Time Out Beirut- Mar 1-15 2014 No. 70: ART ATTACK by Time Out Beirut

KNOW MORE. DO MORE. TIMEOUTBEIRUT.COM March 01-14, 2014 Issue No.70

INSIDE

MARIO E MARIO DRINKING AT LOCALE ARABIAN NIGHTS JZ ROCKS THE BOAT BEARDY WEIRDY ALERT

ART ATTACK: LET’S GET CREATIVE BEHIND THE SCENES OF 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE

Issue 70

Contents

March 01-14, 2014

The next 14 days in the world’s greatest city

Hello Beirut... No one can deny that our city is one of the very most creative on earth. What do they say about the phoenix rising from the ashes? Well our art scene has grown immeasurably since 1990 and that’s thanks to the incredible talent that Lebanon is laced with. This issue is testament to that, and reflects and celebrates all the great minds and talented souls that Beirut holds and exhibits. From Karantina to Manara every street corner has something to see, so enjoy! Nehme Abouzeid, Publisher

Features 10 Art attack

TOB gets creative with Beirut‘s ar t world

an Empire

15 Interview TOB goes behind the scenes of 300: Rise of

1 2

Get an ethical look at new concept store The Bayrut Express. p.29

Seize the day at Café Diem. p.19

Regulars 05 Beirut Beat Protecting history with Save Achrafieh Project 18 Food & Drink Mar Mikhael’s newest Italian is a hit

29 Shopping & Lifestyle

Crimes of passion in ‘Les Noces de Zahwa’. p.41

A look at 300: Rise of an Empire as it storms cinemas. p.15

Express fashion and catwalk styles

35 Things to Do Beirut’s new hostel is a cultural melting-pot 41 Arts & Culture TOB gets theatrical with play reviews 44 Film Oscars, aids and 47 pounds of weight-loss

for Matthew McConaughey

48 Music & Nightlife James Zabiela is a DJ to rock your yachts off 54 Love & Dating What makes a beardy weirdy?

Mar Antonios Str Gemmayzeh, P. O. Box 175-613 Beirut, Lebanon Phone 01 574411 Fax 01 565329 www.timeoutbeirut.com

How The Crow flies. p.50

Editorial editor@timeoutbeirut.com Events events@timeoutbeirut.com Listings listings@timeoutbeirut.com Advertising sales@timeoutbeirut.com Subscriptions subscriptions@timeoutbeirut.com Publisher Nehme Abouzeid Managing Director Naomi Sargeant Responsible Director Louis Abouzeid Managing Editors Dan Hilton, James Haines-Young Things to Do, Reporter, Shopping & Lifestyle James Haines-Young Food & Drink, Feature Dan Hilton Arts & Culture, Film Joanna Aziz Beirut Beat, Music & Nightlife Roman St Clair Love & Dating James Haines-Young, Dan Hilton Listing Editor Joanna Aziz Online Ashley El Jor, Sarah Trad Senior Designer Elyane Youssef Junior Designer Edith Hajjar Intern Christelle Sanane Director of Photography Greg Demarque Photographer James HainesYoung Advertising Tala Al Jamal Marketing Executive Serge Trad Finance Paula Antoun IT Manager Haydar Mtayrek Production Director Jean Abouzeid Printed by On Time Publishing S.A.R.L The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. © Copyright here and abroad of all editorial content is held by the publishers T.O. Beirut sarl. Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden save with the express permission in writing of the publishers. Published under the authority of and in collaboration with Time Out Group Limited London UK. The name and logo of Time Out are used under licence Time Out Group Limited London UK.

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Edited by Roman St Clair roman@ontimepublishing.com

Save Achrafieh Project Take to the streets to save our old city

BE I RUT L O V ES… Sharing #whatispeace Unsurprising considering the escalation of violence in Lebanon, citizens are speaking out on social media not just about violence but other social issues in Lebanese society. Tweeting @shougin One of the TEDxLAU Organizers, Shoug Al-Nafisi, tweets about her vision for ideal teamwork, noticing and benefiting from differences, in order to generate incredible ideas. Following @Wolfpackalan A parody account of the Hangover character Alan Garner who supposedly coined the phrase ‘wolf pack’ to apply to a group of friends.

chrafieh is in danger! The Fouad Boutros project plans to build a large highway through Achrafieh at the cost of many old and beautiful buildings. Though the plan has been in place since the ‘50s it has taken Fouad Boutros until now to go ahead with the proceedings. The project is set to ‘destroy 32 heritage landmarks, endanger 33 more, and uproot thousands of meters of lush green spaces in the Achrafieh, Hekmeh and Mar Mikhael neighbourhoods’ (though ‘ thousands of meters of lush green spaces’ could be a slight exaggeration). Conservationist group ‘Achrafieh Stairs’ are rallying against the destruction of the city, calling for two demonstrations on March 1 and 2 in Mar Mikhael and Rmeil respectively. The group has experienced success through peaceful protest in the past, having stopped the destruction of the Sodico space in Mar Mikhael and prevented the construction of a car park on the Jesuit Park in Achrafieh. They are supported by numerous NGOs including Beirut Heritage and Beirut Dispatch and endorsed by many Lebanese celebrities. A spokesman of theirs drew comparison of the proposed highway with the noisy and congested bridge at Bourj Hammoud which is not only an eyesore but a cause of much pollution and traffic. They proposed a three exit tunnel as an alternative means of lowering the volume of traffic through the areas without destroying its history. For all those who are opposed to the demolition of their city, draw up some billboards and head down to the protest and with the support of residents, NGO’s and celebrities we can hopefully put a stop to the destruction. Facebook: Achrafieh Stairs. Sat Mar 1, 3PM. Armenia Street. Sun March 2. 11am. Rmeil

S E E W HAT ’ S ON I N B EIR U T AT T IM EOU T B EI R U T.C OM /THINGS TODO

Beirut at Night The fact that a significant portion of Beirut dwellers love to party is hardly a secret. The short film ‘Beirut at night’ is american film maker Eric Hinojosa’s homage to the wealth of weekend (and probably weekday) goings on in this bustling metropolis. Hinojosa says it is ‘made with love for this great city’ and took him months and months of hard going out and countless free drinks, the poor guy... His favourite part of the process was asking strangers if they wanted to be part of his project and it is a testament to the friendly nature of the Lebanese that so many were thrilled to feature in the two minute video; even a surly looking bouncer bares his biceps to the camera. The energy, fun and pizazz of the Beirut night life really are accentuated in this clip which makes you wonder why you aren’t out every night, smoking cigars, popping champagne and jumping into swimming pools. Youtube: beirutatnight For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com 5

Beirut Beat

Try this month The ancient Greeks used to say beauty is a virtue

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The

TIME OUT Reporter interview

The inside story

Road deaths in Lebanon among the highest in the world Latest figures show that accident rates on Lebanon’s roads are a worryingly stubborn trend

he official figures for traffic related deaths in 2013 show that an average of 10 people were killed each week in accidents on Lebanon’s roads. ISF reported that 564 pedestrians and passengers were killed last year in crashes and collisions in Lebanon. This puts the total number of reported fatalities from crashes last year 12.7 deaths per 100,000, making Lebanon one of the most dangerous countries for road users in the world. While this number is marginally smaller than the year before (a modest 0.05% drop) no significant reductions have been made, unlike in other countries including a number in the Middle Eastern

nations which have seen dramatic reductions in the past few years, causing concern amongst local experts and activists.  It’s not that Lebanon doesn’t have legislation, poorly maintained roads only account for part of the blame. Believe it or not there are laws that govern speed limits and harsh fines for those that break them. But, says driving safety advocacy organisation YASA, a lack of enforcement of these rules is the issue. ‘Raising awareness can spread a new culture of road safety, but what is really needed is law enforcement,’ says Hadi Gebrane of YASA.  In Lebanon the organisation Kunhadi run advertisement campaigns to promote

CLICK IN EVERY TIME Wearing a seatbelt on every trip is one of the most effective ways of preventing deaths in accidents on the roads. According to the UK road safety campaign !think you are twice as likely to die in an accident when not wearing one.

SPEED KILLS  The risk of death is four times higher when a pedestrian is hit at 64kph than at 48kph. Speeding isn’t just about hitting people, it’s about hitting other things. Head on collisions at high speeds are extremely dangerous; going a bit slower could save your life.

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safe driving. It might seem obvious but they say that talking on your phone, texting on your phone, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and even when tired have a massive effect on your ability to judge distances, reaction times or a combination of both, making accidents much more likely.  So while we wait for the government to step in and enforce driving laws, we can all help in our own way. Think before getting behind the wheel about whether you are safe to be driving, stick to speed limits (even if others don’t seem too) and don’t take unnecessary risk - weaving in and out of traffic is a sure way to have an accident.

DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE Reaction times for drivers using a phone are around 50% slower than normal driving. This means that if the car in front breaks, the extra time it takes to also break could be the difference between arriving safely and having an accident.

er y ar t and ar t scene. Ev re’s ’s ty ci r ou an th t ru ei he B more proud of about, each one more varied than the next. Soof the s up There’s nothing we’re er oving exhibits open e movers and shak week stunning and m k out, as well as an insight to some of th a few places to chec Beirut ar t world.

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Our aim is to help young or unknown Lebanese artists find a public

TOB catches up with George Rabbath, director of a fascinating cultural project on Gouraud Street. If not a gallery, what would you call yourself and why? We would call ourselves project spaces. We are very wary of using the word art, the main reason is that using the label of ‘art’ would be playing into the general trend actually happening in the regional ‘art market’. What made you set up 393 in the first place? The original intent was a reaction to the ‘forbidding’ space of a place like the Beirut Art Center on the one hand, and the unchecked commodification of art objects on the other hand. Such an existing divide creates an apparent polarization. The 393 project was born out of the desire to explore means of a more authentic relation to the individuals producing works and the people supporting them. A critical distance with respect to the artwork is no longer

possible in contemporary art, but this also means that the viewer is an integral part of the work. Most artworks do not lend themselves to participation or interaction, but we would like to work with artists along those lines, especially because the 393 spaces lend themselves to viewer participation. How about the artists? Our aim is to help young or unknown Lebanese artists find a public, but we can also work with more confirmed or international artists provided that they create works that are site-specific and works that have a community building or social work dimension to them. In that respect we are very much looking to work with someone like artist Tania el Khoury whom I find to be truly an uncompromising and authentic artist. Other, more internationally renowned artists, like Paola Yacoub, found the 393 project very promising. 392RMEIL393 (03 242193) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh

BEIRUT ART CENTER Beirut Art Center (or BAC for us in the know) is the cool, industrial, well-curated exhibition space that Beirut’s budding artists dream of being shown in. This non-profit organisation has been strenuously promoting and showcasing local talent since 2009. They continue to be an inspiring cultural outlet with its current exhibition ‘Exposure.’ Inhabiting a converted industrial space that wouldn’t look out of place in Brooklyn or Berlin, their innovative and everchanging exhibits keep everyone coming back for more. (01 397018) Jisr El Wati For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com 11

Beirut Exhibition Center

PHOTOGRAPHER 26-year-old Lara Zankoul captures a dreamlike state in her above/underwater photo exhibition, ‘The Unseen’ How did you first get introduced to the art of photography? I studied Economics but I was always interested in photography and visual arts. I was scared to go in to it because it seemed risky. But when I started my full-time job, I felt this void so I decided to buy camera. And then I discovered Flickr which lead me to the 365 day photo challenge which taught me how to be committed to the camera and not just leave it in the drawer. I always like to shoot a concept and intangible thoughts. How did the concept of ‘The Unseen’ exhibition come around? I observe and I’m sensitive to my surroundings and the experiences I go through. I realised that in our society there is a duality of appearances and truth. People wear a lot of masks and you realise that with maturity. The idea came spontaneously and I wanted to try the technique

of over/under water photography and suddenly it all came together. So what is the purpose of using animal heads on human bodies in ‘The Zoo’ photograph? It’s the non-human side we show in appearances but I gave it an optimistic view where everything under the water reflects the truth. It can be read as different versions of people but under water they are both human. People interpreted the pictures in many different ways and that was very interesting. How did you find the experience of shooting this series? It was difficult. I had to come up with the technique on my own. I did a lot of research and it took six months to be fully completed and two days to shoot. I faced so many challenges such as the light reflecting off the glass and broken glass. I wanted to have it in a room so have the iceberg effect in comparison to society. The Unseen. Ayyam Gallery (01 374450) Beirut Tower Zaitounay Str, Minet el Hosn. Until Mar 30

I observe and I’m sensitive to my surroundings and the experiences I go through

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Found inside a truly extraordinary purposebuilt, shimmering, jagged and reflective construction that mirrors the everchanging city it serves, Beirut Exhibition Center is the heavyweight of our art scene. Seeking to engage with Lebanon and the region’s public, BEC fights the good fight to make Beirut a capital of culture. And when it comes to inspirational art, they certainly hit the nail on the head with their Syri-Arts auction, selling 101 works to raise money for refugee children in Lebanon. (01 962000) BIEL, Downtown

ART FACTUM GALLERY Tucked down the back of Karantina between two warehouse-like buildings is one of Beirut’s most innovative little galleries. Not content with just making Beirut firsts, they were first to collaborate with the rising Pakistani gallery Artchowk, they take Lebanese art to the region. At the moment they have decamped to Saudi Arabia to host an art auction before jetting back to show the work of French-Moroccan photographer Mustapha Azeroua at the end of this month. An innovative space hosting interesting exhibitions. (01 443263) Rehban Str, Medawar, Karantina

DIRECTOR AND CHOREOGRAPHER Young Ali Charour recently directed the moving dance performance ‘Fatmeh’. He shares with TOB his vision and thoughts on dance choreography. How were you first introduced to dance? It started when I was studying theatre at the Lebanese University. I took a few dance classes and became interested in expression and movement. It then became evident how the body can be used as a tool of communication, even stronger than language. It might be difficult but it is very impactful. I started learning the techniques by 2008. Why did you purse the contemporary style? The contemporary style is diverse and combines various dance techniques. It’s a lot like theatre. The movement is a grounding like nature yet it involves a certain fluidity. What was the inspiration behind ‘Fatmeh’? It began with Oum Kalthoum and the meaning of her songs; love, passion, rebellion, the relationship between man and god. Those songs have been integrated to the lives and memory of

all Arab citizens. And so the search started, the search of utilising the body in order to express those states, the melancholic and subtle ones. How was the process of directing and working with the dancers? Rania and Oumama are not professionally trained. Their movement was spontaneous and liberated. It reflected their personality which may be restricted due to society and conventional thought and that was used in context. The vision behind the choreography was based on improvisational movement which Rania and Oumama built and developed themselves. What is next on your agenda? First thing is completing my masters. Then the next performance, hopefully done by the end of this year, will dive more into the spontaneous movement of a group arriving from different backgrounds, all the corners of Lebanon and see how their culture influences their movement. We’ll discover their stories and body language. This base of individuality will be used to create a scenic performance of singing and dancing scheduled at the beginning of 2015.

I took a few dance classes and became interested in expression and movement. It then became evident how the body can be used as a tool of communication, even stronger than language

ARTLAB A beautiful 1950s Gemmayzeh building houses this eclectic and exciting exhibition space. Looking both close to home and abroad, Lebanese and international artists are brought together with the Artlab looking to cement Beirut’s cultural scene as one

where East meets West. Their pieces are unique and often entirely affordable, making art accessible to many who never dreamed it so. (03 244577) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com 13

Found atop a gloriously industrial Karantina building, Sfeir-Semler is one of Beirutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular galleries. Twinned with a sister in Hamburg, work of predominantly Middle-Eastern artists are displayed for two to three months at a time. Currently showing This Day @ Ten by Akram Zaatari, an exhibition that is grounded in his work as a documentary maker. The exhibition sees the artist, the documentary maker, as an architect of modern history and draws inspiration from the 1982 invasion by Israel and the National Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s encasing of monuments in protective concrete from 1976 to 1991. (01 566550) Tannous Bldg, 56 Str, Karantina

Element is one of the few design exhibitions found in Beirut today, do you feel people are becoming more receptive to design as an art form? Design is definitely getting more exposure on the local scene. Lebanon has great designers that are getting the exposure and the deserved recognition.

The chaos of Beirut is probably for me the biggest source of inspiration I find in the city

What did you find most appealing about the Beirut Art Center as a space to exhibit your work? BAC has the capacity to be an independent exhibition space that plays the role for Lebanon of a contemporary art museum. It has the freedom to exhibit alternative art as well as bringing to the public a cultural hub mixing local and international contemporary art projects. What were your influences for this exhibition? I was mainly influenced by the inspiration of the moment and my fascination to the natural and row elements. The exhibition has themes of the tension between the man-made and the natural state. Is this drawn from your experience working as an architect? Stone, glass, concrete and metals are the basic tools for architects to express and formalise their ideas. To be able to master those materials we do have to understand and respect their properties. Through the minimalistic design approach of the pieces of this exhibit we are exhibiting the properties of those fundamental elements. From an aesthetic and cultural perspective, what do you love most about Beirut? The chaos of Beirut is probably for me the biggest source of inspiration I find in the city. It is giving the freedom for accident and invention to happen. Element. Beirut Art Center (01 397018) Jisr El Wati

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Mr Happy

The star of the summer tells us all about being the front man for a change

Pharrell Williams is about to make someone cry. In a good way. He may have spent most of his career creating worldwide smash-hit singles for everyone from Britney to Jay Z (as half of production duo The Neptunes), and performing as one third of rock-inflected rap trio NERD, but last summer he went from being the thinking rapper’s producer of choice to the planet’s poster boy for fun times. His appearances on Daft Punk’s ‘Get Lucky’ and Robin Thicke’s ‘Blurred Lines’ defined the 2013 ‘summer of disco’. Now his own track ‘Happy’ has become the feel good hit of the winter. You just made one fan extremely happy. Are you on a quest to bring joy to the world or what? Is it that transparent? I had this personal mission to sneak some positive stuff into my music and see what I could get away with. I guess that’s obvious to everyone at this point. It is. But does the success of ‘Happy’ make you happy? Seriously, I find myself trying to be cool about it, but I’m really like… whoa! I’ve always produced music for artists who are going through this level of success, but I just didn’t know it would be this crazy. I’m like a kid with a sweet tooth waking up in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Come on, it can’t be that alien to you. You’ve already got a shelfload of Grammys. Look, as a producer, I’ve always been the guy standing next to the guy, and I was happy with that. But then the universe taps you on your shoulder and you realise that there’s more in store for you. It’s kind of like ‘The Karate Kid’. He thinks his exercises are just for washing cars – he doesn’t realise what

The TIME OUT INTERVIEW TIME OUT

Pharrell interview Williams

he’s preparing himself for. I’ve spent 20 years preparing for this without even realising. Is your new album also about having fun? Yes! When we were working on it, I kept asking, ‘Does this feel celebratory and festive?’ My muse for it was women. I love them. Lastly, it seems like a lot of people are searching for ‘Is Pharrell Williams a vampire?’ on Google. Are you a vampire? No I am not. I’m willing to go on record as saying that I don’t drink people’s blood. How do I stay so young-looking for a 40-year-old? I wash my face.

I’m willing to go on record as saying that I don’t drink people’s blood

Greek chic An inside look at this month’s blockbuster ‘300: Rise of an Empire’ The weather is beautiful at Nu Boyana Studio, nestled within the foothills of the Vitoshka Mountains just outside Sofia, Bulgaria. In stark contrast to the sprawling and pastoral grounds, wars are being waged inside six of Nu Boyana’s 15 massive soundstages. You would expect nothing less from the set of 300: Rise of an Empire, a bold new chapter in the 300 saga, hitting theaters nearly a decade after its progenitor, the Greek epic 300, took the world by storm. Taking over the directorial reins for 300: Rise of an Empire is another emerging talent, acclaimed commercial director Noam Murro. Producer Gianni Nunnari recalls that the filmmaking team was after Murro for quite some time, ‘Noam created a presentation like Zack did in the past and it hit the target that we

wanted. His vision for designing battles took all of us by surprise, and completely evolved the stylistic look of the first film. He’s a guy who wins every five or six top awards in the commercial world, so we felt that Noam would be the perfect director to continue the story.’ No 300 film is complete without a small group of protagonists facing impossible odds and a strong uniting figure to lead them into battle. We catch our first glimpse of the film’s hero wearing his character’s minimalist leather attire and boots. Seeing Sullivan Stapleton in person, it becomes clear why the filmmakers chose him to play the Greek general Themistokles, who is driven to defend Greece against the powerful Persian Navy. The actor makes sure he’s got a moment and offers a little insight into the role. ‘What drew me to him and what I liked about him was his tenacity and his drive and focus to fight the Persians and to save Greece,’ Stapleton offers. ‘He unites all of Greece into fighting the Persians as one army. Previous to that, they fought as separate city-states and obviously smaller armies and weren’t so successful.’ The newly minted leading man knows the expectations he’s up against with the film and assures us that though 300: Rise of an Empire shares some similarities with the original, it has a few new tricks up its sleeve. ‘Here, the free Greeks are very different

from the Spartans,’ the Australian actor explains. ‘I think this will be a very different film. Noam’s definitely got a different take on it. This also goes from the battle into the political side of things and Themistokles’ fight to unite Greece; it shows a glimpse of the origins and the birth of democracy.’ With that, Stapleton is whisked away to cleave, hack, and spar with a variety of equally muscular men ... and one very formidable woman. Stepping into the cavernous stage where Noam Murro’s vision is unfolding is like entering a time machine: a massive Persian ship looms above, its foreboding spiky exterior setting the mood instantly. Vast green screens drape the walls and floor in every direction—a blank canvas for the dramatic seascapes and massive naval clashes between Greek and Persian ships that will be created with cutting edge visual effects. It’s an impressive set, and while the ship’s aft is divided into sections, there’s an aura around the craft that is unmistakably rife with menace. The size of the ship displays the power and grandeur of

the Persian empire. Oars protrude from the mouths of sculpted proto-samurai faces on its side and the protective mats scattered on the floor in every direction indicate that carnage will soon unfold. The ship, we’re told, has been built on a gimbal to allow movement, whether through the sea’s turbulence of clashes with Greek vessels. On the ship’s deck (made of rubber for stunts), an army of grimy, muscular actors and stuntpeople await their instructions. Though their banter is friendly, they know they’re moments away from picking up their swords and engaging in fierce combat against one another. Once Eva Green ascends the stairs leading to set, it’s apparent things are about to get serious. Decked out in a fitted leather bodice with golden spikes descending down her back, her legs sheathed in a long, black skirt, Green looks every inch the Machiavellian Persian commander Artemisia. An ally to the God-king Xerxes, once again embodied by Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro, Artemisia is the catalyst for much of the conflict in the film and a worthy opponent for Themistokles. No stranger to action and adventure, the French star of films like Casino Royale and Dark Shadows seems to relish the opportunity to be at the center of the action. ‘Artemisia is a very cool character,’ she intimates as the director lines up his shots above. ‘She’s the commander of the Persian Armada, and she’s very brave

and very much ahead of her time. As a little girl, I always wanted to play a warrior woman, so it’s kind of a dream. It’s fun.’ ‘The great thing about Artemisia is that she’s based in history,’ shares producer Bernie Goldmann. ‘It’s incredibly interesting that there was a woman of such great power at that time. She’s a very unique female character with many sides to her personality, and it’s unique to see so many qualities that are traditionally considered male to be present in a powerful woman beautifully played by Eva.’ According to Rodrigo Santoro, this seminal relationship is quite complicated. ‘It’s interesting because of its love/hate relationship,’ Santoro tells us. He is not filming today but distinctly recalls his God-king persona even in contemporary clothes. ‘She’s something of a stepsister to him through his father, King Darius, and there’s a lot to play with between them. I never thought that between Artemisia or Xerxes one was stronger than the other; they complement one another. They have different strengths within the same power structure, so they have to learn how to deal with each other and become one, which is great material.’ connect the narrative tissue of the storylines in a seamless bridge between the two films.

I always wanted to play a warrior woman, so it’s kind of a dream

From what we’ve seen here in Bulgaria between the action on set, the amazing conceptual designs, and from the enthusiasm displayed by everyone we’ve had the chance to speak to that the fun Eva Green is alluding to is going to be in plentiful supply.

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Food & Drink Mario e Mario Sleek Italian opens it’s doors to Mar Mikhael

Food & Drink

Where? Tucked away behind that bible bookshop on Armenia Street (you know the one) Mario e Mario is one of the new wave of quality places (like the bars Dictateur and Cargo) that are making this neck of the woods quickly the coolest in town The Vibe? Imagine a restaurant pitched up in the midst of an Italian middle class family home and you’re almost there. Homely in the extreme, a handful of tables litter an intimate and warm interior while white lace curtains and crisp white tablecloths add a simple elegance. With the summer just around the corner you’ll be happy to hear there’s a broad roof terrace overlooking the quaint domestic scene of this quiet neighbourhood. A cosier and more stylish Italian you won’t find in Beirut. The Food? If it’s spaghetti Bolognese and pizza you’re looking for you’d better turn around and bugger off – Mario e Mario serves truly traditional Italian fare, ‘the kind Mama used to make’ as the archly Italian waiter insists. The chef, a native of that crime and culinary capital Naples, adjusts the menu daily according to what he finds in the market and the availability of various species of fish. On TOB’s quite delightful stop by we were treated to a scintillatingly citrusy fillet of swordfish, lightly breadcrumbed and grilled, it was implausibly soft for an occasionally rubbery fish. Truly amazing was the mussels and monkfish stew, swimming in a deeply flavoursome broth of potatoes and artichokes, the great slab of monkfish was dense and fresh. The Drinks? Do things the Italian way and start off with an apperativo. Campari lovers that we were we headed of the bicicalete (Italian for bicycle, we wouldn’t advise riding one of those after a couple of these). The pink concoction is a delectable combination of Campari and white wine with just a splash of soda. (01 444036) Patriarche Str, Mar Mikhael 18 For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com

Edited by Dan Hilton dan@ontimepublishing.com

EAT HERE NOW

Food & Drink CARPE DIEM

KAMPAÏ Steeped in elegance, this Asian fusion restaurant has a reputation of good value, good service and excellent dainty dishes. (01 999093) Rafic Salloum Str, Minet El Hosn

(01 333607) Petro Trad Str, Achrafieh Stepping through the heavy glass door held open by our snappily dressed waiter, complete with jet black apron and converse, we couldn’t help but be immediately impressed at the meticulous detail that has gone into the design of this new café/bistro. The thin elongated space has a long delicatessen-like bar running down one side, with low filament bulbs slug from the tiled ceiling with long lengths of cord and the room was pockmarked by dainty round crisp white tables. The clientèle was surprisingly mixed – ex-pats working in one corner while Achrafieh professionals shared a coffee and dessert in another. We were here for dinner, of course, and skipping past the reputedly excellent sandwiches on offer (steak with garlic mustard – grrr) we headed straight for the appetizers. A mixed bunch, European classics such as beef carpaccio and fresh asparagus are accompanied by delicate yet startlingly fiery Asian

shrimp dumplings, secreted in a wooden nest. The cerviche, course cubes of white fish marinated in lime and olive oil, was so full of vim and obvious quality that it quite made our hairs stand on end. As for the mains, the pulled pork, stringy succulent and surprisingly subtle in flavour, was inhaled off the grey granite slab it came on and the braised chicken was, like everything in this stylish spot, beautifully presented in a miniature dark staub pot keeping the chicken lovely and hot. One thing we will say is the food mimics the café entirely – beautiful, tasteful but ever-so-tiny, though if the portions were any larger you might have to wheel us out. (01 333607) Petro Trad Str, Achrafieh . Meal for two with drinks LL129,000. A beautiful and bright café that’s as intimate as it’s stylish. From light breakfasts and sumptuous sandwiches to delicious hot dinners Café Diem is full of delicious options. THE BOTTOM LINE From delicacies to décor, this café has it all.

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Food & Drink

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Food & Drink Just opened... Izumi

Food & Drink

Uruguay is just exploding these days, isn’t it? Every day a new hole-in-the-wall bar seems to be popping up and swanky Downtown is heating up. Well, unsurprisingly, some bright spark has thought ‘What do Beirutis love more than sushi, cocktails and ultra-modern, cool, nightlife hotspots.’ The answer to that, of course, is nothing, and thus arrives Izumi, Uruguay Street’s newest (and quite possibly largest) addition. Not a restaurant with a bar, nor a bar with food, this concept fuses the two equally, and so is somewhere equally suitable for a night out on the town or a stylish dinner. They have earmarked a certain aspect of Japanese culture to base the concept upon – you won’t find samurai trinkets or elegant geishas here. Izumi showcases modern Japan with gargantuan manga-inspired murals on the walls and robotic touches throughout. A wide selection of delectable sushi is strewn across the menu, while the bar churns out speciality drinks you won’t find elsewhere such as the Enjin, a combination of London’s favourite Gordan’s gin combined with Japanese sake, freshly squeezed lemon juice, ginger, lemon bitters, lime juice and sugar syrup that is simply senseitional. And with 50% off all drinks between 5 and 8, there’s a brand new contender for post-work drinks. (78 969999) Uruguay Street, Downtown

THE GREEDY GOOSE There’s nowt so British as a proper pub quiz and that’s exactly what you’ll find in this boozer. Test your knowledge while indulging in some quality traditional gastro pub grub. (01 337883) Monot Str, Monot. Mon

DANY’S It’s not surprising that this academic friendly Hamra favourite has a quiz, all those students and professors are dying to show off their smarts. (01 740231) The Alleyway, Hamra. Sun

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EM NAZIH It’s a truly mixed crowd that can be found in the cheap and cheerful café at the foot of Saifi Urban Gardens. Come here for fine Lebanese food and a quiz as eclectic as the clientele. (01 562509) Pasteur Str, Gemmayzeh. Wed

Food & Drink D R I N K H E R E N O W. . .

Food & Drink

CENTRAL STATION Finally somewhere along Armenia Street that draws the sophisticates. Sporting quite possibly the longest bar in Beirut and notoriously good music. (71 736737) Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael

GARCIA’S A mainstay of the busy Hamra scene, this backalley bar holds themed nights every day of the week from Latin to jazz and funk. (01 738538) Makdessi Str, Hamra

EDL A youthful spot at the head of Mar Mikhael, sat opposite its landmark namesake the EDL building. (03 863680) Nicolas Turk Str, Mar Mikhael

CAPTAIN’S CABIN A rough and ready drinking hole that’s as tough as old boots. Charmingly alternative to anywhere else in the city and an excellent place to play pool. (01 740516) Adounees Str, Hamra

KAYAN Archly stylish bar with splendid cocktails and service alike. Serves high quality (though not cheap) gastro food that’s as classy as the place itself. (01 563611) Lebanon Str, Gemmayzeh

It’s basically summer, right? The sun is out, the rain is non-existent and your quivering taste buds are just gasping for cocktails to match. Look no further that Locale, Mar Mikhael’s local. This urbane bar, complete with a city chic décor consisting of brickwork, distressed wallpaper and low filament lighting spills onto Armenia Street inviting all and sundry to stop a while and try their personal

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cocktails. If you’re of a sweet-toothed inclination then the Locale Berry is what’s recommended for your presumably decaying teeth riddled mouth. Gin, cranberry, blueberry and fresh basil leaves combine to create a veritable pudding of a drink – there’s so much crushed ice it’s almost like a boozy granita. Or for those of you who like a drink with a kick so-hard you grow hair on your

chest like barbed wire there’s always the Cucumber Addiction. Gin, basil, lemon, sugar syrup and a few secret extras are washed over chunks of crushed cucumber. This sweet and sour cocktail has a real boozy kick, deliciously so, and is not for the feint hearted. (01 567268) Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael

Food & Drink Restaurants This section lists the best of Beirut’s restaurants alphabetically. NEW Denotes a new entry+ How to be listed Email listings@timeoutbeirut.com details of your restaurant by 5pm on the 15th of the month before publication. Listings are free, but inclusion is not guaranteed due to limited space.

American Brgr co. (01 333511) Abdel Wahab El Inglizi Str, Monot, Achrafieh. (01 999836 ) Beirut Souks. Sun-Wed 12noon-12mid; Thur-Sat 12noon-2am. Meal for two with drinks LL80,000. Raising the burger bar with its outstanding ingredients, Brgr co.’s menu chiefly offers 4oz and 6oz burgers. Their iron chef also prepares daily burger specials and homemade desserts.

Classic Burger Joint (01 333606) Petro Trad Str, Sodeco, Achrafieh. Daily 12.30pm-11.30pm. Branches: Downtown, Jal El Dib, Zaitunay Bay. Meal for two with drinks LL40,000. As they will tell you, hamburgers are all they do. Each order comes with home cooked fries sourced from locally grown potatoes. Try the swiss and mushroom burger, a fast food lover’s heaven. Free delivery available. Crepaway (01 331919) Sioufi Str, Achrafieh. Daily 10.30am-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL60,000. Other branches available. Serving popular American specialties like burgers, subs and pizzas. Crepaway is a family restaurant famous for its mouthwatering crêpes and variety of sandwiches along with gratifying pasta dishes. Deek Duke (01 210310) Sole Center, Charles Malek Ave, Achrafieh. Other branches: (01

Food Style (01 335335, 71 119335) Elias Sarkis Ave, Achrafieh. Daily 9am-1am. Branches: Koraytem. Meal for two with drinks LL40,000. Save money and dine like a king. Offers breakfast, sandwiches, salads, wraps and pastas, and the pain perdu comes as a recommended delight. Home delivery available. Lord of the Wings (01 567666) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Sun-Thur 12noon-12mid; Fri-Sat 12noon1am. Branches: Dora. Meal for two with drinks LL60,000. Starve yourself for a day and feast on the 14 savoring flavours of chicken wings at this local favourite.. Design your own burger or go for the full rack of ribs , a delicious challenge for one and a messy meal to share. Roadster Diner (01 577575) Charles Malek Ave, Achrafieh. Branches: Hamra, Dora. Meal for two with drinks LL50,000. Chow at this 60s authentic- American diner. You can’t go wrong with their delicious Cuban burger, spicy Buffalo wings and tempting desserts. For lighter options, aim for the slim sandwiches and salads. Sweetopia (71 509795,03 040850) Sodeco, Beirut. Brownie Bites, Kinder Delight, Oreo Rush, Snack Attack,and much more freshly baked goods delivered to you at your convenience. This home-based bakery accepts online orders with a minimum of half a dozen brownie or cakes, ranging between 10 to 30 dollars.

Armenian Adiss Signature (01 570442, 79 176011) Pasteur Str, Gemmayzeh. Thur-Sat 8pm-2am. The rich mixtures of sweet and spicy flavours of traditional Lebanese and Armenian mezze are served up to languishing family clans. For your taste of the fusion, order the ‘Kabab bi Karaz’ or the ‘Soujouk and Basterma Pie’. Al Mayass (01 215046) Trabaud Str, Achrafieh. Daily 12.30pm-4pm, 7pm-12mid. Meal for two with wine LL120,000. The homemade

Aleppo twist. gives the kefta in cherry sauce, quail’s eggs with basterma and sparrows in pomegranate sauce an exquisite aftertaste. Be delightfully surprised with a grinning, guitarstrumming in-house musician serenading you. Tip – he also takes requests. Mayrig (01 572121, 03 228227) Mansour Bldg, 282 Pasteur Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 12noon-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL80,000. The atmosphere of this wildly popular restaurant is electric, and so is the food, which draws the real Armenian crowd. Order a selection of spicy mezze, and try the sou berag – Armenian lasagna. Garo (01 347603, 71 195850) Nehme Yafet Str, Hamra. Daily 10am-late. Meal for two with drinks LL12,000. Boisterous flavours and beaming service at this jolly sandwich joint does its customers proud with homemade soujouk and an all-round excellent fare. In the heart of Hamra, Garo dishes up some of the finest slap-up Armenian meat. Onno (03 801476) Al Sikeh Str, Bourj Hammoud. Mon-Sat 9.30am-9.30pm. Meal for two with drinks LL50,000. Onno, the local legend will make you swoon for more kebab with dark cherries, small birds cooked in pomegranate sauce, Armenian salads, manteh, sou berag and more with pocket-friendly prices. Razz’zz (01 366246, 70 530007) Weaver’s Centre, Clemenceau Str, Clemenceau. Mon-Sat 12noon-1am. Meal for two with drinks LL100,000. Get your hands on some real tigan and varti beurek in a smashing ambience, a delightful bar and a leafy garden. Adds an Aleppo twist to some authentically Armenian dishes, to enjoy with the regular musical entertainment. Regusto (01 752571, 03 283232) 1st Floor, Hamra Square Center, Hamra Str, Hamra. MonSat 11am-3am. Meal for two with drinks LL22,000. This simple, down-to-earth restaurant and pub gets pretty packed in the evening. Regusto is especially popular with the artsy, leftist types who come here to talk and drink Almaza on tap. Mon: open wings & beer. Seza (01 570711, 03 251257) Patriarch Aarida Str, Mar Mikhael. Mon-Sat 1pm-5pm, 7pm-12mid. Meal for two with drinks

LL90,000. Armenia gets a makeover at this boutique bistro where the surroundings are as tasteful as the food. Grandma Seza and her team serve pitchperfect creations like spicy mhammara topped with classy mortadella. Varouj (03 882933) Maracha Royal Str, Bourj Hammoud. Mon-Sat 12.30pm-4.30pm, 7.30pm-11.30pm. Meal for two with drinks LL75,000. Tucked away in the busy back streets of Bourj Hammoud, Varouj offers a large selection of cookery in his small family restaurant which oozes offbeat allure matching with the stuffed hunting trophies on the wall.

Asian Dou Dou (01 201841, 03 951127) Sioufi Str, Achrafieh. Daily 12noon-11.30pm. Meal for two with drinks LL50,000. Offers affordable luxury cuisine in a clean friendlyvenue. Comforting and generous portions of roast duck and noodle dishes will leave you satisfied, not to mention the value for money. China Mey (01 333191) Nasr Bldg, Georges Naccache Str, Achrafieh. Daily 11am-11.30pm. Two main dishes LL32,000. China has come to Achrafieh, offering authentic and affordable dishes. The menu will please you with Chinese starters, mains, rice, noodles and desserts. They also have eight different sauces to choose from. Little China (01 215557) Monot Str, Monot, Achrafieh. Daily 12noon-12mid. Meal for two with wine LL75,000. Authentic tastes are promised by the Chinese owner and chef of this Far Eastern palace. Seafood lovers should try the sweet and sour fish while the spicy beef will gladden the hearts of those seeking a little more fire in their bellies. Le Hanoï (01 444204, 76 104006) Accawi Str, Achrafieh. Daily 12noon-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL105,000. This Vietnamese restaurant is a welcome addition to Beirut’s restaurant scene. The menu presents new dishes such as chicken, seafood, dumplings, curry and more. Go for the ‘nem spring rolls’ that come with vegetables, chicken, shrimps or beef. Also serves vegetarian platters. Monks (01 330030) Achrafieh Str, Achrafieh. Daily 12.30pm-3.30pm, 7.30pm-11.45pm.

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Food & Drink

Chili’s (01 337171, 01 337474) Independence Ave, Achrafieh. Sun-Thur 12noon12mid; Fri-Sat 12noon-1am. Branches: Gemmayzeh. Meal for two with drinks LL50,000. Influenced by the Tex-Mex cuisine, this casual restaurant chain is famous for its huge 240-seater capacity and popular menu of artery-busting wings, burgers, quesadillas, nachos and the like.

344744) Crown Plaza Bldg, Hamra Main Str, Hamra. Daily 11am-1am. Meal for two with drinks LL35,000. In the mood for chicken and hummus, Deek Duke offers everything fried, roasted or grilled and you can get your fatouch on the side as well.

Food & Drink Meal for two with wine LL75,000. An exciting Eastern spot with a mixed Thai and sushi menu. Anything with coconut cream is heavenly, and the soups are particularly generous. We recommend the green chicken curry, with orange peel rice and sweet banana for dessert. P.F Chang’s China Bistro (01 332132) L3 ABC, Achrafieh Str, Achrafieh. Daily 12noon-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL75 000. The distinguished Chinese restaurant is one of many across the globe boasting an American Chinese cuisine. With high flavoured meals and culinary creations made from imported herbs and spices from China, chances are you won’t leave before scoffing down a mouthful of exotic delights.

Food & Drink

Rice & Spice (01 744998) Mme Curie Str, Verdun. Daily 12noon-11pm. Amid the busy neighbourhood of Verdun lies a warm Chinese restaurant successfully preparing healthy dishes cooked without oil. Boasting a friendly ambience with soft music, the menu generously serves a wide selection of meat, fish and chicken. Soy (04 872187) Ain Saade Main Rd, Metn. Daily 12noon-12mid. Meal for two with wine LL75,000. Asian restaurant with authentically prepared Chinese dishes. We recommend the delicious crispy duck, perfect for sharing. Lovers of Chinese cuisine will not be dissatisfied. WOK W.O.K. (01 357357) Phoenicia Hotel, Ibn Sina Str, Minet El Hosn. Daily 12noon-3.30pm, 7pm-11.30pm. Meal for two with drinks LL105,000. At WOK W.O.K, the delicious Asian specialties are served in a warm and delightful setting. Chinese, Thai and Japanese dishes are all on the menu to meet your taste. The sushi bar offers the largest variety of sushi and sashimi found in Beirut.

French Albergo Rooftop (01 339797) Albergo Hotel, 137 Abdel Wahab El Inglizi Str, Monot, Achrafieh. Daily 12noon-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL150,000. Exquisite French and Italian cuisine in a super chic and romantic setting, topped off with a pretty view of the city. The risotto with Parma ham is a particular delight.

Au Premier (01 369280) 1st Floor, Le Vendome Intercontinental, Ain El Mreisseh. Mon-Fri 12noon-3pm, 8pm-11pm; Sat 8pm-11pm. Meal for two with wine LL180,000. Swanky French gastronomy restaurant located on the first floor of Le Vendome divided into various dining area concepts to suit your mood. L’Avenue du Parc (01 999557, 71 712712) Capital Garden Bldg, Ahmad Chawki Str, Minet El Hosn. Daily 12noon-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL180,000. A very stylish French restaurant that’s self-consciously fitting in with its Downtown surroundings; vast white lilies on the bar and hopelessly beautiful staff. The menu is good, too, with classic specialities like calamari and black angus beef filet. Balthus (01 371077, 03 511611) Ghandour Bldg, Minet El Hosn. Daily 12.30pm-3.30pm, 8.30pm-11.30pm. Meal for two with drinks LL195,000. French brasserie catering to the élite. The quality of food is absolutely first-rate, with an extensive French wine list. Revel in the politically incorrect foie gras and lamb with gratin dauphinoise. Bergerac (01 330013) Furn El Hayek Str, Achrafieh. Tue-Sat 12noon-4pm, 8pm-11.30pm; Sun 12noon-4pm. Meal for two with drinks LL120,000. This French dining spot transports you to Bergerac in the South of France serving all the classics from foie gras and rillettes to cassoulet and terrines. We recommend the ‘souris d’agneau’ lamb as a main dish. Burgundy (01 999820, 03 074949) 752 Gouraud Str, Saifi Village. Mon-Fri 12noon-4pm, 8pm-12mid; Sat 8pm-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL300,000. Draped with elegant chandeliers and minimalist design, Burgundy offer eloquent taste and its wine list is a (rich) oenologist’s dream. Dedicated by Chef Youssef Akiki, this French cuisine is one to remember. Café des Lettres (01 420217) CCF, Damascus Rd, Mathaf, Achrafieh. Mon-Fri 7am-7pm. Meal for two with drinks LL50,000. The cafeteria serving both the CCF and the French embassy is suitably chic, and attractively secluded. Achrafieh’s La Mie Dorée supplies them with the delicious desserts like ‘La Vie en Rose’, a fluffy pink angel cake. Lunches include delights such as roast salmon with honey.

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Chez Jean-Claude (01 1201190) Rue Gabriel Khabbaz, Achrafieh. Mon-Fri 12noon-3.30pm, 8.30pm-12mid; Sat 8.30pm-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL250,000. JeanClaude cooks a new menu every day, which the waiters will announce at your table, and his elegant wife Sophie tours the room during the evening. Big, bold, generous French dishes will leave you very well fed indeed. Le Ciel (01 516580) 31st Floor, Hilton Hotel, Sin El Fil. Daily 11am-1am. Meal for two with drinks LL200,000. Renowned French haute cuisine is brought in style to the Middle East and served complete with a panoramic Mediterranean view. Featuring French dishes prepared by expert chefs and inspired by the culinary skills of France. Cocteau (01 970707) Palladium Bldg, Park Ave, Downtown. Meal for two with wine LL180,000. Upscale restaurant with swanky French cuisine, featuring a weekly ‘bouillabaisse’. Splendid filet de merou and steak tartare, and savory seafood specialties like oysters and clams. Royal service guaranteed. Couqley (01 442678) The Alleyway, Gemmayzeh. Daily 12noon-4pm; 8pm-12mid. Brunch Sat-Sun 11am-5pm. Meal for two with drinks LL105,000. Transporting you to directly to Paris, chef Alexis Couquelet offers a delicious array of croque monsieur, duck and a fine wine selection. Have your choice bacon brunch and eggs (LL25,000) eggs benedict, steak tartare and pancakes. Eau de Vie (01 369100) Phoenicia Hotel, Ibn Sina Str, Minet El Hosn. Mon-Tue 10am-1am, Wed-Sat 10am-3am. Meal for two with drinks LL120,000. The rooftop temple of indulgence beckons with an exceptional wine list (and a bar to enjoy them at), a young look at menu to go with it, including showy tricks like carving the salmon at the table. éCafé Sursock (01 333240)198 Sursock Str, Achrafieh. Daily 7am-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL120,000. Jbeil’s éCafé has become well-known for its atmosphere, menu and magnificent steaks. This new Sursock location offers exactly the same in a beautifully restored building that epitomises Paris-Beyrouth chic.

La Petite Maison (01 368300) Le Vendôme Beirut, Ain El Mreisseh. Mon-Sat 12.30pm-3.30pm; 7pm-11pm. Inspired from Nice.Think warm prawns in olive oil, French beans with foie gras and fresh sea bass with artichokes and tomatoes. Illustrious global reputation on its simple yet delicious home cooked Niçoise fare. Les Gourmets des Ternes (01 984111, 76 984111) Charles Debbas Str, Saifi. Mon-Fri 12noon-3pm, 8pm-11pm, Sat 8pm-11pm. This high-class Parisian franchise is now open for business in Beirut with a menu specialising in French gastronomy. The eatery was first founded in Paris in 1962 and remains a hotspot for celebrities. The veal or steak platters come particularly recommended. Le Grey (01 218900, 03 414900) 160 Rue du Liban, Tabaris, Achrafieh. Mon-Sat 9.30pm-late. Meal for two with bottle of wine LL200,000. International haute cuisine with a French touch. The foie gras starter is recommended, and main saucy main dishes aim for balance. Le Gray (01 962 862)Martyr’s Sq., Beirut Central District. This elegant café is ideal for a relieving noon after a day of shopping where you can indulge in a signature prime beef burger or you can go earlier and catch the continental breakfast and scrambled eggs. Goûtons Voir (01 333644, 70 595951) 52 Abdel Wahab El Inglizi Str, Monot, Achrafieh. Daily 12noon-3.30pm, 8pm-11.30pm. Meal for two with drinks LL90,000. We love the bold spots and bright gems at this place. The recipes are pinned up for punters to take home, and the compact menu focuses on plats du jour, classic European dishes and formules du jour. Jean Charles (71 870853) Sawaya Bldg, Adib Ishac Str, Achrafieh. Mon-Fri 9am-7pm; Sat 9am-8pm. Meal for two with drinks LL40,000. A dinky charcuterie that boasts 80 different cheeses and 60 different types of meat. The owner pledges to order in any speciality you’re prepared to pay for. Buy your cold cuts, bread and wine and enjoy your meal on the spot. Julia’s (01 219539) Abdel Wahab El Inglizi Str, Monot, Achrafieh. Daily 11am-12mid. Meal for two with wine LL150,000. The menu is international, but French cuisine

Food & Drink predominates. Juicy steaks, fine wines and an inviting patio all add up to a tempting meal ticket in a perfect location. Métropole (01 999938) Karagulla Bldg, 24 Park Ave, Minet El Hosn. Mon-Sat 12noon-11pm, Sun 9am-11pm. Meal for two with drinks LL130,000. The latest big thing to hit Downtown, the Métropole brasserie serves French, American, and Italian classics, the menu includes steaks, pastas, a gourmet hamburger, a raw seafood bar and an extensive wine list. We reckon waking up for their Sunday brunch. Le Petit Gris (01 443737) Nahr Brahim Str, Saifi. Mon 12.30pm-3.30pm; Tue-Sun 12.30pm-3.30pm, 8.30pm-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL180,000. French bistro offering traditional cuisine with a creative twist in an intimate setting. Try the snails in different flavourful sauces, served in an edible baked shell. On display Is a 50 wine innovative case by Carlo Massaoud. Rare The Restaurant (01 211122, 01 211133) Salim Boustros Str, Achrafieh. Daily 12noon-3.30pm, 8pm-12mid .Meal for two with wine LL130,000. Known for its comforting home-like setting and top notch meals by Paul Bocuse graduate chef Cynthia Bitar. Don’t leave without trying their special onion soup, goat cheese tatin and kama salad.

Le Rouge (01 442366) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. MonSat 8am-12mid; Sun 9am-12mid. Branches: Hamra. Meal for two with wine LL75,000. Cosy and immensely popular French bistro with a varied menu. Particular standouts are the tenderloin on rocca and Pizza Panzarotte, with a delectable chocolate fondant to finish up with. Society Bistro and Wine Lounge (01 581999, 76 777747) Maroun Naccache Str, Saifi. Restaurant 12noon4pm, 8pm-1am, wine bar 12noon-1am. This posh restaurant and wine bar is hotspot for French culinary aficionados. The menu boasts of rich servings and extensive wine choice. We suggest the ‘chocolate bomb’ for dessert, dripping with chocolate sauce. Stove (01 333270, 03 489111) Monot Str, Monot, Achrafieh. Mon-Sat 12noon-3pm, 8.30pm-11pm. Meal for two with drinks LL120,000. It’s almost impossible to fault Stove’s inventive yet grounded French menu, military efficiency and laid-back calm. The daring salmon with chorizo and perfectly cooked pork fillet with apples are both outstanding mains. A Time Out top pick. Villa Clara (01 566898, 70 995739) Khenchara Str, Mar Mikhael. Café daily 8am-1am, restaurant daily 12noon-3pm, 8pm-1am. a villa-based boutique hotel offers an irresistible and colourful Villa Clara. Renowned French Chef Olivier Gougeon keeps the specials organically updated. We’d recommend the ‘foie gras poêlé’ as a starter and the free range chicken in a salt crast as a main dish. Wed: live jazz

La Bagatelle (01 342842) Jeanne d’Arc Str, Hamra. Daily 9am-12mid. Meal for two with drinks: LL121,500. This 1930s house turns into an elegant Mediterranean bistro. Bagatelle means ‘a short, light piece of music; an apt name for this refined space. Enjoy fine dining with an extensive wine list of local, French, Spanish and Italian labels. Bardo (01 340060) Mexico Str, Hamra. Daily 9am-late; kitchen closes at 12mid. Meal for two with wine LL75,000. This tranquil, alternative restaurant/bar has a diverse menu of international meals including an all-day breakfast. Café Sho (01 424051) 304 Monot Str, Monot, Achrafieh. Daily restaurant 12noon10pm; café 10am-12mid. Meal for two with wine LL120,000. A versatile Asian menu offering an exceptional sweet chili fish with ratatouille as well as the much recommended ginger chicken, but leave some room for your sweet tooth with piquant crème brulée. Casablanca (01 369334, 03 856111) Dar Al Mreisseh Str, Ain El Mreisseh. TueSat 12.30pm-4pm, 7pm-12mid; Sun 12.30pm-3pm, 8pm-12mid. Brunch Sun 11am-3pm Meal for two with wine LL200,000. Time Out’s hot pick for fusion cuisine and Sunday brunches. Great ambiance, blue-ribbon service and top notch quality, with rich dishes impeccably fused with Far Eastern inspired flavours. Cozmo Café (01 361690) Zaitunay Bay, Beirut Marina, Minet El Hosn. Daily 12noon-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL100,000. An elegant café with cosmopolitan flair offering an international cuisine including Japanese and sushi. Enjoy the fusion of fine dining overlooking a sunset view on the sea. Crave (01 333970, 03 555970) 10 Faculty of Law Str, Monot, Achrafieh. Mon-Thur 12noon-12mid; Fri-Sat 12noon-2am; Sun 11am-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL90,000.Merging culinary influences from all over the world, the innovative “Crave” guarantees a satisfied appetite of delicious portions fit for one or two. The Asmalyieh Grand Marnier Crème Brulee is Time Outs pick. D.T. (01 999932) Ground Floor, An Nahar Bldg, Martyrs’ Sq, Downtown. Daily 12noon12mid. Meal for two with wine LL85,000. Fulfil your hunger with the savory tastes of the avocado gâteau, tomatoes and shrimp or beef entrêcote. The chicken escalope, maguro and maki sushi will hit the spot as well. D.T offer a well blend of fusion dishes and excellent service.

Frida Items on Frida’s menu include a twist of Spanish names with Lebanese dishes such as Mexican Halloumi, Makanek with Jalapenos, Mini Frida Fajitas… But that’s not just it. When we talk about fusion, we mean using true Mexican ingredients (jalapenos, lime, avocado, cheddar cheese, red & green chili, red & green capsicum) and sauces such as Pico de Gallo, Tomato Salsa, Sour Cream, Guacamole. (01 333 226) Shukri Al Asli Str, Furn Al Hayek with wine LL75,000. Discover breakfast, brunch, lunch and teatime in this Californian-styled restaurant with a beautiful marble courtyard. The menu covers a range of Lebanese, Asian and European cuisine with plats du jour, and sumptuous desserts. Thur: live jazz starting 8.30pm. Kerim’s (04 524339) L3, ABC Dbayeh, Dbayeh Hwy, Dbayeh. Daily 10am-10pm. A colourful concept oriented resto-café that excites a wide range mini treats such as spring rolls, mini pizzas and kebbehs. Opt for a heavier platter with the Argentinean or Australian steaks. Don’t miss the variety of freshly baked bread and home-made desserts. Lakay (01 442000, 70 437438) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 7pm-late. Meal for two with drinks LL100,000. Mix some classic French dishes with a little taste of Haitian Creole, throw in a few colourful Caribbean paintings and rhythmic music and you’ve got yourself this friendly gastropub. Fun and funky fusion.

Frida (01 333226, 70 801841) Massabni Bldg, Furn El Hayek Str, Achrafieh. Daily 12noon-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL100,000. Inspired by one of the world’s greatest artist in one of the city’s most beautiful buildings, Frida pleases the belly with a Mexican twist. You can enjoy your tabbouleh with a side of Rekakat cheddar cheese guacamole.

Locanda (09 944333) Byblos Old Souk, Jbeil. Daily 12noon-12mid. Meal for two with wine LL75,000. Traditional food prepared in a non-traditional way, ser ved in a charmingly rustic setting in the heart of old Byblos. Taste the fish with aubergine and shrimp osmalieh, and for something for extraordinar y go for labneh with strawberries.

Gruen Eatery (01 737344, 01 755322) Gefinor Center, Clemenceau Str, Clemenceau. Mon-Sat 8am-8pm; Sun 10am-6pm. Meal for two

Med’ea (01 218814, 71 218826) 255 Chucri Assli Str, Achrafieh. Daily 12noon12mid. Situated in a welcoming antique

house is your own home away from home with a kitchen that specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, offering freshly prepared dishes by French Chef Philippe Chavent. Refresh your senses with ‘Med’ea Salad’ and fruity cocktail. Momo at the Souks (01 999767, 76 700407) Beirut Souks, Downtown. Café daily 12.30pm-11.30pm. Restaurant MonSat 12.30pm-3.30pm, 8pm-2am; Sun 12pm-2am; kitchen closes at 11.30pm. Meal for two with drinks LL150,000. A glass elevator transports you to the colourful terrace of this treasure. The fusion delight of Moroccan and French cooker y is a joy for taste buds and the unmistakable gourmet ice cream is the cherr y on top. Myu (03 334476) Mar Antonios Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 8pm-2am. Meal for two with drinks LL110,000. A fashionable restaurant and bar, MYU features a range of classic Mediterranean food with a French twist. Devour your meal in front of a huge glass window overlooking the street or sample cocktails at the longest bar in Gemmayzeh. Olive Garden (01 371888) Gefinor Rotana Hotel, Clemenceau Str, Clemenceau. Daily 6.30am-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL140,000. This fine openkitchen restaurant ser ves a fusion of continental and traditional breakfast buffets, lunch and an a la carte dinner with access to a gorgeous olive garden terrace. Enjoy their seafood buffet dinner ever y Thursday with fresh catches of the day.

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Food & Drink

Le Relais Foch (01999787 ext 2) 147 Saad Zaghloul Str, Downtown. Daily 8.30am-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL75,000. In the heart of Downtown Beirut lies this French cuisine with Lebanese flair. Courteous staff serve a delicious array of salads, sandwiches and exquisite main courses. Treat your sweet tooth with their silky deserts.

Fusion

Food & Drink Indian Al-Hindi (01 372000) Palm Beach Hotel, Ain El Mreisseh. Daily 12noon-11.30pm. Meal for two with drinks LL105,000. The temptingly comprehensive range of Indian dishes on offer at this, one of Beirut’s very few Indian restaurants, might not bowl over curry aficionados when they arrive, but the decent effort and sumptuous décor will surely make up for it.

Food & Drink

Jaipur (01 991200) Ground Floor, Markazia Monroe Suites, Syria Str, Downtown. Daily 12noon-1am. Meal for two with wine LL80,000. Authentic Punjabi cuisine with juicy portions of chicken tandoori or lamb may be found at this cozy Indian setting. If you are not in the mood for Indian ,go for the manouché or burger , both of which are found on the menu. New Indo-Lanka (01 257410) 2nd Floor, CIT Bldg, Dora roundabout, Dora. Daily 7am-10pm. Meal for two with beer LL13,000. In mood for some wonder, sit back and experience New Indo-Lanka where there’s no menu. Enjoy what your waiter brings: golden roti, curried lentils, the hot tomato mix with a handful of chillis, and refreshing coconut, all served with buttery chapati bread. Moti Mahal Deluxe (01 371002) Zaitunay Bay, Beirut Marina, Minet El Hosn. Daily 12noon-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL180,000. A view for a sultan, this Indian restaurant overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and has the offerings to go along with it . We recommend their specialty tandoori dishes.

Yasmina (01 206406, 70 407406) Cyprus Embassy Str, Akkawi, Achrafieh. Daily 12.30pm-3.30pm, 8.30pm-11.30pm. Meal for two with drinks LL150,000. Set up in an old Lebanese-style ground level apartment and themed like the interior of Princess Jasmine’s residence, the colours gold and turquoise prevail, glamorising Indian cuisine with a unique touch of French fusion.

good-round of drinks. We suggest you try the steak on lava then finish off with the fondue au chocolat for dessert.

International

Fiber (01 735935, 71 955511) Sidani Str, Hamra. Daily 8am-11pm. Meal for two with drinks LL45,000. Indulge in guilt-free burgers, wraps, paninis and steak. The kitchen at Fiber prepares everything delicious with low-calorie and organic ingredients making their dishes healthy and nutritious. Ask for their pancakes which can also be delivered.

Balthazar (01 999223) Weygand Str, Beirut Souks, Downtown. Sun-Thur 10am-11pm; Fri-Sat 10am-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL100,000. Whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner, this extravagant restaurant is always busy with people. In the morning, try some of their delicious pastries. Their menu is loaded with gourmet selections, with some extremely tasty French specialties.

The Hangout (01 566234) Bldg 553, Nahr Ibrahim Str, Saifi. Tue-Sat 9am-12mid, Sun 12.30pm-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL97,500. The eatery is snugged in a gorgeous old house built in the 18th century with soaring ceilings. It serves an international cuisine and gourmet burger offerings and a festive wine bar. The charcoal grill cooks steaks, Lebanese grills and low-calorie cuts for carnivores.

The Beazbee (01 748755) Ground Floor, Gefinor Centre, Block A, Clemenceau Str, Clemenceau. Mon-Sat 7am-7pm. Meal for two with drinks LL75,000. Visit a chic and elegant tea room and patisserie. Tr y their tea time formula ser ved with mini sandwiches star ting at 2pm. Cheese and wine star ts at 11am, and they also cater. You can enjoy a charming night out ever y Friday with live music.

The Met (01 984444) Beirut Souks, Downtown. Daily 10am-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL60,000. That’s Met as in Metropolitan – speedy and stylish with an assortment of global cuisine to suit everyone. Try their wood-baked pizzas, the chicken curry or the Parma ham sandwich. You can’t go wrong with the apple crumble for dessert.

Bedivere (01 748909, 03 902909) Makdessi Bldg, Jeanne D’arc Str, Hamra. Daily 11am-1am. Named after one of King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table. This medieval -like bistro bar offers a wide range of appetisers, pastas and a

Sud (70 790001) Al Nahr Str, Mar Mikhael. Daily 8pm-2am. This Mediterranean bistro with a rooftop cocktail lounge encompasses three cuisines: French, Italian and Spanish (vegetarian options available). Try the fried olives (stuffed with goats cheese) or the caramelised mushrooms with garlic then go gownstairs, start with some tartar fish, or the foie gras crème brule before moving on to mains. St Elmo’s Seaside Brasserie (01 368276) Zaitunay Bay, Beirut Marina. Mon-Sat 10am-12mid; Sun 10am-11pm. Adorned with vintage nautical wall-accessories, this brasserie asserts a comfortably cultured amtosphere. Choose from their signature selection of specialty drinks like the ‘Dark and Stormy’, the ‘Captain’s Daughter’, or the ‘Free Willy’ – or fill up on a dish of their mac-and-cheese.

Italian Aliacci (01 566199) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 12.30pm-12.30am. Meal for two with drinks LL80,000. A charmingly romantic little Italian restaurant that spills out on to the street during summer. Their pizzas, pastas, salads and mains are reasonably priced and well-thought-out, with some interesting variations.

Leil Nhar Whether you’re looking for a place to nurse your hangover or just somewhere to chill with friends after or before class, drop by Leil Nhar for a variety of Lebanese and international dishes, including but not limited to, a high end Chicken Cheese Roll! (01 325326) Charles Malek Hgy, Mar Mikhael 28 For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com

Al Dente (01 202201) Albergo Hotel, Abdel Wahab El Inglizi Str, Monot, Achrafieh. Sun-Fri 1pm-2am; kitchen closes at 11.30pm; Sat 8pm-11.30pm. Meal for two with wine LL180,000. High-end Italian restaurant hung with chandeliers, thick drapes and faux Renaissance paintings. Request the capellini with asparagus and white truffle oil or try one of the risottos. Bread Republic Pizzeria (01 201520) Furn El Hayek Str, Achrafieh. Daily 7am-12mid. Meal for two with drinks

LL50,000. The Hamra bakery’s pizzeria branch, which has the same passion for the best ingredients and flavours – making their pizzas extra delicious. The location, in Old Achrafieh is a warm, inviting woodlined space. Cavalli Caffè (01 999334, 01 999344) Karagulla Bldg, 24 Avenue du Parc, Minet El Hosn. Daily 8am-1am. A glamorous location with bold zebra and giraffe prints covering the interior and a terrace for outdoor dining. The Italian restaurant sells imported wine, gourmet chocolate and other delicacies. Italian Chef Francesco Brocca is the main man behind the creative menu. Olio (01 345703) Nahhas Bldg, Ibrahim Abdel Aal Str, Hamra. (01 563939) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 12noon-12mid. Meal for two with wine LL75,000. Always recommended by those in the know, Olio has a well-deserved local reputation of delicious food. Their bruschetta and salmon gnocchi are particularly fulfilling, and their pizzas with its sauce is cooked to an authentic delight.

Japanese Benihana (01 734734) Meridien Commodore Hotel, Commodore Str, Hamra. Daily 12.30pm-3.30pm, 7.30pm-11.30pm. Meal for two with drinks LL95,000. Japanese restaurant chain with great sushi and a live teppanyaki station. Open sushi buffet on Mondays and Tuesdays. Reservation recommended. Kobe (01 561016, 71 396444) Pasteur Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 12.30pm-12.30am. The graceful art of teppanyaki is delivered in this impressive kitchen serving a fine blend of New York and Japanese cuisine. Sample their delicious peppers, carefully sourced from 13 different countries. You can also sip cocktails at the hibachi bar while enjoying a range of Spanish and Cuban tunes. Tsunami (01 337327, 03 662794) Abdel Wahab El Inglizi Str, Monot, Achrafieh. Daily 12noon4pm, 7pm-12mid. Meal for two with sake LL75,000. A wave of fresh fish wrapped in seaweed delight the taste buds at Tsunami. The Maki rolls come in portions of four so be ready to share whereas the crunchy octopus roll is for your own personal pleasure. Wok ‘n’ Roll (01 738720, 76 689969) Sidani Str, Hamra. Daily 12am-12mid. Chinese and Japanese cuisine fanatics will be satisfied with an appealing menu of both. Yabani (01 211113/4, 03 503222) Damascus Rd, Sodeco, Achrafieh. Branches: Antelias. MonSat 12.30pm-3.30pm, 7.30pm-11.30pm. Meal for two with drinks LL105,000. A classy night of elegance and taste waits for you at Yabani. Known for their sophisticated setting and professional knowledge of Japanese gastronomy. It may be pricey but the chili beef ramen is unbeatable. Y by Yabani (01 992233) Beirut Souks, Souk Arward, Downtown. Daily 12noon- 11pm. Meal for two with drinks LL105,000. Iconic sushi restaurant Yabani has branched out to the Beirut Souks. Y by Yabani is a cosier venue, seating just 40 patrons in an understated interior. The menu is largely the same, with a few exclusive additions like Japanese noodles served with lobster.

Shopping & Lifestyle Just opened...The Bayrut Express

Beirut’s newest concept store is about affordable fashion and eco-sourced items

Shopping & Lifestyle

he shop breathes an industrial chic with its bare chipboard walls. Old pipes have been crafted into racks and tables, and old magazines and broken flipflops lie beneath sheets of glass in front of the door. What owner and architect of this space, Ziad Dagher, has created is a store with style, substance and creed. ‘Everything is recycled, ethical or sustainable’ says Dagher, ‘we source things from all over the world, Europe, the USA, and bring them to Lebanon, so many of our products are unique here.’ All the items are picked out to fit the

ethos of sustainability, recycling and being environmentally friendly as well being sleekly designed, like their Tom’s shoes (for every pair bought Tom’s will donate a pair to people in need). ‘Everything has a story’ says Dagher, and everything is picked very carefully. ‘When you get into it, the possibilities are endless’ he says. He is always on the lookout for new items both to stock and to adorn his store – almost all of the decoration is reclaimed, reused and recycled from elsewhere. Not everything is from overseas; many items featured are from local Lebanese makers,

which give a good outlet to our own creative individuals. The shop’s industrial feel owes its origins to Dagher who created everything by hand alongside his trusty staff. The mannequins have been plastered in old newspaper to give them an edge, the walls are graffitied and the counter they made themselves, clad in recycled magazines. A small café selling hot coffee, snacks and cakes has also been added to give sustenance to shoppers and passersby alike. Dagher is applying his years of experience in retail and fashion and plans to run a series of pop-up shops over the summer,

many of which will be seaside and specialise in beachwear. The store is about a journey, Dagher says that people come in looking for particular items or just to have a look but when he explains the aim of the store, the ethos behind his plan, many find it’s something they can really buy into. Many costumers have been coming back again and again. Followers, says Dagher, become clients and these in turn become activists.  (03 239756) Asco Center, Sassine, Achafieh. www.thebayrutexpress. com

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Shopping & Lifestyle My style Chantal Amadouny

‘I’m a graphic and fashion design student, I graduate at the end of the semester from AUST (they didn’t let me into AUB because of my hair colour). When I graduate I’m hoping to get into art directing and visual marketing. I’d like to try being a stylist at some point, maybe just for fun.’

Shopping & Lifestyle

What is her most striking feature? Clearly her hair - ‘I’ve always been a red head since I was 16, people always wonder if it’s dyed or not (it is). I like the mole on my lip, its kinda like a trademark, and I cracked my teeth swimming when I was 10 and never got them fixed, I like them and you don’t really notice.’

She says she’s into street style, but isn’t tied down to one store, ‘I’ll shop from everywhere, it doesn’t have to be a brand, I get it from anywhere and just take what looks good or I like’. I don’t wear jeans I only wear leggings – I never wear anything else. I have like 50 different pairs, they could be plane with cut-outs, or something, but I love them. My favourite are seethrough with cut-outs so you can see flesh and stuff through them.’

I like Mary-Kate and Ashley for style, it’s kind of boho-chic. I like Anna Del Russo (the editor at large for Vogue Japan) and at the moment and I’m in love with Moschino’s new collection. It’s ironic even in his shop visuals, it’s different – recently he played on McDonald’s logo making plain red shirts with the yellow ‘M’ on them.

What does Chantal do for fun? ‘Everyone likes to go out, don’t they? I go for drinks at MAD a lot and hang out in Hamra more than anywhere else. I like movies, I’m a DVD freak, I like drinking, and I like meeting new people.’ Who doesn’t?

30 For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com

Shopping & Lifestyle

Edited by James Haines-Young james@ontimepublishing.com

CATWALK ROUND-UP

International fashion show season sets the tone for the coming year. So stay ahead of the curve with TOB’s run-down of this year’s design show round-up

Shopping & Lifestyle It’s fashion week season again and NYC, London and Milan have all just strutted their stuff, with Paris Fashion week in full swing as we go to print. So what are the trends to come out of the catwalks and what can we expect to see hitting the shops over the next year? The catwalks run red   The unappetisingly named ‘oxblood red’ was splattered across New York, London and Milan this year with every garment under the sun coming in this powerful, dark, earthy tone. There’s no hiding it but oxblood is a hard colour to pull off, with even the fresh faced models looking a little jaundice-y (watching your skin tones to match colour correctly is the difference between looking stunning and looking like an escaped patient) so wear with caution.

Look royal in blue   Unlike the bloody red, royal blue is an almost universal acceptable colour; it’s famous for bringing out your eyes, complementing complexions and looking radiant. Everyone looks good in it. Everyone. The catwalks were awash with it this year, complementing that controversial oxblood. Serbian designer, Roksanda Ilincic’s AW14 show featured a long layered blue coats over flowing red skirts, a powerful statement look that TOB thinks could be a hit here next autumn.

Maxed out?  Maximalism came thick and fast at the shows this year, which means, like it or loath it, the look has hit its stride this year. Designer Peter Pilotto mixed it up with multiple textures, prints that scream their attendance and some complex layering (seriously it took some doing to fathom out what was involved in a few of the garment choices). Want to get the look? Just get as many different patterns, plaids and fabrics (the bolder the better), layer the hell out of them and go for it.

Sheen and sheer-full  Sheer is still vogue this year at the shows, which means it’s settling in as a long-term trend. This bridesmaid’s staple has escaped the isle and features on the catwalks again this year with colour and accessory adorning layers of see-through netting. Topshop and Burberry both featured the fabric in their shows in London and created outfits with a shimmering subtle soft look, which has plenty of fizz. So expect to see the clean lines knocked off over the next year.

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Shopping & Lifestyle Pamper yourself:

Shopping & Lifestyle

If you’re looking to scrub so clean you gleam, then head to the Al Sultanah Boutique Spa for the real deal Stepping in off the bright, bustling street (complete with traffic jam and roadworks) into the dimly lit Al Sultanah Boutique Spa was like stepping into an oriental paradise. Gilded arches, soft cushioned benches and Buddhas adorned the room creating a fashion of the Maghreb and the far Eastern. We were there to get the lowdown on their Moroccan Hammam. It starts with a long steam bath, before the famous (and in this case imported direct from its native lands) Savon Noir black soap is rubbed across your body and you are scrubbed down. The exfoliating body massage is followed by a Rhassoul clay mask, which takes natural muds and leaves them to set across your skin. If that wasn’t enough, a rose water wash is used to cleanse and calm the skin before Argan oil is rubbed in. This famous oil originates from the south of Morocco and was traditionally harvested after the nuts have passed through a goat - now before you dismiss anything that has been that close to the back end of a goat going on your skin you should consider the health benefits, do you think that it’s Madonna’s genes that have kept her looking like a virgin well into her 50s? It’s all Argan oil baby. There are a whole host of other treatments on offer at this small boutique spa, with facials, massages and body rubs. But our time at with the hammam at Al Sutanah Boutique Spa was like quaffing a cool drink on a hot day – both relaxing and refreshing. (01 370072) Phoenicia Hotel Str, Downtown. Moroccan Hammam, $80 for 1hr

Bang & Olfson, have engineered some sleek speakers of breathtaking quality and best of all, they’re wireless

BEOLAB 17 Small it maybe but that never stopped B&O. They have truly crammed a punch-packing piece of kit into the BeoLab 17s and their aluminium body makes them sleek to boot.

BEOLAB 18 The pinnacle of audio technology, BeoLab 18s are the hallmark of heritage, design and delivery. It’s the kind of sound lovers of music crave just with a little more flexibility than before.

32 For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com

BEOLAB 19 Bringing the bassy baritones to life, the BeoLab 19s floor bass speaker gives precision and depth that will captivate and complete any speaker combination. (01 974400) Gouraud Street, Saifi. POA

Shopping & Lifestyle Clothing This section lists the best of Beirut’s shops and beauty centres alphabetically. NEW Denotes a new entry+ Email listings@timeoutbeirut.com details of your outlet by 5pm on the 15th of the month before publication. Listings are free, but inclusion is not guaranteed due to limited space.

Sports clothing Adidas (01 971870) Souk El Arwam, Beirut Souks. Daily 10am-10pm. Branches: Verdun. This brand with the three stripes has a massive, loyal customer base. You can pick up sleek tracksuits, sports shorts, and t-shirts as well as your three stripes kicks. Designer Stella McCartney collaborated with Adidas resulting in stylish sportswear for women.

Haber Sport (01 342434, 01 744194/5) Ground Floor, Ivoire Centre, Jean d’Arc Str, Hamra. Mon-Sat 9.30am-7.30pm. This ultimate sportswear store has been serving Lebanon since 1958. Carries all the popular brands like Nike, Adidas, Converse, Speedo, and more. For all you equestrians, look no further for your horseback riding essentials. Stop by to check out their great promotions. Jreissati (01 218042) Chehade Str, Achrafieh. MonFri 9am-5pm; Sat 9am-1pm. Providing quintessential products that will reduce stress and ensure ultimate relaxation. From pilates DVDs and workout balls to back massagers and pulse stimulators, this handy shop is the perfect pick-meup for those hard, drawn-out days when nothing seems to be going well. Lafuma (01 993110) Beirut Souks, Downtown. Daily 10am-10pm. Branches: Clemenceau. The attire in this boutique is perfect for your fitness-chic occasions. Its tiny walls are neatly hung with men and women’s leisurewear, and it’s one of the few places you can find eco-friendly sports shoes too. Mikesport (01 862829) Verdun Str, Verdun. MonSat 10am-9pm; Sun 11am-8pm. Other branches available. Whether you’re a footballer, skier, golfer, yoga master or boxer, you can rely on Mikesport to make sure you look the part. As well as the usual gym gear, they stock some of the best clothing and equipment in town. Nike (01 202457) ABC Mall, Achrafieh Str, Achrafieh. Daily 10am-10pm. From enabling its cyber-punters to custom build their shoes on the Nike ID website, to making some of the most technologically clever sports clothing out there, Nike has based its success on staying ahead of the game.

Reebok (01 971872) Souk Arwam, Beirut Souks. Daily 10am-10pm. The Reebok High Top was the coveted trainer among pimplyfaced tweens back in the ‘80s and if that was you and you simply can’t let go, you’ll be chuffed to know there are more stylish versions of it on sale today. Symbiose (01 611406) 1st Floor, Block E, Sodeco Sq, Sodeco, Achrafieh. Mon-Sat 10am-7.30pm. If it’s fashionable sportswear you’re after, Symbiose is the place to go, with a wide selection of Brazilian and European swimwear, gym suits and beach accessories. If you’re mad about dancing, grab a pair of glamorous tango or Argentinian comme il faut shoes.

Lingerie

Shopping & Lifestyle

Class Sport (01 338336) Spinneys Bldg, Mar Mitr Str, Achrafieh. Branches: Baabda, Jnah, Jounieh, Mkalles. A fitness fanatic’s nirvana awaits in Class Sport. Choose from sports kits, products and accessories from topquality brands ranging from Nike, Puma, Dunlop Sport, Wilson and many more. All your sporty expectations will be met with such fine equipment on offer.

Puma (01 988808) Beirut Souks, Downtown. Daily 10am-10pm. Branches: Achrafieh, Downtown, Hamra. This store may be smaller than its other international competitors, but it’s full of desirable sportswear and accessories for men and women. The company specialises in sports shoes and also sells Ferrari clothing and accessories, found in the heart of downtown.

Agent Provocateur (04 417217 ext 3) ABC Mall, Dbayeh Hwy, Dbayeh. Daily 10am-10pm. The worldfamous brand was founded in 1994 by Serena Rees and Joe Corré, who just so happens to call feminine-punk designer Vivienne Westwood his mum. Fin luxury lingerie in silk, satin and lace – this is Agent Provocateur: sensual, playful and daring. Diamony (01 219797) ABC Achrafieh, Achrafieh Str, Achrafieh. Daily 10am-10pm. This foxy boutique is packed with underwear, swimwear, lingerie, nightwear and accessories. Their fab collection of glamorous undergarments caters to every woman, from extra small to extra-large with a multitude of brands such as Zinco, Verde Veronica, Bolero and more. Flora 4 Lingerie (01 345647) Rbeiz Bldg, Hamra Str, Hamra. Mon-Sat 10am-9pm. This charming lingerie shop offers a wide array of bras, underwear, slippers, pyjamas and nightgowns for women. You can also get something for you man too: they carry a reasonable selection of boxers and briefs. Hatab Lingerie (01 754249) Verdun Str, Verdun. MonSat 8am-7pm. Other branches available. High quality fabrics and superior styling characterise the bras, underwear and nightgowns sold at this sensual women’s lingerie shop that operates throughout Lebanon. Your man will be pleased as punch after you make a trip to this place. K-Lynn (01 980905) Souk El Tawileh, Beirut Souks. Daily 10am-10pm. Find a range of brand names, including Simone Perele, Wacoal and The Body Wrap at this gorgeously feminine shop. The collection comes in a variety of styles that suits all tastes and occasions. La Perla Lingerie (01 988885) Porsche Design Bldg, Riad El Solh Str, Downtown. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. Branches: Achrafieh. La Perla has been the leading creator of luxurious and fashionable lingerie, nightwear, swimwear and loungewear for women and

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Shopping & Lifestyle men since 1954. Here you’ll find high quality, tantalising lace lingerie, varying from the practical to the seductive and exotic. La Senza (01 212888 ext 1243) L 2, ABC Mall, Achrafieh Str, Achrafieh. Daily 10am-10pm. Branches: Beirut Souks, Dbayeh, Dora. From everyday basics to slinky slips, La Senza offers lingerie and nightwear in cute, sexy and modern styles. There’s always a wide range of sizes available, the prices are reasonable and the service is helpful and friendly.

Shopping & Lifestyle

La Vie En Rose (01 884770 ext 327) L 2, Le Mall, Hilton Hotel, Horch Tabet, Sin El Fil. Daily 10am-10pm. Branches: Beirut Mall, Kaslik, Dora. You can always rely on La Vie En Rose for a new pair of snugly pyjamas, a well-fitted bra and honeymoon negligee. It may not be particularly upmarket, but they offer good quality and stylish options for all ages and sizes. Naï Lingerie (01 212888) ABC Mall, Achrafieh Str, Achrafieh. Daily 10am-10pm. After 20 years of experience in the US lingerie market, Roger Jammal returned to Lebanon and established Naï Lingerie in 1998. At Naï, they understand what women want and provide an exceptionally broad range catering to the sensual and elegant desire. Oysho (01 788727) Verdun 730, Verdun Str, Verdun. Daily 10am-10pm. Branches: Beirut Souks, Kaslik, Sin El Fil. Ever wondered where you can find Hello Kitty lingerie or Smurf pajamas? Oysho fans prefer their nightwear fun, foxy and emblazoned with cute cartoon characters. Their collections remain on the right side of kitsch, and you will find it hard to leave empty-handed. Women’s Secret (01 212888 ext 1233) L 2, ABC Mall, Achrafieh Str, Achrafieh. Daily 10am-10pm. Branches: Verdun. This Spanish lingerie chain sells lingerie, swimwear and pyjamas ranging from cosy to sexy –created for women, by women. Part of the Cortefiel Group, Women’s Secret is extremely competitive in the lingerie market offering designs that are feminine, modern and reasonably priced. Zahar Lingerie (01 752614) Abdel Aziz Str, Hamra. MonSat 9.30am-7pm. Branches: Achrafieh, Dbayeh, Hazmieh, Jounieh. This shop dates back to 1935, when Lebanese designer

Georges Zahar opened a small shop selling women’s and children’s clothing and lingerie. Today Zahar Lingerie is a chain all its own with its own designs, as well as Aubade, Lise, Charmel, Anita and Canat.

Shoes & handbags Aldo (01 212888, ext 233) ABC Mall, Achrafieh Str, Achrafieh. Daily 10am-10pm. Other branches available. Beginning life as a Canadian shoe store, Aldo has taken over the world with their instantly wearable and modern cuts for men and women. From leather boots to ballerina flats and high heels, they have the ideal shoe for you. Bags and Co. (01 204922, 03 615765) 3rd Floor, Elias Haddad Bldg, Aramouni Str, Achrafieh. By appointment only. Daily 8am-5pm. A home boutique filled with cute goodies and handmade crochet accessories by Hoda Zahar. Some of their unique pieces include colourful silk and DMC threaded bags, key rings with charms, and woollen scarves with matching hats and shoes. Berluti (01 976021) Allenby Str, Downtown. MonSat 10am-7.30pm, Sun 4pm-8pm. Coveted by the famous LVMH group, this luxury brand is famous for hand-making and handpainting shoes in the finest of leathers. Their great selection of leather goodies includes a signature seal that validates its exclusivity and class. Boho (03 897907, 01 212888, ext 1056) ABC Achrafieh, Achrafieh Str, Achrafieh. Daily 10am-10pm. This chic boutique is filled with trendy contemporary designs by Rania Tueni-Gebara. They are made with plush Italian leather and dressed up with sparkly jewels exclusively created for the shop. We recommend trying on their ballerina snakes. C by Cynthia (01 585758) Mar Maroun Str, Gemmayzeh. Mon-Sat 10.30am-6pm. A small boutique showcasing the wonderful creations of Cynthia Bouchakjian; C by Cynthia is a wonderland for every fashionista where you can shop from a stylish selection of bags and accessories or design your own custom handbag made with the finest leathers. Caramel by Roula Ghandour (03 272256) By appointment only. It all started with a dream and a crazy idea. Roula Ghandour began designing her own bags and Caramel was thus conceived. With her

34 For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com

colourful line of bags and clothes, these items are a must have for trend-seeking women. Carmen Steffens (01 989380) Downtown. Mon-Sat 3pm-10pm. Mon-Sat 9am-10pm. Exclusively handcrafted shoes by Brazilian label Carmen Steffens are great for the sizzling beach season. Make a statement with Carmen Steffens’ striking colours and sleek heels, teamed with a limited edition bag. You’re bound to turn heads. Ceecode (70 432342) City Mall, Dora Hwy, Dora. Daily 10am-10pm. Find every kind of bag you can ever imagine and for any occasion that are exclusive to this high-quality brand. Interestingly, items are branded in the style of a car plate. Accessories are also to be found here. Christian Louboutin (01 970625) Fakhry Bay Str, Beirut Souks. Daily 10am-10pm. Find your shoes with a red sole at this world-renowned high-end shoe and bag store by French designer Christian Louboutin. Beautiful men’s and women’s footwear can be found for every occasion; you’ll soon be strutting your stuff in the perfect pair. Converse (01 973886) Souk El Arwam, Beirut Souks. Daily 10am-10pm. Once worn by sporty American college kids, then adopted by shaggy-haired emos, Converse has now cemented itself as a staple footwear brand, capable of making a style statement even when worn by the fashion nobody. Cubanas (01 212888, ext 801) ABC Achrafieh, Achrafieh Str, Achrafieh. Daily 10am-10pm. This Portuguese brand is a one-stop port of call for women seeking top-quality handbags and shoes. The brand first launched in 2005 while their footwear is comfortable and colourful with matching handbags and accessories within easy reach. Emme (01 975799, 70 178781) Baladiyeh Bldg, Foch Str, Downtown. Mon-Sat 10am-9pm. Created by Marie Carmen Fallaha, this feminine and trendy line once started as a small collection of handbags before expanding into multiple branches across the country that house comfy shoes, clothes and seasonal accessories. Enrico Bruno (04 930064) Bikfaya Hwy, Elyssar. Daily 9.30am-7.30pm. No outfit is complete

without the perfect shoes and accessories. With handcrafted Italian labels, you’ll find brands such as Valentino, Enrico Bruno and Miguel Bellido. Don’t leave before you check out their collection of leather goods and key chains. Johnny Farah (01 974825) Said Akl Str, Saifi Village, Saifi. Mon-Sat 11am-7pm. Hand-making bags, belts and all types of goodies, Johnny Farah specialises in creating top of the line leather creations for both men and women. We love their colourful kangaroo leather… it’s just so soft! You’re sure to find great gifts here too. Hermès (01 999710) Bab Idriss Str, Beirut Souks. Mon-Sat 10.30am-7pm. A symbol of Gallic elegance and style, Hermès excels when it comes to leather goods, with beautifully crafted totes and handbags in a variety of exotic hides. Push through somewhat intimidating doors and you’ll also find its inimitable hand-printed scarves. Linea Max (01 999206) Arwam Str, Beirut Souks. Daily 10am-10pm. This boutique generously stocks high-end Italian accessories that will certainly boost your outfit. Get lost in stylish bags, shoes, belts, scarves and jewellery for men and women. Some of the stylish brands on offer include Iceberg, Cavalli, Calvin Klein and lots more. Mirna Beiruty (03 466735) 3rd Floor, Markakla Vintura Bldg, Hazmieh. By appointment only. Mirna Beiruty’s super feminine touch on her specialty handbags will persuade any woman to purchase her one, or a few. You will find the glitz and glam you’re looking for, with long, silk kaftans also available. Poise Design (01 990490) Makassed Bldg, Uruguay Str, Downtown. Mon-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 3pm-10pm. Designer Emma Boutros opened a quaint little shop filled with a trendy collection of shoes and handbags. Do you want to add your own personal touch? Then sit with her as she sketches potential ideas to customise for you. Sarah’s Bag (01 575585, 03 640038) 2nd Floor, Mhanna Bldg, 100 Rue du Liban, Tabaris, Achrafieh. Mon- Sat 10am-7pm. Do you want to get your hands on one of those bags where Beirut is written in Arabic? This boutique will make the ladies swoon with their stylish handmade crochet, beaded and embroidered bags, clutches, shoes, scarves and accessories.

Things to Do

Edited by James Haines-Young james@ontimepublishing.com

Let’s get creative

Things to Do

Breakfast will be served Budget sleepery opens in Beirut with gastronomic journey around the world

ow about a free meet-up with food from all over the world and a bunch of new international mates? That’s exactly what Beirut’s newest hostel, Hostel Beirut, is offering in Geitawi with its cultural potluck dinner. This new addition to the budget-hotel scene is addressing the dearth of affordable beds in this city and is also organising a whole slew of activity nights to keep residents and locals entertained. Hosting their first potluck dinner only days after the opening might have seemed a risky bet, but founder Kristian Paulsen says that with over 40 people in attendance and a dozen or so nationalities represented the night was a huge success. The bedrooms are simple but clean, what you’d

expect really, but it’s the terrace that grabbed our attention. Maybe it’s just that it’s only March and we haven’t seen the sun in months, but the afternoon light streaming down on the collection of tables scatted across their rooftop terrace was too tempting. The indoor common rooms are comfortable too, with long sofas and tables to work at. Paulsen says that they have tried to create a good, relaxed work environment where people without an office can gather,

and their lightning fast Internet will certainly help get people in. The best bit of the whole place? That instead of lining anyone’s pockets, Paulsen says that the profits will go to support Syrian refugees in the country, helping them to go to university while they’re here. Laudable and lovely – TOB, and I’m sure Beirut as well, approve wholeheartedly. (07 8908966) 56th Str No.11, Geitawi. Beds $18 per night inc breakfast. Cultural exchange night – 2nd Thu of each month. www.hostelbeirut.com

The afternoon light streaming down on the terrace was too tempting

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Things to Do H i g h l i g h t s o f Ladies in the t h e f o r t n i g h t saddle

Things to Do

MARCH 1-16

SUNDAYS

TUESDAYS

To celebrate equality grab a bike and join the peloton of empowerment Although there seems to be a bike ride for everything these day (except the daily commute?) this is one we can really get behind wholeheartedly. To celebrate International Women’s Day there will be a tour of the city by bike, and the best bit? Men are going to foot the bill with 25 free places for ladies to come strut their stuff. Why a bike ride we hear you say? Well in the famous words of the early 20th century premier American campaigner for woman’s rights, Susan B. Anthony, ‘Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance.’ So what better fitting homage to the age of equality could be found? More locally the ride aims to raise awareness for the protection of women in the home and in the streets, to stop violence and discrimination against women and to help promote equality of the sexes. So grab your helmets, lights and lycra and get in the saddle because the ride will head off from Gemmayzeh, tour through Furn el Chebek up to Mathaf before heading back for the home straight through Downtown. Mar 7, 7.20pm-11pm. Bike hire LL25,000, free with own bike. Facebook: CyclingCircle

From silver screen to opening night Starting in March Sami Koujan, director of the movie ‘Cash Flow’, is hosting an acting workshop in our very own Beirut. Koujan has international experience having given workshops in Jordan and Brazil and aims to give the participants an overview of acting in front of a camera. So from television drama to big-screen cinema, understanding the difference between on-camera and on-stage acting and an introduction to continuity will all be covered. You’ll also get shown how the whole acting 36 For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com

thing works while shooting with just one camera and if that wasn’t enough you’ll end up with inside-out knowledge of reading and understanding scripts! So if you think you might have that little sparkle that could get you in the big-time then head on down. (71 777902) Liqaa Theatre, Rabweh. Every monday 6-9PM. $200 for 4 sessions By Serge Trad

Things to Do Activities This section lists the best of Beirut’s activity centres alphabetically. How to be listed Email listings@timeoutbeirut.com details of your venue by 5pm on the 15th of the month before publication. Listings are free, but inclusion is not guaranteed due to limited space.

Football

Eco lodges

Advanced Soccer Academy (03 081819, 03 696130) 5th Floor, Sedar Bldg, Abi Tamam Str, Sakiet El Janzeer. Call ahead for schedule. If football’s what they love then you have to get the children involved with these guys. Programmes running from September throughout the year, as well as intensive training camps in Europe, you could well soon be producing the future David Beckham.

Al Jord Eco Lodge (03 458702, 03 958094) Hermel, Bekaa. Tent accomodation. breakfast, lunch and dinner LL97,500. Price per activity: LL15,000. This enchanting Eco lodge is nestled in a breathtaking location surrounded by beautiful cedar trees. Experience life as a Bedouin and spend the night in goat hair tents or traditional stonewall huts with chimneys and lanterns. If you aren’t busy roaming the gorgeous countryside, take part in organised activities such as trekking, cycling, donkey rides, flying kites, and more.

Arena Fields (71 978558) Factory Str, Jisr Al Bacha. By appointment. This football facility organises and hosts your football tournaments in an animated setting. The fully equipped site meets FIFA standards and offers quality artificial turfs, seating for 200 spectators, a cafeteria, toilets and free parking for up to 50 cars. Enter your little tots in their football club ‘FairPlay’.

Sports Cycling

Things to Do

Beirut By Bike (03 435524) Abdel Nasser Str, Ain El Mreisseh. Branches: Beirut Souks, Biel. MonFri 7am-12mid; Sat-Sun 9am-9pm. Rental: LL5,000/hr, LL30,000/day. Beirut by Bike offers customers of all ages a wide selection of bicycles and cycling kits, available to rent and for purchase. We suggest biking along the Corniche, from Ain El Mreisseh to Raouché, a popular and scenic path for joggers and bikers alike. If cycling isn’t your thing, rent one of the segways.

Girls Football Academy (70 139885, 03 691770) Nejmeh Stadium, Manara.Mon, Wed, Fri 5.30pm-7.30pm. The first exclusive female academy in

Al-Kwakh Eco-Lodge (70 359659, 03 595832) Hermel, Bekaa. Accomodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner LL75,000. Price per activity: LL10,500. A responsible tourism destination run by a group of local women. Spend the night in one of three houses powered by green technology, with mud chimneys, traditional Bedouin bedding made from goat hair, and ceilings made of juniper wood.

Underground Paintball (03 856244) Hazmieh. Daily 12noon-12mid. LL30,000/200 balls/2hrs/, refill(100 balls) LL10,000, minimum 6 players or maximum 20 players. Set in a former underground saw mill, entertaining guests with its walkie-talkies, varied paintball guns – including AK47s, Snipers, and M16s – and smoke grenades (LL6,000). Once you fall in love with the sport, stop by their shop where you can buy your very own set of kick-ass paintball gear. Xtrem Paintball (03 489191) Stadium Michel El Murr, Dora. Daily 10am-10pm. LL35,000/200 balls, refill (100 balls) LL9,000/minimum 8 players or maximum 40 players. Reservation only. This paintball venue first opened in 2002 and offers the largest field in the Middle East. They host training sessions, regularly scheduled competitions and a shop selling anything and everything paintball related.

Skillz (01 584234, 03 222522, 70 948720) 56th Pere Yousef Hayek Str, Gemmayzeh. MonFri 9am-6pm. This charming learning centre is your home away from home, offering courses suitable for young and old. Situated in the heart of Gemmayzeh in a French colonial building, you’ll come across SAT preparation courses, computer courses for seniors, Arabic and French conversation classes, workshops such as negotiation skills, resume writing and much more. Enjoy free nibbles during your courses, including biscuits, chocolates and coffee. The centre also rents its space for meetings, workshops and cultural events.

Alex (71 910072, 71 352358) Ayyas Str, Beirut Souks. Daily 10am-10pm. This entertaining academy is open to children between the ages of 3-12 years. It offers activities anyone would get hooked to like classes in arts, crafts and fashion making. They’ll learn how to paint, draw or design a bag, bracelet, umbrella and the like. Puppet making, pottery and ceramics are also on offer. Parents can also request specific classes in photography, magic tricks, scouts, cooking and more.

Cyclosport (01 446792) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 10.30am-9.30pm. Rental: LL5,000/hr, LL25,000/day. Cyclosport is one of Beirut’s premium bike shops. Here you can rent bikes by the hour and spend an afternoon cycling the city streets, or you can purchase your very own, shiny new city or mountain bike. You’ll look sweet upon the seat of a bicycle built for you.

Tactix Paintball (03 651930, 70 144008) 1st Floor, Block A, Galaxy Centre, Camille Chamoun Blvd, Baabda. Daily 12noon-12mid. LL30,000/2hrs/match, refill (100 balls) LL10,000. Shake off the day-to-day doldrums as you run around this 800 square metre indoor paintball arena complete with an old wreck of a bus in its centre. As an extra bonus, you have the option of purchasing a DVD of your match.

Educational Teaching Consultancy (ETC) (01 290487, 03 471752) Richani Bldg, Al Bahrein Str, Manara. Mon-Fri 9.30am-7pm. ETC allows children to develop and expand their academic abilities through specialised tutoring in maths, reading, English and more. The centre also caters to children with learning disabilities.

Activity centres in the city

Bike Generation (01 398442) Elias Hrawi Str, Furn El Chebbak. Mon-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat 8am-8pm. Bike shop set up by enthusiasts with over 40 years of cycling experience. They’re out to tantalise the tastes of serious enthusiasts with their range of 2012 specialised bikes, and also have highly qualified technicians. Soon they will sell a model of the e-bike.

Paintball

the centre offers a range of programmes that caters to all ages. Founder Farah Abou Hassan opened the centre in 2012 and has a background in education, psychology, counseling and guidance.

the Middle East promoting football for girls. The impressive academy promotes skills in fitness, endurance and techniques in football for players of all ages. The team regularly travels abroad for tournaments and competes against major international teams. Lebanese Elite Football Academy (03 691770, 70 014320) Nejmeh Stadium, Manara. By appointment. This football club of fers elite training for young athletes across Lebanon. Technical director and professional player Roy Abi Elias is a licensed UEFA international coach with a team of qualified trainers that incorporate exper t techniques from the UK. The club welcomes boys between 4 to 15 years of age, boasting a football stadium that meets international standards. Qualified physiotherapists are present at ever y practice. Sports Ville (01 781481) Berlin Str, Raouché. Daily 9am-12mid.A spor ts haven in the middle of Beirut. Ten fully equipped cour ts are available for football, baksetball, volleyball and badminton fanatics. They even have one cour t dedicated to soap football, a fun activity for those eager to tr y something new. Ballet, yoga, aerobics and even ar t courses are also available.

38 For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com

Sharewood Camp (04 870 592, 03 294 298) Nearby cities include North Metn like Dhour El Choueir, Bikfaya, Baabdat, Broumana and Mtein. Sharewood welcomes families for summer camping. The site has 20 tents for rental zipped on all sides. There are also two areas for independent camping. The site offers babysitting during the day, as well as special activities and facilities like karaoke, badminton, trampolines, donkey rides and zip lines.

Activities

Learning centres

The Block (01 742435/6) Rene Mouawad Str, Verdun. Daily 11am-7pm. This enthralling youth club is a paradise for kids between the ages of 2-15 years. With a lot to keep them busy, don’t expect the little broods to come home anytime soon. From a laser maze with laser tag games, to an arcade room, arts and crafts, parties and a special room with games for toddlers, there’s something to please all. Put your kids up for the challenge and let them have a go at the club’s climbing wall. Chouette (01 790254) Salam Bldg, Ramlet El Baida. Daily 8am-2pm, 3pm-7pm. Chouette caters to children from 0 to 12 years old, with all the kiddy entertainment you can imagine. In the afternoon, older kids can enjoy a range of activities such as basketball, and competitions. Chouette offers activities like arts and crafts, not forgetting the coffee shop where parents can sit and watch their children.

Al Majal (01 386481, 03 622354) Notre Dames des Anges Str, Badaro. Mon-Fri 8am-6pm. Members of the Beirut Association for Social Development, Al Majal is a centre for children and young people with learning disabilities where they can enjoy educational, recreational and sport activities supervised by professionals.

Cocoa & Co. (01 323668, 70 255158) Boutique Café, Ground Floor, Yared Bldg, 260 Lebanon Str, Achrafieh. Pass by this charming little shop and kitchen, and enjoy a cup of tea with a selection of cakes, cookies and cupcakes. Cocoa & Co. also caters for events such as kids birthdays and even holds kids cookie decorating classes so you can treat all your friends, too. They’ll love you for it.

Clifford Learning Center (01 746775) Salamoun Bldg, 1st Floor, Cairo Str, Hamra. Mon-Sat 9am-9pm. This family-friendly learning centre attracts those seeking cultural and academic enrichment. Whether it is drama, laughter yoga, art or painting that tickles your fancy,

Dash Club (03 704104) Jeanne D’arc Str, Hamra. Mon-Sat 12noon-7pm. This creative club is your kids’ home away from home with fun activities and weekly events to keep them busy all day. The space is open to children between the ages of two to eight years and

Things to Do offers classes in art, ceramics, painting, drawing and much more. Along with that, there’s also a playground, storytelling and all their favourite movies to keep the smiles on their faces. Fame Stage by Special Events (01 861700, 03 864971) Verdun Plaza 2, Verdun Str, Verdun. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 3pm-7pm. Lights! Camera! Action! At Fame Stage, children enter a make-yourown film set where they can dress up in costumes and create their own movies, or dance beneath the flashing glow of lights and disco balls. Children can also have singing competitions with their friends on the karaoke kit. Frizzy (01 801601) L2, Dunes Center, Verdun Str, Verdun. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. A playhouse that satisfies everyone’s interests; there’s a salon and spa centre, the Crazy Lab, Doodle Crisp for art lovers (from cooking to painting), a nightclub style room and ‘Maftee7’, a puppet show for all ages. Parents will enjoy relaxing in the My Space room.

Hype ‘N’ Hop (01 790035/6) Saikaly Bldg, Main Rd, Ramlet El Baida. Mon-Sat 11am-7pm. Hype ‘N’ Hop can spot the hidden talent in your child; its team works with children aged from 6 to 14 years to help them discover, develop and share their creativity. A range of mental and physical activities are ideal for broadening children’s horizons. Houna Holistic Center (03 676285) 7th Floor, Cinema Montreal Bldg, Hamra.Mon-Fri 4.30pm-10pm; Sat 9am-2pm, 6.30pm-8pm; Sun 6pm-7.30pm. As well as classes for adults, this health and wellness centre offers a range of activities for kids, such as capoeira, AfroBrazilian dance and samba, yoga classes, karate, art classes and piano lessons. KidzMondo (01 998866) Beirut Waterfront, near BIEL, Downtown. KidzMondo is an “edutainment” indoor theme park for children aged 2-14 years. The park is a child-sized replica of an adult city where kids can dress up and play adult roles such as doctors, firemen or teachers. Activities are developed with the cooperation of local schools and the Ministry of Education in order to provide the children with cultural education and knowledge of the workings of adult life, such as occupations and the value of money. The Little Engineer (03 723715) 1st Floor, Shmaitelly Bldg, Abishala Str, Block B, Mosaytbeh.(03 920150) Block A, 2nd Floor, Sodeco Sq, Sodeco, Achrafieh Wed 4pm-6pm; Fri 5pm-7pm; Sat 10am-12am . A successful program that allows children of all ages to dabble with science and engineering and in the process operate their homemade solar-energised robotics. Many classes available that tackle various kids’ interests.

Planet Discovery: Children’s Science Museum (01 980650 ext. 3442 ) Ayas Str, Beirut Souks, Downtown. Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm; Sat-Sun and holidays 10.30am-7pm. Perfect for children between 3 and 15 years old, the museum is a unique learning space, with interactive experiments, exhibitions, performances, workshops, and awareness competitions providing a major resource for scientific experimentation. There is also a kid’s town with reading, puzzles and games. Puppet shows in French are organised every weekend, though shows in other languages are also available if requestd.

drop their children off early for them to enjoy the fun schedule. They’ll keep busy with theatre, yoga, painting, dance and loads more. Their birthday club organises topnotch entertainment including cooking, magicians, dance shows and interactive games. The club also supplies birthday animation and decoration for parties at home. Make sure your little ones check out their playground space that is open daily. CreaPlay (71 718328, 03 327164) Hoops Club, New Airport Hwy, Hazmieh. Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 9am-1pm. We reckon

birthdays, events with games and inflatables for children of all ages. There is also a Shop ‘o’ Lait where you can buy gifts and accessories. Diddly Doo (76 755266) Rizk Plaza Centre, Broumana Main Rd, Broumana. Mon-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat-Sun 10am-10pm. Diddly Doo is a 1,000m sq venue for your kids to run wild in. Cartoon and live characters, magicians, face painting, bead-making, ceramics and much more. For a special birthday try the morning pyjama parties. There’s also a playground with slides and rides, Xbox Kinect and Kids Karaoke.

Princess Tea Room by Special Events (01 861700 , 03 864971) Verdun Plaza 2, Verdun Str , Verdun. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm; Sun 2pm-8pm. Book anplum appointment with your favourite princess at the Princess Tea Room. When you arrive, your princess will be there waiting for you with boxes full of costumes and jewellery for you to wear to your private tea party. Full lunches, hot chocolate, juice, scones and cookies are all available. An afternoon at the Princess Tea Room will feel like a fairy tale come true!

Things to Do

Glow to Grow (03 996589, 01 789627) Koraytem Str, Koraytem. Daily 10am-8pm. Let little tots brace themselves for all that is on offer in this fantastic activity centre. They’ll love exploring the ‘Draw to Grow’ room full of arts and crafts such as ceramics, drawing, painting, pottery and more. There’s also Growy’s kitchen to teach little fingers how to bake, along with Glowy’s Spa for boys and girls and the Glow crazy party room. The centre can also supply equipment for major events such as parties, weddings or bachelorettes.

Niños (01 566026, 70 445755) Cassir Bldg, Gebran Tueni Sq, Sursock Str, Achrafieh. By appointment only. Toted as a ‘trendy lounge for funky kids’, Niños organises fun-filled activities like birthday celebrations, makeup workshops, parties, events, DJ lessons, dance classes and photo shoots. Plus, as an added bonus, they work to help children in need, donating a percentage of their profits to Himaya; a branch of the charity arcenciel.

Score Bowling (01 751127) Lower Ground Floor, Crowne Plaza Bldg, Hamra Str, Hamra. Daily 11am-12mid. LL10,000/person/game. Something for everyone. Entertain the whole family, colleagues, and friends at the bowling alley. When you are not bowling, enjoy drinks and snacks at the bar. Sharpen up your swing and get the gang together for what will always be a successful outing.

Activity centres outside the city Animal Encounter (03 667355, 03 667354, 05 558724) Ras El-Jabal, Aley. Fri-Sun 11am-6pm or by appointment. Animal Encounter is a children’s paradise open to schools and the public. Youngsters can learn all about wild animals such as bears, jackals, hyenas, boars, birds of prey and more. Domestic animals like goats, rabbits and sheep also gather around waiting to be fed and pet by children. Bateaux Rigolo (01 905555) 1st Floor, City Mall, Dora Hwy, Dora. Daily 10am-9.15pm (no entry past 8pm). Bateaux Rigolo opens its doors to children of all ages (under-fours require a parent’s supervision). Your child will be accompanied by supervising adults who will play, dance, and work on crafts with them. Special birthday parties can also be organised on the playground. Care (01 880592) 2nd Floor, Almaza Str, Jdeideh. Mon-Fri 9am-7pm; Sat 9am-4pm. Care provides workshops tailored for children and young adults with special needs. Weekly drama and music therapies, vocational training and academics are offered during the week. On Saturdays the centre organises special excursions to various places such as museums, parks or farms. CocoBerry (04 522646) Barakat Bldg, Rabieh Main Rd, Rabieh. Daily 10am-7pm. CocoBerry is a kids’ club paradise where parents can

La Maison des Artistes A professional and advanced preparatory school for artistic prodigies, this place welcomes serious minded students who wish to harness their natural artistic talents. What’s better than having your little ones entertained yet enlightened at the same time. (03 809009) Adib Isaac Str Achrafieh parents and children will find themselves addicted to this activity centre located inside the Hoops Club. The centre combines entertainment with education, offering art, cooking, music, science, theatre, yoga classes for children and lots more. Check out the psychomotricity clinic that answers all your questions about children’s needs. The animated centre hosts excellent birthday parties and events and is also a popular site for school fieldtrips. Dent de Lait (01 792787, 01 786103, 01 791561) Dr Fouad Haddad Bldg, A.R. Hamadeh Str. MonFri 7.30am-3pm; Sat 7.30am-11am. ‘Serving happiness’ is this child-centred institution’s motto. This company includes a nursery, after-school programs, an American sign language programme, Theatre de Mazitou which shows performances for families and a Fun Team department that offers animations,

Dream Park (09 223817) Jeita Rd, Zouk Mosbeh, Keserwan. Sat-Sun 10am-late. This splendid theme park offers fun for all the family. Whether you desire an adrenaline rush or prefer calmer rides, you will certainly find both here. The park is situated in an iconic location with beautiful views to add to your experience. If you fancy taking a break from the rides, you’ll be able to rent ATVs and roam across 15,000 sqm of space. The park also organises and hosts topnotch birthday parties for children. Expressions Centre (03 857295) Sagesse High School, 4th Floor, Jdeideh Main Rd, Jdeideh. By appointment. The place to develop your creative talents and discover that artsy side of you. The centre constantly organises cultural, artistic, educational and entertainment activities for all ages.

For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com 39

Things to Do FasTrackids (01 290487, 03 471752) Bldg 19, Tahwita Hwy, Furn El Chebbak. Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 8am-1pm. Teach your kids how to handle responsibility, pressure, setting and reaching goals and examining their feelings through the latest technology. They’ll use the special FasTrack board as they learn more about leadership, communication and interpersonal skills. Hoops (70 131141) New Airport Rd. Daily 24hrs. Other branches available. Unleash your inner athlete 24/7 at Hoops Club, where adults and children can rent full basketball, football, badminton, ping-pong and tennis courts or take lessons. For the more artistic and creative, this fitness club also has trained guitar, painting and dance teachers giving private and group classes.

Things to Do

JelyBely Kids Activity Center (03 817028) Mary Wakim Centre, 1st Floor, Mansourieh Old Hwy, Mansourieh. Daily 9.30am-8pm. This place is dedicated to fun and activities for little ones. With arts and crafts, games, dance, karaoke, cooking, a large playground and more, kids will think this is their ticket to paradise. Along with that, the centre also organises weekly classes in music, theatre and lots more. They also host entertaining birthday parties and have their own football club. Neos Kids (03 733818) No. 12, 5th Floor, Vanlian Bldg, Pasteur Str, Sin El Fil. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. A

tourism consultancy providing excursions around Lebanon that are culturual, fun and educational. Neos kids is the brainchild of arcaheaologist, anthropologist and mother of two Nour Farra Haddad.

activities for adults and kids. Kids may opt for painting, folkdance, taekwondo or gymnastics. Busy mothers can engage in their own activities guilt-free while the kids are busy themselves.

Origami Academy (04 547502) 526 Dbayeh, Dbayeh. Daily 9am-9pm. Open to kids and adults with activities and programmes to keep you entertained all day, the kids progrmme is full of activities like dance by Caracalla Dance School, art, science, music and more. While the tots are active, mums and dads can also get busy with adult courses in yoga, dance, painting, sculpture, fashion and more. In case hunger pangs kick in, escape to the lovely Yellow Table restaurant next door.

Talent Square (70 111096) Mazen World basement, Dbayeh Hwy, Dbayeh. Mon-Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 3pm-8pm. This entertainment studio is the first of its kind launched by the people who run Scenez Drama and Arts Academy. The studio is a paradise full of activities for kids of 6-14 years. Sweeping over a 1,000 sqm space, you’ll find a theatre that accommodates 150 people. Workshops, arts and crafts, cooking, games, life programmes, an art lounge café, a gift shop and a playground will keep you and the little ones busy all day.

Skate Park by Guilbert Extreme (03 454619) Charles Helou Ave, Quarantina. Summer: Daily 10am-8pm; Winter: Fri: 4pm-8pm; Sat-Sun 10am-8pm. This skate park is the first of its kind in Lebanon offering a generous space to skateboarders, inline skaters and BMX riders. Along with a collection of challenging ramps, rails, water pipes and more, they also host monthly competitions, birthday parties, events and shows. Feeling extra daring? Have a go at the extreme skating lessons offered by a certified instructor. Stun: Mother and Child (01 833789, 70 946258) Sultan Ibrahim Str, Sara Panama Bldg, Jnah. Mon-Fri 4pm-8pm. A centre offering fun afternoon

Arts & crafts Art’Brico (01 901186, 71 960766) Boulous Center, Assaily Str, Jdeideh. Mon, Fri, Sun 3.30pm-6pm; Sat 10am-7pm. This creative studio opened by art teacher Gena Damien offers children art classes for children aged 5 to 16 years. They will teach the children about all sorts of artistic mediums, colour mixing, techniques such as the style of Jackson Pollock and art history. Each session is about two hours and you can send your budding da Vinci as often as possible. They also offer sculpture sessions every Friday. L’Atelier Art Lounge (01 370181) Zaitunay Bay, Minet EL Hosn. Daily 10am-10pm. Transform yourself into an artsy guru at this fun-filled café and workshop. Get creative with paint, ceramics, glass and porcelain as you snack on homemade tidbits. The fantastic art space serves as a platform for art lovers of all ages to come together and express their artistic talents. They also regularly host exhibitions, bazaars and events for children. Atelier Lulu Baassiri (03 855942) 2nd Floor, Dhalayni, Sanayeh. Wed 10am-1pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Painting and drawing courses for professionals and amateurs aged 12 and above in a cosy, noncommercial environment. Atelier d’Art Fabriano (01 810161) Safiaddina Bldg,Verdun Str, Verdun. Sat 7.30am-6pm. Courses: Fri 10am-12pm; Sat 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm. Providing art courses for children and adults, Fabriano is also a renowned art supplier for some of the most well established brands on the market. L’ Atelier du Coin (03 325006) 3rd Floor, Blue Bldg, Jean Ayoub Str, Achrafieh. Mon-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat 10am-1pm. A cute and varied art centre for young kids (as well as adults) with arts and crafts of all kinds including pottery, glass and oil painting.

Origami Academy Experience life to the fullest. Just as a sheet of paper can be folded to create many shapes, this is one place that provides different activities, experiences and opportunities. Offering a variety of courses including oenology; Japanese flower arrangement; painting; mosaic; photography and many more. (04 547502) 526 Dbayeh Hgy, Dbayeh 40 For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com

Ceramics ‘N’ More (01 424516, 70 202723) Ground Floor, Sodeco Sq Centre, Sodeco Sq, Sodeco, Achrafieh. Mon-Sat 10am-10pm; Sun 2pm-10pm. A fun-filled ceramics painting workshop with a wide selection of pieces for you and your children to choose from. The nearby café is also ideal for parents to relax while the kids get down to business. Cooking and Crafts by Special Events (01 861700, 03 864971) Verdun Plaza 2, Verdun Str, Verdun. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. Boys and girls can learn how to prepare three-course meals or get creative with cotton candy and ice cream recipes. Afterwards they can head over to the craft

station where they can make their own stuffed animals or play a giant bubble game. Doll Salon by Special Events (01 861700, 03 864971) Verdun Plaza 2, Verdun Str, Verdun. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 2pm-7pm. At Special Events’ Doll Salon, girls can create their own dolls – it’s every little girls dream! They’ll spend the day styling their dolls hair, picking out clothes and everything else necessary to make their dream doll a reality. There’s also a special area for jewellery-making to create matching bracelets and necklaces for their doll and doll maker. Ghazl El Banet (01 424516, 70 202723) Ground Floor, Sodeco Sq Centre, Sodeco Sq, Sodeco, Achrafieh. Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 2pm-10pm. Enjoy this unique children’s cooking class workshop, which offers onehour culinary sessions where kids get to make a ‘treat’ of their choice. La Maison des Artistes (01 216905, 03 809009) Adib Isaac Str, Achrafieh. Tue-Sat 10am-6pm. A professional and advanced preparatory school for artistic prodigies, La Maison des Artistes welcomes serious-minded students who wish to develop their natural artistic talents. Oh! Happy Days (01 215831, 70 252726) Abu Rizk Bldg, Abdel Wahab El Inglizi Str, Monot, Achrafieh. Mon-Fri 12.30pm-6pm; Sat 10am-12noon, 3pm-6pm. A child-friendly place that provides various activities for kids 2 to 10 years old. Check beforehand for the centre’s latest monthly schedule – past activities include crafts and puppet shows. Trompe l’Oeil l’Atelier (01 335740, 78 846174) Ferzeli Bldg, Saint Coeur Str, Achrafieh. By appointment. This atelier caters to anyone who fancies polishing off their artistic skills or learning a thing or two about becoming a budding artist. Professional and experienced teachers offer classes in painting, drawing and sculpture for small groups in a fun and informal setting. Bring your kids along on Saturdays to participate in classes. All courses require registration in advance.

Kiddy spas Bella’s Spa by Special Events (01 861700, 03 864971) Verdun Plaza 2, Verdun. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. This is Special Events’ Bella’s Spa where young girls of all ages can get exquisitely pampered. From make-up to facials, manicures to stylish hair-dos and personalised cosmetics, Bella’s Spa is every girl’s dream come true. Chez Lulu (Frizzy) (01 801601) L B2, Dunes Centre, Verdun Str, Verdun. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. Chez Lulu is a one of a kind spa and salon offering new concepts where teenagers and mothers pamper themselves in a relaxing atmosphere. Services include nail treatment, facials, reflexology, foot scrubs, hairdressing and make-up. Pass by their Fashion lounge, where you can decorate your own beach bag. Events Beauty Center by Special Events (01 861700, 03 864971) Verdun Plaza 2, Verdun Str, Verdun. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 2pm-7pm.This is a large centre for all things beautiful, with sparkly decorations and places to fix hair, nails and make-up, and to dress up. There is a large room for having parties, with full food and entertainment services.

Arts & Culture

Edited by Joanna Aziz joanna@ontimepublishing.com

Les Noces de Zahwa

A theatrical performance that seeks to find a positive outcome through creative relief in the face of darkness

EDITORS’ PICK

Art s & Culture

lmost 5000 women die every year in the name of honour killings perpetrated by family members. Most of the woman are just under the age of 25, and have been murdered on the belief that they have brought shame or dishonor upon the family or community. Zahwa’s crime was falling in love. ‘Les Noces de Zahwa’ is a theatrical performance created and directed by Lara Kanso who attended college with the 20 year old victim. The production aims to transcend tragedy through creative interpretation. It does so by combining various multitalented artists and their art on one platform. Lebanese illustrator Jean-Marc Nahas, known for powerful graphic canvases, will be painting live

which allows the spectators to admire his artwork projected on a big screen. The performance also includes an interoperation of a text written specifically for it by the Lebanese author, poet and editor of the cultural section in As-Safir newspaper, Abbas Beydoun, versus written by the late Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwiche, and a text taken from the French author, Marguerite Duras. The text will be turned in to a stylistic act performed by two actors. In addition to that, a contemporary dance choreographed by the Japanese

artist Kazumi Fuchigami as well as Sufi and oriental songs will be interpreted live on stage. An aim to associate Zahwa as symbol of all abused women in our society sees the performance going through three transitional stages. Firstly, Zahwa as the representation of love and desire that is an emotion we can all relate to. Secondly, Zahwa is seen as the symbol of Earth abused by mankind. Factors such as pollution, deforestation and over-usage have taken their toll on our native mother. Finally, Zahwa is the symbol of motherhood saddened

Zahwa’s crime was falling in love

by the loss of her children during war-time. The year of 2013 has witnessed over 60,000 deaths in Syria alone and much more in grand total. Surprisingly, this chapter ends on a positive note where compassion and tolerance prevails. The production doesn’t wish condemn ignorance but raise awareness of this brutality. ‘Les Noces de Zahwa’ will be performed during the beginning March at Masrah Monot then seeks to spread the power of knowledge throughout the Arab World. Monot Theatre (01 202422) St Joseph University Str, Monot. Mar 13 -16, 8.30pm. Tickets at Librarie Antoine. Facebook : O de Rose

For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com 41

Arts & Culture Critic’s choice... ‘New Works’ by Youssef Abdelke including The British Museum in London and the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris.

Art s & Culture

After spending five weeks under the restraints of Syrian authorities, renowned abstract artist Youssef Abdelke now exhibits his latest works in Beirut. The 53 year-old acclaimed sketcher received his degree from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Damascus early 1976. Growing up in a political family has greatly influenced the young artist’s work, which transfers in to a socio/collectivist agenda. Being a possible threat to the regime had kept Abdelke in exile for 25 years where he resided in France and continued to paint. His works can be found in a large number of museums and institutions,

Carmina Burana O Fortuna, O Fortune �� Carmina Burana’s origins date back to the 11th century. It is a medieval complaint about luck and the personification of fate in a goddess who spins the wheel of fortune turning joy in to bitterness, and hope to grief. This chant was later transformed to a scenic opera by German composer Carl Orff who delivered one of the most satisfactory climaxes in O’Fortuna. In late February, ‘Terpsichore Beirut’ Company presented an adaptation of the masterpiece in a ballet performance choreographed by its founder Georges Anghelus. The show communicates a world of purity in a decade where innocence seems lost. Unfortunately, it kicks off with an opening sequence of less than amateur young ballerinas. Their energy was refreshing however ballet is a dance of intricate postures which does not transfer well unless delivered with precision. The spectacle continues with the

introduction of the main characters. The male who was covered in leaves portrayed a devilish persona with excellent movement. The entire choreography was entertaining and harmonised well with the rhythm of the classic. Some ballerinas were a joy to watch while others were not as successful. The imbalanced distribution of skill among the dancers affected the cohesion of the show. Sunflower Theatre (01 566388) Sami Solh Ave,Tayouneh. Feb 13-16 BOTTOM LINE: A delightful twist of a classic in desperate need of some fine-tuning.

42 For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com

This exhibition is the first on display after his recent arrest. It departs from his usual works while focusing on a post-war era. The theme circulates around death and pain yet the text painted in red is slightly positive which gives his work an ironic twist. Standing in front of the large charcoal canvases transfers one into a black and white dimension. The details and shading impose a realistic feel however stylised minimalism detains one in abstract limbo. One particular standout is that of a mother holding her son’s photograph while her young daughter stands in front. Her eyes reflect an accuracy of intense emotion beautiful drawn by the artist. Galerie Tanit (76 557662) Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael. Until Mar 8

MICHELE W SAMIR AW NATRINO SAMIR W MICHEL After accredited success in Joe Kodeih follows his latest one- ‘Ghadi,’ Lebanese comedian woman show ‘Rima’ with a nonGeorges Khabbaz takes the political satire starring Hicham stage by writing, directing and Haddad and Rodrigue Sleiman. acting in ‘Natrino.’ Khabaz It tells the story of two patients delivers a comedic play which convicted to the psychiatric ward also reveals the unsettling for believing that they are famous situation of society today as it political leaders. exposes unfortunate conditions Gemmayzeh Theatre (76 in a retirement house. Chateau 409109) Sacre Coeur School, Trianon (03 249842) Jal El Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. From Dib. Until May 4. Thur-Sun. Mar 6. Thur-Sun. 8.30pm 8.30pm. From LL20,000

SCHEHERAZADE IN BAABDA ‘Scheherazade in Baabda’ is a successful attempt at drama therapy introduced by Zeina Daccacshe to the women inmates of Baabda Prison in 2012. The screening will be followed by a group discussion with one Ex-Woman Prisoner and actor. Exode (01 336464) Accaoui Str, Achrafieh. Mar 7-8. 7pm. LL30,000 inc. ‘making of’ DVD

Art & Culture distinctive commercial gallery. Set inside the former 19th century Abdallah Bustrus palace, now known as the Metropolitan Club, the gallery occupies the ground floor of 500 square meters with windows bringing in huge amounts of natural light. In Ottoman and Florentine styles, the gallery houses five rooms displaying art, with the possibility of sitting down to read books on the current exhibition in two. Salamé’s aim is to present international contemporary art of high calibre to a Lebanese audience, and to make accessible these esteemed and varied works to Lebanese collectors.

Art galleries This section lists the best of Beirut’s cultural venues alphabetically. How to be listed Email listings@timeoutbeirut.com details of your venue by 5pm on the 15th of the month before publication. Listings are free, but inclusion is not guaranteed due to limited space. 392RMEIL393 (01 567015) Gouraud Str, Berbari alleyway, Gemmayzeh. Mon-Sat 11am-7pm. 392RMEIL393 is a non-forprofit organisation which operates from the two spaces RMEIL 392 and RMEIL 393. The former is a stone house with a beautiful garden of 200 sq.m., with space for events such as forums and plays. The latter takes up three shop fronts to exhibit work of emerging artists. It sets itself apart from the traditional gallery scene, giving room for various disciplines related to the visual arts to be displayed. Exhibitions rotate monthly, so there is always something to see.

Ayyam Gallery (01 374450/51) Ground Floor, Beirut Tower, Zeitoune Str, Downtown. Mon-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat by appointment only. A major player on the burgeoning Arab art market, Ayyam first opened in Damascus, then Dubai, adding its Beirut space in late 2009. As well as some prestigious exhibitions, some handling controversial fare that rarely shows at the other branches, Beirut’s Ayyam also runs auctions. Its sleek, modern space houses paintings, sculptures and photography from some of the Arab world’s established and emerging artists, with a slight emphasis on the exciting talent emerging from Syria. Beirut Art Center (01 397018) Bldg 13, Str 97, Jisr el Wati. Mon-Sat 12noon-8pm. This large non-profit art space dedicated to contemporary art has curated some of the Beirut’s premier

exhibitions since it opened two years ago. Up-and-coming artists as well as the more established feature, and check the website for talks, documentary screenings and workshops. A choice book selection is on sale, and a small café purveys the basics for a mid-peruse refuelling. Well worth checking out. Bissan Library (01 351291) Moufarej and Sawaya Bldg, Mahatma Gandhi Str. Daily 9am-9pm. Brush up on your Arabic at this well-known Hamra bookshop that carries Arabic books only. Spend an afternoon browsing the shelves, and stock up on novels, biographies, history books and more. Chahine Gallery (01 346522-3) Pres Du Centre, Concorde, Verdun. Mon-Sat 10am-6pm. Chahine Gallery stocks a range of Italian furniture and reproduction antiques. Large selections of paintings are available in a variety of styles. Antique books and engravings are sold. The gallery is housed throughout two floors, changing exhibition pieces each month. Espaces Ephemeres (01 442265) Al Gamarek Str. Mon-Fri 11am-6pm. Head out to this hidden art gallery to discover a world of beautiful and unusual collections. The gallery exhibits everything from furniture, jewellery, sculptures, paintings, porcelain and more. The collections are all limited editions and tend to have a story of their own.

Esquisse Gallery (76 397373, 03 109555) Abou Arbid Bldg, 1st Floor, Elias Sarkis Str. Mon-Fri 12noon-8pm, Sat-Sun by appointment. Situated in a beautiful old Ottoman house is a fascinating art gallery. Visitors can appreciate the rotating roster of artists’ talents in a perfect artisanal setting. The gallery constantly seeks new and upcoming local talents. Unique exhibitions will keep you coming back every month. Joanna Seikaly Gallery (70 776711) 480 Gouraud street, Saad building, ground floor (facing Red Cross), Gemmayze, Beirut, Lebanon; Mon-Fri 2 -6 pm. ‘The Gallery Collection’ is on display at Joanna Seikaly Gallery from November until December 2013. and features works from the artists Semaan Khawam, Thaer Maarouf, Samer Saem El Dahr, Taline Temizian and Wissam Shaabi. Laboratoire d’Art Gallery (01 322744) St. Nicholas Stairs, Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Mon-Fri 11am-7pm; Sat 11am-6pm. A charismatic little gallery situated on the popular stairs of Gemmayzeh. Hosting exhibitions and workshops, this is one popular escape to appreciate authentic artwork. Metropolitan Art Society (70 366969) 35 Trabaud Str, Achrafieh. Tue-Sat 11am-7pm. Tony Salamé, founder and CEO of Aïshti, takes his personal interest in art publicly, by launching a

Art Studios Art 4 Art (01 744989, 03 679280) Zuhoor Bldg, off Spears Str, near Skaff. Mon-Fri 9.30am-6.30pm. Let the little artist unleash her/his talents at this art centre, with anything from glass painting to candle making, needle work, photography and ceramics. Offers private classes and art sessions for kids and adults. Artwork Shop (01 749646) Ground Floor, Ayad Bldg, Adonis Str, Hamra. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm; Sat 9am-1pm (Sep-May). The Artwork Shop offers many rich and varied courses for children and adults. Try your hands at finger painting, making mosaics or creating your own ceramic designs. They also offer pottery, cake design and organize birthday parties. This great workshop space also has its own café with couches where you can browse through arty books and magazines. Ashkal Alwan (01 423879) Ashkal Alwan, Home Workspace, 1st Floor, Bldg 110, Str 90, Jisr el Wati. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. A funky non-profit centre committed to educating, supporting, producing and promoting contemporary art. They regularly give art courses and host numerous lectures.

For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com 43

Art & Culture

Art Factum Gallery Alley 204, Bldg 13, Rehban Str. Mon-Fri 12noon-7pm; Sat 2pm-5pm. One of the most recent galleries to grace the up and coming Quarantina art district.

Zico House (01 746769) 174 Spears Str, Hamra. Mon-Sun 10am-1.30pm. A bar on the ground floor. An art gallery, residential rooms and headquarters of the gay rights organization, Helem, on the second floor. They also organise festivals and events. An environmental NGO on the third floor. Zico house is kooky and eccentric in the most delightful of ways.

Film

Edited by Joanna Aziz Joanna@ontimepublishing.com

The curious cowboy

The ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ actor, Matthew McConaughey, explains how he dropped 47 pounds to play a man with Aids, and why it’s okay for a serious actor to take his top off Congratulations on the Oscar nomination. Where were you heard the news? I was at home with my wife Camilla in Malibu. She set the alarm for 5.15am and brought me some tea and we sat there watching TV. I was the last name. I got a nice kiss and a high five. Then the kids got up.

Film

You’re favourite to win. Have you got a speech ready in your head? No, I’m a bit superstitious. I’m not preparing anything. But I tell you this, if it does happen I won’t be at a loss for words. So this career U-turn. Did you make a conscious decision? No more ‘Wedding Planners’. Delete Kate Hudson’s number from my phone? Well, I did make a conscious decision: I’m not going to carry on doing the same thing over and over. I was reading romantic comedies and action adventures. And I liked them. But I wanted to do something that scares me a little bit, that shakes my floor a little bit. What was your first move in making that happen? The first move was saying “no” to scripts that were coming in. That was six months of saying “no” and then a year of nothing. And in that year I still didn’t know what I wanted to do. But something happened. I gained anonymity and suddenly it became a good idea for William Friedkin to call about “Killer Joe”, or Steven Soderbergh about “Magic Mike”. Then I did “Mud”. Did you get the jitters in that dry patch? A little bit. But I hunkered down with my wife. And I had a son come into the world. When I got anxious, I could be like: shepherding my newborn son is a great thing to be doing. You took paternity leave. Yes. If it hadn’t have been for my son, I’d have been more antsy for sure. I look at it as switching a gear: same book, different chapter. I could have done some of these roles five or ten years ago. I didn’t. I had a nice run there. I enjoyed those romcoms. They’re light. They were fun. So they didn’t get critical acclaim. That’s not my concern. Now I’ve started doing this and I’m enjoying it. People are going, 'We like him.'

I wanted to do something that shakes my floor a little bit

By Cath Clarke

Spitting image When the idea's this good, who needs to be original? Unfortunately ‘idea borrowing’ is not only restricted to Haifa Wahbe’s new movie ‘Halawet Rooh’ and the recent rip-off of the provocative Italian film ‘Malèna’. Here’s a list of ‘It’s too similar, it can’t but be a rip-off’ movies:

Lion King vs Kimba the White Lion The story of a Lion King murdered by his brother with the rightful heir exiled can be seen in Kimba the White Lion, a Japanese TV series.

44 For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com

Reservoir Dogs vs City on Fire We all know Quentin Tarintino is a huge film buff but Reservoir Dogs is a plot for plot robbery of Hong Kong’s ‘Lung Fu Fong Wan’ (City on Fire), a 1987 movie.

Poltergeist vs The Twilight Zone They’re back… again! 1982’s sci-fi horror story of a young girl sucked in to another dimension was done, arguably better, two decades earlier in the film The Twilight Zone.

Film That Awkward Moment ��

Film

Dir.Tom Gormican. March 20 Cinemas nationwide The actors – who seem to have been involved in a hideous industrial accident that’s left them with the superpower of repelling all comic timing – are spectacularly unfunny. Not realising it, poor lambs, they look pretty pleased with themselves, all doing their best Vince Vaughn smirks. Smuggest and smirkiest is Efron, who – and the literary greats will kick themselves for missing this diamond of a comedy-of-errors plot – mistakes his date for a hooker. Later in the film, Efron wonders if he should go to the funeral of the same girl’s dad, but worries: ‘If I do, then we’re dating.’ The script tries very hard with boys-on-the-toilet gags,

while awkwardly and half-heartedly trying to bolt on a romcom for wives and girlfriends. But never mind the bathroom jokes: this one’s a stinker through and through. By Cath Clarke THE BOTTOM LINE An average Rom-Com suitable for a Sunday night in.

The Invisible Woman �� Dir. Ralph Fiennes. March 13 Cinemas Nationwide Drawing on a biography by Claire Tomalin, Fiennes explores the clandestine love affair between a bouncy, middle-aged Dickens (played by Fiennes) and the muchyounger Nelly Ternan (Felicity Jones). An 18-year-old actress when they met, she was quiet, smart and hard to read. Eventually the writer left his wife, Catherine (played here by Joanna Scanlan in a desperately sad performance of grief and understanding), and set up home with Nelly. Their

relationship was an open secret among polite society, and Tomalin argued in her book that Nelly bore Dickens a child while they were living in France – an argument with which Fiennes and scriptwriter Abi Morgan (‘Shame’) choose to run. Jones is intriguing to watch. We’re forced to read her eyes, her looks and glances. ‘The Invisible Woman’ is only partly a romance; it’s the tragedy of Nelly’s life that makes itself more powerfully heard. Dave Calhoun THE BOTTOM LINE An intense love-affair that will leave you teary eyed

46 For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com

C L O S E - U P Sara Boutine Young, beautiful, ambitious… 26-year-old Sara Boutine first fell in love with the stage after experiencing a taste of experimental theatre in ‘The Dead Sea’ directed by Nagy Souraty. This was a spark that helped gravitate her towards a lifetime of chills guaranteed after a performance. Since then, Boutine found herself constantly working in films, videos, TV, backstage… basically anything that entails a creative output. Even though little Lebanon can be a diverse melting pot of virtuosity there are daily distractions of water, electricity and violence that hold it back. Seeking her full potential, Boutine travelled to the sunny side of LA, where she completed a degree at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her latest acting endeavor is the spirited character of Elise in 'The Longest Night'. The

film is an ensemble drama which focuses on post-grads, highlighting quarter life crises as it tells the story of a ‘breakup party.’ Sara doesn't necessarily aspire to a particular icon but is greatly moved by performances from timeless actresses like Meryl Streep and Bette Davis. She hopes one day she can make someone feel, think, revaluate and love as intensely as they have made her feel all these things. When choosing a character to portray, Sara feels naturally drawn to biographical roles and also listed Anna Karenina to be one of her favourites. Even though following her dreams means leaving the comfort of her country, family and friends, Sara has already established success overseas and would definitely return to Lebanon for a visit.

Film Coming out this month 300: Rise OF An Empire Dir. Noam Murro. March 6. The Greek general Themistocles battles an invading army of Persians under the mortal-turned-god, Xer xes. Mr. Peabody & Sherman Dir. Rob Minkoff. March 6. The genius canine Mr. Peabody and his adopted human son Sherman spring into action when Sherman uses their time machine without permission and moments in histor y begin to be changed. The To Do List Dir. Maggie Carey. March 6. Feeling pressured to become more sexually experienced before she goes to college, Brandy Clark makes a list of things to accomplish before hitting campus in the fall 3 Days to Kill Dir. McG. March 13. Dying Secret Ser vice Agent tr ying to reconnect with his estranged daughter is offered an experimental drug that could save his life in exchange for one last assignment.

Need for Speed Dir. Scott Waugh. March 13. Fresh from prison, a street racer who was framed by a wealthy business associate joins a cross countr y race with revenge in mind. The Invisible Woman Dir. Ralph Fiennes. March 13. At the height of his career, Charles Dickens meets a younger woman who becomes his secret lover until his death.

Cineclubs This section lists the best of Beirut’s cinemas alphabetically. How to be listed Email listings@timeoutbeirut.com details of your venue by 5pm on the 15th of the month before publication. Listings are free, but inclusion is not guaranteed due to limited space. Academie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA) (01 480056) ALBA Campus, Ave Emile Edde, Sin el Fil. Free. Created in 1997, ALBA’s cineclub ‘Cult’ has a reputation for featuring well-chosen, alternative cinema and contemporary classics. It’s one of the better-organised and -marketed clubs, but like most of them will die down during the summer, when the students are on holiday, so call ahead.Films are screened every Friday at 7pm. De Prague (03 575282) 166 Makdissi Str, Hamra. Free. Films are projected on the wall of this relaxed cafe/pub/restaurant every night, beginning at 9pm. They make a nice conversational backdrop, or a slightly

Nadi Lekol Nass (03 590269) 3rd floor, Bachoura Public Library, Iswas al Baladi Bldg, Bachoura. Free. The ‘Club for all People’ Cineclub was created to promote and disseminate Arabic culture. Films usually run on Mondays at 7pm, but call to confirm. Psyne Club (03 985061) Theatre Béryte, Saint Joseph University, Damascus Str, Achrafieh. A cineclub held by what must be the most cinema-loving university in Beirut. Run by psychology students, this group screens a new film every three weeks on a specific psychological theme. Debates are held afterwards in French and/or Arabic.

Film Theatres CIRCUIT PLANÈTE All Circuit Planète cinemas are open daily, the first films beginning at 3pm, and the last films of the day beginning at 10.30pm. They tend to be the ones to screen the bigger local releases and more artsy films, so if you’re looking for something Lebanese, check here first.

Metropolis Empire Sofil (01 328806) Centre Sofil, General Fouad Chehab Ave, Achrafieh. This is the beating heart of Lebanon’s independent film scence – though it has some major releases, too. Sofil was opened in 1982 and today plays host to a number of film festivals including the Beirut International Film Festival, the Lebanese Film Festivaland DocuDays: Beirut International Documentary Festival. Grand Cinemas All Grand Cinemas are open daily, the first films beginning at 2pm, and the last films of the day beginning at 10pm. Open 364 days a year, closing only on Good Friday. As with all cinemas in Lebanon, new films are relased on Thursdays. Grand ABC (01 209109) ABC Mall, Achrafieh Str, Achrafieh. With seven screens and located inside one of the city’s most popular malls, this is one of the most frequented cinemas in all Beirut. Grand ABC Dbayeh (04 444650) ABC Dbayeh, Dbayeh Hwy, Dbayeh. This luxurious cinema first opened in June 2012 and is the first VIP cinema in

the country. Take a break from shopping in ABC Dbayeh mall and enjoy a first-rate film experience. Spoil yourselves with seven impressive screens and a wide selection of refreshing treats before the film starts. Grand Concorde (01 343143) Concorde Centre, Dunant Str, Verdun. This eight-screen theatre lies just between Hamra and Verdun and as such attracts a fair number of AUB and LAU students. Make an afternoon of your movie excursion and after the fi lm spend the rest of the day chilling with friends at one or more of the many cafés, restaurants or shopping venues located within walking distance. Vox Cinemas (70 720964, www.voxcinemas.com) Beirut City Center Mall, Hazmieh. We reckon a film experience at this massive cinema is like no other with 15 luxury theatres, the largest screen in the country stretching across 20 metres and a gourmet café. The VIP screens offer reclining chairs and waiter service for top pampering throughout the film screening. Make sure you purchase your tickets online or through their mobile application to avoid queuing.

Planète Abraj (01 292192) Abraj Center, Damascus Blvd, Furn el Chebbek. This large, modern cinema houses eight screens, an enormous lobby filled with small tables and chairs, and a brightly coloured candy and popcorn counter.

Film

The Last Days On Mars Dir.Ruairi RobinsonMarch 13. A group of astronaut explorers succumb one by one to a mysterious and terrifying force while collecting specimens on Mars.

disjointed viewing expreince. Entry is free, but the films are shown without sound, and are subtitled in French, English or Arabic (varies each night). If you want to pin down what’s on, call the staff just before you go.

Cinemacity (01 995 195) Beirut Souks, Downtown. Takes movie experience to a whole new level by offering the most luxurious cinema in Lebanon. Cinemacity Souks has a spacious cinema complex made of 3 Floors consisting of theaters, VIP & Regular lounging areas, restaurants, concession areas and connecting spaces. EMPIRE CINEMAS All Empire Cinemas release new films on Thursdays and are open daily, the first films beginning at 2.30pm, and the last films of the day beginning at 10.30pm. Prime Empire CinemaCity (01 899993) City Mall, Dora Highway, next to Nahr el Maut Bridge, Dora. This massive cinema was opened in May of 2006 with 9 screens. Before your fi lm, stock up on popcorn and candy and watch movie trailers on the plasma screens decorating the walls of the spacious lobby. Empire Dunes (01 792123) Dunes Centre, Verdun Str, Verdun. A four-screen cinema located in the Dunes Centre, a mid-sized shopping centre in one of Beirut’s most popular shopping districts. Before or after your movie chow down on food in the Dunes Centre food court, play games in the basement arcade, or even try your luck at the Centre’s fourlane bowling alley. Empire Sodeco (01 616707) Sodeco Square, Achrafieh. Begin your night out with a refined experience at this cinema, located at the top of Monot. Opened in 1998, this wellsituated, multiplex cinema also offers VIP services with recliner chairs, pillows and blankets, butlers, a Japanese menu with food from Le Sushi Bar and a library corner with free WiFi.

Mr. Peabody & Sherman Meet the most accomplished dog in the world, and his mischievous boy Sherman! They’ll use their time machine, rip a hole in the universe, alter the past, present and future, and face the most daunting challenge of any era: figuring out how to be a parent. Together, they’ll make their mark on history. Mar 6. Nationwide For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com 47

Music&Nightlife

Edited by Roman St Clair roman@ontimepublishing.com

Arabian nights

MusicMusic & Nightlife

Beirut’s taste of the traditional, so get yourself excited for some nights with an Arabic flavour

Al Mandaloun A glittering beacon, the golden exterior shines out from its surroundings and on weekends, schools of expensive cars pool around it waiting to be valet parked. The interior keeps with these ostentatious affectations, with candlelit tables, golden barstools and a knight in shining armour watching over the barmen’s shoulders as they serve up refreshments. It seems to be designed for a sophisticated, seated crowd with a penchant for traditional Arabic music and the trappings of high life. (03 434333) Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael. Mon-Sun 9.30pm-3am

Cassino A classy night club for the refined gentry. Cassino models itself on a classic James Bond casino scene but as the case may have it, without the baccarat on which to blow your wad. Whether you are Xenia Onatopp or Joe Bloggs each table is VIP, enabling you to enjoy the entertainment from an excellent vantage point as you knock back Martinis. There is a nightly musical act from club owner Joe Ashkar who is often accompanied by a special guest performer. Cassino is a place to see and be seen, shaken or stirred. (01 656777) Damascus Str, Achrafieh. Wed-Sun. 12pm-5am

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Harbour 201 Transformed from a crumbling traditional house to a beautiful ‘red house’, Harbour 201 is a trendy restaurant-lounge. The international menu offers everything from sushi to steak, with live entertainment including seductive dancing, sax solos and a full live band. It’s a venue that can transform from an intimate quiet evening to a lively hot spot in one hour.The live bands sing oldies and contemporary hits in English and French, interacting with the customers so you really feel part of the show. (01 573888) Charles Helou Ave, Harbor Hwy, Quarantina, Mon-Sat

Dany’s Dany’s bar in Hamra has become a favourite location for the locals and tourists alike. Upstairs patrons can quench their thirst with fresh fruity cocktails but head downstairs to experience the musical atmosphere that keeps the crowd coming back for more. Bieruti band JLP ‘the people’s favourite’ play every Thursday and make a good go of reviving the best music from the last three decades through an acoustic lens. One of the oldest pubs in the Hamra area ‘Dany’s’ is the place to go for an after-hours drink. (01 740231) 78th Str, Hamra, Daily 10am-late

Music & Nightlife

As the crow flies

TOB sits down with violinist Maher Salamé (aka Crow) to find out a little bit about his passion So why are you called ‘Crow’? In my early musical days, I started listening to Rock Music and ended up playing with a rock band, and we had these weird black outfits. Once we used some white makeup on our face and with the black outfit I looked like a crow and the guys started calling me ‘the crow’ and I liked the name. What is your musical back ground? Well I’m Jihad Akl’s nephew and my Grandpa is Ahmad Akl, one of the greatest violin teachers in Lebanon’s history. So with a tradition of keeping the musical heritage in our family it started by me being forced to play the violin and ended by me loving this instrument.

KAOTEON You can’t help but love a band whose first album is called ‘Veni Vidi Vomui’ (I came, I saw, I vomited). Kaoten was born in the late ‘90s as a one-man band by Anthony (Kaos) who, a year later, summoned Walid (Wolflust) to help him with the vocals.

What is about the violin that made it your passion? To play the violin it has to be part of you. Two bodies connected, acting like one. Playing the violin is simply transforming this piece of wood into an active part of my body, heart and soul. So what does making music mean to you? Making music is translating inner feelings, whether it’s happy, sad, angry or peaceful, into nice musical notes. So it’s simply what you feel as a musician organised in a nice sound for the listener to feel the case we were living. Where can we see you play? I currently perform every Friday and Saturday at

KIMAERA Kimaera has helped put Lebanon on the map when it comes to metal music. Veterans in the game, they have smashed up stages all over the world from Tunisia to Ukraine. Their long standing proves that they are no longer students but now give out the lessons.

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Harbor 201, Beirut. As for the album, I launched my first album (Unofficial album), whoever wants to have a copy just contact me. What are your plans for the future? I’m working on my first official album signed under New Wave Productions & Wan Entertainment. All tracks are composed by me some are arranged by me and some by other arrangers from Lebanon and Sweden. We are also working on my first European tour as I just finished one in Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka. Harbour 201 (70513888) Charles Helou Ave, Harbor Hwy, Quarantina. Fri-Sat. www.mahersalemeh.com or www.facebook.com/salame.maher

TRISTMOON TristMoon have been part of the Lebanese metal scene since 2006, when they performed live for the first time at Discordance, Furn el Chebbek. The group play a kind of atmospheric dark/ black metal with a gothic flair perfectly suited for head banging.

Music & Nightlife Music, naturally

Critic’s choice The Beiruti indie band is back to present the launch party of their new album ‘Twisted Times’. The quartet, consisting of Jad Aouad on ‘beats’, Miran Gurunian on ‘noise’, Chris Reslan on ‘bass’ and Erin Mikhaelian on ‘voices’, produce music inspired from current events in the Middle East and the world. They also have an impressive array of covers from Soft Cell to Justin Timberlake. The concert and after party is being hosted by Cotton Candy Downtown on the first floor of the Plum Building where MyBar used to be. Come down and pogo to that good old rock sound in the form of an electric adrenaline fuelled live performance from Pindoll, followed by

‘them candy beats’ by yo Djette. Doors open with an eye opening set from Ziad Nawfal. Facebook: Pindoll. 1st floor, Plum Bldg, Downtown. Sat 1. 10pm-4am LL30,000

JZ rocks the yacht club International DJ, James Zabiela, will knock your yachts off with mix of breaks and house Between his residency at Club Space in Ibiza and his gigs all over the world James Zabiela is taking his unique mix of breaks and house to the people everywhere. This time he is coming to Beirut for a large yet intimate night at the St George Yacht club. Zabiela started Djing at the tender age of 15 and blames his father, who used to work in a record shop and bring home techno records, for the way his career has panned out. Like a true purest he prefers the analogue sound of vinyl to CD but flies the flag for CDJs, scratching and mixing as you would on vinyl decks but with more flexibility to manipulate loops and samples. This makes his live performance all the more spectacular enabling him to remix songs on the spot. Zabiela says that he will only introduce a laptop to his set once they bring one out which is more reliable, having seen too many of them crash on DJs during their sets. He continues to push the boundaries creatively with what can be done in the

studio and on-stage, with custom made iPad layouts and mappings, multiple controllers in tandem and in harmony with traditional DJ skills. He is sometimes referred to as ‘Jay Z’ on internet forums and by his friends but is not to be confused with the Brooklyn rapper. Luckily the Southampton born DJ states this has never happened with serious consequences which might be thanks to their vastly different physical appearance, not to mention their musical styles. It has been said that James Zabiela has an uncanny knack of making everyone in the crowd feel as though he’s DJing just for them. Once the music starts, it’s not him and them it’s everyone together. So if this type of thing tickles your fancy head down to St George Beach and Yacht Club, it’s going to be another special one brought to you by Mix FM and Beirut in the Mix. (70 9999104) St George Beach and Yacht Club, Ain Mreisseh, Downtown. Sat 8. 11pm-5am. LL50,000

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Music & Nightlife

AL BUSTAN FESTIVAL The Al Bustan Festival celebrates twenty years anniversary providing the country’s largest showcasing of music and the performing arts. It was founded in 1994 by a nonprofit organisation in an attempt to reintroduce arts and culture to Lebanon after years of civil war. Over a month is dedicated to a musical smorgasbord featuring Tchaikovsky violin concertos, Stravinsky opera recitals, fusions of a guitar and mandolin and many more impressive performances in venues throughout Beirut. Artists of all ages have been brought from all across the globe for this sonorous delight, notably Japanese soprano Yasko Fujii and the 18 year old pianist Jan Lisiecki. However these imports are balanced out by a host of talent from closer to home including the Choirs of the Lebanese Conservatiore and the imperious composer Khaled Mouzanar. The settings are equal to the majesty of the performances ranging from the Crystal Garden conservatory to the St George Orthodox Greek Cathedral. Not only is the Al Bustan Festival a celebration of music and arts, it also prides itself on educating through courses, master classes and special workshops. www.albustanfestival.com

Music & Nightlife with live enter tainment and gourmet meals. Enjoy fine dining with French cuisine and a selection of sushi catered by award-winning Chef Daniel Akari and Kobe restaurant. Live singers, dancers, instrumental acts and a DJ keep the night young. Metro Al Madina (01 753021, 76 309363) Saroulla Bldg, -2, Hamra Str, Hamra. Mon-Sat 6pm-late. The once famous cinema Saroula has transformed into an enter tainment hall seating up to 100 people. The cultural and enter tainment venue in Beirut boasts a stage for per forming ar tists.

Music & Nightlife

Music Hall (03 807555) Starco Centre, Omar Daouk Str, Downtown. Thur-Sat 10pm-late. In 2003 this former cinema was conver ted into a lavish, Cabaretesque music hall that hosts local and foreign per formers on its monumental stage. Beirut’s premiere live music stage will of fer you an experience you’re not likely to forget.

Loge Enjoy a regular program that starts with a variety of classical and soft low beat hits. Following is some dance music of 80’s and 90’s, mix of English, French and Spanish with a flavor of some Arabic for a beautiful warm-up to kick off the evening. (03 004100)Pasteur Str, Gemmayzeh. Mon-Sat 10PM-3AM

Live music Blue Note (01 743857) Makhoul Str, Hamra. Mon-Thur 12noon-12mid; Fri-Sat 12noon-late. Meal for two with wine LL50,000; Fri-Sat min charge LL52,500 on live shows. Known for its live enter tainment, Blue Note’s gastronomy is international, though nothing out of the ordinar y. Stick to the steak platter, and the apple pie for desser t. Chill (76 740390) Jean d’Arc Str, Hamra. Mon-Sat 4pm-late. A warm boho atmosphere and extremely friendly staf f. For all the Irish beer lovers, Guinness is available, there’s also free WiFi, and they host regular themed nights. Thur: salsa, Fri: karaoke, Sat: live bands. Dany’s (01 740231) 78th Str, Hamra. Daily 10am-late. One of Hamra’s most famous bars and a magnet for the young, liberal, international and intellectual crowd. Hosts live music three to five times a week on their small basement stage and DJs ever y night of the week playing ever ything from jazz and funk to soul, indie and electro. After midnight the bar fills out as many people’s evenings finish in this popular Hamra destination, this is when the atmosphere is at its most electric. Thur-Fri: live music.

Democratic Republic of Music (01 752202, 70 030032) Ground Floor, Mkahhal Bldg, Sourati Str, Hamra. Out of the dust of an unmarked building site appears an ambitious concer t hall with an industrial look, all grey tones and exposed pipes. Check out their clubbing Saturdays where you can finish of f with breakfast in the early hours. Dictateur (01 571512) 30 Bedawi Str, Bedawi, Achrafieh. Mon-Fri 4pm-late; Sat-Sun 11am-late. With an innovative interior full of quirky charm, Dictateur keeps the spirit alive of this former miniindustrial factor y. It’s par t of a project that aims to show the dying buildings of Beirut. The mini amphitheatre will house plays, live music and ar t exhibitions along with a weekend ‘blunch’ that will no doubt make this a new creative space for ar tists and foodies alike. Mandaloun (01 565333, 03 434333) Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael. Mon-Sat 9pm-4am. Dine in this spacious restaurant with a modern oriental interior, while enjoying the live Arabic per formance. Get of f your seats and get groovy at your table to the Arabic spun by the DJ. Maillon the Club (01 333147, 70 070808) Sofil Center, Achrafieh. Fri-Sat 9.30pm-3.30am. Meal for two with drinks LL225,00. The city’s socialites mingle in this extravagant nightclub that sparkles

52 For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com

Radio Beirut (01 561577) Al Nahr Str, Mar Mikhael. Mon-Thur 10am-2am, FriSun 10am-3am. Lose yourself with appreciation for musical talents in this radio café and bar as you watch live broadcasts. This venue ser ves as a platform for local and regional ar tists to showcase their skills live on an online radio station. Others may come and witness for themselves how a broadcast takes place. If you’ve got what it takes, grab the bull by the horns and broadcast live with your own music show. Razz’zz (01 366246, 70 530007) Weaver’s Center, 464 Clemenceau Str, Hamra. Tue-Sun 12noon-1am. Get your hands on some real tigan and var ti beurek in a smashing ambience, of fering two seated levels, a bar and a leafy garden. Adds an Aleppo twist to some authentically Armenian dishes, to enjoy with the regular musical enter tainment. WedSat: live bands (10.30pm-12.30am). Reservoir Beirut (01 801411) Chinese Restaurant Bldg, Farid Trad Str, Verdun. Daily 10am-1am. A deli, restaurant and pub with friendly staf f, live music and great fresh food. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, platters, soups and mains. Rules (76 414747, 76 123404) Boutrous Dagher Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 6pm-3am. This Gemmayzeh pub knows exactly how to enter tain you. Along with its international cuisine and a sparkling selection of cocktails it also organises activities to keep you coming back. Mon: Oldies night. Tue: 50 percent of f all drinks. Wed: Karaoke. Thur: Live comedy with Raymond Saliba. Fri & Sat: Live DJ sets. Sun: Live acoustic bands. Ever y other night, DJ John spins magic with a mix of commercial, RnB and house. Happy hour daily 6pm-9pm. Sepia (70 705200) St Nicholas Stairs, Gemmayzeh. Daily 8.30pm-late. An elegant Franco-Latin restaurant/ pub. Great decorative touches includes customer contributed notes all over the walls. Thur: live bands (10.30pm-12.30pm). Tredici (71 252511) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh.

Tue-Sun 6pm-2am. Fans of af fordable meals, cocktails and a bustling ambience will love this Gemmayzeh gem. Named after the number 13 in Italian, the restaurant ser ves all their dishes for only LL13,000. Stick around to enjoy live music or pop into their outdoor garden for a breather. Valet parking is available. Unplugged (76 813216) Monot Str, Monot. TueSun 6.30pm-late. If you’re looking for a night out with a combination of ar t, live music and DJs then we reckon you’ll love this gem of a bar hidden away in Monot. The bar regularly exhibits work by local ar tists for free and hosts band per formances with music ranging from indie-alternative, nu disco, electro-pop and deep house. The laid-back space of fers comfy couches, af fordable drinks and bar snacks, along with outdoor seating for smokers to light up. Walimat Warde (01 343128, 03 628578) Ground Floor, Marble Tower Hotel, Makdessi Str, Hamra. Daily 12noon-late. Walimat Warde has the charm and character of a cozy and welcoming Arab home during the day. The menu is scribbled in English and Arabic on a chalkboard. By night, it transforms into an eccentric and laid-back bar filled with good music and great conversations. Zinc (03 873333) Seif Eddine Al Khatib Str, Achrafieh. Wed-Sun 9pm-2am. Dance venue built inside an old house attracts the young trendsetters of Beirut. Three comfor table lounge areas are infused with serious par ty beats, from hip-hop and jazz to trance and commercial music.

Musical instruments Antoun’s Music (01 742683) Sadat Str, Hamra. Mon-Sat 10am-6.30pm. A fully equipped music shop open since 1956 that of fers all kinds of musical and sound instruments. They also repair instruments and of fer music lessons with qualified instructors. They are especially known for their skills in tuning and rebuilding pianos. Abdallah Chahine (01 361992) America Str, Hamra, (01 548787, 01 548989) Hazmieh Boulevard, Chiyah, (01 332222) George Zeidan Str, Achrafieh. MonFri 9am-6.30pm, Sat 9am-1pm. This haven is the place to be for all music lovers. They stock impor ted musical instruments of all sor ts including major brand names such as Fender, Hohner Kawai and more. The budding musician is catered to as well with their collection of mini-instruments for children. Instruments Garage (01 202302) MTV Bldg, Fassouh Str, Achrafieh. Daily 10am-8pm. Put together a family band and head to this place and check out the wide variety of musical instruments and a special collection for kids. You’ll find the drum sets, flutes, guitars, percussion and more; all sold at competitive prices. Maher’s Music Shop (03 728629) Sadat Str, Hamra. MonSat 10am-9pm, Sun 4pm-9pm. Music lovers will be pleased to discover this

Music & Nightlife place, which stocks a large collection of CDs, iPods, and accessories. If you are looking for a specific album or accessor y for your gadgets, chances are you’ll find it here. Mozart Chahine (01 215000) Abdel Wahab El Ingizi Str, Achrafieh. Branches: (04 416813 ) Main Hwy, Jal El Dib. (09 224925) Main Hwy, Zouk Mosbeh. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. If you are looking for a cer tain brand or type of musical instrument, look no fur ther – these guys have you covered. Along with having all kinds of instruments in stock, these specialists are the exclusive dealers of Yamaha, Ibanez, Tama, Tycoon and more than 25 dif ferent international musical instrument brands.

Music lessons Care (01 880592) 2nd Floor, Almaza Str, Jdeideh. Mon-Fri 9am-7pm; Sat 9am-4pm. Care provides workshops tailored for children and young adults with special needs. Weekly drama and music therapies, vocational training and academics are of fered during the week.

Ecole de Musique Ghassan Yammine (01 202820)7th Floor, Abou El Oula Bldg, Baydoun Str, Sodeco, Achrafieh. Mon-Fri 10am-9pm; Sat 10am-3pm. Branches: (04 711047) Jal El Dib, (01 350310) Hamra, (09 850202) Ghazir. Of fers courses in modern music including jazz, pop, blues and classical music. Kids can learn a variety of instruments including saxophone, drums, clarinet, electric or acoustic guitar. Future singers can take vocal lessons or learn how to come up with compositions, computerised music or enjoy classes in music appreciation. They also of fer lessons in theatre, photography, dancing and sound engineering. JelyBely Kids Activity Center (03 817028) Mary Wakim Centre, 1st Floor, Mansourieh Old Hwy, Mansourieh. Daily 9.30am-8pm. This place is dedicated to fun and activities for little ones. They organise weekly classes in music, theatre and lots more. KinderMusik (03 241020) 9th Floor, Victoria Centre, Corniche Al Nahar. Thur 3.45pm-6.30pm; Fri 4pm-6pm; Sat 10am-12noon. KinderMusik welcomes children from 7 months to 7 years old. They concentrate on developing young infants’ minds socially as well as musically. Depending on the child’s age and cognitive level, musical activities are introduced to encourage each child’s psychological tgrowth - from motor skills to speech therapy. Krafty Kids (01 355805, 03 231314) Jabara Bldg, Adonis Str, Hamra. Krafty Kids of fers all types of fun for children up to ten years old. Interactive activities include acting classes followed by a play, card making, music, drawing, ar ts and crafts and stor ytelling.

Rock ‘n Bach (09 850330) PO Box 1844, Ghazir, Jounieh. Mon-Fri 11am-7pm; Sat 9am-3pm. Rock ‘n Bach is an electrifying school teaching children music, ar t, dance and singing. With qualified instructors and a variety of equipment, kids will be astounded by the unlimited courses on of fer. The school boasts a friendly and happy environment, making sure ever y student feels like they belong to one big family. Some of the courses on of fer include, zumba dance classes, hand crafts and music lessons for toddlers.

Audio equipment

Music & Nightlife

Drum Lessons Beirut (03 779753) 7th Floor, Jadayeil Bldg, Rachid Karame Str, Verdun. Mon-Fri 4pm-8pm. Forget pots and pans, let your child get to grips with the real ar t of percussion with these unique drumming lessons.

Mozart Chahine School of Music (04 414649) Main Hwy, Jal El Dib. (09 224876) Main Hwy, Zouk Mosbeh. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. Whether you are a budding musician or just want to improve your musical talents, this music school of fers all you need to get the job done. In a friendly and welcoming environment, the school provides lessons for all ages and backgrounds by qualified music instructors. Genres range from classical to modern, blues, jazz, Oriental, fusion and more. Annual exams and cer tificates are awarded to all students to keep track of their progress.

Abed Tahan (01 661000) Corniche Al Mazraa Main Rd, Corniche Al Mazraa. Mon-Fri 8.30am-8pm, Sat 8.30am-7pm. You might think you’ve stumbled upon audio heaven when you stroll in, with brand names from all the big players. You’ll find TVs, computers, phones, fitness equipment and household appliances to browse through. They also of fer great maintenance and customer ser vice. Bang & Olufsen (01 974400) Arass and Kanafani Str, Saifi. Mon-Fri 10am-6.30pm, Sat 10am-2pm. Step inside this digital haven and pay audio paradise a visit. The Danish company is a globally recognised brand that designs and manufactures their own brand of audio products. In the showroom you will find a sparkling selection of music systems, loudspeakers, TVs, phones and more. They are also the exclusive distributers of sound systems for car companies such as Aston Mar tin and BMW. Khoury Home (01 244200) Adnan Hakim Str, Jnah. Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-7pm. Pop in to explore their electronic and home decoration products, including telephones, audio and video equipment, computers, home appliances, home decoration and the like. Anything of a domestic use and electronic hear tbeat can be found here, and there is excellent after-sales ser vice. Radio Shack (01 340340) Strand Center, Hamra Main Rd, Hamra. Mon-Fri 8.30am-9.45pm, Sat 8.30am-8pm, Sun 11am-8pm. At Radioshack store, cast your eyes over an endless stock of electronic equipment. This electronic haven has been dubbed as one of the largest distributers in the world, with computers, cameras, audio equipment, phones and lots more. Sounds Inc (01 353351) Salamoun Bldg, Cairo Str, Hamra. Mon-Fri 9am-6.30pm, Sat 9am-2.30pm. If you need some

sleek new audio equipment, head here. Established in 1973, these sound specialists are known for their high quality audio products. They are one of the largest impor ters, distributers and installers of various brands in the video and audio industr y.

promises to kickof f careers in the music industr y with courses, workshops and tutorials. The school is open to all ages with all the kit a would-be DJ needs.

Viatek (01 339650) Viatek Bldg, First Floor, Elias Sarkis Ave, Achrafieh. Mon-Fri 9am-7.30pm, Sat 9am-5pm. If you’re in the market for computers, TVs, phones, or audiovisual equipment, Viatek is where you’ll find it all. Stuf fed with multimedia equipment, some of the luxur y brand names include Apple, Nokia, Samsung, HTC and Toshiba to name a few.

360 Media (01 216091) Voice of Lebanon Bldg, 11th Floor, Alfred Naccash Str, Achrafieh. Daily 11am-4pm. This remarkable studio is the first production house in the Middle East to be cer tified with Dolby 7.1 and 5.1 solutions, meaning their surround sound allows them to provide the highest quality in sound mixing. The recording studio also provides full client ser vices, from songwriting and production to distribution and marketing.

DJ Schools Per-vurt Music Technology Store (01 743156, 03 733156) Lyon Str, Hamra. Mon-Sat 10am-9pm. There’s a DJ in ever y one of us and if you’re up for it, Per-vur t DJ School and Recording Studio can get you on the right track with their four-week, 12 session course that will teach you all you need to know about being a professional DJ. DJ School Lebanon (03 486667) Versaya Center, Achrafieh. Mon-Thur 10am-6pm. Aspiring spinkings will love this non-profit DJ school that is dedicated to polishing of f musical talents. Originally founded in 2009, it

Recording studios

Jean-Marie Riachi Studios (04 522111, 03 808333) Rue des Oliviers, Rabieh. Mon-Fri 9.30am-6pm. This award-winning production house and studio of fers an array of packages to suit budding ar tists. They specialise in recording, producing and composing in all music genres. With three impressive studios, the production house also of fers comprehensive ser vices to commercial clients. Some of the renowned ar tists they have worked with include Haifa Wehbe, Fairouz and Elissa. Tunefork Recording Studios (70 148879) Moucarri Bldg, 7th Floor, Dora Hwy, Dora. By appointment.

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Music & Nightlife We reckon this recording studio is a place for serious audiophiles with a commendable range of ser vices and equipment to suit all. Some of their ser vices include music production, composition, voice-over recoding and sound design to name a few. The studio also provides music for commercial clients.

Bars & clubbing This section lists the best of Beirut’s bars and clubs alphabetically. NEW Denotes a new entry+ How to be listed Email listings@timeoutbeirut.com details of your venue including the phone numbers, address and opening hours. Listings are free, but inclusion is not guaranteed due to limited space.

Music & Nightlife

Bars 37° Bar and Grill (01 203215) Monot Main Alley, Monot. Daily 6.30pm-2.30am. Happy hour 6.37pm-8.37pm. Nearly a decade old, 37º Bar and Grill is one of Monot’s gems. This lounge bar gets far hotter than its name would let on, and while it caters for lounging, if you come in on a quiet night the bar can be a per fect pre-clubbing venue. Ser ves a good selection of international cuisine and an impressive selection of shots. Abbey Road (03 3681797, 01 570118) Mon-Sat 11am-2am, Sun 5pm-2am. Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael. The place to be in Mar Mikhael. Abbey Road of fers a relaxing atmosphere during the day before the rocking beats star t a-thumping at nighttime. The venue houses two floors of what appears to be a recording studio, with photos of famous rock singers adorning the walls. Snacks are ser ved throughout the day to accompany old, classic rock rhythms. Come together. Right now. American Dream (01 341625, 03 245238) Jeanne d’Arc Str, Hamra. Daily 3pm-12mid.This cosy bar opens ever y night of the week for nights out. The interior houses two floors with a bar on each level, so you won’t have to move ver y far for your next round of pick-me-ups. Music is soft and chilled, seating a total of 130 people in the homey space. If you’re not sure what to order, tr y the signature cocktail ‘American Dream’. Anise (70 977926) Alexander Flemming Str, Mar Mikhael. Daily 6pm-1.30am. Feel at home in this lovely Mar Mikhael haunt of fering cocktails and tasty bar snacks. We love their extensive variety of homemade Arak gathered from vines across Lebanon. Drinks are af fordable with attentive bar staf f. Tr y their specialty the Cezar Arak cocktail. Art Lounge (03 997676) Najjar Bldg, Quarantina River Bridge, Qarantina. Daily 6pm-late. Once upon a time this space was a derelict warehouse; now it’s home to one of Beirut’s most impor tant ar t venues, with a bar, concer t space, ar t book store and a popular cineclub

(with a dif ferent cinematic theme ever y month). Barbu (01 567606) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 5pm-late. Happy hour 6pm-8.30pm. A busy student haunt with happy hours from 6pm-8.30pm and a decent cocktail list. If you’re poor and peckish they of fer 20% of f for all university students with ID, and discounts to all Red Cross members. Berlin (01 442600 70 246688) Saad Bldg, Youssef Hayek Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 8.30pm-late. This cosy low-lit Gemmayzeh pub has an urbane feel. Nights usually star t of f pretty quietly, but inevitably descend into playing ‘big tunes’ until the early hours. Berlin play lots of deep house and commercial electro, with a guest DJ ever y Fri. Thur: Latin. Big Shot (01 342140) 78th Str, Hamra. Daily 6pm-4am. Beirut’s first RnB bar clearly boasts a bad ass feel with pictures of music legends such as Tupac and Rolling Stones magazine covers. Weekends take a wild turn often accompanied with some rounds of sweet shots on the house. Bodø (01 738068) Abdel Aal Str, Hamra. Daily 24hrs; kitchen open 6am-12mid. This open-fronted charmingly small bar looks like an old conver ted workshop. Ever yday brings a new popcorn flavour for you to munch on and there’s an extensive cocktail list full of tasty treats, for you to sip on 24/7. Named after the Nor wegian town where the sun never sets. La Bouteille (01 570811, 70 161811) Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael. Mon-Sat10.30am-late. Explore the tastes of international wines originating from Argentina to South Africa, all the while listening to jazzy and funk sounds and sitting on the outdoor terrace. Brick’s (01 355443) Makdessi Str, Hamra. Daily 11am-3am. Brick’s is the place to kick back and get a good hear ty meal in a cosy atmosphere. A home from home, expect a varied soundtrack of ever ything relaxed from jazz to folk, blues to alternative rock. Brut (03 671177) Monot Alley, Monot. FriSat 9pm-4pm. Brut has reopened a new version of itself in the same space it once occupied. A sea of chrome and black leather stools surround the bar, which prides itself on its great selection of premium vodkas. Fri: RnB, hip-hop and urban sounds. Sat: Club Night – a mix of house music. Both parking and valet parking are available. Burlesque (70 480640) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 4pm-late. Happy hour 4pm-9pm. This cavernous little bar with a subtle burlesque theme has been built from a renovated dress makers. High arched exposed stone ceilings which tastefully contrast with a slick modern bar façade. Burlesque has a small and simple French menu containing crêpes, sandwiches and snacks. Celtic (01 338688) Monot Str, Monot, Achrafieh. Daily 5pm-2am. An Irish

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style pub popular with Lebanese and ex-pats alike. Good place to hang with friends and watch spor ts (mainly football) on a projector TV screen. On Fridays they host a game of ‘beer-pong’, a drinking game that incorporates ping-pong balls. Celtic will open for any Premier League game. Chaplin (03 286977) Mar Mikhael Str, Mar Mikhael. Daily 10am-late. Happy hour 5pm-8pm. This charming old-world bar complete with net cur tains, ancient typewriters and gramophones, has the Charlie Chaplin quirk. Dress up like the man himself with the bar’s fake moustaches and Chaplin hats and pose for a Polaroid snapshot. Music passes through jazz, bossa and acid jazz with breakfast ser ved in the morning. Charlie’s Bar (01 442019) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Mon-Sat 10am-2am, Sun 5pm-2am. A snug little place buried away on a street that comes to life night after night. The green, blue and brown colours lure you in to enjoy their cocktails and snacks. The bar also ser ves sandwiches all to a pleasing blend of reggae, rock and noncommercial tunes. Get cosy on the small couches and high stools. Citizen Smith (01 737573) Makdessi Str, Hamra. Daily 6pm-late. Tucked away at the end of Makdessi Street, Citizen Smith takes us back to a past era of Hamra, taking its name from the long standing supermarket ‘Smith’s’ which closed its doors recently. With their extensive bar selection and friendly staf f, Citizen Smith has an industrial-feel interior and attracts a crowd of young and ar tsy professionals. Concrete (76 122 122) Uruguay Street, Downtown. Concrete is a new addition to the tradition of enter taining nights provided by Beirut. The pub of fers an intimate setting with dim lighting, a colour ful array of drinks and hosts music acts ever y Saturday and Sunday. Crew (01 449873) Pasteur Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 6pm-6am. This bar works on a dif ferent concept, hospitality staf f receive 25 per cent discount on drinks and Middle East cabin crew get a whopping 50 per cent of f. Nurse away the hours on your feet with their speciality ‘Crew Bar Touch’ cocktail, to a soundtrack of jazz, blues, regaee and pop. Snacks and sandwiches on of fer. Hosts regular psychedelic nights. The Closet (01 568708, 03 126559)Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael. Daily 6pm-late. This happening bar comes to life ever y night. Discover the funky ‘S’ shaped interior with pulsating industrial vibes. Ser ving sandwiches and drinks, the interior easily fits 86 with couches and highstools. Beats range from electronic to rock and blues. We recommend star ting of f with a Bloody Mar y to get the night star ted. Demo (03 958504) Lebanon Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 10am-2am. Takes the pretentious sheen out of Gemmayzeh. Good indie music, free WiFi till 6pm and the perfect venue for a mellow night out. A nice selection of toasted sandwiches for roughly LL12,000. Keep an eye out for posters as Demo hosts some great in-house live events.

Divine Moments of Truth (01 566570) Lebanon Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 5pm-1.30am. A trendy bar open all week long. Spoil yourself with their appetising treats such as nachos, sandwiches, salads and lots more. Live bands will enter tain ever y Sunday while pop rock, hip hop and commercial beats keep you buzzing throughout the week. Duke of Wellington (01 340860) Mayflower Hotel, Yafet Str, Hamra. Daily 2pm-1am. Happy hour Fri, Wed 7pm-9pm. Famous haunt for ex-pat war repor ters in the ‘70s. A ver y English pub ser ving fish, steaks, salads and the like. It’s an enter taining change of scene, the walls decorated with bagpipes, swords and reindeer heads on the walls, and is surprisingly af fordable. Entourage (01 566022) Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael. Daily 5pm-2am. This tapas pub is relatively remote from Gemmayzeh’s nightlife buzz, but is still a great drinking spot. Prepare yourself for a boat trip through the Mediterranean (you’ll understand as you walk in). Wed: French night. February 30 (01 736683, 76 994405) Makdessi Str, Hamra. Daily 10am-3.30am. A dazzling nightspot adding to the hype and buzz of Hamra. The remarkable décor is one you won’t find elsewhere. Spor ting an Alice in Wonderland twist, you’ll find an upside down table on the ceiling, a swing at the bar, and more to keep you surprised all evening. The venue plays a mix of jazz and alternative beats. Early birds can have a stab at their breakfast and brunch. FLO’ (03 789551) Makhoul Str, Hamra. Daily 10am-3.30am. This multi-level bar provides a warm and inviting atmosphere; filled with sprawling couches and bar stools, Norman Rockwell’esque paintings and a delectable selection of cocktails and beers, ser ved beneath dim lighting. Ser ves both breakfast and lunch. Godot (01 575770) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 4pm-2am. Happy hour 4pm-8pm. This lively little bar attracts Beirut’s ar tsy and intellectual crowd with its tasteful decor, exposed ventilation system and charming staf f. Sip one of their signature fresh fruit cocktails or sample their selection of mouthwatering draught beers. Free WiFi. Hamra Bar (01 565340) Nahr Str, Mar Mikhael. Daily 7pm-2am. Hamra pub has brought a corner of Ras Beirut to this side of the city, with its hip black interior and blue fluorescent bar. The best thing about this place is the food, with star ters of bruschetta and calamari rings, and mains of crab, steak, and smoked salmon. Hole In The Wall (03 439122) Monot Main Alley, Monot. Daily 6pm-late. This small, dingy pub has been around for as long as Monot has. Enjoy their specialty draft beer while you tap your feet and bob your head to the DJ’s alternative rock, jazz and blues records. Two Mondays a month are set aside for special tribute acts, while Thur live singer with a guitar. Internazionale (01 565463) Armenia Str/Alexander Fleming Str, Mar Mikhael. Daily

Music & Nightlife 4pm-late. With its classic décor, Internazionale boasts an impressive cocktail list with affordable old standbys. The first thing you see when you walk through the door is a massive old black and white photo and their DJ table with one of the best sound systems in Mar Mikhael. Not necessarily a dancing venue, it doesn’t stop the hip crowd from taking the floor in the late hours. Jackie O (03 602624, 03 756947) 78th Str, Hamra. Daily 5pm-late. This may be gender diversification at its best. Jackie O, smack dab in the middle of Dany’s, Oscar Wilde and Kennedy’s (coincidence? We think not). Hardly a resto-pub, but the savour y grilled chicken citrusy salad followed by Jackie O’s specialty fruit cocktail will keep your strength up.With many ending up here be sure to arrive early, grab a seat and chill to laidback tunes before the pumping tunes and crowd rule, an experience whether you remember it or not. Joker Shot (01 976 902)Uruguay Str., Downtown. The smile of the Joker lives on in this new decorative pub. Exemplifying exper tise in shots, Joker Shot of fers the best of boozy blasts in peculiar test-tube glasses.

Juleps (76 351616) Uruguay Str, Downtown. Daily 5pm-1am. Escape hectic city life, kick back and sip cocktails at this stylish bar. Be sure to tr y their signaturemint juleps, or let the bar tender be your guide. Juniper (03 795357) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 7.30pm-1am. A great regular haunt with an upstairs sitting area and a DJ amenable to requests. The friendly bar staf f, down to ear th crowd and original cocktail list makes Juniper a relaxing and unpretentious hang-out. Li Beirut (03 286977) Makdessi Str, Hamra. Daily 6pm-late. Happy hour 6pm-9pm. This welcoming compact little bar comes alive at the weekend with a DJ Wed-Sat playing old style Arabic music. Go up the creaky wooden staircase for the cosy, librar y style upper room. Ser ves excellent mezze and the enthusiastic bar men – with a uniform of white t-shir t and trouser braces – will knock you up any drink that comes to mind. Life Bar (03 678741, 01 576000) Tabaris Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 8pm-late. Minimum charge for two LL30,000. Brace yourself for a dif ferent atmosphere ever y day of the week. From Karaoke Wednesday to Oriental Thursdays to dif ferent DJs playing all types of music Friday through Sunday, you’ll never get bored. Don’t forget to order some delicious nosh from their full-scale sushi menu and fresh sandwiches made daily. Lime (03 348273) Monot Str, Monot, Achrafieh. Daily 6pm-late. Happy hour

London Bar (70 774902) Makdessi Str, Hamra. Daily 5pm-late. Happy hour 5pm-9pm. Whether you’re in it for the drink or the music, London Bar should be a good choice. Happy hour will take you on a three-hour happy double decker journey with 50% from 5pm-9pm. Cocktails and shots are ver y pocket friendly. Lust (70 145454, 03 792563) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 8pm-late. Swim in sin at this hot Gemmayzeh pub. Sample the wonder ful cocktails while listening to DJ Tim’s mixes of the latest commercial and electro hits. Indulge in guilty pleasures at their weekly ‘90s night ever y Thursday. Mad Water (03 049184, 71 219090) Makdessi Str, Hamra. Daily 5pm-late. This gem of a pub is a popular drinking hole located on Hamra’s lively main strip. The place comes to life ever y night with a slew of rock, alternative, blues and the like Though they don’t ser ve dinner, this place is wor th a visit if you dig fab cocktails. We love the ‘Mad Fashion’ passion fruit cocktail. Happy hour: daily 5pm-8pm. Main Street (01 344343, 76 680674) Makdessi Str, Hamra. Daily 5pm-2am. Other branches: (71 090953) Uruguay Str, Downtown. This spacious, cosy, restaurant-bar is decked out like a train station café, with its chandeliers and wooden furniture (think Brief Encounter). Popular for their happy hours (daily 5pm-8pm), the venue attracts locals and tourists for their great selection of food and cocktails. Mantis (70 668307, 71 861126) Jabre Doumit Str, Hamra. Tue-Sun 7pm-late. A popular hangout commonly known as an alternative drinking den. This little pub is frequented by music enthusiasts and plays beats you aren’t likely to hear elsewhere. Mixes of punk, metal, dark wave and neo-classical hits just begin to cover it. The décor only adds to it with posters of film stars from the ‘60s and ‘80s adorning the walls. Get cosy on the couches or kick back on the high stools by the bar. Moscow Mule (03 329279) Makdessi Str, Hamra. Daily 4pm-3am. A stand out bar for young and old to spend thrilling nights. Tr y out their addictive ‘Moscow Mule’ specialty cocktail made of vodka, lime, fresh ginger and soda. Enjoy a smar t décor with couches, high-stools and an outdoor terrace as you listen to jazz, blues, soft rock, rock and funk beats. Meals are also ser ved. Happy hour: 5pm-9pm. Name This Bar (03 191984) Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael. Daily 11am-3.30am. Happy hour 5pm-8pm. A friendly, unpretentious place with a decent cocktail list; be sure to tr y the kiwi mar tini or the rotating cocktail of the week. The food is filling and the ‘name this sandwich’ - chorizo, cheese, mushrooms and BBQ sauce comes highly recommended. Sun: live bands.

Ob La Di 01 562121) Mar Maroun Str, Gemmayzeh. Mon-Sat 8pm-late. Acoustic nights, French music, live bands, alternative rock – this place mixes up the music, creating a fun atmosphere that will keep you coming back night after night. Thur (ever y second of the month): ‘80s night, Wed: karaoke. Pasteur (70 005457) Bldg 10, Impasse 384 Str, Gemmayzeh. Wed-Sat 7pm-3am. Pasteur is a happening venue known to host some of the hottest par ties in Gemmayzeh. Open mid-week and on weekends, there is always something going on for ever yone, from ar t exhibitions to clubbing nights. Pasteur is situated in an old traditional Lebanese house with beautiful colours and interior. The inside boasts two large interior sections with funky old furniture that has been re-updated and designed.Wed: live acoustic bands, Thur: chill-out nights featuring lounge music, Fri & Sat: clubbing nights. Porto (03 888494) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 6pm-late. Happy hour 6pm-8.30. A small and friendly authentic-looking Por tuguese pub with delicious cocktails. Per fect for a quiet drink with a friend. Rabbit Hole (03 803912) Makdessi Str, Hamra. Daily 3pm-late. Happy hour 5pm-8pm An understated and buzzing Hamra pub owned by three friendly and accommodating brothers (who are sometimes known to dish out free shots to guests during the night). Holds about 25-30 people. Free WiFi. Q (03 807162) Ibrahim Abdel Aaal Str, Hamra. Daily 5pm-2am. Happy hour 6pm-9pm. Venture through the welcoming green-doors of this lively Hamra pub for an evening of good music and cocktails. With a brightly lit interior and laid-back jazz, blues and alternative hits, this is a wise choice for a night of socialising. Come by early to take advantage of their happy hour. Scoop (70 987887) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 5pm-late. Happy hour 5pm-8pm. Scoop is the bar in Gemmayzeh decked out with Japanese lanterns. An alternative DJ plays on the weekend. Wed: karaoke, Fri-Sat: DJs. Sins Bar (70 226164) Kyameh Bldg, Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 6pm-2am. Happy hour 6pm-8pm. A cosy Gemmayzeh bar where golden oldies, commercial/pop rock and hard rock stream from the speakers. Choose from a good selection of tasty cocktails to spice up your night. Wed: Ladies Night, 50 % of f drinks (for the ladies). Stairs (03 940553, 70 944785)Abdel Baki Str, Hamra. Mon-Sat 6pm-late. This cheer ful pub is the ideal place to unwind and enjoy an evening out with friends. Along with a variety of drinks, food is also ser ved including sandwiches, burgers and salads. Soothing jazz, blues and soft rock plays throughout the night. Thur & Sat: DJ nights. Happy hour daily from 6pm-9pm. Tequila (01 447233) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh.

Daily 8pm-late. Happy hour 7pm- 9pm. Tequila shots for LL2,000, need we say more? A dark pub with loud tunes famous among students and ex-pats with dir t cheap shots and a wide selection of cocktails. Fills up around 10pm. Tr y their massive flaming Lamborghini. Torino Express (03 611456) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 10am-2am. Café by day and kicking bar by night, Torino Express was conver ted from an old arcade shop, and is arguably the most popular bar in Gemmayzeh. You’re best of f heading here earlier in the evening, before it becomes too crowded. Since they have no phone number, you’ll simply have to pass by for a chat. Treesome (03 753297) Youssef Hayek Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 6pm-late. Contains a real olive tree growing within. Packed on weekends and the place to go for shots, par ticularly the distinctly Lebanese Dou-Dou shot. Jazz and ‘80s music play during the week and commercial hits blast on weekends. Unfidèle (01 565908, 70 545447) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Sun-Thur 8pm-1am; FriSat 8pm-2.30am. Sick of the same old bar scene? Unfidele, one of Beirut’s unique lounges, presents a new vibe to the hear t of the city’s busiest night scene. With walls of glamour and cushions of class, white and gold is the royal theme here. When hunger strikes, ask to see their menu of cold cuts, or tr y their fondue to ensure a sweet ending. V Comme Vin (01 448991, 70 410401) Al Nahr Str, Mar Mikhael. Mon-Sat 7pm-late. Brought in exclusively by sommelier Yvan Jobarb, this bar of fers a wide selection of wines from around the world. And don’t forget the cheeses and charcuterie. Whiskey Bar (71 091197) Mahatma Gandhi Str, Hamra. Daily 6pm-3am. Happy hour 6pm-9pm. Whiskey Bar of fers a wide range of premium drinks and cocktails in a cosy atmosphere. Tue: couples night, Sun: live acoustic bands. Whispers (71 594740, 03 448667) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Tues-Sun 7pm-3am. A cosy little Gemmayzeh hangout in a warm and friendly setting. This is the place to visit for a successful night of drinking and experimenting with shots. The extensive list of shots on of fer is sure to impress you, including their specialty the ‘Whispers shot’. The small space houses two floors, comfor tably fitting 35 people. The friendly bar staf f often play music upon request of their visitors. The bar also plays spor t matches and impor tant events on their TV screen.

Bars with dinner 107 Victor Hugo (76 017107) Victor Hugo Str, Monot. Daily 8pm-late. 107 Victor Hugo, so called after its address, doesn’t need a catchy name to draw people in. Over three seating areas twisting round a striking central wine cabinet, whose racks resemble the endless windows of a sky scraper. The lighting, the design and the ambience of the space is genuinely stylish and cosy while the menu is the sor t of timeless French and international cuisine one doesn’t tire of.

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Music & Nightlife

Jukebox (03 110200) Youssef El Hayek Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 5pm-2am. Happy hour 6pm-9pm. Mon: 70% of f, Thur: buy one drink, get one free. This cosy bar has a free jukebox, and music genre cocktails to match your mood from blues to funk and electronic. Free WiFi. Sun: live bands.

6pm-8pm. An established drinking hole that’s been open for about ten years. It has a big terrace and a chic bar in the centre of the floor. A good pre-hangout in Monot before the club.

Music & Nightlife 78th Street Garage (01 342164) 78th Str, Hamra. Daily 6pm-3am. If you feel like branching out of Beirut’s typical restaurant scene, experience this venue’s exciting garagethemed interior space. You’ll discover a funky gas pump along with unusual graf fiti and logos surrounding the venue. Also ser ving American cuisine, our suggestion is to head there early and order one of their burgers. Also take advantage of their daily of fer of open beer from 6pm-9pm.

Music & Nightlife

9:30 Bar and Grill (01 747930) Ibrahim Abd El Aal Str, Hamra. Daily 5pm-1am. Meal for two with drinks LL40,000. This spot above Lord of the Wings in Hamra has a kind of diner cum cocktail lounge vibe; they ser ve, in their own words, ‘reasonably priced libations’. Order the ‘passion skin’ cocktail and play it safe with the house burger. Tue: karaoke night. Sat: live enter tainment with singer Daya Kay and Julian Azar on the keyboards. Bardo (01 340060) Mexico Str, Hamra. Daily 9am-late; kitchen closes at 12mid. Happy hour 6pm-9pm. This relaxed, alternative bar/restaurant has a Mediterranean menu. Tr y the stuf fed sea bass with fennel and mixed vegetables and a good stock of wines. Baromètre (01 367229) Makhoul Str, Hamra. Daily 7pm-1.30am. A rustic and lively Hamra bar with a Hispanic feel to the place. Popular with students, it ser ves excellent Lebanese mezza and has a big outside terrace. As the night ebbs on, customers often get to their feet and dance to Latin and Arabic music. Bobo (03 384156) Estral Bldg, Hamra Str, Hamra. Daily 5pm-2am. Claiming to be where bohemian meets bourgeois, this cosy resto-pub strikes the right balance. Of fering breakfasts, salads and mezza, not to mention a cracking cocktail list. Resident DJs on Wednesdays and Thursdays, bands on Fridays and themed nights on Saturdays. Bobo is the first bar in Lebanon to launch the indoor anti-smoking policy. Bedivere Eatery & Tavern (01 748909, 03 902909) Makdessi Bldg, Jeanne D’arc Str, Hamra. Daily 11am-late. Named after one of King Ar thur’s knights of the round table, this lovely bistro bar boasts a feel-good medieval vibe. Whether you want dinner, drinks or both, this is the right place to visit. Ser ving international cuisine, diners can choose from appetisers, pastas, sandwiches, main dishes and desser t. You’ll be impressed by the U-shaped bar along with ever ything else about the place. We suggest you tr y the steak on lava as a main dish and finish of f with the fondant au chocolat for desser t. The Bronx (76 885888) Uruguay Str, Downtown. Daily 12noon-2am. The only restaurant bar with a New York twist in downtown Beirut. Their graf fiti on the wooden tables and walls has an exceptionally urban feel to it. Dine on their signature dishes such as the Bronx burger or the Bronx sizzling fajitas and enjoy one of their themed nights featuring impressive live bands and DJs. Catch Tree Hoppers live on Sundays and band JLP on Tuesdays. Ever y other night, DJs Tim, Cesar and Mich will get your

hear t pumping with the best of RnB, commercial and rock. Their daily happy hour goes from 6pm-8pm. Calibri (01 736414, 03 281167) Makdessi Str, Hamra.Daily 5pm-3am. This simple, Moroccan style bar attracts a more mature crowd. Choose from their extensive menu of cocktails (LL11,000LL13,000) or simple Mediterranean menu with four star ters, four salads and four sandwiches. Thur: Ladies’ night with radio one DJ Josh. Happy hour: 6pm-9pm. Cassis (03 030352) Uruguay Str, Downtown. Daily 9am-3am. Meal for two with drinks LL60,000. Brisk and businesslike, it’s likely to appeal to those in search of a good business lunch, with a good range of burgers, pastas and main dishes like fish and chips and ‘super food’ salads on the main menu. On relaxed weekends it’s a good place for brunch, of fering fantastic pancakes, an English breakfast and real chorizo sausages Centrale (01 575858, 03 915925) Mar Maroun Str, Saifi. Daily 8pm-late; kitchen closes at 12mid. An über cool, pricey, tubeshaped bar accessible only by elevator. Designed by architect Bernard Khour y, it boasts a retractable roof (summer time only), giving drinkers panoramic views of Mar tyrs’ Square and the sea beyond. Reser vation recommended. Chords (03 940553) Makhoul Str, Hamra. Daily 6pm-late. Bang in the middle of Hamra’s student district, Chords ser ves a delicious spread, including steaks, and has a lively nocturnal life to boot. Clé (71 200712) Abdel Baki Bldg, Abdel Baki Str, Clemenceau. Daily 11am-3am. Meal for two with drinks LL75,000. Café by day, bar by night, the eater y ser ves European cuisine along with a selection of Japanese dishes. The fashionable interior houses three rooms with a colour ful garden for outdoor seating. Free WiFi is also available. De Prague (01 744864, 03 575282) 166 Makdessi Str, Hamra. Daily 9am-2am. Its trendy ar t deco setting and imaginative menu is popular with the Hamra hipster crowd and AUB students. Transforms seamlessly from subdued daytime work space (with free WiFi) to dimly-lit bar in the evenings, with excellent music and a backdrop of classic films with the sound of f. The District (01 747991, 76 807867) Makdessi Str, Hamra. Daily 7pm-late. If you prefer mingling with a more mature crowd then you can’t go wrong with a night out in this bubbly waterhole. Suitable for dinner, drinks and dancing, the night kicks of f with a mix of chill out tunes before the thumping alternative, rock and RnB beats take over. The kitchen ser ves a fusion of international cuisine with a fancy cocktail bar for your rounds of pick-me-ups. Attracts a 24+ crowd. Ferdinand (01 355955) Mahatma Gandhi Str, Hamra. Daily 12noon-late. This hip, Hamra bar oozes character. Lounge in the cosy, red-walled interior and sip

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on delicious cocktails. If their famous mojitos get the better of you, soak up the liquor with their quality food. Tr y the burgers topped with blueberr y jam. Garcia’s (01 738538, 03 578538) Makdessi Str, Hamra. Daily 6pm-3am. Meal for two with drinks LL130,000. If hanging out in a Hamra alleyway is your thing, then make sure you check out Garcia’s. With Latin, Mexican and international cuisines on of fer, you will be spoiled for choice. Sit indoors as you sip cocktails or devour first-rate meals; or hang out on the pedestrian alleyway and people watch. They host dif ferent themed nights each evening, including Latin, jazz, funk, ‘80s, and many more. The Greedy Goose (01 337883) Monot Str, Monot, Achrafieh. Daily 5pm-2am, weekend: Brunch from 11.30am. Happy hour Mon-Thur 5pm-8pm, Fri 5pm-9pm. Meal for two with drinks LL80,000. Feel immediately at home with a warm welcome. This unique venue has all the charms of a traditional British pub. Homemade dishes and Full English Breakfasts make this pub a favourite with the ex-pats. With screens on most walls you can catch up on all your major spor ting events. Mon: pub quiz. Harbor 201 (01 573888, 70513888) Charles Helou Ave. Daily 9.30pm-2am. Min charge LL100,000. Transformed from a crumbling traditional house to a beautiful ‘red house’, Harbor 201 is a funky restaurant-lounge. The international menu of fers ever ything from sushi to steak, with live enter tainment such as seductive dancing, sax solos and a full live band. Kayan (01 563611, 03 899213) Lebanon Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 5pm-1am. Friendly and professional staf f in a bar that is slick but welcoming. Kayan is known for its happy hour. Ser ves great gastro food and wholesome sandwiches. Quick tip: tr y their tiramisu shots. Divine. Limbo Club Restaurant (01 449944, 70 449944) Charles Helou Ave, Saifi. Tue-Sun 9pm-late. This dimly lit club with its bunker-like interior and red vinyl seats, makes for an ideal locale for the 25+ crowd. Saturdays feature an eclectic but popular line-up of per formers. A multilingual chanteuse gives way to a percussionist and DJ duo who keep the music going until four or five in the morning. Tr y their classic salads, pastas, seafood and steaks.

Pacífico (01 204446) Monot Str, Monot, Achrafieh. Daily 7pm-1.30am. Happy hour 7pm-8pm. Meal for two with drinks LL150,000. Drink and dine in one of Monot’s cornerstones. Great Latin cuisine with a menu that dar ts around the Caribbean rim, taking in Cuban, Mexican and Haitian influences. Q (03 807162) Ibrahim Abdel Aaal Str, Hamra. Daily 5pm-2am. Happy hour 6pm-9pm. Venture through the welcoming green-doors of this lively Hamra pub for an evening of good music and cocktails. With a brightly lit interior and laid-back jazz, blues and alternative hits, this is a wise choice for a night of socialising. Come by early to take advantage of their happy hour. Rail Coffee Bar (71 727274) Mar Mikhael Main Str, Mar Mikhael. Daily 4pm-late. This cof fee bar makes a fantastic spot to meet people in a laid-back and cheer ful setting. Handsome sandstone walls, wooden architecture and traditional chairs welcome you in with an upbeat mix of tunes. Whether you want lunch, dinner or cof fee, the menu ser ves a mix of sandwiches, salads, pastries and desser ts along with cof fee, tea and cocktails. An outdoor terrace is available for smokers. Regusto (01 752571, 03 283232) 1st Floor, Hamra Square Center, Hamra Str, Hamra. Daily 11am-3am. This simple, down-to-ear th restaurant and pub ser ves Armenian food and can get pretty packed in the evening. Regusto is especially popular with the ar tsy, leftist types who come here to talk and drink Almaza on tap. Revolver (76 858529) Argentine Str, Downtown. Daily 5pm-3am. Meal for two with drinks LL120,000. This bar is not exactly on Uruguay Street but on its parallel fellow South American friend, Argentine Street. The décor and menu is inspired by ‘60’s British pop culture – think collages of mod icons, exposed light bulbs and menu options such as ‘fields forever’. Order the ‘fab 24’, a yummy selection of 24 pieces of sushi makis. Sun: live acoustic per formances by Gus Farah. Happy hour daily 5pm-8pm.

Myu (03 334476) Mar Antonios Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 8pm-2am. Meal for two with drinks LL110,000. A trendy Gemmayzeh restaurant and bar, MYU features a range of classic Mediterranean food with a French twist. Devour your meal in front of a huge glass window overlooking the street or sample cocktails at the longest bar in Gemmayzeh.

Schwarz (01 444304 , 03 635303) Torbey Bldg, Mar Mikhael Str , Mar Mikhael. Mon-Sat 8am-late. The kitchen of this suave pubrestaurant is open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner before it turns into a hotspot for night owls. The menu ser ves a modern take on international cuisine, including Mexican and French fare. With a selection of freshly baked goodies, early birds should tr y the ‘Schwarz breakfast’ formula. Step inside for sleek black décor, exquisite oil paintings and a bar that shimmers with 16 dif ferent colours. Tue: salsa night, Wed: karaoke, Thur: oldies night, Sun: jazz night.

L’Osteria (01 566175) Tyan Bldg, Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael. Daily 10am-late. Meal for two with drinks LL100,000. Ask what there is for the day and sample genuine Italian home cooked dinner meals prepared by the Italian lady chef. Great selection of Italian wines available, a vegetarian menu. Monday live band at 6pm

Soixante-Huit (68) (71 716768) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 7pm-late. Step inside this restobar for a wide variety of French cuisine, wine and music. Boasting over 50 bottles of wine, Soixante-Huit’s Magret De Canard and Feuillette de Champignon will keep you coming back. Be sure to stay for the vibe as the music shifts from slow jazz early in the

Music & Nightlife evening to soul and funk, and eventually electropop as the night gets under way. Spoon (01 566490, 03 348273) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 5pm-late. Happy hour 5pm-8pm. A bar with a real American feel to it. Burgers are definitely the house speciality but the rest of the pub-grub is well up to scratch. A good place to sit and people watch; music is a mixture of oldies and soft rock. Time Out (La Closerie) (01 331938) St Joseph University Str, Achrafieh. Daily 6pm-late. A cosy venue set in an authentic old-style Lebanese house. Chill out on old couches and mismatched furniture. They of fer a fine selection of food; we recommend their spring rolls and sushi selection. Vie (01 447766, 71 664477) Mar Mikhael Str, Mar Mikhael. Tue-Sat 8pm-late. This fine-dining restaurant-club has a smar t interior with Korean style bar and mirrors. If you’re a cigar-smoker, take a pick from their display of fine cubans. Wed: karaoke, Sat: live enter tainment from Arabic and French to Italian.

Wall St. (71 090953) Urugway Str. Downtown. Head down to the mean streets of Wall Str., a bar and grill that of fers a wide selection of cocktails and a decent menu. The resto/pub also is equipped with a stage for live per formances and music acts. Zucca 01 998669) Uruguay Str, Downtown. Daily 12noon-2am. Meal for two with drinks LL120,000. A mixology bar and pizzeria located in the hear t of the city. Their cocktails are made using fresh juices, herbs and purees. Open for lunch and dinner, you’ll also find generous seating indoors and outdoors making this an ideal meeting spot. Make sure you take advantage of their happy hour daily from 5pm-8pm.

Cocktail lounges 6th Avenue (76 002102) Uruguay Str, Downtown. Daily 4pm-3am. A New York style cocktail bar with classy décor and cosy seating. The venue houses two floors with wide-screen TVs screening spor t matches and concer ts. Music is a blend of soft rock and commercial beats. If you aren’t busy munching on one of the bar’s generous sandwiches or salads, be sure to tr y their ‘Moscow Mule’ cocktail made of vodka, lime and ginger beer. DJs ever y Wed-Sat. The Bar (01 761000) 2nd Floor, Four Seasons

Cali Cocktail (76 858529) Argentine Str, Downtown. Daily 5am-2am. Stroll in to check out the beautifully lit bar with mirrors, wooden décor and tables surrounded by high bar stools. Sample their cocktails with a selection of Spanish treats on of fer, such as canapés, burritos, nachos and salads. The outdoor seating makes this spot a great one for people watching. A live DJ spins pop, jazz, house and commercial beats ever y night. Don’t go without ordering the ‘Flying Gate’ cocktail made of ginger, lime and vodka. Collins (71 939398) Uruguay Str, Downtown. Daily 4.30pm-2.30am. Tucked in on the corner of Uruguay Street, you’ll spot this ultra modern city bar. Named after the famous cocktail ‘Tom Collins’, it of fers a delightful selection of drinks. With cocktails made out of fresh fruits and vegetables, be sure to tr y the ‘big apple mar tini’ to star t your evening. Indoor and outdoor seating are available accompanied by a variety of chilled out music. Hemingway’s Bar & Cigar Lounge (01 869666) Mövenpick Hotel & Resor t Beirut, Général de Gaulle Ave, Raouché. Daily 24hours. This suave bar is composed of three intimate areas - a cigar lounge, a bar and an open terrace. It attracts a mature, sophisticated crowd. Tr y to sample all three while listening to the pianist and enjoying the view of the Mediterranean. Daily; band from 9pm. Mr Boston Cocktail Bar (09 930907, 76 449912) Mina Street, Jounieh. This delightful little bar toes the line between chique and hole-in-thewall really well, ser ving a mix of fusion and old fashioned cocktails as well as full meals for ever yone wishing to enjoy a pleasant night out. Dragonfly (01 561112) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 6pm-2am. Happy hour 6pm- 8pm. A tiny cosy place, decorated with wooden furniture and large mirrors. The barmen dress like barbers and the DJ spins some real crowd pleasers with a bent towards jazz, funk and Latin music. Check out their per fectly made mojitos and ginger wine speciality. Up on the 31st (01 516570) Hilton Hotel, Sin El Fil. Daily 12noon-3am. This charming jazz bar is the highest in town with a wide range of wine, cocktails and light snacks. Expect jaw-dropping views, quality enter tainment and a delightful atmosphere. Check in ever y Thursday with live jazz per formances and great sushi. Uruguay Cocktail Bar (71 747488) Uruguay Str, Downtown. Daily 5pm-2am. Named after the popular street, this trendy cocktail bar is a suitable choice to catch up with friends over drinks. The bar boasts a bubbly ambience in a chilled out setting. Seating is comfor table, with chairs spilling onto the busy street.

Clé A charming little place resembling your grandma’s old home. Built in 1936, this resto-bar is anything but ancient. The food and drink selection will keep you coming back. For reservation (71 200712) Mohammed Abdel-Baki Str, Hamra Sandwiches and snacks are also ser ved along with beverages.

Achkar plays and sings Arabic music until closing.

Y Cocktail Bar (76 376764, 03 557346) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Tue-Sun 8pm-late. Don’t ask why, just head straight to the hear t of Gemmayzeh where 15 exclusive cocktails await inside this tidy bar. Wed: Live bands. Thur: DJ Nour spins tech house. Fri-Sat: An amazing mix of oldies, new generation and house music with video clips.

Life (70 666060) Quarantina. Fri-Sat 10pm-late. Par tygoers of Beirut gather at this 600 sq m club for a memorable night. With impressive resident DJs spinning commercial music till the early hours of the morning and a lavish, sparkling par ty venue, you will find you have arrived at the ultimate par ty scene.

Clubs B 018 (03 800018) Charles Malek Ave, Quarantina. Thur 9pm-7am; Fri-Sat 12mid-7am. Famed Lebanese architect Bernard Khour y designed this internationally renowned, tomb-like club, bringing in big name minimal and electro DJs. At dawn the roof opens, just in case you thought of nipping of f early. Thur: ‘80s night. Caprice (70 220223) Jal El Dib Seaside Rd, Jal El Dib. Tues-Sun 7pm-2am. Meal for two with drinks LL90,000. This stylish lounge bar club is the place you’ve been seeking to get your evening star ted. Both indoor and outdoor space is ef for tlessly chic with contemporar y designs so make sure you get glammed up. The space has been designed to let par tygoers warm up before hitting the clubs. Ser ving fusion cuisine, you’ll find a mix between Asian tapas and light nibbles. Cassino (01 656777, 03 944955) Damascus Rd, Achrafieh. Wed-Sun 12mid-5am. An older aged nightclub furnished with soft couches and drenched in cream and gold. RnB and pop music play until 2am, when famous Lebanese singer Joe

Mad (03 060090) Seaside Rd, Nahr El Mot, Wed-Sat 10pm-dawn. Their motto is sanity is overated! This is one of Beirut’s top spots, clubbers dance beneath the LED-lit latice work on the ceiling, and coloured lasers span the room, turning the space incandescent. Skimply clad International club dancers per form on the bar throughout the night. Wed: YOLO nights with DJ Mikey Blaze playing RnB, Thu-Sat: commercial house music with resident DJ Jojo on Fridays and Saturday’s with DJad. Überhaus (76 363662) Leon Str, Hamra. Fri-Sat 9.30pm-4am. This underground club is the city’s latest alternative electro institution. With a strictly over 21 policy, Überhaus occupies the basement of Hamra’s WH Hotel with the finest local and international DJs pumping out alternative, electronic and house sounds. They also have an extravagant dance floor for you to get your groove on. Yukunkun (03 229226) Lebanon Str, Achrafieh. Wed-Thur 9pm-4am, Fri-Sun 9pm-5am. This alternative music hub is located in an underground venue. Their main focus is on electronic music, stemming from a range of different sounds and influences. They aim to ser ve as a platform, hosting international concerts, DJs and other major art per formances.

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Music & Nightlife

Vyvyan’s (01 567040) Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael. Daily 10am-late. Contrasting the cement, bricks and rusted metal of a rundown atelier with elegantly designed parquet wooden fittings, this bohemian bar is polished up industrial chic at it’s best. They ser ve great Italian cof fees (LL3,000) with croissants and jam or lebneh platters (LL10,000) for breakfast, including a selection of ar tisan sandwiches ser ved for lunch and dinner. A dif ferent DJ each night sets a warm, laid-back ambience with tasteful shuf fles of jazz, electro-funk and swing before the tempo (and volume) picks up around midnight.

Hotel Beirut, 1418 Professor Wafic Sinno Ave, Minet El Hosn. Daily 5pm-2am. Inside the salubrious environs of a five star hotel, The Bar is known for its serious collection of blended Scotches and Cuban cigars. It features a menu of Asian Oriental inspired hors d’oeuvres including fabulous shawarmas.

Love & Dating Not all facial hair is equal

Love & Dating

There’s a fine line between bristled charmer and beardy weirdy, ladies watch out

Edited by James Haines-Young & Dan Hilton James@ontimepublishing.com dan@ontimepublishing.com

Conniving or clever? Is your wingman on auto-pilot? We know how it is – life is pretty hectic, you’re just swamped in work and something’s got to give. Sadly, all too often that something is being attentive to your significant other. But don’t worry; your new wingman could be the solution to your poor message reply rate. The Australian pair behind the creation says that they realised that they spent too much time working and not enough texting their girlfriends. So to redress the balance they made an app for that (instead of taking the time and energy that making an app uses to actually

just text their partners). Love the idea or hate it you have to marvel at the pair’s foresight, they have thought of everything. Spend a few minutes queuing up your texts, you set the times of day, where you want to send the messages from and personalise the stock text and BroApp app does the rest. But don’t worry, connect to the missus’ wifi and BroApp won’t do text, send her a real message and for over an hour BroApp won’t. In fact it’s so clever that it even disguises itself as a list of possible gift ideas for your loved one if she tries to have a nosey

at it. Developer Tom (surname unsurprisingly not given) said ‘It did get awkward having to tell [my girlfriend] about trialing BroApp on her for the past three months. When James and I first pitched her the idea, she said, “Any girl will work it out.” She was wrong.’ To be fair although this is billed as a bloke’s app, there is nothing that really makes it a male-only option. So men and women of Beirut why not trick your partners into thinking you really care about them and get the automated wingman. Google play: BroApp. LL2,499

THE CRUMB CATCHER Bibs are fine, ON BABIES! No grown man of any nationality, political persuasion or hygiene regime should think it’s fine to use facial hair as some sort of always-attached napkin. And we want no excuses about ‘saving it for later’.

THE GANDALF THE GRAY At what point does hipster growth become warlock? We think about the length of a roll-up cigarette (or insert your own similarly lengthed hipster accessory) beyond which he’s more ‘magic the gathering’ than magic in the bedroom.

LETTER OVERHANG Moustaches themselves are not this issue here, it’s where tufts of it seem to be trying to get away from the rest. The result? Strands of the moustache hang over the lip like a free-climber but in toe curling fashion.

Q. I was using my boyfriend’s computer the other day and stumbled across an email from another girl. I quickly realised that his parents were arranging a marriage behind my back, what shall I do? Christie

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A. Ok, first things first, you’re not fooling anyone with the ‘just stumbled across an email’ thing, but it sounds like you had reason to suspect. It’s a common problem that parents have designs on their son’s future wife (I’ve had to dispose of some rivals myself) but this guy is obviously under the thumb of these medieval matriarchs. I say fight fire with fire. Use your feminine charms to

make your man totally submissive then phase their son out of their lives for ever. That’ll learn them. Gina For advice on sex and dating, email our sex columnists George and Gina at letters@timeoutbeirut.com