During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from sun-up to sun-down. The fast is broken with iftar, a lavish spread of home-cooked dishes preceded by a couple of dates, lentil soup, and fattouch. The typical drinks served with the meal are “qamar el-deen,” or apricot juice, and “jellab,” derived from carob, dates, grape molasses and […]
Whether you’re a courageous local who resides in Lebanon yearlong, or you’re an expat returning to the motherland for the holidays, one thing’s certain: Christmas around here holds unparalleled magic. From the resplendent lights hung up by municipalities in a bit of competitive flair, to the fantastic decorations gracing shop windows, malls, and residential buildings, this festive time of year […]
It’s officially December, which means holiday mode is ON! ‘Tis the season for sumptuous spreads of food, family, cold weather, and Christmas carols. Don’t forget the ultimate party favor to make it all wonderful. Did you guess wine? Indeed, there’s nothing like that bittersweet grape derivative to make the holidays – or any occasion, for that matter – a tad […]
Lebanese people have a knack for good food. This is no exaggeration. The fact of the matter is we have a rich cuisine that demands only the finest, freshest produce and meat. That kind of fussiness at the table forges a very discerning palate, which is why wherever we go in the world, we stick out like sore thumbs. Only […]
Fall is unmistakably here, and it’s not merely because Starbucks’ festive red and green cups are in stock. The crisp autumn air takes on a chilly bite at night, and we’re already being inundated by thunderstorms and flash floods. Apart from the weather, you know it’s fall in Lebanon with the harvest of olives and the accompanying pressing to make […]
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink for as long as the sun is shining. When the fast is broken at sunset, iftar is served, ushering in a rich spread of savory food polished off with a sweet ending. In Lebanon, while some of the local pastries are readily available year-round, others emerge exclusively for […]
Lebanon is rooted in contrasts. The warm Mediterranean waters provide juxtaposition to the cool mountain air as you head inland. Street food joints can often be found adjacent to top-notch luxurious dining venues (case in point: Malek el Croissant is just a stone’s throw away from La Table Fine in Jounieh Souks). Beautiful new high-rises soar above century-old facades. Here are […]
Christmas time is here…happiness and cheer! No doubt the festive holiday season has descended upon Lebanon. In addition to all the gift shopping, hot cocoa sipping, and carol singing animating the atmosphere, many will take to the kitchen to bake sweet somethings passed down from yore. So brandish your aprons, spatulas, and cake mixers. It’s time to bake up a […]
Recent Comments