’s no electricity. You
slide the window open, praying for a sea breeze, but the air is flat, dead,
unforgiving.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">You’d been hearing all along about the state’s impending
fuel shortages as a result of its inability to pay suppliers with its dwindling
foreign reserves. But as with everything in wretched Lebanon, you thought it
was hyped up drama. You thought they’d unearth a solution just in time, and
that you wouldn’t have to endure any power struggles (pun intended). What is
this, the nineteenth century? No, you'd shrugged it off. We live in 2021. Surely
we won’t be experiencing a cessation of electricity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">But bless your simple soul, here you are. The city in which you reside, and
the private “moteur” generator to which you subscribe, have announced
daily power cuts upward of six hours, in two to three hour chunks at a time. Well, you’re
still better off than your friends dwelling in another city who are getting zero moteur and have to rely on 2-3 hours of
government-provided electricity per day. “Better off?” Are we normalizing this now? How
can you muster any optimism at a time like this?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Somehow you manage to fall back asleep. Yet when you wake again at 07:00, the electricity is still out of service. How will you be able to get through a
nine-hour workday from home if these power cuts dot your landscape?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Obviously it’s not merely about electric lighting, or
internet, or air conditioning. How about trivial tasks like turning on the
microwave or stove-top to reheat food? How about the contents of your fridge which
are now susceptible to spoiling because of the interrupted refrigeration cycle?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">What if you needed to leave your house, but you’re on the eighth
floor and have to navigate all those flights down (or up, on the return)? Can
you even exit your building if it’s gated and hinges on electricity to draw
open or shut?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">During those precious hours when the moteur is actually
restored, it would behoove you to exercise solid math skills. You’re subscribed to a
finite number of amperes – let’s say 10 – and voltage runs at 200-220 V. Thus,
recollecting from physics that power is the product of current and voltage
(i.e., P = IV), you need to ensure you’re not exceeding your rationed total. Therefore, if you keep the A/C wall unit on, and you’re running a load of laundry,
will the microwave at 1,000 W break the load?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Now during those dark hours when there is no current
running through your outlets, misery is coursing through your veins. What you’d
ideally do is hop in your car, blast the A/C on its highest level, and let loose on the highway. The problem, nay the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">problems</i>,
with that are manifold. Lines at the pump are excruciatingly long (blocks upon
blocks of cars), the number of gallons is capped per vehicle, and fuel is no
longer subsidized. So at the formal rate of the US dollar to the Lebanese
pound, i.e., $1 = 1,507.5 LBP, a tank of gasoline (equating to 20 L, or 5.28
gallons) currently sets you back around $50. In a few days, once the subsidy is effectively lifted, that number will soar to roughly $220.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2BtPCzVuhyY_LpjMqHvDysR9XStfUdvML0SLGe0fl_9-VKZDSctnKXBuQP2YY60hjNMlD1Glz_pLB9RRNGsHbFEhaTgQdfQ1lesDZpAu8S8KsqWyFtYBolQdFPyutFYcM_Ud4670Spqe/s1360/VID-20210812-WA0080_exported_4435.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="1072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2BtPCzVuhyY_LpjMqHvDysR9XStfUdvML0SLGe0fl_9-VKZDSctnKXBuQP2YY60hjNMlD1Glz_pLB9RRNGsHbFEhaTgQdfQ1lesDZpAu8S8KsqWyFtYBolQdFPyutFYcM_Ud4670Spqe/w504-h640/VID-20210812-WA0080_exported_4435.jpg" width="504" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lines at the pump easily extend for blocks. This photo was taken on the afternoon of 12 August 2021 in Zalka, on the main highway. The line measured roughly one kilometer.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Fuel has become a sacred commodity. Every trip must be
carefully planned and executed, preferably during hours when traffic is minimal
(thank God for Google Maps). You can’t afford to joy ride anywhere, let alone
sulk miserably in your car, face glued to the vents, trying to undo that
sticky sweat.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Grocery store visits no longer bring any happiness or
comfort. Prices are in constant flux, but invariably on the rise, and your
heart sinks every time you catch sight of the price labels. And that’s if they’re
actually posted on the shelves. Some stores can’t adjust the prices swiftly enough,
so they’ve ripped off tags altogether and installed a couple of self-scan
price checkers throughout the store so that customers can privately sink into a
melancholic depression rather than suppress shock or shame when facing the cashier.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A bag of local kettle chips costs 15,000 LBP ($10) for 144
g. A dinky ice cream sandwich (90g), also by a local brand, will run you 6,000 LBP
($4). Astonishingly, infant and toddler diapers produced in the Bekaa, Lebanon,
are more expensive than internationally recognized brands imported from abroad
like Huggies. What’s going on? Greed? Exploitation? Banking off people’s
misinformation, assumptions, or plain ignorance? All of the above.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Next up, the pharmacy, another hellhole that’ll likely
cascade into a series of stops at a dozen pharmacies in pursuit of meds you or
your family members are in dire need of. Pharmacists will self-smugly shake
their heads as they utter “not in stock,” sending you on a hunt in search of
urgent elixirs, for even things as basic as Panadol (the equivalent of Tylenol,
in the family of paracetamol drugs) that should in fact be ubiquitous. Even
when you are fortunate enough to locate what you want, the new unsubsidized rates
will leave you wide-eyed in utter disbelief. “Seriously? 71,000
LBP for children’s cough syrup?” That’s almost $50!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The threat of catching the Covid-19 delta variant has not
fallen on deaf ears. Thanks to the surge of expats descending on Lebanon for
the summer and profiting from the weak lira, the rate of covid infections has
again skyrocketed. But hospitals are beyond capacity and, what’s more,
ill-equipped to even care for their patients. Hospitals, like every facility,
rely on electricity and fuel to do their jobs. They too cannot escape unscathed
from the apocalyptic mess this country has been reduced to.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Every facet, every thread of every fabric of what once
comprised Lebanon, has been torn asunder, crumbling conspicuously beneath our
feet. Parents had been looking forward to schools reopening this autumn, thanks
to the en-masse vaccination of teachers and personnel. But how can any
institution hope to prop open its doors when there are long power outages? Even
virtual learning is not viable. So what recourse, if any?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Have I managed to horrify you? Are you feeling the injustice, the rage, the terror, the curse of what it means to be in
Lebanon at this day and age? Lebanon has become infernal. Nothing affords
pleasure anymore. We’ve been plunged into a sea of suffering, of sadness, of
destitution, and we are inconsolable. I kept hearing things would get
exponentially worse. Well, the cynics were spot-on. With every new low we attained,
we naively thought we’d hit rock bottom. The worst is that we probably still
have not.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Silly me. Did I fail to mention that the entire population
has, to add to all the foregoing woes, been robbed of their bank deposits? In a
span of two weeks during October 2019, when banks closed unprecedentedly, we were forcibly untethered from our life savings, our hard-earned
livelihoods, our pensions, our “rainy day” cushions. Today, they are siphoned
to us in tiny capped amounts. And if you hold foreign currency
deposits (e.g., USD), they are exchanged at a fixed rate of 3,900 LBP, whereas
the market rate is at least five times that. Alas, that’s the haircut our
state leaders promised we’d never be subjected to. But it’s more than just a
haircut. It’s us balding. We have been stripped naked, thrown into the
pothole-ridden unlit streets, and left to the hyenas.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">God help Lebanon. For it is evident at present that nobody
else can.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i style="color: #222222;">Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></p>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-25233465269370784462021-08-04T13:38:00.001+03:002021-08-12T22:24:13.340+03:00August 4, 2020: A Day That Will Forever Live in Lebanese Infamy<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222;">Every morning, my Google Photos app depicts a memory from the archive. Today, it was this capture from August 4, 2017: on the left, St. Georges Maronite Cathedral neighboring Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, nestled in the heart of downtown Beirut. We often say that the beauty of Lebanon is in the peaceful coexistence of so many faiths, creeds, and sects, and this is one symbol-laden image.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8iNB-29w_9BzSJjjZxtE601DcRGaSZYBReV8KI-FsSx8AMlLtkfDpggHcb6jDlfqWKRTr73DioGoQbnDw-_H7SKjmqzqgYqSACanrfF5g4W3Tz56uUcmX-w7dHOCPEmQI6zvyUoCSVi_/s2048/IMG_20170804_193639.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8iNB-29w_9BzSJjjZxtE601DcRGaSZYBReV8KI-FsSx8AMlLtkfDpggHcb6jDlfqWKRTr73DioGoQbnDw-_H7SKjmqzqgYqSACanrfF5g4W3Tz56uUcmX-w7dHOCPEmQI6zvyUoCSVi_/w480-h640/IMG_20170804_193639.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Georges Maronite Cathedral (left) and Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, downtown Beirut.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><div dir="auto" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Three years to the day after this photo was snapped, one of the biggest non-nuclear explosions in the history of the world detonated in the port of Beirut. Annihilation doesn't begin to describe the aftermath: hundreds of lives were obliterated; thousands more, injured; hundreds of thousands, displaced; and large sections of the city and neighboring regions, completely leveled. Beirut was gutted, and its soul cast into an abyss of tribulation and mourning that continues to scale deeper and deeper fathoms as the days transpire.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The thousands of tons of ammonium nitrate didn't discriminate among the lives claimed, be it nationality, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, or gender. I lost a friend and fellow Lebanese expat Krystel El-Adm who, like me, had returned to her motherland, swimming against the torrential tide of the brain drain, with the hopes of contributing time and talent to improving the infrastructure here. In fact, that fateful day she was equipping a neighbor with her laptop so that he wouldn't be disadvantaged by the virtual learning trends born out of the worldwide pandemic. Yet another friend Georgette Aoude was struck on the head and rushed to the hospital by an altruistic taxi driver who to this day remains unknown. She was plunged into a coma for more than a month, but thankfully today she is among us, alive and healthy.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We have never been in more need of prayers, of benevolent intervention, of community and collective strength. For a land that is home to a number of recognized saints and documented miracles, we sure have our share of filthy, rotten criminals who have managed to elude the reckoning powers of justice. But I have faith that "we shall overcome, one day."</span></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Today and every day, please remember Lebanon and its hapless victims, alive and deceased. Pray. Pray. Pray.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/beirutista?action=followPub" target="_blank">following Beirutista here</a>.</i></span></div>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-58235899719089026362021-07-05T23:49:00.003+03:002021-07-07T08:12:19.279+03:00Why Lebanon Will Always Be Home to Me<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">As a child who earnestly anticipated her summers in Lebanon,
I remember distinctly praying each night for weeks leading up to trip departure
that our two-leg journey from Los Angeles would go smoothly and safely. Should
a crash befall us, may it be on the return from Beirut, I pleaded with my
Creator. I wanted so desperately to spend a fun-filled vacation in the Land of
the Cedars.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Reflecting on that memory now as an adult, I’m baffled at
how willing I was to embrace the worst, so long as it presented itself aptly in
the sequence of events. Yes, folks. That’s a gauge of how enamored I was with
my ancestral homeland. Chilling? Or just plain foolish?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">As many of my readers already know, I made Lebanon home in
2011, a full decade ago. I was a fresh MBA graduate and in between jobs and
world regions. I found myself in the Levant on an ambassadorial mission for my
alma mater MIT. When it ended, I decided to linger and look for work. I was fed
up with hearing that as a summer tourist in Lebanon, I had in fact never
experienced the real Lebanon, the Lebanon deflated from throngs of
greenback-brandishing expats and artificially frequent family gatherings that
rarely occurred during the other seasons, while we were away.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">My CV landed on the desk of the CEO of Bank of Beirut who, a staunch proponent
of higher education and young talent, personally met with me
before extending an offer. A position was carved out according to my background
and interests, and I was staffed with an intelligent and friendly bunch in the Strategy & Risk Department reflecting my generation. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">From day one, I felt a sense of belonging I’d
never felt anywhere else. As far as I could see, I could have justifiably been shrugged off as an outsider. I’d been born and raised in the United States,
where I’d lived a little over two decades. Thereafter I’d studied and consulted
in Paris. Abu Dhabi was a brief stint I refused to extend beyond two months.
The reality is that I’ve had so many beginnings. I’ve been immersed in a plethora
of novel environments and scenarios where I might ostensibly be considered an
intruder. But in Lebanon I never once felt as such, even though to date I had </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">merely</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">been a summer tourist.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Make no mistake, people can oftentimes pick up on my “exotic” Lebaneseness. I
insert more English words in my spoken Arabic than the person next to me. I’m
atypically patient, atypically composed, in comparison to the archetypically
frenetic, frustrated and gregarious true-blood Lebanese. I’m transparent and can’t pull a Poker face for the life of me. I wear my emotions
on my sleeve rather than tuck them away beneath my façade.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">And yet I was embraced warmly by my co-workers.
Yes, I was barraged with the classic question of “why are you in Lebanon when
you can be anywhere else?” But at the delivery of my response, that there is no
country on God’s green Earth as dynamic, vibrant, resourceful and hospitable as
Lebanon, I immediately won favor with my audience and perhaps awakened a
dormant pride in their roots.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A few days ago, I quietly celebrated the Fourth of July –
American Independence Day – from our home in the northern suburbs of Beirut. My
close friend, a fellow Lebanese-American who recently relocated from Beirut to
LA, was texting me about a gathering she was attending. Fellow attendees were
probing her as to her family origins, which might be well received if tactful, but those queries underscored a certain annoying ignorance of
Lebanon and of life overseas in general. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">As humans, we look for validation and relatability in
others. That’s what cloaks us with a comforting feeling of belonging. When instead
we are met with furrowed brows, lack of understanding, and myopia, we feel left
out, or judged. We start to miss the notion of the familiar, of home. We start to miss
being among people who get us and empathize with our plight.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Lebanon is and always will be home to me, even if in the
physical sense that ceases to be. You can pluck me out of this Mediterranean
bastion, this tiny little plot of 10,452 square kilometers, this miraculous
country with more faiths, creeds, and nationalities than any country of
equivalent size can aspire to squeeze in. But you can never erase the impassioned
Lebanese identity that burns fiercely within me.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfed1hx6SYUWK2jMuoi8H7JAkmoNIrhlRLpltZe19xAEtB_QMjTfPOzp4mWf9mCiOFN2os-gJSXO-QywvqZBHcBtfvkDzvM4KnHpmAT3_c8uRjV0n1iZILe3fntl3QllaNF_nUCi5Mf2Wm/s720/Tripoli+CAAMP+2011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfed1hx6SYUWK2jMuoi8H7JAkmoNIrhlRLpltZe19xAEtB_QMjTfPOzp4mWf9mCiOFN2os-gJSXO-QywvqZBHcBtfvkDzvM4KnHpmAT3_c8uRjV0n1iZILe3fntl3QllaNF_nUCi5Mf2Wm/w640-h480/Tripoli+CAAMP+2011.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the shores of Tripoli in northern Lebanon, days after my arrival in January 2011</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-83348500846880313682021-06-25T00:02:00.010+03:002021-06-25T10:53:53.262+03:00In Beirut, Shopping Around Is Key To Beating The Huge Play on Prices<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It’s no secret: prices across Lebanon for the vast majority
of goods and services have witnessed an unprecedented spike as the lira
continues to plunge against the dollar. Though the official rate is around LBP
1,500 for USD 1, the <a href="https://lirarate.org/">lira is trading on the
black market for LBP 16,000</a> (current as of June 24, 2021), which translates
to a whopping 967% surge in the exchange rate.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Over the past four months alone, I’ve seen prices of local
goods double. For example, Master Kettle Chips (144g) <a href="https://www.beirutista.co/2021/02/before-after-price-of-local-goods-in.html">were
selling for LBP 8,000 in February</a>, whereas now a bag goes for LBP 15,000. Candia
Lait 1-L TetraPak of milk are priced at 15,500 LBP, nearly double the LBP 8,000
tag they fetched at the start of the year.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/beirutista/status/1407071541175762947?s=20">The other
day I tweeted</a> that “walking into a grocery store in Lebanon is like getting
back a graded exam. Your heart stops as you scan the numbers on the price
labels. It’s a harrowing experience.” But even more harrowing is the huge
spread in prices you’ll occasionally witness across retailers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">On May 5 of this year, I displayed such a divide on my
Instagram stories, spotlighting Elle & Vire butter, which is imported from
France. This butter was selected to be subsidized nationally by the government,
and thus its price is fixed at LBP 8,870 for its “Tartine et Cuisine” line and
LBP 11,850 LBP for “Beurre Gastronomique.” In fact, a catchy yellow sticker is
affixed to each package of butter with the subsidized price so that there is no
doubt as to its regulated status.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">However, I stumbled across a well-known grocer* who’s audaciously selling these butters for LBP 30,500 and LBP 40,700, respectively. That’s nearly triple the subsidized rate! Curiously enough, the conspicuous yellow stickers are missing.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRBIvk9DT06pzs06__D0-ZCdW21VZXfoAqPAjW2W7Ey-FfFScxRVy_HBdmQSADXgStVk6zZatsQF7BE-WDG18DSTGEu1WRN0q5LiIINPf04FNAFIZWGo6pk1h039ESufo3o3HMu9N8T7-/s1889/Screenshot_20210624-223151_Instagram.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1889" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRBIvk9DT06pzs06__D0-ZCdW21VZXfoAqPAjW2W7Ey-FfFScxRVy_HBdmQSADXgStVk6zZatsQF7BE-WDG18DSTGEu1WRN0q5LiIINPf04FNAFIZWGo6pk1h039ESufo3o3HMu9N8T7-/w366-h640/Screenshot_20210624-223151_Instagram.jpg" width="366"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Elle & Vire French butter at one retailer...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDpJYxrij6j0kzm-H9SUmDDi-nBRHDH54slmppnmSssRLGN1vJmOw9ocgGLuCQ0yePsdj1vEpmxzgAui002ipP0s37dzhv_NXqHz5kwGITBlUWYRtU5b6S-DJ40_-rXoQ3AQnhccFTP5S/s1902/Screenshot_20210624-223156_Instagram.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1902" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDpJYxrij6j0kzm-H9SUmDDi-nBRHDH54slmppnmSssRLGN1vJmOw9ocgGLuCQ0yePsdj1vEpmxzgAui002ipP0s37dzhv_NXqHz5kwGITBlUWYRtU5b6S-DJ40_-rXoQ3AQnhccFTP5S/w364-h640/Screenshot_20210624-223156_Instagram.jpg" width="364"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">...versus the identical products at another retailer. Note the spread in prices!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">On my latest shopping excursions, I’ve discovered a few more
discrepancies worth highlighting.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">___________________________________________</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></o:p></p><a href="https://www.beirutista.co/2021/06/in-beirut-shopping-around-is-key-to.html#more">Read more »</a>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2678168401515945448.post-33588471026893015732021-06-07T22:33:00.007+03:002021-06-08T08:43:52.991+03:00When Inspiration Runs Dry<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The other day, I bumped into an old acquaintance I’d met in
Paris a dozen years ago. After some quick catch-up and gushing over each other’s
kids, she asked me about the blog and whether I was still penning as Beirutista.
I told her I’d become far less prolific the past year on account of “being
uninspired.” The moment those words left my mouth, I felt insufficient and
foolish. A deluge of thoughts swept through my mind as I braced for a personal awakening.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Does one really need inspiration to get a word out on paper? Even if one commits to writing about what one
might perceive as mundane nonsense, the very thought process that engages the gears
in the noggin would qualify for a fruitful writing exercise. <i>Right?</i> We can’t
possibly attribute a perpetual flow of inspiration to the celebrated early
20<sup>th</sup>-century author William Faulkner, for example, can we? Have you
read – nay, attempted to read – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Sound
and The Fury</i>? It is a lesson in "stream of consciousness," or unfiltered thought, which makes for a
very challenging unraveling. As a high school student, I struggled to
make sense of it futilely. At length, I chalked up Faulkner’s enigmatic prose to his own desire to create inspiration where inspiration was nowhere to be found.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Back to me, and my languishing at the laptop of late. Adam Grant for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The New York
Times</i> describes “languishing" as feeling stagnant and empty, “joyless and aimless.” Surely, he wasn’t referring to
the multidimensional crises gripping Lebanon over the past two years, which have given rise to hyperinflation, instability, political void, and a
total absence of answers. Grant is more likely invoking the new world order we’ve
witnessed in the wake of the pandemic. The incessant lockdowns, working from
home, contactless pickups and drive-thrus, home deliveries – everything that
can be lumped into the category of human disconnect.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If the pandemic hasn’t plunged you into a depressive state, good for you. As a species, we are social creatures, and not even “social”
media can allay the pains of physical isolation from our own breed. In fact,
it is this very connection to others that often provides inspiration for productivity. It is what gravitated me a full decade ago to Lebanon, in pursuit of human connection, warmth or "<i>chaleur</i>." In a world stripped of interaction, of communicating with others, observing
their facial reactions and gestures, and linking their words to their body
language, where do we dig up inspiration? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The wildly successful creator of the Harry Potter series, JK
Rowling, crafted her winning work inside bustling coffee shops. Illustrious American authors
like Ernest Hemingway, Mark Twain, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Edith Wharton sought
out Paris and its cafes, as the French city had become the epicenter of culture,
art and expression. So what does one do these days, when mobility is
significantly impaired and, as in the case of some countries like Australia,
totally banned? Where does one seek inspiration while stranded on an island of melancholic mundanity?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsfWFtH79mzGLNhC1HDikIQcHvBP_7HX_ZgIhr5cYyBYm7tQYvHdg-K3UeRKfjaJGiy4nP5uwAzkWN24n-ly3fscpcF9sLQxQEcmHQKuNNnjpTlZKr6jAwPMn7uY-RegzCSG_8IQ4qejq/s1035/FB_IMG_1623130645917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1035" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsfWFtH79mzGLNhC1HDikIQcHvBP_7HX_ZgIhr5cYyBYm7tQYvHdg-K3UeRKfjaJGiy4nP5uwAzkWN24n-ly3fscpcF9sLQxQEcmHQKuNNnjpTlZKr6jAwPMn7uY-RegzCSG_8IQ4qejq/w640-h422/FB_IMG_1623130645917.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Social distancing inevitably renders us socially distant and alone<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Alas, maybe reduced output is understandable and forgivable,
for many of us are surely wading through the same sea of sentiments. Maybe readers of Beirutista will be able to overlook the interruption to my once rhythmic outpourings
and instead look forward to the rebound. I, too, await in earnest some
restoration of normalcy, stability, visibility, and inspiration. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In the
meantime, I’ve been deriving some pleasure cozying up to various Netflix
series, including “The Crown.” It actually provides compelling context for the claims Harry and Meghan have brought before the public eye. Besides, who doesn't stand to gain inspiration from one of the world’s longest reigning
monarchs, and a female at that!</span></p>Beirutistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17044182445447487566noreply@blogger.com0