T&F WAS THERE
We’ve put together a handy little roundup of events around town
so you can see what we’ve been up to.
OCT
20
INTERNATIONAL CHEFS DAY EVENT WITH NESTLE
at Maroun Chedid Culinary Academy
The International Chef’s Day on 20 October 2019 offers chefs from around the globe a unique opportunity to network and promote their profession to future chefs, and raise awareness about healthy eating.
The World Association of Chefs Societies uses International Chefs Day as a tool to educate kids around the world about the importance of healthy eating hoping to expose kids to the culinary profession and teach them good eating habits they can carry with them for life.
The Lebanese Chef Club and Nestlé Professional is proud to collaborate together for this occasion by organizing an awareness day for kids on how healthy food works.
OCT
16
PESTO PISTOU NEW MENU LAUNCHING
at Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Beirut
Born in the Mediterranean kitchen, in Liguria and Provence, pesto and pistou are two versions of the same cold sauce, both made using nuts, seeds, herbs, olive oil and cheese. Mövenpick has created some exciting variations of this popular treat, a brand-new selection to tantalise the taste buds of the adventurous foodie.
Available in all Mövenpick Hotel & Resort restaurants in October 2019
OCT
15
ITA COCKTAIL RECEPTION
at Phoenicia Hotel – Eau de Vie
With the presence of his Excellency Massimo Marotti, Ambassador of Italy in Lebanon, a cocktail reception took place on 15 October at Phoenicia Hotel – Eau de Vie, in order to launch the Italian Products Showcase. The Italian Trade Agency in Beirut, in collaboration with the Italian Embassy, organized the showcase to promote Italian products and in particular cold cuts and cheeses.
OCT
10-12
WHISKY LIVE BEIRUT 2019
at Seaside Pavilion
The world’s premier whisky tasting event was held at Seaside Pavilion, 10-12 October from 5-11 pm.The event brought together 60+ of the finest international whisky brands to Beirut.Whisky experts and enthusiasts, experienced the finest local and international whisky brands under one roof.
OCT
7
CHATEAU KEFRAYA LAUNCHES “LES BRETECHES”VINTAGE 2017
at Le Gray Hotel
Celebrated with a special-edition label by Lebanese artist Karen Klink.
The 2017 special edition of “Les Breteches”, the fresh, silky and fruity wine by Chateau Kefraya, has been launched this year in collaboration with Lebanese artist Karen Klink, who was chosen to design the limited-edition label entitled Flowing Cedar.
OCT
1
SOUS VIDE TRAINING
at Maroun Chedid Cooking Academy
Celebrity Chef Maroun Chedid hosted Bruno Goussault, Chief Scientist, for a sous-vide masterclass at the Maroun Chedid Cooking Academy.
SEP
28
LE BRISTOL HOTEL HOSTED ‘NICE AU COEUR DE BEYROUTH’
At Villa Linda Sursock
Le Bristol Hotel hosted on September 28 an exclusive lunch and dinner within ‘Le Weekend Azuréen à Beyrouth’, an initiative aimed at celebrating the centuries-old French-Lebanese friendship. Le Bristol Hotel, in collaboration with ‘Mon Liban D’Azur’ association, hosted four of France’s most elite chefs. Michelin Star Chef Christian Plumail, member of the “Grand Cordon d’Or”, Chef Jerome Rigaud, “Magical Pastry Cook” Chef Serge Serain Cappa, and last but not least, the man behind Mic Mac Macaron Chef Bruno Laffargue, Brigade des Etoiles de Mougins.
SEP
26
LACTALIS MASTERCLASS WITH CHEF JEAN CHARLES KARMANN
At Lamina’s catering
Lactalis hosted Chef Jean Charles Karmann accompanied by Fady Selwan and Roy Hazboun, for a thrilling Masterclass session demonstrating the right technics for cooking and that with the proper ingredients cooking becomes easier. The session took place at Lamina’s catering.
SEP
18
CHEESE OF EUROPE COCKTAIL EVENT
At Centrale Restaurant
Cheese of Europe cocktail event occurred at Centrale Restaurant on Wednesday 18th September at 8pm. Invitees tasted a selection of French cheeses and sampled exclusive recipes by MOF Francois Robin, awarded best cheesemonger in France.
SEP
18
OPENING OF THE 10TH EDITION OF BEIRUT ART FAIR
At Seaside Arena
54 art galleries from 18 countries, exhibiting 250 artists from around 40 countries, and 1,350 artworks. More than 8,000 VIP guests present at the inauguration.
The 10th edition of BEIRUT ART FAIR, the international modern and contemporary art fair with a focus on the scenes of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA region), dedicated to the discovery of rising international art, was inaugurated at the Seaside Arena on 18 September by H.E. Mr. Mohammad Daoud Daoud, Minister of Culture, Laure d’Hauteville, Founder & Fair Director, Joanna Abou Sleiman-Chevalier, artistic director, as well as officials and ambassadors from participating countries. The VIPs in attendance also boasted a large number of personalities from the world of business, as well as representatives from leading international cultural institutions.
SEP
17
KEMPINSKI SUMMERLAND HOTEL & RESORT LAUNCHES ROJO
At Kempinski Summerland Hotel and Resort Beirut
Kempinski Summerland Hotel and Resort has just launched a brand new culinary entertainment experience; ROJO restaurant. Media representatives, bloggers, influencers, and celebrities attended the opening which was held on the 17th of September 2019.
Rojo’s uniqueness is manifested through its open kitchen concept and Josper oven, along with the dry aged meat vitrine and fresh Canadian lobster aquarium displayed in the restaurant. Its distinctive live food bar serving traditional Mediterranean dishes is a great addition to create a once in a lifetime overall experience.
SEP
17
CHEF MICHEL WILLAUME
At Maroun Chedid Culinary Academy
Valrhona training festive season pastries with Chef Michel Willaume at Maroun Chedid Culinary Academy.
SEP
17
PATRON SEMINAR
At Joe Peña’s Beirut
Patron Perfectionists seminar with Julio Bermejo the creator of the Tommy’s Margarita
SEP
13-14
POP UP DINNER WITH CHEF TAREK ALAMEDDINE
At Souk El Gharb School
On September 13th and 14th, in Souk El Gharb School, Chef Tarek Alameddine from Noma presented a course menu full of flavors. All proceeds from the memorable culinary experience went to The Red Cross (Lebanon).
SEP
12-14
KEMPINSKI SUMMERLAND HOSTS MICHELIN STAR CHEF FREDERIC CHABBERT
At Rojo, Kempinski Summerland
In line with Kempinski’s commitment to bring exceptional experiences from all over the world to its guests, Kempinski Summerland hosted the French Michelin Star Chef Frederic Chabbert at Rojo for three days from the 12th until the 14th of September. Owner of The Dôme in Belgium and one of the revolutionary chefs of Hong Kong, Chef Frederic Chabbert came all the way from Belgium to bring his expertise to Lebanon, taking food lovers on a unique journey and thus bringing The Dôme to Rojo. Chabbert is considered one of the leading chefs in the world due to his wide expertise in the culinary world accumulated over his long years in the business. Chef Frederic has worked in many restaurants around the world including those in the US, London, France, Tokyo, and Monaco. Guests at the hotel, food fanatics and bloggers, and media representatives all attended to enjoy the food prepared by Chef Frederic Chabbert specifically for the event. The menu included modern and innovative dishes that varied between beetroot, frike, fresh lobster, beef, figs, and chocolate tart.
SEP
12
SKYBAR BEIRUT PARTY
At Skybar Beirut
Skybar Beirut threw its last soiree for the Summer Season. It was a lavish night with VIP attendance.
SEP
5
SYDNEY CLUB NEW MENU LAUNCHING
At Sydney club bar and restaurant
In a lavish event, Sydney club bar and restaurant launched its new menu.
SEP
4
PHOENICIA CULINARY INSTITUTE OUTING
At Château Kefraya
The chefs of the Phoenicia Culinary Institute presented a unique culinary journey in Lebanon at Château Kefraya, the country’s second biggest winery in the Beqaa Valley.
SEP
2
CHEF JEAN FRANÇOIS GIRARDIN IN BEIRUT
At Brassica restaurant Saifi village, Beirut Lebanon
Beirut will be hosting Chef Jean François Girardin, President of Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF). Last night Chef Antoine Bonnet hosted the president at Brassica restaurant Saifi village for a French gastronomic experience in Lebanon.
AUG
28
SKYLINE ROOFTOP LOUNGE WITH LE GEORGES
At Skyline Rooftop Lounge
Known as “Le Georges”, Chef Georges Dakkak turned the night of August 28th at Skyline Rooftop Lounge into a remarkable culinary experience as he unleashed his sense of creativity during a live cooking session.
Media figures and foodies discovered unique flavors with “Le Georges” in an evening of tasty bites and dishes starting with rocca salad, tomato mozzarella bruschetta, salmon tartare and mini burgers for starters and ending with his signature dish: the Beef Tenderloin.
The invitees enjoyed a close encounter with Chef Le Georges while indulging his tastiest specialties.
AUG
25
FAIR TRADE LEBANON CELEBRATED WORLD FAIR TRADE DAY
At St. Georges’ Convent, Roumiyeh-Qleyaat
Fair Trade Lebanon celebrated World Fair Trade Day for the eighth consecutive year on August 25, 2019 at St. Georges’ Convent, Roumiyeh-Qleyaat. The event was held under the High Patronage of the Minister of Economy and Trade H.E. Mansour Bteich.
This event brought together more than 1,500 attendees and producers under the slogan “Meet the Producers”. The family-friendly day gathered Fair Trade supporters, food influencers and Lebanese lifestyle bloggers around fresh Lebanese produce and products. Everyone at the event enjoyed an authentic lunch buffet freshly prepared by Fair Trade Lebanon’s cooperatives. This live cooking show offered a variety of amazing dishes such as freekeh, stuffed vine leaves, walnut kebbeh…
JUL
11
THE GLENLIVET SENSOLOGY EXPERIENCE
At Pepper Tree
Whisky aficionados gathered at Pepper Tree and experienced the The Glenlivet Sensology, a multi-sensory exploration of ‘The single malt that started it all’.
JUL
9
CHATEAU RWEISS COCKTAIL RECEPTION
At Chateau Rweiss
Chateau Rweiss held a cocktail reception to celebrate winning DWP Ace Award for the Best Wedding Property in the Middle East.
His Excellency the Minister of Tourism: H.E. Mr. Avedis Guidanian and other international guests attended the celebration.
JUL
9
URUGUAY STREET RE-OPENING
At Downtown, Beirut
Uruguay Street, in Beirut Central District, officially reopened and waiting for crowds to celebrate every moment!
After having been entirely closed since 2016, it has reopened for business.
During the opening, guests enjoyed their time and discovered the pubs and bars operating in Uruguay Street: Wicked, Sugar Fish, Monkey Bar, Mojito, Duval, LA Cantina del Patron, Casa de Uruguay, U Lounge Bar, and Gino Bar.
JUL
7
HARVEST TIMES WITH THE GOOD THYMES
At the Good Thymes, In Jezzine
Harvest day was enjoyable and magical were friends enjoyed harvesting thyme.
After harvesting, attendees enjoyed delectable delights.
JUL
3
PHOENICIA CULINARY INSTITUTE’S EXCLUSIVE TRIP TO FERME ST. JACQUES
At Ferme St. Jacques
As part of its yearly activities, the chefs of the Phoenicia Hotel in addition to 30 guests, made their way to Ferme St. Jacques in Batroun – famous for its production of duck products – on Wednesday July 3rd. The bus departed from the Phoenicia Hotel at 8:30 am and arrived back to Beirut at 4:00 pm. Upon arrival in Batroun, the team at Ferme St. Jacques gave the guests a tour around the place in order to become more familiar with the special process of production, in addition to the local products available at their facility. The tour was then followed by a live cooking demonstration from Phoenicia chefs, who utilized special ingredients, in addition to the local products made at Ferme St. Jacques, to create a culinary fusion and present the guests with a one of a kind dining experience and delicious meals, such as the famous Foie gras en terrine, Granny Smith cappuccino, Honey glazed duck breast, Puree of Jerusalem artichoke and persimmon, Maki of Foie gras and mango, Breaded duck aiguillettes, Beetroot espuma, Duck leg rillettes and passion fruit and cardamom sauce, Cappuccino of mushrooms and Foie gras crispy cigars, Smoked duck and gizzards salad, Stone fruits and aged balsamic dressing, Foie gras macaron and Xocopili chocolate, Foie gras crème brulée with fruits and ginger bread and of course all the dishes were accompanied by the corresponding wine.
JUL
3
MÖVENPICK HOTEL BEIRUT INTRODUCES SKYLINE ROOFTOP LOUNGE
At Mövenpick Hotel Beirut
July 3rd 2019 marked the inauguration date of a new vibrant experience in the heart of Beirut, Skyline Rooftop Lounge redefines sunset destinations while offering fancy dining atmosphere and the ideal spot for post-work catch-ups or weekend chill outs with your friends.
More than 450 attendees from media representatives, public figures and influencers discovered the new spot in town while enjoying a night of memorable views, great food and warm company.
JUN
30
LAU’S HOSPITALITY LEADERS HONORING CEREMONY
At LAU Beirut
The Lebanese American University (LAU) Adnan Kassar School of Business (AKSOB) and the AKSOB Hospitality and Tourism Management Department honored the achievements and contributions of 12 of Lebanon’s hospitality industry leaders. Their accomplishments were recognized at a gala dinner held at the LAU Beirut campus with the theme “From Lebanon to the World”.
JUN
21
BAU OPENS ITS DOORS IN BEIRUT
At Waterfront Beirut
Inspired by the Goddess of rebirth, sky and dawn, BAU Beirut opened its doors on June 21, 2019 at Waterfront Beirut, offering a luxurious experience and a luscious combination of exceptional food, service and entertainment.
Reflecting comfort, beauty, and class, the social bar features a stylish minimalist interior with a spectacular view overseeing the Beirut skyline. With spirituality right in its core, the one of a kind lounge and rooftop spreads music that can heal any soul. With a DJ line up second to none and a minimalist design to sooth minds, owners, Dina and Elie Lahoud wanted to create an experience that spreads good vibes all around.
Dina and Elie wanted an Asian inspiration to the lounge and hired Rabih Geha to create a spiritual unique experience through colors, material, and architecture. Every piece used represents a particular symbol in Asian culture; from the marble tabletops, the grooves under the bar, the cloth used in the lounges and lighting.
JUN
21
LAUNCHING OF THE ROSÉ OF B-QĀ DE MARSYAS
At Le Gray Beirut
Great crowd and atmosphere at the release of the Rosé of B-Qa de Marsyas at Le Gray in Beirut
JUN
19
VILLEROY & BOCH NEW STORE
At Downtown, Beirut
Villeroy & Boch one of the world’s largest producers of premium ceramics, making everything from coffee mugs to sinks opened its latest branch in Downtown Beirut, Lebanon
JUN
13
MARTELL MASTERCLASS
At restaurant Stove
A “Be Curious” private dinner unveiled a refine selection of cognac Martell to a pool of privileged guests at restaurant Stove, last June 13th.
JUN
5-8
THE GARDEN SHOW & SPRING FESTIVAL 2019
At Hippodrome, Beirut
The Garden Show & Spring Festival closed its doors on Saturday the 8th of June after four days of outdoor entertainment and cheerful spring vibes.
Set in Beirut’s iconic Hippodrome, the event welcomed more than 16,000 visitors who explored the stands of over 220 exhibitors. The festival showcased a myriad of stunning garden designs and plants in full bloom, the latest in garden furniture and equipment, and decorative pieces.
The theme of the 2019 edition was “Lights in the Garden,” highlighting the wonderful symphony of nature.
The Garden Show & Spring Festival offered the public the opportunity to elect Lebanon’s national rose to mark the 100th anniversary of the creation of Greater Lebanon in 2020. Visitors to the show selected their favorite rose from a list of 10 roses. Delbard, a plant nursery in France, will create this new rose that will forevermore be known as the “Lebanon Rose.” It will be launched at the 17th edition of the Garden Show & Spring Festival.
The Garden Show & Spring Festival included several events:
- TRAVEL LEBANON: For the sixth consecutive year, Travel Lebanon highlighted many activities surrounding tourism in Lebanon and beyond. Visitors engaged with tour operators, eco-tourism specialists, municipalities and artisans in order to plan their summer holidays.
- DINE FOR A CAUSE: In collaboration with L’Academie Nationale de Cuisine and Le Cordon Bleu Lebanon, three special dinners were organized at the festival to support charities. A number of well-known chefs prepared special menus to raise funds for Les Restaurants du Coeur, Lebanese Red Cross and Caritas.
- LANDSCAPE & ARCHITECTURE FACULTIES: Representatives from the Lebanese University, USEK and AUB were at the show to discuss careers in the world of gardening and landscaping.
- TASTE LEBANON: Visitors enjoyed dining under the iconic pine trees of Beirut Hippodrome. More than 20 food and drink stalls took part, and there was also a lively entertainment program featuring local bands and DJs.
- SOUK EL TAYEB: Souk el Tayeb celebrated its 15th anniversary at the show, where the concept began in 2004. The Farmers’ Market brought together producers from around the country to showcase their homemade items and mouneh products.
- MASTERCLASSES: A variety of cooking and gardening masterclasses were organized with experts. They provided visitors with useful tips and advice to help them get the most out of the outdoor season.
- KIDS’ VILLAGE: At the Kids’ Village, C2C offered children a variety of outdoor games and activities, including daily arts and crafts sessions, stage animation, inflatable toys and more.
- PONY RIDES: Fun pony rides were available for children to enjoy.
JUN
6
SOUK EL TAYEB’S 15TH ANNIVERSARY
At Beit El Hamra
To mark the changes brought about to Lebanon’s food scene, Kamal Mouzawak, Souk El Tayeb‘s founder celebrated the brand’s 15th birthday with an unmissable event with guest of honor Rene Redzepi, chef and owner of Noma restaurant in Copenhagen.
MAY
THM GALA DINNER “THE SECRET GARDEN”
at University of Balamand School of Tourism and Hotel Management
University of Balamand School of Tourism and Hotel Management organized its annual gala dinner prepared and executed by the Special Events Management students as their graduation project. The students chose “Secret Garden” to be the event’s theme. They made sure that all details captured the event’s theme: the decoration, music, menu planning, and entertainment and invitation cards. The students did an amazing job dividing the tasks and duties among themselves and they worked as a team to make this event a success.
MAY
RIVIERA HOTEL IFTAR
at Au Gros Sel
Riviera Hotel invited media, public figures and celebrities over an iftar at Au Gros Sel, one of the charming restaurants at the Riviera Hotel Manara. Au Gros Sel, serves a delicious menu of Mediterranean Seafood and is located in the Beach Lounge, providing a stunning panoramic view of the Mediterranean. The invitees were welcomed by Mrs. Cecilia Slim, Senior PR and Media Marketing Executive at Riviera Hotel, they enjoyed the Ramadan spirit with Oud music and a wide range of exquisite dishes, Lebanese menu selection and international dishes prepared Au Gros Sel way.
MAY
27
ROYAL SALUTE
at Hotel Albergo
“Always start where others end”, a celebration of luxury blended scotch. Last May, on 27th the Royal Salute event gathered fourteen happy few at Hotel Albergo.
MAY
22
NOURA OPENS IN ZALKA
at Zalka highway, Beirut
After the opening of the flagship store in downtown, with a new identity, the Lebanese catering, pastry and chocolate pioneer brand NOURA, headed by Julien & Pierre Khabbaz, celebrated the launch of its new 4th branch located on Zalka highway.
More than 600 VIP guests attended the event and discovered the brand’s new look: This point of sale, designed by Marine Bustros (mb design) welcomes you in warm colors used to set the tone for a welcoming atmosphere which echoes the downtown flagship store. The delicious products are elegantly displayed on marble counters. Guests enjoyed different types of sweet and salty bouchées, plus various chocolates paired with champagne.
MAY
18
EDIBLE POETRY FROM CHEF TAREK ALAMEDDINE
at Bistr’eau
A 12-course menu centered around seafood was prepared by renowned Noma’s Chef Tarek Alameddine on the 18st of May.
Chef Tarek Alameddine presented guests with a memorable culinary experience of 12-course menu full of flavors and finesse. The food was served with local wines from Batroun and fresh Juices prepared by the chef himself.
MAY
3
BLESSING OPENING
at Downtown Beirut
Blessing, the gifting specialist since 1996, just got to Downtown Beirut.
More than 350 guests gathered on May 3rd at the new Blessing branch in Down Town to wish founders Rana Najjar and Rima El-Husseini a successful new beginning.
A wide variety of Blessing chocolates amazed the guests with its unusual fillings and the “fill it yourself” chocolate station was a main attraction where guests enjoyed picking their favorite flavors in a beautiful box.
However, Blessing is not just about great chocolate; it is a unique concept of luxury gifts for seasonal and celebratory events. The main message displayed all over the place is: Life is a Blessing. Live it. Love it.
MAY
2
U-FEED OPENING
at Caritas Lebanon
Caritas Lebanon opened U-Feed in Dekwana under the patronage of Minister Kyumjian.
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of the Minister of Social Affairs. Richard Kyumjian and the presence of Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany d. George Berglin and Caritas Lebanon President Paul Karam, at the U-FEED Al-Dekwana building.