Time Out Beirut-Jan 15-31 2014 No. 67: MIND, BODY & SOUL by Time Out Beirut

MIND BODY AND SOUL A NEW YEAR, A NEW WAY OF LIFE

KNOW MORE. DO MORE. TIMEOUTBEIRUT.COM January 15-31, 2014 Issue No.67

INSIDE Food & Drink Shopping & Lifestyle Things To Do Arts & Culture Film Music Nightlife Love & Dating

A HEALTHY START 10 of the most reviving and revolutionising activities in Beirut

Issue 67

Contents

January 15-31, 2014

The next 14 days in the world’s greatest city

Hello Beirut... January can feel like a stodgy month after all the Yule-tidings, especially if you ate as much, drank as much and attended as many Christmas parties as we did. If you did, then firstly well done, but secondly you’re probably also feeling about as worn out and overweight as us too. So to get yourselves back on track this year we thought we’d go and find the most centering of inner-strength alignments, stretching of yoga classes and relaxing of massages to get all those aches, pains and even pounds off, after a mad season of festivities. Nehme Abouzeid, Publisher

Features

09 Mind body and soul New Year’s solutions for a healthier start 14 Interview The Book Thief star Geoffrey Rush

Cave art: International wakeboarding champ Duncan Zuur hits our glorious grottos. p.4

Regulars 04 Beirut Beat Camping in the cold, an unusual activity 18 Food & Drink

Authentic Asian at a TOB favourite, Jaï Kitchen

30 Shopping & Lifestyle

Scent with love: personalised perfumes

41 Things to Do Course you do: classes for all at Up-Skillz 46 Arts & Culture Political portraits at ‘Your Excellencies’ 52 Film Multiplex madness at the Beirut Souks 55 Music Coolcumbers come of age 60 Nightlife Stereo Club Nights turn up the volume 66 Love & Dating Why hipsters make great dates

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

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Art in atrocities at exhibition I, the Syrian. p.48

Hotspots of the city’s nightlife laid out for you. p.62

Exploring wine, one bottle at a time, with Les Caves de Taillevent p.18

Encore monsieur, s’il vous plait! Classic folk from France p.55

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, Beirut Beat, Reporter James Haines-Young Food & Drink, Art & Culture Dan Hilton Film, Music, Nightlife Roman St Clair Listing Editor Joanna Aziz Online Ashley El Jor, Sarah Trad Shopping & Lifestyle, Love & Dating Desiree Ketabchi Senior Designer Elyane Youssef Junior Designer Edith Hajjar Intern Christelle Sanane Director of Photography Greg Demarque 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 James Haines-Young james@ontimepublishing.com

Wake me up before you grotto When the weather outside’s too cold for a dip in the sea why not try taking it indoors, like Australian Wakeboarding champion Duncan Zuur

o, you might have heard of a promotions and stunt company that have a side project selling energy drinks called Red Bull. Well, for their latest dare-devil work the team headed underground for a spot

BE I RUT L O V ES… Sharing #dwtsme God, when Daniella Rahme scored her perfect 10s (first in this series of ‘Dancing with the Stars’) we literally couldn’t hashtag fast enough Tweeting @HMATomFletcher From one British export to another, Tom is a known fan of TOB and tweets the stories he likes so it’s only fair to reciprocate, no? Following @LebaneseCinema For all the latest from the land of Lebanese film for all aficionados of the theatrical

of wakeboarding in an unusual location. Down in the depths of Lebanon’s Jeita Grotto, with famous wakeboarding champion Duncan Zuur in the water, the team from Red Bull set up a subterranean circuit through the blue lagoons

that weaved its way through the dazzling stalagmites and stalactites of Lebanon’s premiere geological attraction. Why you might ask? Well for no other reason than they could. Oh, and because no-one else had thought of the idea before, so why not (seems as good a reason as any other)? Within the dank walls of the our cave, Zuur cut a clear wave over obstacles (which included natural rock formations and a purpose built jump made of a submerged boat) and around tight bends in the cavernous

expanse, propelled on the end of a rapidly-retracting cable which appears to be pulled by nothing at all. But Zuur should be used to this kind of wacky-wakeboarding, it’s not the first time he has left the seaside for a spin on the unusual side. Back in 2008 Zuur boarded across a flooded St Mark’s Square in Venice and then in 2012 he attached himself to the back of a train in Romania to wakeboard along an expanse of water at the side of the track, so you could say it’s all in a day’s work for the guy.

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

Gotcha! Things can seem a little tense in Lebanon at the moment so it’s nice to get a little good security related news. On Tuesday Jan 7, guards at Spinney’s supermarket in Jnah orchestrated a drugs bust reminiscent of HBO’s hit series ‘The Wire’ alongside members of the Lebanese army and security forces. These beady-eyed sentinels of justice saw a suspicious vehicle trying to enter the supermarket car park and alerted the authorities who pounced on these would-be traffickers. This latest news comes alongside an announcement by the brand that they have recently invested over $100,000 in beefing up security in their Lebanese stores. Michael Wright, CEO of Spinney’s stated that ‘Security for us goes beyond opening trunks, our staff looks for unusual behaviour.’ In other bizarre supermarketdrug related news this week, staff at an Aldi store in Germany, were shocked when they opened boxes of Colombian bananas to find 140kg of cocaine worth over $8m. Police believe this was a logistical error on the part of the drug-gang.

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Beirut Beat

Try something new

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The

TIME OUT Reporter interview

Not a martyr for your cause TOB sits down with the team behind the ‘I am not a martyr’ campaign to discuss how tweeting a selfie with your hopes for a better Lebanon can change the state of the county

Where did the idea come from for ‘not a martyr?’ The idea came up during a discussion that took place on the night of December 29, after Mohammad Chaar’s funeral. We all had the same reaction: Chaar was not a martyr – a person that died willingly and for a reason; no, Chaar was an innocent victim that lost his life needlessly. We weren’t coming up with anything that we had to convince people of: we were just channeling what we know to be a widespread sentiment. Why is it important to make the distinction between martyr and victim? The difference has to do with how we think about his death – and the death of other innocent bystanders in these kinds of explosions: to call these victims. Martyrs goes toward normalising a circumstance that should actually shock and outrage us.

What are you trying to achieve? To keep reminding every person in Lebanon that unfortunate realities – be they social, economic, political, related to security or education, whatever at all – are not simply given circumstances that cannot be challenged and questioned. Why do you think this has been so popular? We firmly believe that the slogan ‘I’m not a martyr’ is a statement that any Lebanese can identify with, regardless of their class, social/religious background and age. [It] reminds the individual that they are not expendable, that they are not just sitting ducks. Isn’t it just a group of people who all think the same as you? So far we are under no illusions: we are aware that we are, to some extent, preaching to the

A new chapter for arsonattacked library When thousands of books and manuscripts were burned at the Al-Saeh library on January 3 things might have looked bleak for the old Tripoli biblioteque. But Lebanese resilience has proven itself again with people all over the country pushing to get a collection together to replace the lost works. While many of the original 80,000 titles might be irreplaceable, donations and gifts of old and new works from private collections can create something of a unique amalgamation

and start a new chapter for this old library. The issue hasn’t just moved people at home, abroad many bibliophiles are also collecting with the intention of shipping books to the (soon to be) restored library with drop-off points in several US cities.  If you are in Beirut then donating is easy. You can drop books off at Floyd the Dog bar in Mar Mikhael, all Virgin Megastores or at the Adab w Riyada club, Kfarchima before January 31. Facebook: Al Saeh book drive

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The inside story

choir; but the choir needs to sing and that’s a start. What’s next? We are launching the next phase. The idea is that each Tuesday we will post a message expressed by one of the selfies that we think warrants discussion and invite anyone with an opinion to share their thoughts on that particular topic. The campaign is only about two weeks old, we’re only beginning our next phase, and we know that challenges lie ahead. Facebook: notamartyr #notamartyr

MIND BODY and SOUL Wow, we feel bloody awful. Sure, Christmas was fun and New Year was, well, we can’t remember (though, there are pictures where we look like we’re having a ball), but it’s a new dawn, a new day and time to turn over a new leaf. Beirut’s famous for its opportunity for hedonism, but there’s tons of stuff going on to cleanse mind, body and soul, so here’s TOB’s selection of the city’s best spots to find one’s self once again.

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o be honest, when we were told that we’d be undertaking shiatsu therapy we recoiled. Images of a tiny, yapping, knashing dog being somehow involved in soothing the tempests of our mind and body frankly terrified us. Luckily it turns out we couldn’t spell, and that shiatsu is in fact one of the most utterly pleasant ways we’ve ever spent an hour and a half (other than watching Chelsea smash Man U that is). Things kick off with a little interview – of us for a change! Are we pregnant? We doubt it. Any serious medical problems? We bloody hope not. This quick formality over, our simply lovely therapist Silvia Machoulian sits us down and gets to work. Shiatsu is a Japanese massage based on the ancient Chinese art of acupuncture. By pressing certain pressure points called tubors on your body your internal organs are stimulated into removing blockages found due to stress, ill health or a bad diet, working deep inside you. The whole massage is conducted on the floor, with your clothes on, and it involves everything from pressing your ears to having the ever-charming Silvia walking across your back. Astonishingly relaxing and invigorating, shiatsu is a full body treatment that is as addictive as it is at first unnerving and can be heavily recommended. Houna Center (03 676285) Cimena Montreal Bldg, Hamra Str, Hamra. Silvia Machoulian (03 186277). $70

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imply stepping out of the torrential rain and into Union Square Yoga’s studio was calming in itself. The modern, dimly lit room had been transformed into an ethereal glade of electric blue cloths suspended from the ceiling. ‘This is a restorative session’ our warm and welcoming instructor Dani revealed. Thank God, because TOB was nursing a particularly bad hangover and the hammocks positioned before us looked rather inviting. Do not be fooled though, aided and supported by the aforementioned cloth, aerial yoga is still a wonderful workout. Seated to obligatory eastern chill-out music the session starts with a couple of chants of the mystical ‘ommmm’ and before you know it you’re flipping round in the air like the lithe, graceful acrobat you always suspected yourself to be. Conceived in America as recently as 2008, the combination of weightlessness, strength-building and utter calm that a yogic workout in the air gives you means its popularity is going global. Arching out like a springing virago drawing her bow, you find muscles you never knew existed waking, shuddering and emboldening as the class moves from position to position. If all this sounds like hard work (it shouldn’t), fear not – the last few minutes are spent cocooned in your hammock, shrouded in meditive thoughts and cloth alike, leaving you relaxed, revived and feeling a little bit kick-ass. Union Square Yoga (01 204915) Hakim Bldg, 160 Achrafieh Str, Achrafieh. Dani-yoga@hotmail.com. Mon & Wed

ntering the domain of the reiki master, a soothing sense of calm washes over the mind and body. The scent of therapy and incense waft through the air in this warm, cavernous flat with rich red upholstery and a cool marble floor. Nawal Fleihan, our reiki and karuna master, has been certified by William Lee at the International School for Reiki Training and is qualified to teach as well as practice the ancient Japanese art. We talked about past lives, clairvoyance and consciousness; the state of the soul as it passes from life to life. Reiki is as much in the mind of the patient as in the hands of the healer, so it is important that you give voice to your thoughts. When you are ready to lie on your back, eyes closed and almost fully clothed, she gives you two healing stones, one in either hand. She then places a smaller one on your neck and encourages you to lose almost all consciousness as she places her hands around different parts of your body. Once she has finished you many lie there for as long as you feel comfortable, then she tells you what her hands have told her. Unfortunately TOB’s chakras were mostly blocked, from the solar plexus to the third eye, so Nawal imparted some life wisdom. As we were leaving she asked for a hug and we were more than happy to oblige. Nawal Fleihan (03 334486) Sodeco Bldg, Sodeco. nawalfleihan@gmail.com. $80

n the third floor of a beautiful ‘30s building in Gemmayzeh is the wonderfully serene Sivananda Yoga. This large, open-plan, open-windowed space with marble flooring and high ceilings is the perfect location to forget the stresses of life. The lesson began with some tuneful breathing exercises, in one nostril and out the other, chanting ‘in’ and ‘out’ for as long as you could make these breaths last while the teacher gently corrected our (just TOB’s) breathing mistakes. At points the breathing seemed far from straightforward, one breath requiring a kind of equine snort, another, as a colleague observed, a ‘Voldemort hiss’. Once our minds and bodies were in tune we began with the ubiquitous sun salutations. The poses were repeated many times and for each there was a specific breathing action to achieve the correct body movement, inhaling as we stretched one way, exhaling as we went another. Luckily for TOB there were plenty of relaxation periods in between all of the bending and a very soothing lie-down body scan at the end when we relaxed everything from our toes to our internal organs (no, not that). After this we joined in the yoga chant of ‘om trayambakam’ with a good measure of vim and vigour before complementing each other on the energy we brought to the class. Beirut Yoga Sivananda Centre (01 566770) Third Floor Apt 3a, 522 Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. info@ beirutyoga.com. Mon-Fri . $10

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romaVie Spa is the perfect spot for an escape from Beirut’s chilly winter days. Bathed in muted colours and soft light, the treatment rooms feel miles away from the bustling streets just outside. Dina Shaaban, the founder of AromaVie, trained as a pharmacist before pursuing degrees in aromatherapy and homeopathy. Now she says her background in science informs her holistic approach to beauty. ‘People always just want quick results.’ she says ‘I tell my clients, don’t forget about the inside.’ Shaaban emphasizes the link between the internal well-being of her clients and the health of their skin. For clients with persistent skin problems, she suggests they examine their diet; too much sugar and caffeine are common culprits of outbreaks. The basic facial is a relaxing hour and a half of cleansing, toning, exfoliation and moisturising. Extraction of black and white heads follows steaming and a tightening mask rounds out the treatment. What sets the AromaVie aromatherapy facial apart, is Shabaan’s preference for the natural and her use of essential oils and herbal essences. She says the oils heal imbalances in the body, mind and spirit. When used in the facial, she says they provide her clients with deep cleaning and rejuvenation. AromaVie Spa (01 700573) Khawam Bldg, EL Mazraa St, Corniche. Mon-Fri (women only) $70

reathing, movement and synchronicity is what to expect from this Vinyasa Yoga Flow class. The style is growing in popularity, particularly among those seasoned yogis, because of the dance-like pace in which it moves in between positions and also the close attention paid to respiratory activity. Situated high up the Iwan Maktabi building, Verdun in a purpose built yoga studio, complete with mats and soothing music, it truly is a place to enhance your technique. The class began by restoring awareness to one’s breathing; a lasting exhalation cleanses the lungs, the deep inhalation invites fresh air into our bodies allowing a clearer state of mind. Once we had found some inner tranquility and put our problems in an imaginary box next to us, it was time to start the flow. A rich diversity of positions were enjoyed, including some that our teacher Sandra had in fact discovered herself. Acompanied by the usual ‘Downward dog’, ‘plank’, ‘tree’ and ‘crow’ just to name a few, twisted, contracted, expanded and strengthened the body immensely. TOB’s personal favourite, the ‘laughing baby’, had us lying on the mat with our feet in the air, relieving the lower back from the tension caused by working for your favourite magazine. Soul Spa (01 355286) 6th floor, Iwan Maktabi bldg, Verdun Main Street, Verdun. Weds. $10

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nvented by Bikram Choudhury and popularised in the ‘70s after he travelled from India to the States, Bikram Yoga consists of performing different postures in a heated room. The high temperature, which has to be around 42°, is what differentiates it from the other branches of the discipline. It consists of 26 postures, called asanas, and two breathing exercises performed at the beginning and at the end of the 90 minute class which at times felt as if it was all about sweating. This type of yoga improves flexibility and cardio-vascular fitness and flushes toxins and impurities out of the body thanks to the high temperature (there has to be a reason you would subject yourself to the heat). If you try Bikram Yoga for the first time, remember that hydration is highly important to avoid injuries. Also, don’t get discouraged by the facial expressions of the others taking the course. ‘It is challenging, but it also teaches you how to be mentally disciplined,’ explains Mohammad Baydoun, Exhale Manager. The heat is also supposed to create an overall sense of well-being through the improved blood flow and distribution of oxygen. Exhale is a boutique gym with a small and intimate atmosphere. Exhale (01 364638) Koreitem Bldg, Bliss Str, Hamra. Mondays 7.30-9pm.

hat could be more spiritual and in touch with the natural order of things than a congregation of people coming together to rhythmically hit things? Honestly, at the start we were a little sceptical about a drumming circle, it sounded a little too much like organised fun for our liking, but teacher Jade had no time for inhibitions and had us beating our Djembe faster than you can say ‘West African beats’. Jade runs both classes for novices and masters which the latter, he says, perform to make money – though we were a little way from that yet. ‘Most of our music is West African, Moroccan, some Indian and oriental but mostly Senegalese and Guinean’ Jade tells us. When asked why it is that people love drumming, he says he thinks that it transcends everyday life, ‘when you are playing you are in the moment, there is nothing else. Also it’s fun’. By the time we had our heads around our part of the rhythm Jade was throwing in chants and songs over the top, ‘the songs are about many things in life but most important is the joyful celebrations – birth and marriage and things.’ We’ll not lie to you, by the end our hands were pretty sore but we had got our heads around the rhythm and it was pretty therapeutic and relaxing to partake in a little circle beat. (03 427302) www.walkaboutdrumcircle.com For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com 13

The TIME OUT INTERVIEW TIME OUT

Geoffrey interview Rush

Geoffrey Rush

From dastardly adventures on the high seas to the chilling tales of Nazi Germany, Australian actor Geoffrey Rush has seen it all. He talks to TOB about his new role in upcoming blockbuster ‘The Book Thief’ How aware were you of The Book Thief before you signed on? Well, my agent in LA and Sydney alerted me to the fact that there was a film called ‘The Book Thief.’ I’d actually never heard of it, and I’m sort of surprised because the novel was published in 2006. I subsequently learned about the book from my 17-year-old. She hadn’t read it then, but all her friends said, ‘Oh, is your dad going to be in “The Book Thief?” I read it and that book changed my life.’ Now, for teenage girls, you’d think they would say something like, ‘I don’t want to read about Nazi Germany.’But I believe it’s been on the Amazon and New York Times bestseller list since. It’s just one of those phenomena. It doesn’t fit the ‘Young Adult’ stereotypes. Exactly. On page one, a six-year-old boy dies in the freezing cold, fleeing with his Communist mother. Generally that’s what you call a tough opening. And somehow, the voice of Death being the narrator, I find absolutely extraordinary. In the book, the narration, and the perspective of the story, is all from Death. What’s the challenge of adapting that for the film? The book plays out similar to what Laurence Sterne did with ‘TristramShandy.’ He messes with the idea that you’re reading a book, with all of those chapter headings and little, almost Brechtian, slogans saying, ‘This is what’s going to come up in this story, but I’m jumping ahead of myself…’ I think film-wise they’re doing more to try and get a picture of Germany in this period, the landscape of it, political and geographical. And then also presenting a lot more of Liesel’s point of view, investigating. ‘Who are these people I’ve come to live with? Who’s that boy playing soccer?’ There are things in the book, like when she’s being taken to meet them, where the interior monologue of Death was that this was the first time she’d ever ridden in a car, and you get that really wonderful, essential sense of new experiences. It’s an amazing protagonist role for a young girl to have in a film. And Sophie [Nélisse], you’re seeing great stuff up there on screen, like when she’s just sitting in the car thinking, ‘I can’t get out. I don’t know if I want to get out. This man seems warm. Maybe I will get

[Liersch] who plays Rudy, comes from that town so we’re all listening to his accent very, very carefully.

out.’ They’re very tiny little threads but she has so much subtle, beautiful, engaging stuff going on in her mind, and the camera loves her. She’s quite sparky off-camera but on camera she looks almost as if she’s a very cool existential philosopher and she’s taking life as it comes. In your character Hans, she finds a loving father figure, but he also puts the family at tremendous risk. I think in Markus Zusak, there’s a very empathetic novelist writing an outside perspective on a very simple, seemingly average working class German guy. Hans is one of the 10% of the German population that was a little bit uncertain about the whole Hitler thing and the Nazi Party and the need to join.My book is annotated with stuff because you can go inside the characters’ heads with it for scenes that are in the film.From Liesel’s point of view, it’s like she’s entered a Grimm’s fairytale. It’s a very dark forest she’s going into called young adulthood, and she meets a nice woodcutter, and a rather mean stepmother. And then, the more the film goes on, hopefully we’re rounding out those characters so that they have bigger dimensions.

That book changed my life

Does it help to be making the movie in Germany? It helps a lot. For me, having just come from one of the hottest summers on record in Australia, to drive through Grunewald Forest between Charlottenburg and Babelsberg… I still get completely fascinated by large areas of snow, so to see that forest is fantastic. The film is set further south. Molching is an invented town, but Markus has said it’s based specifically on where his grandparents came from. And in fact, the young boy in the film,Nico

Was it challenging to learn how to play the accordion? I’m learning how to make it look as though I’m playing it quite well! The guy I’ve got is fantastic. He’s a Bandoneon player. But the Bandonika is much simpler, more rustic, and you only have three keys you can play in with eight notes on the base line and thirty something on the top. So I’ve been learning fingering and accuracy and all of that sort of stuff. I always love having a task on a film, because it tells you something about the character. I always remember working with Bob Anderson, who was a master swordsman, on ‘Pirates of the Caribbean.’ He played Darth Vader, and then he choreographed ‘Princess Bride’ and you realize you’re working with someone with great heritage and skill.The first lesson he came in to supervise and give a master class, even though we were being taught routines by the sword masters, and he said, ‘First thing to remember – you’re a pirate. How old are you?’At the time I was 52. He said, ‘If you’re a pirate and you’re 52, you’re still alive. Your fighting is going to be dirty. I don’t want to see any naval academy posturing from you.’ And he said, ‘Remember, a sword fight is a dialogue between two blades. Trickling, defending, deceiving and losing your temper.’ So I’ve always thought of that with things like‘Shine,’ which was the piano and that was a great thing to kind of have a crack at. The accordion has helped too, because the kids are at the heart of this film, so on my days off it keeps me busy. Is getting to learn – whether it’s history, or an instrument, or sword fighting – part of the joy of the job for you? Absolutely. It probably also influences decisionmaking. When I read this character I had a strong sense of wanting to have a crack at it.It was a period of history that I sort of knew a lot about but to be able to, via the book, go into the human scale of it is fascinating. Out Jan 16

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Food & Drink EAT/ DRINK HERE NOW

Edited by Dan Hilton dan@ontimepublishing.com

Winemaking regions of France

Food & Drink

Burgundy Taillevent’s specialty are Burgundies – wines from the eastern region of France that are known to be some of the very best in the world. Renowned for its white, as much as red, classics include Beaujolais and Chablis.

TOB gets the lowdown from Taillevent director Pierre Bérot about Beirut’s new academy, where it’s obligatory you’re sozzled at school

ave you ever found yourself in a shop, stood in front of dozens of bottles of wine and chosen one merely because of the nice label? Or been handed a wine list in a restaurant that is as baffling as it is long? Then join the queue to sign up to Les Caves de Taillevent’s Academy, Beirut’s oenology ivory tower. Having already made dozens of Lebanese winos (appreciators of viticulture, not tramps) deliriously happy with the launch of the venerable French institution’s store in Achrafieh, Taillevent have now brought us a school from which you most certainly won’t get expelled from for boozing in classes. So what can a budding wineenthusiast learn from an academy such as this? Quite simply, everything one needs to truly enjoy wine. Each class is themed, for instance round

a particular year and students will taste wines of this year from different regions. ‘We teach people how wines differ and how to differentiate them because so much depends on the area’ Pierre Bérot, director of the Taillevent Group Wine Department explains. Students are taught to pair wine and food, something that is so important to sensuory enjoyment, yet is so often a victim of common ignorance. This all sounds less than scholarly, it’s true, but this is only scratching the surface. A class at Taillevent introduces you to four parts of wine-making, the understanding of which is the very crux of true wine appreciation. The study of each wine is dissected into the categories of geography (the region it comes from), the geology (the soil in which the vines are planted), the climate and lastly, the oenology (the processes of making with wine). ‘If you eat an apple from

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Lebanon, the same variety, like a pink lady, in France or Italy the taste will not be the same’ Bérot metaphorises, ‘It is so important to know perfectly the quality and specificities of every grape, and the most complicated is this specificity in different climates and soils. Having learnt this, wine and food pairing becomes infinitely easier. This is the hard part.’ He’s not wrong, it sounds complicated, but the rewards last for a lifetime and never again will you face the ignomity of choosing a bad bottle. (01 217883) Les Jardins de Tabaris, Achrafieh

Bordeaux This region, known principally for its red wines, produces an astonishing 960 million bottles a year. Making everything from everyday table wine to some of the most expensive in the world, it is perhaps the world’s most famous wine making region.

Languedoc-Roussillon This southern region contains three times the combined area of vineyards than Bordeaux and is historically unappreciated. The rocky soil, thick clay and Mediterranean climate create superb wines such as the Corbières.

Food & Drink Alia Resto Café

On the cheap

FAMILY FEEDING BURGER BITES Selling the teeny-tiniest burgers from just LL4,000. Our favourite, being the British export that we are, has to be the English breakfast burger, complete with fried quail’s egg.(01 215424) St Joseph University Str, Monot

Food & Drink

�� (01 739399) Hamra Str, Hamra Food aficionados that we are, TOB finds itself trawling the city’s backstreets for the next big thing in the culinary world, so settling into some mezze feels rather like getting cosy at home – which is exactly what Alia is trying to do. Very family orientated, the modern restaurant has a bright, homely décor typical of the region with the occasional surreal touch, such as windows painted onto the wall fixed with real wooden shutters. Sitting on the terrace, warmed by the heaters and gazing at Hamra’s passers-by, our waiter (ultra-helpful and professional)

suggested the mezze, and we dutifully complied. First out was the fattoush, as bright, zesty and fresh as expected – though not mind-bendingly so, as can sometimes be found. The rkakat jebneh should be ordered grilled. Good as they are, there is a new dimension when slightly singed with charcoal, the pastry becoming a smoky husk. Our favourite though? The kebbeh fried fish. Each one was a springy parcel of piping-hot gentle fish, light and filling at one time. Meal for two with drinks: LL76,250 THE BOTTOM LINE Familial Lebanese in modern setting.

ASTONISHING ASIAN

�� (01 745940) Mexico Str, Kantari It’s a bit of an open secret that the Lebanese palate is less than adventurous when it comes to exotic, spicy food – until Jaï that is. The child of chef Wael Lazkani, whose wanderings through the restaurants, stalls and markets of Asia brought the wealth of far-away cuisine back to Beirut, this kitchen’s strength lies in its tight, compact organisation. A lone marble table is pitched up in what is essentially a take-out depot, the spot so popular that demand for seating became impossible to ignore. This only adds to the fun, with the excitement of being seated next to the bustle and aromas of an open kitchen giving your experience an authentic edge. The menu spans dishes 20 For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com

from India to Indonesia, the starters as eclectic as the mains. Shrimp summer rolls are literally bursting with breezy, herby and crispy filling, while the skewers of chicken satay are smothered in peanut sauce, sprinkled with fresh coriander – the presentation perfected. We’re pointed towards the pad thai, noodles tossed with shrimp, chicken and peanuts that is full of intensely tropical flavours. The butter chicken, a soft, smooth and rich Indian classic cooked with tomatoes and yoghurt, was simply as good as any we’ve had in India and the Thai green curry was peppered with ginger, lemon grass and lime leaf, leaving a taste both fiery and cooling. Meal for two with drinks: LL72,000 THE BOTTOM LINE Varied and brilliant Asian cuisine.

Food & Drink JUST OPENED...

but what about the menu? ‘Dynamite shrimp is on fire in this part of the world now!’ Mr De Angelis enthuses, ‘Mongolian beef is another top seller. It’s just beef and green onions, which sounds very simple so you might not order it, but we tell our staff to say, “oh my god you gotta order that.” Once you try it you never go back.’ We for one had no idea Genghis Khan ate so well, but Chang’s international menu doesn’t stop there: ‘We also have an amazing sea bass. This sea bass is unique. It comes from the very cold water far, far off the coast of Chile and is a unique product. It is actually called the Patagonian toothfish. It’s a sea bass, but if you go to the store to try to get it, you will not find it.’ Right, well we know what we’ll be ordering, see you there. (01 285335) Beirut City Center, Hazmieh

Food & Drink

Beirut is not a city known for its wealth of quality Chinese food, it must be admitted. Bland, tasteless and occasionally bafflingly grotesque are ways to describe our common experiences of a cuisine whose popularity and, lets face it, simplicity, make it unfathomable that our city’s restaurants get it wrong time and again. There is, however, an Arizona export whose first restaurant in ABC Achrafieh has been so popular that another has just opened (with lashings of glitz and pomp) in Beirut City Center – P. F. Chang’s. ‘I think people have recognised that the flavour of the food is different, cleaner, lighter’ Roberto De Angelis, Vice President of Operations, reveals to us, adding ‘Still to this day, 20 years after opening, we’re introducing great cuisine. Simple, easy to understand and at a very affordable price.’ Affordable prices? Sounds good to us,

P.F. Chang’s

IN THE MOOD FOR..

Splashing out in Zaitunay Bay

BABEL BAY The little sibling of wildly popular Babel in Dbayeh, this marina-adjacent version leans more heavily on the seafood side of Lebanese cuisine. Notable is the extraordinary model of Beirut’s skyline overlooking you as you eat.(01 370846) Zaitunay Bay, Minet El Hosn

CRO MAGNON Cemented now as one of Beirut’s premier places to find a great steak, Cro Magnon’s grain-fed prime Black Angus beef, oysters and champagne bar draws in all the city’s heavy-hitters and money-makers. (71 712255) Zaintunay Bay, Minet El Hosn

ST ELMO’S SEASIDE BRASSERIE Unpretentious but extravagant, St Elmo’s can be relied upon to produce classics such as burgers, steaks and fish and chips to a high standard. It’s worth noting that they do one of Beirut’s best Bloody Maries, for those bleary-eyed Sunday mornings. (01 367356) Zaitunay Bay, Minet El Hosn 22 For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com

Food & Drink Now boasting three locations across Beirut, TOB talks to founder Nawaf Beydoun about the bars on which the sun never sets Has it always been your dream to open a bar? Definitely yeah, ever since I was around 15 I was a waiter at a resto-bar in Cyprus and my first job was changing ashtrays.

Food & Drink

What do you like about bars? The entire atmosphere. The music, the people socialising, everything. What are the three things most important for a successful bar? The key word is consistency. You need to have consistency in the perfect drink, the perfect food and the perfect service. As long as you maintain these you will keep running. Food, drink, service and music are the most important things. Could you tell us about Bodø in its different locations? We opened Bodø in Hamra as a new concept in 2012 then we opened in Mar Mikhael in August 2013. In Christmas 2013 we launched the new Bodø in Uruguay St. Bodø is a concept that is based on really good cocktails, food and service

for a reasonable price. We are very aggressively competitive with the pricing. It appeals to everyone from lawyers to students, old and young people sit happily side by side at Bodø. It is the only place in Lebanon where I have seen this. Lastly we should talk about you winning the Heineken competition. Yes, we won the Heineken ice-cold competition in 2013 for the most amount of Heinekens sold. We didn’t even know we were in the competition actually. One day they called us and told us that we were the top seller for Heineken and Heineken draught in 2013. We had no idea until they called us up to tell us, so we just said ‘thank you very much!’ and now we are going to have a small party to celebrate. (01 738068) Ibrahim Abul Aal Str, Hamra (70 912383) Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael (03 219269) Uruguay Str, Downtown By Roman St Clair

DRINK HERE NOW...

By Joanna Aziz

LOCALE

FLOYD THE DOG

CHECKPOINT CHARLIE

This local bar oozes welcoming appeal with freshly brewed coffee, delicious sandwiches and a dog-friendly interior. Spend your afternoon with access to free wifi or extend your stay ‘til happy hour. The lumber-like Locale also hosts music acts by JLP every Wednesday at 9pm. (01 567268) Armenia Str, Mar Mikael

Quench your thirst with a fresh drink and a dash of pizazz. An exotic combination of jalapeño tonic cocktails along with a smooth atmosphere awaits. For a chilled night of mixers and mingling, Floyd The Dog is the spot of convenience. (03 286596) Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael

Checkpoint Charlie recreates the rift between East and West Berlin in a creative twist of flashy mosaic structures and graffiti artwork. Set your night up right with their up-beat music, fruity cocktails and a splash of gourmet cooking to top it off. (01 989811)Uruguay Str, Downtown

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

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

Food & Drink

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. 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. Deek Duke (01 210310) Sole Center, Charles Malek Ave, Achrafieh. Other branches: (01 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. 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.

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’. Mayrig (01 572121, 03 228227) Mansour Bldg, 282 Pasteur Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 12noon12mid. 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 home-made soujouk and an all-round excellent fare. In the heart of Hamra, Garo dishes up some of the finest slap-up Armenian meat. 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. 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,

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

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 homelike 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 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 desserts.

Fusion 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. 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.

Food & Drink Gruen Eatery (01 737344, 01 755322) Gefinor Center, Clemenceau Str, Clemenceau. MonSat 8am-8pm; Sun 10am-6pm. Meal for two 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. Momo at the Souks (01 999767, 76 700407) Beirut Souks, Downtown. Café daily 12.30pm-11.30pm. Restaurant Mon-Sat 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 cookery is a joy for taste buds and the unmistakable gourmet ice cream is the cherry on top.

delicious with low-calorie and organic ingredients making their dishes healthy and nutritious. Ask for their pancakes which can also be delivered. The Gathering (01 566196) Pasteur Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 12noon-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL110,000. First come, first serve. The Gathering is a combination of three different experiences shared by a courtyard. One serves Americanised meat dishes; the second is a wine bar with cheese platters and over 500 bottles of local and foreign wine while the third offers Italian cuisine.

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.

Sud (70 790001) Al Nahr Str, Mar Mikhael. Daily 8pm-2am. This Mediterranean rooftop lounge encompasses three cuisines: French, Italian and Spanish (vegetarian options available). Try fried olives stuffed with goats cheese or go for caramelised mushrooms with garlic. Enjoy some tartar fish, or the foie gras crème brule before moving on to mains.

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.

St Elmo’s Seaside Brasserie (01 368276) Zaitunay Bay, Beirut Marina. Mon-Sat 10am-12mid; Sun 10am-11pm. Adorned with vintage nautical wallaccessories, 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.

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.

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

Food & Drink

Indian

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.

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. 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. Margherita (01 560480) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 12.30pm-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL80,000. Casual and popular pizzeria with a colourful cuisine. Tasty calamari alla griglia, Carpaccio and pizza margarita. Try something special from the chalk board, you won’t be disappointed. Marinella (01 442342) Madrid Str, Mar Mikhael. TueSun 12noon-5pm. Meal for two with drinks LL90,000. AnItalian Trattoria by learned local foodie Sophie Schoucair. Serves lunch to a well heeled crowd in a well-lit space in Mar Mikhael. Unlike most Italian joints, Marinella doesn’t serve pizza.

For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com 27

Food & Drink 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

Food & Drink

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. Shogun (01 796796, 03 725845) Dunes Center, Verdun Str, Verdun. Daily 12noon-3.30pm, 8pm-11.30pm. Meal for two with sake LL160,000. Branches: Downtown. There is excellence in taste and design at Shogun, a fine lounge offering both Chinese and Japanese cooking. TheTeppan Yaki, Terriyaki and Tampoura are gingered to perfection while the cold sake ensures a quick fire down the belly. Soto (01 701771, 01 573035) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 12noon-4pm, 7.30pm-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL70,000. Branches: Hamra. A colourblocked entrance awaits you at Soto, a trendy Japanese restaurant with a modern twist-try the Latin American-inspired ceviche and makis. The green tea ice cream is a surprisingly refreshing dessert. Sushi Ko (01 860999, 70 211199) 1st Floor, Verdun 732, Verdun. Mon-Fri 12.30pm-11.30pm; Sat-Sun 12.30pm-12mid. Branches: Achrafieh, Zalka, Zouk Mikael. Meal for two with drinks LL80,000. sushi restaurant with some Chinese staples (vegetable noodles etc.) and a good selection of pieces, including a reasonably-priced range of sushi boats. Starters include miso and corn soups. Tamashii (01 444994) Al Nahr Str, Mar Mikhael. Daily 12noon-4pm, 7pm-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL100,000. Another yummy Japanese hot spot for date nights

and friendly gatherings. Tamashii offers a laundry list of specials, including their tuna pesto with parmesan or uramaki special, and 25 different kinds of saki. Delivery available.

Latin & Spanish Copla (03 023400) Berytus Bldg, Park Ave, Minet El Hosn. Daily 12noon-4pm, 8pm-12.30am.Meal for two with drinks LL210,000. Sophisticated designs by architect Bernard Khoury and exotic tastes catered by Chef Dani Garcia awaits the diner at Copla, open for both lunch and dinner. The ‘‘salmon paella’ is a tasty dish to be experienced . Joe Pena’s (01 449906, 03 053093) Hnneine Bldg, Boutros Dagher Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 7pm-2am. Meal for two with drinks LL120,000. Experience the wonders of South American culinary expertise. Good weather calls for a nice dinner out on the terrace with a pitcher of margarita. Le Latino (01 211332, 70 240140) Damascus Rd, Sodeco, Achrafieh. Daily 12noon-1.30am. Meal for two with drinks LL135,000. The in-house bar, cigar humidor and summer terrace entrance a Cuban atmosphere at Le Latino. The Bodeguita Filete offers a hearty serving of beef, marinated in coriander and lemon oil. Extra treats include a live band and the Ladies’ Cigar Night every Monday. 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 darts around the Caribbean rim, taking in Cuban, Mexican and Haitian influences. Palmilla (01 999798) Uruguay Str, Downtown. Palmilla is a new addition to the Mexican roster. It offers an adapted variation on cantina cuisine (quesadillas, nachos and fajitas) and delectable fresh fruit cocktails and sangria. This also makes an ideal location for night owls as the kitchen doesn’t shut until 12.30am.

Lebanese Abdel Wahab (01 200550/1) 51 Abdel Wahab El Inglizi Str, Monot, Achrafieh. Daily 12noon-12mid.

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

Meal for two with drinks LL75,000. One of TimeOuts picks. Abdel Wahab is a gourmet Lebanese experience which won’t break the bank. Take your pick from the long, mouthwatering menu of mezze, and the grills are top quality. Make sure you book. Abou Hassan (01 741725) Caracas Str, Hamra. Daily 8am-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL60,000. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the traditional mezze at very fair prices. Go for a traditional breakfast in the morning and enjoy the well mixed homemade Arak in the evening. Assaha Lebanese Traditional Village (01 451239) Airport Rd, Al Atyam. Daily 7am-12mid. Meal for two with drinks (no alcohol) LL60, 000.Experience traditional delights of home cooked cuisine with top-class mezze, salads and grills. Sit out in the sunshine and enjoy a hand carved wooden narguileh. Aunty Salwa (01 749746) Baalbaki Bldg, Abdel Aziz Str, Hamra. Mon-Sat 8am-5pm. Meal for two with drinks LL35,000. Aunty Salwa rewards those who find her with a huge smile and full stomachs. This cubbyhole canteen has just a few tables and a range of salads and healthy veggie dishes, as well as cooked dishes of the day (vegetation options available). Bab Sursock (01 566889, 03 882596) Samaha Bldg, Akawi Str, Achrafieh. Daily 10am-5pm. Meal for two with drinks LL80,000. Lebanese restaurant and café offering mezze, daily specials and a soup bar. An open buffet is set up every Sunday for lunch. Internet and narguileh available. Live entertainment every Friday and Saturday nights. Babel Bay (01 370846) Zaitunay Bay, Beirut Marina, Minet El Hosn. Daily 12noon12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL225,000. A great getaway on the marina, offering first-rate Lebanese dishes. Have a feel of Lebanese tradition and culture in the fine ambience. A marvelous view of the sea is available. Al Balad (01 985375, 03 137333) Ground Floor, Crystal Bldg, Nejmeh Sq, Downtown. Daily 12noon-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL65,000. Enjoy traditional Lebanese delicacies in an old French building at Al Balad. The menu spans all the Lebanese classics from kebabs to fatteh, and

top-notch mezze are a particular draw, scooped up with pillow-like fresh baked bread and a narguileh afterwards. Café Hamra (01 348999) Hamra Str, Hamra. SunThur 9am-12.30am; Fri-Sat 9am-1am. Meal for two with drinks LL40,000. Café Hamra is an exciting fusion of American ‘50s diner and Lebanese hookah lounge, where you can enjoy snacking on humus or puffing nargilleh in between pin-ball games. It offers a delightful terrace and for and diverse options at the salad bar. Le Chef (01 445373) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Mon-Sat 7am-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL30,000. You’ll know you’ve found Le Chef when he bellows ‘welcome!’ at you from across the street. This is a perennial local and tourist favourite which a heart-warming interior. Hint- they offer half-price half-portions. Al Falamanki (01 323456) Damascus Rd, Sodeco, Achrafieh. Daily 24hours. Meal for two with drinks LL75,000. Enjoy one of the best fattouches alongside a lavish mezze and saj for starters. Try the refreshing juices,mint lemonade, strawberry and mango. It has a spacious narguileh garden, replete with the buzz from backgammon and card players heard from every corner. Kabab-ji Grill (01 741555) Hamra Str, Hamra. Daily 8am-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL30,000. Branches: Achrafieh, Kaslik. Filling our hungry bellies since 1993, Kabab-ji Grill is here to stay with a delicious selection of grilled kebabs with juicy meats, fragrant spices and fresh veggies . Equipped with an open-kitchen, you can watch the chef prepare your meal before the feast. Orfali (76 505072) Petro Trad Str, Achrafieh. Daily 10am-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL10,000. Well-known for its hospitality and clean presentation, Orfali offers the best of traditional Lebanese cooking starting with the bread.Their kibbeh is served in five different ways but we suggest the one served with cherries. Also delivers. Rawda Café (01 743348) Shouran Str, Manara. Daily 7am-1am. Meal for two LL40,000. Spend hours puffing narguileh and watching the waves, playing cards and backgammon,

Food & Drink or hooked up to the good free WiFi. The comprehensive menu of Lebanese mezze, pastas, salads and grill is good quality – try the half roasted chicken with chips and aioli. La Tabkha (01/03 579000) Ground Floor, Albert Awad Bldg, Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Mon-Sat 12noon-11pm. Buffet with dish of the day LL25,000. One of the first of the new wave of Lebanese bistro. By day, La Tabkha lays on a buffet of vegetarian mezze such as potato kibbeh, cauliflower with tahini and offers a choice of wholesome daily dishes too. Tawlet (01 448129) Chalhoub Bldg, Nahr Str, Mar Mikhael. Daily 1pm-4pm. Meal for two with drinks LL75,000. A large buffet of authentic Lebanese meals and desserts, some of which you’ll only find in the little villages around Lebanon. Each day a different cook or producer takes over the kitchen. Sat: Lebanese brunch fair.

Seafood

Mandaloun Sur Mer (01 999330) BIEL, Downtown. Daily 12noon-12mid. Meal for two with wine LL300,000. This eatery invites you to a calm evening with its gentle backdrop of timber and burgundy hues. Suitable for business lunches and large groups, Mandaloun Ser Mer offers a delicate menu of seafood variety and some Lebanese mezze as well. La Paillote (01 369113 , 03 326246) Ain El Mreisseh. Daily 12noon-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL90,000. Since 1964, family-run La Paillote has been serving guests seafood cuisine. Enjoy your meal at this seafront location, and finish with a stroll along the Corniche. Café d’Orient (01 366222)Ain El Mreisseh. Daily 12noon-1am. Meal for two with drinks LL135,000. A restaurant with a panoramic view that’ll spoil. International cuisine offered including a selection of fish and seafood, pastas and Lebanese mezze.

Le Pêcheur (01 374752) Ain El Mreisseh. Daily 12noon-1am. Meal for two with wine LL150,000. Enjoy fresh fish and mezze overlooking the sea in a calm and quiet area. Prices are fairly reasonable.

American steakhouse dining with Cro-Magnon. Each meal begins with a tableside presentation of various fine cuts and seafood like the ‘legend cut’ bone-in Sirloin or the leal chop, all to be enjoyed along soothing live jazz.

Le Phenicien (01 499177, 01 482531) Sfeir Bldg, Dimitri El Hayek Str, Horch Tabet, Sin El Fil. Daily 12.30pm-3.15pm, 8.15pm-11pm. Meal for two with wine LL120,000. Decorated like the interior of a ship, this amusing spot had an open buffet (LL66,000/person) every Sunday during the winter season for those who prefer the fruits of the land instead. Try their winter speciality, the hot bouillabaisse dish every Friday.

The Grill Room (01 761600) 1st Floor, Four Seasons Hotel, 1418 Professor Wafic Sinno Ave, Minet El Hosn. Daily 6.30am-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL200,000. Features modern cuisine with some of the juiciest meats, including a unique deluxe sandwich menu. Sample their bun-less burger, warm foie gras and Australian Wagyu introduced by expert Chef Edi Pancamala from Indonesia but leave some space for the gourmet dessert.

Steakhouses

La Parrilla (01 585885) St Maroun Str, Gemmayzeh. Sun-Fri 12.30pm-3.30pm, 8.30pm-11.30pm. Meal for two with wine LL180,000. Steakhouse inspired by the Argentinean Barbecue concept ‘La parrillada Argentina’, famous for its meats. Relax every evening to the sound of a live pianist.

Blackrock Steak Lounge (70 009199, 01 567444) Main Rd, Mar Mikhael. Restaurant: Tue-Sun 12.30pm-3pm, 8pm-12mid, cocktail bar: Tue-Sun 12.30pm-late. Meal for two with drinks LL165,000. This fancy steakhouse is great a special night out. The interactive meal involves cooking different cuts of steak, seafood or chicken on volcanic rocks at your table. A sleek interior, with sprawling glass windows, also makes an ideal venue for drinks. Cro-Magnon (01 370356) Zaitunay Bay, Beirut Marina. Mon-Sat 10am-12mid; Sun 10am-11pm. Zaitunay Bay meets upscale

Le Relais de L’Entrecôte (01 332087/8) Khoury Bldg, Abdel Wahab El Inglizi Str, Monot, Achrafieh. Daily 12.30pm-3.30pm; 7.30pm-11.30pm. Meal for two with drinks LL120,000. Branches: Downtown, Verdun. A fixed menu starting with a light salad, followed by two portions of steak and French fries along with their famous unique sauce.

For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com 29

Food & Drink

Au Gros Sel (01 373210, 03 147555) Riviera Hotel, Avenue de Paris, Manara. Daily 11am-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL200,000. One of the charming restaurants at the Riviera Hotel, Au Gros Sel, serves a menu of Mediterranean seafood and is located in the Beach Lounge, providing a stunning panoramic view of the Mediterranean.

Karam Al Bahr (01 360777, 01 360717, 71 777797) Zaitunay Bay, Beirut Marina, Minet El Hosn. Daily 12noon-12mid. Meal for two with drinks LL150,000. Karam Al-Bahr will be taking on the legacy of previous Karam, the family’s restaurant that was present in ‘Hayy el Zeitunay’ over 60 years ago. You can enjoy a wide range of fresh fish and Lebanese dishes while enjoying views of the Mediterranean.

Shopping & Lifestyle

Just opened Ideo Parfum Personal perfumes, perfected just for you If you are a perfume lover, or if you still haven’t found your personal fragrance, you cannot miss this boutique that opened very recently in Gemmayzeh. The owner, Ludmila Bitar, will welcome you with her smile and professionalism as soon as you cross the threshold, because, as she tells TOB, ‘even if you are here for only two minutes, we want you to spend two unique minutes’. Strong of ten years of experience in the field spent in several countries such as France, Switzerland and Canada, Bitar will guide you through your visit. Thanks to a simple and short but effective questionnaire, she finds out what you are supposed to like and mixes raw materials to make a fragrance in front of your admiring eyes. ‘I realised that most people don’t know how to express what they are looking for. I saw their frustration in front of the employees

using technical words they didn’t understand’, Bitar explains. The result is a personalised and unique perfume made of a 20% concentration of raw materials coming from the French capital of perfume, Grasse. The formula will be

then sent to the factory in Grasse where the product is made and then shipped back to the boutique in Beirut. The information is stored in a database so that the experience, even if unique and personalised, can be repeated. The client, or friend who wants to buy a gift, can order a refill any time and receive it at home. The other luxury products available in the store (from 100% Lebanese handmade soaps, scented candles, eau de lingerie to perfume cupboards, sheets and towels) are meant to make you travel around the world, just through scent. Orange blossom will bring you to Algeria, flowers to France, while thyme and soumak will bring memories of your childhood back to life. (03 285955) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh

Qi Juices Feeling tired and heavy? Are you starting thinking you need a detox after all the food and drinks you ingested during the holidays? Maybe it’s time for you to try Qi Juices. Introduced on the market less than one year ago, these fresh cold-pressed juices are 100% made in Lebanon with organic fruits and vegetables. The brand offers a wide selection of juices for all tastes - Carrot Boost, Start Fresh, Green Dream and many more. What you might want to try, in order to begin the New Year full of 30 For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com

energy, is the Qi Juices Cleanse, available in one to five day packages. Optionally, a nice gentleman (maybe even hot, who knows?) delivers them from the kitchen in Achrafieh straight to your home. Qi Juices, as the name suggests (Qi is the life force of every living being, so we’re told) will help you gain your strength back after the tough Christmas period. May the Qi be with you. (01 427704) Libya Str, Achrafieh. Threeday Qi Juices Cleanse $195

Shopping & Lifestyle

Trend report TW STEEL Milord (01 218989) ABC, Achrafieh TW5 $525 (45mm)

Shopping & Lifestyle

TW Steel, the international purveyor of oversized watches, have brought their iconic, metal, ticking behemoths to Lebanon, and we’re over the moon. You might have spotted some of the 70 models they have brought to Lebanon adorning the wrists of celebs like Kıvanç Tatlıtu or Kelly Rowland. These sleek and chunky timepieces have hit Milord stores across the country. CE1051 $689(45mm) $699(50mm)

PILOT W403 $439 (45mm) $469 (48mm)

CE4006 $1499 (44mm)

TW515 $319 (45mm)

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Shopping & Lifestyle My style Samer, 24

1 2 3 4

This is Samer, a 24 year-old freelance sounds designer, which means he spends his days sculpting noise for films, adverts, TV and anything people will pay him for. He’s from Sebhel and went to university in Brighton, England. ‘My time in the UK was great, I’d love to go back but maybe I should move somewhere new, maybe Paris.’

Shopping & Lifestyle

‘I get most of my clothes in Topman and H&M. I used to love Primark [a cheap UK store like H&M] but they don’t have it here, which is a shame.’ His wardrobe is diverse and funky, he wears a lot of tight coloured t-shirts, beanies and skinny jeans. ‘I like monochromes like greys and blacks’ he says. He’s also clearly into piercings as he has holes in his nose and a couple in his ears too.

‘My best and worst feature? God... my worst is being too short but my best is that I don’t gain weight easily, which is good. In fact, I can eat as much as I like without a problem. I love cooking, I try not to eat out too much because I enjoy doing it myself. My forte is steak with avocado and salad – it’s amazing.’

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Edited by Desirée Ketabchi desiree@ontimepublishing.com

Shopping & Lifestyle Object of desire When a bottle of Almaza becomes a designer lamp

Shopping & Lifestyle

TOB meets Ziad Abichaker, creator of the Green Glass Recycling Initiative-Lebanon (GGRIL)

Those who swept all of Beirut looking for Christmas presents will have seen them already – and certainly they bought them as well (we had it in our TOB gift idea list last December). We are talking about the green egg-shaped lamps that first appeared in Mar Mikhael’s Plan Bey in early November. The glass comes from a stockpile left over at a glass recycling and production factory in the Bekaa that was destroyed during the war in 2006 and has never been rebuilt. Since it was the only green glass manufacturing plant in Lebanon and the stuff now has nowhere to go, the stock of empty bottles have been growing. ‘We didn’t know what to do with all this glass’ Ziad Abichaker, environmental engineer and creator of the project, explains. ‘We had to find a way to get rid of it.’ The idea of taking used beer and wine bottles of green and amber glass to make objects and revive the glass blowing artisanship in Lebanon was born three years ago and slowly took shape. ‘One day I met Hussein Khalife, a glass blower, and we started putting things together,’ continues Abichaker. He gives Khalife the designs, takes what he produces to sell it, and gives him the income to create more objects. All the revenue that comes out of the sales is put back in the scheme. ‘The idea is

to keep it affordable, so people can afford to buy the products and we can use a lot of glass. I want to get rid of the [discarded] bottles,’ says Abichaker. The result of the GGRIL project is a collection of nine different items. Lamps (in four different shapes), glasses, carafes and bottles are all made with recycled glass in four different colours – white, green, amber and blue. The collection is currently

being sold in Plan Bey and Tawlet Restaurant in Mar Mikhael and in Alt City in Hamra. (01 742582) Alt City, Hamra Str, Hamra (01 44110) Plan Bey, Geara Bldg, Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael (01 448129) Tawlet Restaurant, Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael

New Year’s Real-solutions

Every year we promise to be better, to go to the gym, eat healthier and then simply don’t. In short, every year we are lying to ourselves. Here are some honest real-solutions for 2014

Gympossible Let’s face it, 2014 is not the year of the gym. We’ve dropped the ‘I’m-going-to-run -everymorning-before-work’ for something more realistic: walking. Bye-bye gym, hello daily stroll.

Balancing act Beirut’s full of yummy, but often not healthy, food (did you see our burger issue?). Can you imagine dropping it all for dreary rice cakes? Neither can we, but maybe moderation is important.

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Where there’s smoke …there’s usually friends. The hardest part about quitting smoking in this city is it’s practically an act of rebellion. If quitting is a bit of a jump, find a buddy and set some joint limits to your ciggies.

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.

Boutiques Ashekman (01 739598, 03 696941, 03 802053) Ground Floor, Strand Bldg, Hamra Str, Hamra. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. Named after the rap crew of Lebanese twin brothers who also happen to be graffiti artists, Ashekman combines their love of hip hop and graphic design to create edgy tees decorated with urban graphics and Arabic calligraphy and graffiti.

Shopping & Lifestyle

Aspuces (01 973885) Beirut Souks, Downtown. Daily 10am-10pm. Branches: Achrafieh, Dbayeh, Sodeco. If you’re looking for an outfit that can be dressed up or down, head to Aspuces, which specializes in designer duds for women but also carries a refreshing collection of eveningwear and sportswear. Babylon Boutique (01 991995) Chlelala Bldg, Said El Akl Str, Saifi Village. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. Many of us have a particular weakness for Italian fashion and the Italians’ exquisite taste. Babylon Boutique is no less tempting with its range of handmade designer collections from one of the world’s fashion capitals, Milan. Cream (01 987787, 03 331881) Lot 741, Saifi Village. Mon-Sat 10.30am-7pm. Enter a handcrafted jewelry sitting by the window where Cream invites you to try on designs by Lebanese and international artists with chic evening gowns and designer stilettos to chose from. Don’t forget to check out the Mini Monstas key fob. Depot-Vente (03 200620) Badawi Str, Mar Mikhael. Wed 2pm-8pm and every last weekend of the month, Fri-Sun 2pm-8pm. Crammed with all things vintage, you’ll get lost in collections of second-hand clothes, shoes, dresses and jewellery for as little as LL3,000. Every Wednesday, champagne and caviar is served. We reckon this is one place you’ll find yourself addicted to.

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Elissar & Other Stories (01 741919) Citi-1 Bldg, Abdel Aziz Str, Hamra. Mon-Fri 10am-7pm; Sat 10am-2pm. When it comes to creating her stunning pieces, indie designer and writer Elissar W. Haikal finds her inspiration in Istanbul and in Sufi costumes and literature. Crafting garments and jewellery herself, Elissar uses raw silk, brass, silver, tribal metals and vintage fabrics. Flore (01 215475) Chehade Str, Achrafieh. MonSat 10.30am-7pm. This small Achrafieh boutique features European (especially Italian) brands. While the collections are usually classical but with feminine ruffles and colours, Flore also has the clothing line Caractere, which consists of more simple silhouettes, muted patterns and constructive basics. Green and Glam (01 217604, 76 675767) 65 Zahret El Ehsan Str, Achrafieh. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. This eco-chic boutique is all about fair trade, showcasing a selection from ethical designers who use organic materials. Brands include EDUN, Valentine Gauthier, Les Fées de Bengale and Occidente, among others. Don’t leave without checking out their delicate fair trade lingerie. House on Mars (01 749746) Abdel Aziz Str, Hamra. MonSat 11am-7pm. Grown to some sort of an institution in Hamra, House on Mars is a cornucopia of global delights. It’s great for picking up everything from Thai silk lamps to rocktastic t-shirts, bags and amber jewellery. Moon (01 985984) Bldg 59, Mkhallissiye Str, Saifi Village. Mon-Sat 10.30am-7pm. Browse original urban wear for men and women with a large collection of clothing, t-shirts, shoes and accessories. Coming from all over the world, their brands speak like a true badass with their awesomely studded combat boots and distressed jeans. New Ounsa (01 993995) 1330 Park Ave, Downtown. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. In the latest addition to the Ounsa family, you have the chance to add some foreign flare to your closet with their exclusive brands imported from Germany. You’ll also be sorted for feminine outfits to be worn on fancy occasions. Nothing Like the Queen (01 377166) Ground Floor, Minkara Bldg, Clemenceau Str, Clemenceau. Mon-Sat 9.30am-7.30pm. Try as you might, once you catch a glimpse of this boutique you won’t have a choice but to check out what they have: funky clothes and shoes from such international brands as Kaviar Gauche, Dondup and Philipp Plein.

Deviations (01 577668) Ground Floor, Samaha Bldg, Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Mon-Sat 11am-7pm. Designer Amer Jabali specialises in eveningwear and dresses and gowns for more formal occasions. He has also branched out of Beirut, featuring his line in the busy cities of Los Angeles, New York, London and Tokyo.

Oddfish (01 566302) Bohsali Bldg, Port Str, Saifi. Mon-Sat 11am-8pm. Shopping becomes a visual delight at Oddfish. Urban art, street culture and contemporary designs gather for a day of eclecticism. This multi-brand boutique carries the likes of Sentou, Veja, Vleiger & Vandam and other top international designers.

Diva (01 750432) Marina Bldg, Concorde Str, Verdun. Mon-Sat 10.30am-7pm. This trendy boutique is packed with womenswear labels that hail from Columbia and the United States. Their shoes, bags, dresses and casualwear exude class, without sky-high price tags. Discover brands such as Michael Kors, Studio FX and Touche.

Outdoors (01 993108) L 1, Al Arwam Str, Beirut Souks, Downtown. Daily 10am-10pm. Find gear and accessories for outdoorsy activities and fitness and sports clothing for men and women. Seven great-quality brands of classical and casual wear such as Mephisto and Oxbrow are enough to find what you need.

Shopping & Lifestyle Randa Salamoun (01 971271) Foch Str, Downtown. Mon-Sat 11am-8pm. Try on a beautiful dress for that special evening and if it’s not your size, renowned local designer Randa Salamoun will customise it to suit your desire. Nightgowns for brides and a range of luxury bed sheets can also be found here. Room One (01 999973) Arwam Str, Beirut Souks, Downtown. Daily 10am-10pm. Room One’s high-end Italian brands will take the oohs and ahhs right out of your mouth. Make a fashion statement with their metal-embellished tops, great knitwear and modern silhouettes, as well as their everyday accessories and shoes. Rue 181 (03 280404, 03 722016) Abdel Wahab El Englizi Str, Monot. Mon-Sat 11.30am-7pm. This colourful delight is brought to you by Local designers Patricia Abou Mansour and Maria Barakat. Casual designs, eveningwear pieces, jackets, shoes, accessories and much more to chose from.

Scoop Outlet (01 814789, 03 778487) Edisson Str, Ramlet El Baida. Mon-Sat 10am-7.30pm. You’re bound to be pleased with the offerings in this multi-brand boutique with labels such as Dranella, Ichi, Sisters Point and Catwalk. The shop carries chic eveningwear and casual pieces for women, also includes a small selection of clothing for children. Shabby Chic (01 347707) Hamada Bldg, Hamra Str, Hamra. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. The name says it all – browse European clothing labels and accessories including signature jean brand Chipie. There’s no doubt that any shabby outfit can instantly turn chic with a few tweaks after a visit to this shop. Sophie’s Choice (01 993131, 01 988987) Sabbagh Bldg, Patriarch Hayek Str, Beirut Souks, Downtown. Mon-Sat 9am-9pm. Whip yourself into a state of fashion frenzy

SUANA (04-718085) Jal El Dib,Mar Takla st. MonSat 11:00am-7:00 p.m. Get a fix of glitter embodied gold studded fashion pieces at SUANA. For a classy night out or causal evenings, this boutique will cater to any fashionista from head to accessorises to toes. La T-Shirterie (01 203952) Cosma Bldg, Chehade Str, Tabaris, Achrafieh. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. Take your pick here from international labels, including A Fault from Italy, where each t-shirt is printed by hand. La T-Shirterie also stocks American brand Young Rivers, Sunday 21, limited editions of Havaiana flip flops and French brand TH Gallery. Terrible Boutique (01 891790) Moujaes Bldg, New Jdeideh Str, Jdeideh. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. Indulge in a glorious evening dress from any styles, from long to short and a variety of colours, and with brands like Kymira, Gx and Veloudakis, this is the perfect venue for Cinderella ball gowns. Vintage Love (01 331334, 03 223006) Ground Floor, Abillamaa Bldg, Abdel Wahab El Inglizi Str, Achrafieh. Mon-Sat 10.30am-6.30pm. Whether you’re looking for a to-die-for wool knit or vintage must-have leather, you will always find what captures your heart at this boutique. If you fetch your closet and trade-off your fashion belongings, part of the proceeds will go to charity. Walk in Closet (01 800831) Ground Floor, Faiad Bldg, 55th Str, Verdun. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. Every woman wants a walk in closet and this one knows how to cater to your needs, whether you need a last-minute dress with a matching clutch, a simple everyday outfit or just a cup of tea with friends. Everything hails from London.

Menswear boutiques The Good Life (01 333955) 151 Abdel Wahab El Inglizi Str, Achrafieh. Mon-Fr 12noon-8pm. Designer George Salhab from the UK offers an entire collection of urban menswear from his fashion brand, Royal

Tea. This one-of-a-kind boutique is perfect for funny gifts as it offers comical toilet seats, as well as limited edition shoes, toys and art books. GS Grand Store (01 218318) ABC Mall, Achrafieh Str, Achrafieh. Daily 10am-10pm. Branches: Hamra, Dbayeh. GS has now flourished into one of the leading quality stockists in the country catering to men, women and children. Find daywear and eveningwear – they have Geox, Timberland, Springfield, Hugo Boss, Mavi Jeans, Munich, Rockport and many more. 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. Lufian (01 990131) Jamil Str, Beirut Souks. Daily 9.30am-10pm. Lufian offers the latest fashion pieces for everyday wear. Browse through a collection of casual items including shirts, jackets, belts, jeans, socks and shoes. All items are made in Turkey and come from a range of different designers; also includes small Ladies section. Officina Slowear Beirut (01 999230) Patriarch Howayek Str, Bab Idriss, Downtown. Mon-Sat 10.30am-8pm, Sun 3pm-8pm. This menswear boutique is the epitome of Italian chic. Originally founded in 1951 in Venice, it now graces the streets of Downtown. You’ll find four luxur y brands: Incotex, Glanshirt, Montedoro and Zanone, specialising in trousers, knitwear, jackets and shirts.

Renzo (01 748886) Yared Bldg, Abdul Aziz Str, Hamra. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. This quaint, neighbourhood shop specialises in classic menswear for you sophisticated ones. If you have a big function, meeting or interview coming up you’re probably in need of a suit or an entire outfit, and you will surely find it here. Sarar (01 355663) Hamra Main Str, Hamra. MonSat 10am-8pm. This international label with clothing and accessories for men embodies well-groomed masculinity and style with a twist.The emporium was first founded in Turkey during 1930 by Abdurrahman Sarar and now has branches in New York, Japan, Europe and the Middle East. Spada Fashion (71 798881, 03 221888) Kuwaiti Embassy Bldg, Jnah Roundabout, Jnah. Mon-Sat 9.30am-10pm, Sun 1pm-6pm. This men’s boutique is an avant-garde shopper’s dream, packed with suits, casualwear, shoes and accessories from Europe’s finest designers. Some of the brand names include Carlo Canelli, Verruca and Valor Wolf. Their knowledgeable staff offer great customer service.

Haute couture & prêt-à-porter Ahmad Sabra (01 742626) 1st Floor, Zmourod Bldg, Tanoukhine Str, Hamra. Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm; Sat 8.30am-2pm. The talented tailor will cut a suit to satisfy the gentleman who has a penchant for the look of Savile Row, and the pocket book to match. For 41 years, they have followed the classic procedure of up to four fittings.

Pellini (03 404933)Fawzi Khoury Bldg, Al Midane Str, Dekwaneh. Mon-Sat 9am-7pm. Leaf through their stock of men’s suits, shirts, pants, shoes, belts, ties and so on. With all this on offer, chaps will be able to buy complete outfits for every occasion. All items are affordable and made by local designers.

Elie Saab (01 981982) Elie Saab Bldg, Downtown. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. This ultra-modern building is a veritable world of Elie Saab, the Beirut-born designer who has stores across the world and whose gowns are a favourite among celebrities. There are four departments spread over five floors: Atelier, Accessories, Prêt-à-porter and of course, Couture.

Prestige (01 344183) Ground Floor, Assaf Bldg, Hamra Str, Hamra. Mon-Sat 10.30am-7.30pm. Now a landmark, this charming and classy men’s boutique has been a local Hamra favourite for decades. You’ll find a wide selection of dress shirts, suits, ties, pants and belts that are all essential to looking fresh and sophisticated.

Krikor Jabotian (01 204793) 4th Floor, Dakdouk Bldg, Tabaris Sq, Achrafieh. Mon-Fri 8am-6pm and by appointment. Armenian/Lebanese fashion designer Krikor Jabotian, who has worked with the likes of Elie Saab and Rabih Kayrouz, runs this dreamy boutique. You’re sure to have a ball browsing

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Shopping & Lifestyle

Sandra Mansour (01 444155) 275 Gouraud Str, Sector 29, Gemmayzeh. Daily 9am-6pm or by appointment. With extensive experience, the designer has worked alongside Elie Saab and attended numerous prêt-àporter workshops. She regularly keeps up to date with international fashion and attends Paris Fashion Week, showcasing 30 dresses every season and customises pieces from style to colour.

with their great selection of international designers including Matthew Williamson, Sass & Bide, and Jason Wu. Take a break from the dressing rooms and enjoy some goodies their café has to offer.

Shopping & Lifestyle Jabotian’s collection of formal wear that clearly exudes an ethereal flair. Lara Khoury (01 443426) 406 Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. Known for her love of irregular shapes and distorting them, Lara Khoury both works on and exhibits her creations in her atelier – the space was designed by Cynthia Zahar. You can also find LKjuelerie by Rania Odaymat.

Shopping & Lifestyle

Maison Rabih Kayrouz (01 566079, 01 567455) 81 Lebanon Str, Achrafieh. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm. This is the Beirut atelier of international fashion designer and creator of Starch boutique, Rabih Kayrouz. Known for his ultra-feminine designs, collections ‘Ma remmene a moi’ and ‘Beiruty’ are the particularly perfect depictions of Kayrouz’s roots and influences. Nada Talhame (01 202701) Bank Audi Saradar Bldg, Selim Bustros Str, Achrafieh. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. The designer has a wealth of experience, studying in Paris and working with mega-fashion houses such as Chanel and Christian Dior. Nada Talhame is one of the few designers to specialise in knitwear; also offering haute couture and customised uniform design. Nemer Saade Haute Couture (01 219177, 03 704504) Monot Residence, 2nd Floor, Victor Hugo Str, Monot. MonSat 10am-6pm. Renowned local designer Nemer Saade has been designing fashion items since the age of 16. The designer exclusively makes items for his boutique, which are frequently worn by local and international celebrities. They will also customise designs for the perfect fit.

Raffi Sarkis (01 200040, 03 252992) 2nd Floor, Boujai Bldg, Charles Malek Ave, Achrafieh. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm; Sat 9am-1pm. Haute couture pour homme, Raffi Sarkis is specialised in custom tailoring. He started off at the mere age of 13, aiding tailors until he opened up his own studio of creative takes on suits and shirts. Starch (01 566079) 1051 Quartier des Arts, Saifi Village, Saifi. Young protégés of the renowned Rabih Kayrouz showcase their work after their one-on-one workshop. Starch has a rotation of debut collections from local artists. Designers for the year 2013 include Bashar Assaf, Hussein Bazaza, Celine Der Torossian, Sevag Dilsizian and Stephanie Moussallem. Zuhair Murad (01 575222) 23 Melrose Bldg, Omar Daouk Str, Bab Idriss. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. There’s perhaps no other store in Beirut better suited to dress you like a proper diva. Zuhair Murad’s designs have been worn by sirens like Christina Aguilera, Beyonce and Shakira. You can also check out his high-end prêtà-porter collection.

Gifts Atelier Mag (03 605254) Jeanne D’Arc Str, Hamra. Mon- Sat 11am-7.30pm. Great gift shop for tourists who are looking to save something memorable from their trip to the city. Other interesting items include Arabesque accessories and paintings that are on display.

Rami Kadi (03 462808) Orient Queen Homes Hotel, John Kennedy Str, Clemenceau. Mon-Sat 11am-7pm. This boutique showcases limited edition pieces and couture designs, catered to a style-savvy clientele. Kadi’s feminine pieces are given a cheeky touch, and they can be matched with the range of handbags and shoes made of exotic leathers.

By Jess Arts & Crafts (01 335015, 03 296655) Ground Floor, Haber Bldg, Abdel Hadi Str, St Nicolas, Tabaris, Achrafieh. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Offers a wide range of gifts, souvenirs, home deco items, flower arrangements, corporate gifts and personalised sets for any special event. All locally designed with high precision, using the finest materials, along with Feng Shui and life coaching services.

Reem Acra 01 989803) 94 Foch Str, Downtown. MonSat 10am-8pm. Reem Acra’s Downtown boutique is a lesson in luxury, offering the designer’s full line of glamorous eveningwear, pret-a-porter, accessories and bridal collection. Her flagship store is on New York City’s Madison Avenue and her designs have been spotted on many celebrities.

Gift Mania (03 019303) Bliss Str, Hamra. Mon-Sat 11am-8.30pm. The only store we know of in Beirut where you can find anime figurines. Gift Mania has a bunch of kickass articles from IQ games, posters and t-shirts to swords and daggers. Great place for novel gift ideas.

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

SuperCaliFragilisticExpialiDocious (01 973603) Bldg 741, Saifi Village. Mon-Sat 10.30am-7pm. Other branches: (01 349699) Zomorrod Bldg, Abou Taleb Str, Hamra. Candy stands available in toyshops in ABC Achrafieh (01 212888) and ABC Dbayeh (04 416000). Small shop with knickknacks in every nook and cranny. Humorous yet enchanted gifts from underwear and candles to candy and toys. The ceiling is high but the gadgets pile higher.

appointment only. Christian Abouhaidar is one of the most renowned makeup artists in the region, featuring his work in fashion shows, advertisements, TV and theatre. Along with contributing to global campaigns, he also has a regular clientele of international celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Nadine Labaki and Elissa. The expert also offers face design, a private consultation to create a personalised look that can be reapplied by his clients time and time again.

Thimbelina (03 042717) Menassa Center, Jamhour. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm. This lovely shop offers gifts for all ages handcrafted by local artists. With their own workshop, they produce everything from household products to accessories with the option to customise each item. With high-quality threads and fabrics, these delightful items make the perfect gift or ideal souvenirs. They also distribute items worldwide. Check out their Lebanese line for irresistible gifts full of culture and tradition with a twist. We especially love their ‘baby trousseau’ specialty.

Hala Ajam Institute (01366008, 03 679636) 1st Floor, Starco Bldg, Salon Younes Eid, Omar Daouk Str, Downtown. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. Makeup artist Hala Ajam studied at the Makeup Academy in Hollywood and can claim Queen Rania of Jordan, Claudia Schiffer and Nadine Labaki among her clients. Ask for any look you want and Hala Ajam can make it happen.

Y.knot (01 992211) 162 Mkhallissiye Str, Saifi Village. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. Their specialty for hand-knitted everything gives you the option to customise your own designs if you can’t find what you’re looking for. Or take one of their crochet or knitting classes that are held all week for adults and children.

Makeup Ahmed Koubeissy (01 807908, 03 807908) 10th Floor, Centre 732, Verdun Str, Verdun. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun by appointment only. If you want to pull out all the stops for a big event tonight and need to look your best, Ahmed Koubeissy is your man. Author of several makeup books, he is one of the most acclaimed and experienced makeup artists in Lebanon. Chez Riham & Rayan (01 791517, 03 291893, 03 141612) Ground Floor, Fayad Bldg, Tabet Str, Verdun. Mon-Sat 9.15am-7pm. Enjoy some ultimate pampering at this lovely French salon, tucked away inside a beautiful rural estate in Verdun. Take advantage of their in-house consultation service, or check out their ‘Nouveau Contour’ permanent makeup. Christian Abouhaidar (03 487242) Ï Day Spa, Aïshti Bldg, 5th floor, Moutran Str, Downtown. By

Long Time Liner Middle East (01 999947) Ground Floor, Chelala Bldg, Said Akl Str, Saifi Village. MonFri 10am-6.30pm, Sat 10am-4.30pm. Developed in Germany, the ‘Long-TimeLiner’ makeup method has been around for over two decades. Here, they use a super-thin needle to insert pigment makeup into the upper skin, giving you permanently perfect and natural lipstick, eyebrows and eyeliner. Roula Karam Face Couture (01 203272, 03 099326) Monot Str, Monot, Achrafieh. Tue-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun by appointment only. Roula Karam is a skilled makeup artist who, besides running a beauty salon, also fixes makeup for magazine shoots and applies cosmetic tattoos and eyebrows. The salon offers a new concept to makeup artistry and the latest techniques in permanent makeup. La Sirene (01 807107/207, 03 160303) Beirut Diamond Bldg, Verdun. Mon-Sat 9.30am-8pm, Sun 11am-6pm. Offering everything you will ever need in hair, body and facial care, this salon will also hook you up with a set of thick lashes for $13.00, and they’ll last a week. Get some hair extensions as well for a groomed look. Talal Morcos (01 902355, 03 642355) 2nd Floor, Salim Aouad Bldg, New Jdeideh Str, New Jdeideh. Mon-Sat 9am-6pm. This talented Lebanese makeup artist focuses on the natural appeal of makeup rather than the heaviness we’ve all grown so used to. He highlights features with earthy tones and bronzed skin for a more natural look to bring out your inner goddess.

Things to Do

Edited by James Haines-Young james@ontimepublishing.com

Classes are small and relaxed, and everyone has to participate Things to Do

Up-Skillz Beat the January blues with a few courses for the New Year

hat are New Years about other than self-reflection and improving your skills? Ok, so TOB has not been the best at sticking to our New Year’s resolutions in the past, but we think this is one we could keep. Skillz learning centre in Gemmayzeh hosts a whole load of classes from art and photography to languages (fancy brushing up your Dutch or getting an IELTS qualification to help study abroad?) and SAT assistance. In the old, beautifully renovated house in Gemmayzeh, classes are kept small and are all about involvement and participation, says joint-founding partner and educational specialist Yoka Nassar. ‘In our language classes we have had students coming from other centres that haven’t had the practice in actually using the language because they have come from somewhere with large, lecture style teaching,’ Nassar

says. ‘That is not what you get at Skillz. Classes are small and relaxed, and everyone has to participate.’ Both Nassar and her partner Hélène de Ridder believe that the simple elegance of the space in which they teach has a big part to play in the success of the courses. ‘We don’t have florescent lighting or individual desks like in a school, we use large

communal tables where students sit together and work together. The environment is important to create the right mood for learning,’ say the pair. Many students join up to the Communications-wiz course, which looks at and prepares teenagers for public speaking and presenting themselves, because they want help getting accepted to overseas

universities which require entrance exams and interviews, which for many Lebanese means public speaking in a second or third language. Nassar says this can make it hard to get the tone right under pressure. ‘Some students find that they can come across as arrogant or over-confident in interviews without realising it.’ If all this wasn’t enough, Nassar and Ridder are also pursuing a two-woman quest to get your gran online. It can be quite daunting for older generations to get their head around new technology but in a few hours Skillz will get these silver surfers going on their own computers, so before you know it your grandpa’ll be adding you on Facebook – which may or may not be a good thing. With courses starting all the time for both adults and teenagers there is something to find this New Year. (01 584234) Pere Youssef Hayek Str. Gemmayze

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Things to Do Highlights of the month

Things to Do

Some Winter weather-beating, Beirut based, brilliant activites for those looking to get out and about

‘Fatmeh’ at Al Madina Theater Fatmeh is a dance performance that investigates the physical movements of a spontaneous body. Directed and choreographed by contemporary artist Ali Chahrour, Fatmeh will be presented at Al Madina Theater in Hamra from Jan 30 until Feb 2. Don’t miss this touching number that delves into the relationship between the grieving sensations of the body and the external influences of religion, cultural legacy and norms. (01 753010) Saroula Centre, Hamra Str. Jan 30 – Feb 2. 8.30PM. Tickets from Librairie Antoine & Antoine Online from LL20,000

Mary Poppins As if dangling on the end of a floating umbrella, down came the news that one of the greatest musicals ever is coming to Lebanon. That’s right, Mary Poppins, her precocious children and that lovable hackney-esque chimney sweep are in town to jump into chalk paintings, dance across the chimney pots of London and to cause a few bank-runs. Opening on February 1 at the Palais Des Congres, this moral family sing-along will have your little ones shouting ‘spit-spot’ in no time. (03 021902) Palais Des Congres, Dbayeh Hwy. Feb 1 & 2. Tickets available at Virgin Megastores

All that glitters Looking for a new hobby for the New Year? Want something that is practical, hands on an a little different? Then how about metalsmithing? Get inspired with brass, copper and semi precious stones and at this introduction to jewellery making course. It’s ideal for beginners interested in the jewellery making process, while creating something special of their own. The workshop consists of four classes, each two hours long. Jewellery making with Rana (03 061596) St. Joseph Hospital Str, Dora. Jan 21. 12pm. $150.

Molten cheese Cheese, wine, an interesting conversation accompanied by a live pianist sounds just about the perfect way to spend a winter afternoon (disclaimer: interesting conversation not guaranteed, all else provided). This causal outing serves as a flawless first date or a more enjoyable evening for a party of four. If cheese isn’t your thing then try beef or chocolate with fruits fondue. Écafé Sursock (01 333240) Sursock Str, Achrafieh. LL58,000. Wed. 4pm-late

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

Three-piece-art An unusual setting for some interesting photography You might not think a furniture shop is the most obvious place to go and soak up some culture, but then the Farra Design Centre never really played by the rules anyway. For a while now they have been hosting some interesting art, craft and design shows, but their latest impromptu photographic gallery will mark something a bit special. Believe it or not, this venerable institution has been running for 75 years which means that they have a lot to celebrate. The photographic exhibition starting on January 17 and running for one week will display work by several of Beirut’s big names in the craft as well as a shortlist of young Beirutis’ work. The likes of Beirut Street Photographers and Humans of Lebanon will be showing some shots of our beautiful city, while the main attraction are the up-and-coming artists. ‘We focus on Middle Eastern

arts and talent, it’s a small gesture but it gives students experience in the field and we hope it encourages them,’ says Sabine AbouSamra Hatchi of Farra Design Centre. As well as the latest gallery hosting there is a lot in store for this diamond year, ‘there will be events every month or two throughout the year’ says Hatchi. ‘We’ve been hosting events for more than 15 years now. We do it to encourage young talent and give Lebanese people an opportunity.’ Back in 2011 they hosted a competition for interior designers to create an item of furniture which was then judged by leading professors in the field at a big event at the company’s main showroom, and if that wasn’t enough the winner walked away with $5000. Not bad. So, keep an eye on Farra for some interesting shows throughout the year. (01 687000) Main Street, Mekalles (Metn)

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.

Activity clubs El Rancho (09 741133, 09 741188) Ghodras, Adma Hwy, Ftouh, Keserwan. By reservation only. A full Western-styled activity centre up in beautiful Ghodras, with animals galore, farming and camping, along with horseback riding. You can even experience the Wild West at the Indian Village.

Things to Do

Lebanese Rugby League Federation (03 404345) 2nd Floor, Fadi Abou Rahal Bldg, St Georges Str, Safra. Office hours daily 9am-3pm. A sports business that organises rugby league tournaments in and out of Lebanon. It also coaches schools in rugby.

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

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.

Racing Kart Zouk (09 219760) Principle Rd, Zouk Mosbeh. One of the best (and oldest) racing circuits in town. You can test drive different cars, ranging from the 7-horsepower beginner’s engine to the 13-horsepower monster. Call ahead, in case the entire circuit is booked for private lessons.

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.

Oh La La Girly Spa (03 817028) Mary Wakim Centre, 1st Floor, Mansourieh Old Hwy, Mansourieh. Daily 9.30am-8pm. Make your little girl’s day at this marvelous spa offering everything from manicures, pedicures, hand massages, makeup, tattoos and brand new hairdos. The special care and attention the spa lavishes upon little girls will transform into a princess for the day. The spa also hosts special birthday parties. Spa-tacular (01 397702, 71 344807) 2nd Floor, Block A, Sodeco Sq, Sodeco, Achrafieh. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm; Sun by appointment only. This is the ideal location for mother-daughter bonding time with a hair salon and nail parlour that caters for both generations’ tastes. The centre also offers birthday packages, an activity centre and a boutique that stocks goodies by local designers.

Play areas Adventure World (01 385330) Beirut Mall, Saida Old Rd, Tayouneh roundabout, Furn El Chebbak. Mon-Fri 11am-9pm; Sat-Sun 10am-10pm. The first indoor family park in Lebanon, Adventure World is a two-storey, 3,500 sq m child’s dream. Packed with amusement park rides, a jungle café and tons of fun games, it will keep kids aged 2 to 14 years smiling for hours. Plus, it’s a fantastic place to throw a birthday celebration.

Tennis Academy Beirut (Tennis-Inc. com) (01 755475, 03 407890) Exess Bldg, Achrafieh. By appointment. This professional tennis academy located in Beirut provides elite tennis programmes for children and adults. They offer professionalism, knowledge and experience for tennis enthusiasts with international standardized programmes approved by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). WalkBeirut Meeting point: Gefinor Center Plaza on Clemenceau Str (across from Middle East Airlines and facing Gruen Eatery). Founded by Ronnie Chatah, WalkBeirut offers the city’s only guided walking tours in English. The intriguing tours uncover tales about the city’s rich history and troubled past in a story-based narrative. Roughly four hours long, tours run every Sunday and typically start between 2pm-6pm. Reserve your spot online by visiting www. bebeirut.org.

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.

for young kids (as well as adults) with arts and crafts of all kinds including pottery, glass and oil painting. 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 jewellerymaking to create matching bracelets and necklaces for their doll and doll maker.

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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.

Jumping Jungle (01 366555) Lifestyles, Mada Bldg, Bliss Str, Hamra. Mon-Fri 4pm-6pm; Sat-Sun private party bookings. This fun-filled centre has plenty of mazes, slides and a ball pool to amuse 2 to 5 year olds. Should they start losing interest, there are tables for colouring, or they can take a break and have a snack in the kitchenette. KidsVille and The Jungle Land (01 212888 ext. 2828) ABC Mall, Achrafieh Str, Achrafieh. Daily 10am-8pm. Weekly shows on Sat-Sun. Children up to 10 years old will fall in love with this play centre’s computers, slides, ball pit and face-painting. KidsVille also has a Playstation, while the Jungle Land is slightly bigger and has a Nintendo Wii.

Museums

Castle Moussa (05 500106) Beiteddine Main Rd, Chouf, Daily 9am-6pm. This place has a moat, a drawbridge, and medieval-style ramparts. Inside his fabulous castle Moussa recreated scenes of daily life in Lebanon with wax figures. A number of rooms house Moussa’s large gun collection, and there’s the occasional large display case of daggers, swords and Bedouin jewellery. They also offer a second castle with two floors displaying different weapons. CCF (01 420200) Damascus Rd, Achrafieh. This French cultural treasure has a whole slew of resources available to visitors. Working to promote the French language and culture in Beirut through a series of services and

Things to Do exhibitions, the CCF offers visitors access to the Médiatheque (fully stocked library and media centre), a language school, an exposition gallery, a charming café and more.

museum, see the processes of weaving and the cocoons from which the silk comes. Let your kids find their green fingers in a onehour long gardening workshop.

Debbane Palace (01 489124) Al Moutran Str, Saida. Thur 9am-6pm Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. The Debbane Palace was built in 1721 and lived in until 1978. This old family house has been transformed into a museum by the Debbane Foundation to explore the Ottoman Period and Saida’s rich architectural history. The museum includes an exhibition of artifacts, texts, documents and manuscripts.

Soap museum (07 733353, 07 753599) Moutran Str, Saida. Daily 9am-5pm. Built in the 17th century, the Audi family house and soap factory were turned into a soap museum in 2000. The exhibits take the visitors through the different stages of soap-making and present the history of the soap industry in the region from Aleppo, Syria and Nablus, Palestine to our very own Tripoli.

Edward Nassar Museum (04 712112) Jal El Dib Main Rd, Jal El Dib. Mon-Fri 9.30am-7pm; Sat-Sun: 10am-6pm. Owner Edward Nassar has spent 60 years collecting precious valuables which are now proudly on display for others to enjoy. The museum is jam packed with paintings and art adorning all walls as well as old manuscripts and autographs (all personally addressed to Nassar), collections of old and historical books, sculptures, ancient watches, archaeological remains, stamps, and the largest Roman, Greek and Byzantine coin collection in the Middle East.

Hall of Fame (09 225202/303) Jeita Grotto Rd, Zouk Mosbeh. Daily 9am-5pm. It’s not a wax statue, it’s silicone! It’s not Madame Tussaud’s but the Hall of Fame in Zouk Mosbeh, which houses 50 statues of worldfamous people from political, artistic and cultural spheres, and uses mechanics to make some of them move, talk or sing. Come pose with your favourites! Ibrahim Najem’s House of Collectibles (01 365813) Ibrahim Najem Bldg, Ain El Mreisseh. By appointment only. This is not your average museum. Former fire fighter and diver Ibrahim Najem has been collecting knick-knacks for over 25 years; wonders from the sea and land decorate his walls and shelves in a delightfully disordered manner. Listening to Mr. Najem’s stories is half the fun. Jbeil Wax Museum (09 540463, 03 395537) Jbeil. Daily 9am-6pm. With wax statues of different well-know personalities and characters, learn all about the lifestyles of people living in Lebanon from the Phoenician period up to modern times. Merveilles de la Mer (Wonders of the Sea) (01 891548, 03 626069) Residence Assaad Yazbeck, Jdeidet El Metn, Jdeideh. Mon-Fri 8.30am-1.30pm; Sat-Sun 3pm-7pm. Adults LL8,000; children LL5,000. This gorgeous museum is built in a 19th century Lebanese house with high ceilings, stained glass windows and a beautiful garden. Here, visitors will learn about the mysteries and magic of marine life through displays including salt-water aquariums, shells, fossils, and marine equipment. The Silk Museum (05 940767) Bsous Caza of Aley, Bsous. Tue-Sun 10am-6pm. The Silk Museum is the perfect getaway to keep your kids entertained at the weekends. Tour the eco

Le Monde de Yoya (04 910772) Str 2, Deek El Mehdi. Mon-Sat 11am-2.30pm, 4.30pm-7pm. A professional centre organising birthdays, christenings and events for kids from the age of 2-10. Whatever you are looking for, the staff has the knowhow to plan a top party for little tots. The centre also opens a fun outdoor playground ever y summer.

Go! Party Group (01 681808) Kamar Centre, Bouchrieh Main Rd, Bouchrieh. By appointment only. A doorto-door kids’ birthday entertainment group

Les Bouffons (03 849003)1st Floor, Third Block, Mallat Center, Hazmieh. By appointment. These guys have earned their reputation

History AUB Archaeological Museum (01 340549, 01 350000 ext. 2660) AUB, Bliss Str, Hamra. Summer Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; winter Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. Audio guide LL3,000. Provides an overview of the development of man in the Middle East from the Early Stone Age to the Islamic Period. Here you’ll find an impressive display of rare, ancient artefacts, such as pottery, coins, blown glass, busts, flint tools, weapons, jewellery, musical instruments and sculptures. Museum of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia (04 410001/3) Antelias Hwy, Akhawain Rahbani Str, Antelias. Tue-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat-Sun 8am-12noon. This Armenian museum will give you a different perspective on the history of the Middle East. On display are religious objects and modern artwork from the ancient Armenian kingdom of Cilicia, located in modern day Turkey.

Things to Do

Khalil Gibran Museum (06 671137) Becharre. Daily 10am-6pm. The museum is dedicated to the life of the Lebanese writer, poet and painter Khalil Gibran, and exhibits a collection of manuscripts, photos, paintings and a selection of furniture that belonged to the philosopher. You’ll find his book for sale at the gift shop. Also hosts thematic events.

Fantasy Party (71 285278) Hamra Main Str, Hamra. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. This marvelous party shop is jam-packed with costumes and party supplies for all occasions. Whether you have a fancy dress party or need a new costume for Halloween, you’ll find sizes ranging from newborn to adults. They are also fully equipped with party supplies for all your special events.

Lebanese Prehistoric Museum (01 421860/1/2) Saint Joseph University Str, Monot, Achrafieh. Tue-Wed, Fri-Sat 9am-3pm. Adults LL3,000; reduced LL1,000. This museum, run by the University of Saint-Joseph, contains an array of prehistoric hunting and agricultural tools from Lebanon and the rest of the Middle East. Call ahead to organise a tour for larger groups. National Museum of Beirut (01 612295, ext 0) Damascus Rd, Badaro. Tue-Sun 9am-5pm. Adults LL5,000; students, children 18 and younger LL1,000. Known to all simply as ‘Mathaf’ ( ‘Museum’), the National Museum of Beirut is not to be missed. The exhibits are organised by time period, ranging from prehistory to the Mamluk Period in a wellorganised and manageably-sized space, and will enhance your enjoyment of monuments around Lebanon. Sursock Palace Gardens (01 218720) Sursock Str, Achrafieh. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Situated in the heart of Achrafieh, these magnificent gardens are available for all to enjoy. The gardens surround the Sursock Palace, which is still a fully functioning residence. Steeped in history the palace and gardens stand proudly having survived intact since 1860. This is without a doubt a must see.

Entertainment Cirque du Liban (03 017859) Enjoy the circus right at your event with all you can imagine from magicians, gigantically long clowns, face painting and animations to boot.

Event Attack (03 976343, 03 019019) Variance Center, Jounieh Hwy, Kaslik. Mon-Fri 11am-6pm. Plan the perfect event for your mini-me. Event Attack specialises in corporate events, weddings and kids entertainment.

Underground Paintball The perfect way to spend a bachelor’s party or to let off some steam, paintballing is the death-free gun sport everyone can enjoy! Shoot away in a former underground saw mill. (03 856244) Hazmieh. Daily 12pm-12am. LL30,000 for 200 balls & 2hrs offering party accessories such as balloons, piñatas and tableware as well as magicians, clowns, musicians, face painters and animators. They can even provide gumball machines, confetti machines and goody bags, in addition to catering to a selected theme of your choice. Kiki Monkey (04 715987) Jal El Dib Main Rd, Jal El Dib. Mon-Fri 3pm-8pm. All partyplanners know the best bashes are inflatable ones. Kiki Monkey specialises in bouncy castles and other inflatable rides. Le Club des Deux Clowns-C2C (03 902598) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. By appointment only. Add some extra magic to your son or daughter’s celebration. Les Deux Clowns provide clowns and other characters that will entertain the crowd through performances and workshops.

as reliable party planners for children’s events. They handle ever ything, from themes and decoration, to catering and celebrations. The organisers carefully research all details before planning an event and truly transform your child’s dreams into reality. Definitely a hot pick for fab kiddy parties. 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 photoshoots. Plus, as an added bonus, they work to help children in need, donating a percentage of their profits to Himaya - a branch of the children’s charity Arc en Ciel.

For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com 45

Arts & Culture Political class

Edited by Dan Hilton dan@ontimepublishing.com

EDITORS’ PICK

A snapshot of Lebanon’s past, present and future, as photographer Lamia Maria Abillama shoots (not literally!) the country’s statesmen

Art s & Culture

t is not often that one finds oneself surrounded by the people who are running (or as some might believe, destroying) Lebanon, but in Lamia Maria Abillama’s extraordinary exhibition ‘Your Excellencies’ you are surrounded by the surreptitious and searching gazes of the country’s powerful elite. Sandwiched between the confines of the Lebanese flag’s bright red stripes are intense, captivating and occasionally comical portraits. Some pictures you find the statesmen just as you’d expect them, a wisened Walid Joumblat shuffles his papers in a grand room of on-looking officials, but these are unusual for this collection, for most you find in the most surprising of situations. For the most part Abillama has shot her subjects in the confines of their very own homes, leading to some revealing contexts, as well as a temporary relaxing of some barriers raised by years fighting their political corner. A melancholic and somewhat desperate-looking Saad Hariri is drowned among images of his lost father Rafic, while an eager, sprightly Tammam Salam looks ready to spring out of his

chair. Samir Geagea is caught sitting on his bed, an intimate snapshot of a combative and battle-hardened man, while Amine Gemayel is found alone, in a secluded vault’s corner, calmly gazing out at his photographer. No portrait, as no subject, is the same, though all are dramatic in their own way. A fascinating insight to the nation’s leaders.

A fascinating insight to the nation’s leaders

ANNIE LIEBOWITZ Photographer and lover of intellectual Susan Sontag, Liebowitz is most famous for her work with Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair magazines. Notable are her portraits of Yoko Ono and John Lennon (taken five hours before he was shot) and a 15 year-old Miley Cyrus’ bare back.

Until Jan 27. Galerie Tanit (76 557662) East Village Bldg, Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael

EVE ARNOLD Photographing everyone from Queen Elizabeth II to Mongolian herdsmen, Arnold saw everyone in front of her camera for exactly what they were – just people. Most famous for her stunning and intimate portraits of Marilyn Monroe, she passed away in London in 2012.

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

JANE BROWN Working for Britain’s Sunday paper The Observer since 1949, Jane Brown is one of the most celebrated living photographers. She’s taken iconic images of everybody who’s anybody, from legendary filmmaker Orson Welles to Godot-waiting Samuel Beckett.

Arts & Culture Critic’s choice

Art s & Culture

Doctor Sleep by Stephen King

I, the Syrian

Combining the great and the ghastly with good effect

Doctor Sleep is the muchanticipated sequel to the Shining, and our hero Dan is an all-grownup recovering alcoholic (of course he would be, it makes sense on so many levels). The bottle aside, Dan also has to fight his own (sometimes literal) demons. When he triumphs, he becomes Doctor Sleep helping the elderly cross over at the time of death with the help of a psychic house cat, Aziee. Yes, there is a psychic cat.  The baddies call themselves the True Knot and are a supernatural bunch of hippies who keep themselves alive and young by sucking energy out of gifted children.  It is an enjoyable read but there might be points where you find things don’t make sense, as is always the case with King, though the characters are so well written that you might not care at all.  Some passages and pages seem to take you nowhere further in the story and could be tiresome, though in our view the book is still worth a read.

Meet Tammam Azzam, an exceptional Syrian contemporary artist. He embraces the next step in the evolution of his craft, ‘hybrid art,’ which involves the experimentation of various mediums and their applications. Azzam’s passion to dive into the realm of the imagination began in early childhood, he went on to receive a degree from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Damascus late 2001. He continued to draw and soon after established himself as a painter with several exhibitions. Azzam then moved to Dubai and began exploring the world of graphics. The beauty of art is its ability to serve as a mirror and reflect our world today. Azzam utilizes this power with his depiction in mixed media art. Greatly touched by the current situation of his county, he borrows unsettling images of the Syrian conflict and juxtaposes them with distinguished classics. One of his pieces sees the figures painted in Matisse’s masterpiece ‘Dance’ morphed on to the background of a demolished street in Damascus. The contrast in the imagery is what makes Azzam such a notable modern artist. Aside from his work in digital art, the 34 year-old artist employs his creativity on the streets. He delivers strong impact through irony in ‘Freedom Grafitti,’ where he outlines ‘The Kiss’ by Gustav Klimt through bullet holes on a punctured building. Oscar Wilde once said ‘Life imitates art far more than art imitates life.’ If the saying follows through, then hopefully we’ll be seeing dancing figures on the streets of Syria in the near future. Ayyam Gallery (01 374450) Beirut Tower, Zeitoune Str, Downtown. Until Jan 30

By Cynthia Khoury

By Joanna Aziz

B E I R U T ’ S B E S T . . . Modern buildings

MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENCE An extraordinary modernist compound built by André Wogenscky and Maurice Hindié between 1962 and 1968. A voluptuous, domed auditorium is enhanced by a reflective pool and the minister’s office is raised above on stilts.

INTERDESIGN Originally intended to showcase the furniture that the building’s designer Khalil Khoury was producing in the early 1970s, the erection on this modernist masterpiece was disrupted by the civil war, and remained uncompleted until 1996.

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

B 018 Built by arguably Beirut’s most famous architect, Bernard Khoury, Karantina superclub B 018 takes concept clubbing to a new level. The subterranean bomb shelter-esque club’s most famous feature is its signature retracting roof.

Art & Culture 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 ar tists. It sets itself apar t from the traditional galler y scene, giving room for various disciplines related to the visual ar ts to be displayed. Exhibitions rotate monthly, so there is always something to see.

are available in a variety of styles. Antique books and engravings are sold. The galler y 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 ar t galler y to discover a world of beautiful and unusual collections. The galler y exhibits ever ything from furniture, jeweller y, sculptures, paintings, porcelain and more. The collections are all limited editions and tend to have a stor y 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 ar t galler y. Visitors can appreciate the rotating roster of ar tists’ talents in a per fect

known as the Metropolitan Club, the galler y occupies the ground floor of 500 square meters with windows bringing in huge amounts of natural light. In Ottoman and Florentine styles, the galler y houses five rooms displaying ar t, with the possibility of sitting down to read books on the current exhibition in two. Salamé’s aim is to present international contemporar y ar t of high calibre to a Lebanese audience, and to make accessible these esteemed and varied works to Lebanese collectors. Smogallery (01 572202) Dagher Bldg, 77 Senegal Str, Quarantina,. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 2pm-6pm & by appointment. Located near the por t of Beirut, Smogaller y shows the works of promising or established international and Lebanese designers. Focusing on unique pieces, exploring the movement of boundaries between contemporar y art, design and architecture; three

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 Galler y stocks a range of Italian furniture and reproduction antiques. Large selections of paintings

Art Studios Art 4 Art (01 744989, 03 679280) Zuhoor Bldg, of f Spears Str, near Skaf f. Mon-Fri 9.30am-6.30pm. Let the little ar tist unleash her/his talents at this ar t centre, with anything from glass painting to candle making, needle work, photography and ceramics. Of fers private classes and ar t sessions for kids and adults.

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, suppor ting, producing and promoting contemporar y ar t. They regularly give ar t courses and host numerous lectures. ar tisanal setting. The galler y constantly seeks new and upcoming local talents. Unique exhibitions will keep you coming back ever y 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 Galler y Collection’ is on display at Joanna Seikaly Galler y from November until December 2013. and features works from the ar tists Semaan Khawam, Thaer Maarouf, Samer Saem El Dahr, Taline Temizian and Wissam Shaabi. joanna_seikaly@hotmail.com www. joannaseikalyar tgaller y.com 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 ar t publicly, by launching a distinctive commercial galler y. Set inside the former 19th centur y Abdallah Bustrus palace, now

disciplines that nurture and shape the new territories of design. Throughout each exhibition, the galler y, created and managed by architect Gregor y Gatserelia, is transformed into a place of constantly renewed discoveries and dynamics. Complemented by a selection of unique pieces or limited editions made exclusively for the galler y. Zico House (01 746769) 174 Spears Str, Hamra. Mon-Sun 10am-1.30pm. A bar on the ground floor. An ar t galler y, residential rooms and headquar ters 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.

Permanent Collections Matignon Images et Tableaux (01 484115) Gedco Centre, Horsh Tabet. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-2pm (closed on Sat in the summer). Permanent exhibition of Lebanese and international painters laid out over four floors, each dedicated to a specific style and technique of painting. The galler y of fers also the

Performing Arts DANCE STUDIOS Beirut Dance Studio (01 426869) 9th Floor, Victoria Bldg, Nahr Str, Achrafieh. Mon-Fri 4.30pm-9.30pm; Sat 11am-3pm. Study the light, graceful and fluid movements of classical ballet at this charming dance academy. Founded by Nada Kano in 2007, Beirut Dance Studio of fers professional training in classical ballet for children and for adults. Elio’s Dance Academy (01 902275, 70 727379, 71 828389) Saint Joseph Center, 2nd Floor, Sid El Bauchrieh Str, Bauchrieh.. MonFri 4.30pm-10.30pm. Learn the techniques that will transform you from an amateur to a professional dancer at Elio’s Dance Academy. Unlimited courses and lessons on of fer include Latin, ballroom, dabke, ballet, Oriental dance and more. Choreographer Elios Ghafar y guarantees you’ll pick up the skills that will impress all. Flamenco Beirut (03 588766) Nagib Trad Str, near Mandaloun Café, Achrafieh. Filling the flamenco-shaped hole in Beirut’s

For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com 49

Art & Culture

Beirut Art Center (01 397018) Bldg 13, Str 97, Jisr el Wati. Mon-Sat 12noon-8pm. This large non-profit ar t space dedicated to contemporar y ar t has curated some of the Beirut’s premier exhibitions since it opened two years ago. Up-and-coming ar tists as well as the more established feature, and check the website for talks, documentar y screenings and workshops. A choice book selection is on sale, and a small café pur veys the basics for a mid-peruse refuelling. Well wor th checking out.

State of Art Gallery (01 489038) 2nd floor, behind Berad Al Younani, Arabian bldg, Bauchrieh Industrial City. Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. The permanent collection of paintings and furniture on display in this mod galler y are primarily the works of galler y owner, and ALBA (Académie Libanaise des Beaux Ar ts) alumnus, Sandra Kheir Sahyoun.

Artwork Shop (01 749646) Ground Floor, Ayad Bldg, Adonis Str, Hamra. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm; Sat 9am-1pm (Sep-May). The Ar twork Shop of fers many rich and varied courses for children and adults. Tr y your hands at finger painting, making mosaics or creating your own ceramic designs. They also of fer potter y, cake design and organize bir thday par ties. This great workshop space also has its own café with couches where you can browse through ar ty books and magazines.

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 ar t district. Ayyam Gallery (01 374450/51) Ground Floor, Beirut Tower, Zeitoune Str, Downtown. MonFri 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.

widest collection in Lebanon of ar t prints for large projects and the four th floor is dedicated to framing.

Art & Culture dance scene, Flamenco Beirut of fers regular monthly workshops taught by visiting or specially impor ted Flamenco dancers. Forget ‘Spanish-flavoured’ dance classes, this is the real deal. Fred Astaire Dance Studios (05 958158) Fitness Zone Centre, 2nd Floor, Emile Lahoud Str, Hazmieh. Mon-Fri 2pm-10pm. Head out to the outstanding dance school Fred Astaire Dance Studios to polish of f your dance skills. The renowned studio is franchised across the world, first founded in 1947 and named after famed dancer Fred Astaire. The studio guarantees you’ll turn pro in a matter of hours.

Art s & Culture

Maqamat Dance Theater (01 343834) AMADEUS, Ecole de Danse et de Musique, Sodeco Sq. Of fice hours 10am-7pm, Call ahead for class schedule and fees. Lessons in contemporar y dance, hip-hop, ballet and Latin, as well as beginner Taijiquan. The school organises regular per formances, most notably The Beirut International Platform of Dance (BIPOD) and classes for children (including dabke and drama therapy). Mirella Dance Club 10th Floor, Credit Bank Bldg, Jal El Dib roundabout. Call for fees and schedule. Of fers world Latin dance for anyone aged five and over, including salsa,

tango, rumba, cha-cha, paso doble to set you on the sexy trail, and ballroom dances such as waltz and foxtrot to bring out your grace. For the more hyper; hiphop, jazz, break-dance, zumba, bachata and Greek dance. Terpsichord Dance Studio (01 566388) Sagesse Bldg, 754 Sagesse Str, Achrafieh. Mon-Fri 10am-1pm, 3.30pm-9pm; Sat 10am-1pm. This classical ballet studio was founded by Patricia Mantoura, a registered teacher with the London Royal Academy of Dance, and Georges Anghelus, formerly a principal dancer with the National Romanian Opera Ballet Company. Together, Mantoura and Anghelus work to train ballet dancers of all levels, and potentially prepare them for professional careers as ballerinas.

THEATRE WORKSHOPS The Actors Workshop (71 128170) Bldg 63, near Beit El Tabib, Adliyeh Main Rd. Days vary 6.30pm-9.30pm. The Actors Workshop provides four-week long sessions to rising talents across the region. Holding classes twice a week, the studio aims to help actors from all levels improve their skills for theatre, film and/or television.

BOOKS BOOKSHOPS Art Lounge Bookshop (03 997676) Quarantina. Wed-Sat 4pm-9pm or by appointment. If you’re not passing by for one of Ar t Lounge’s visual ar t exhibitions, film screenings or club nights, it’s wor th dropping in to peruse their large selection of ar t books, lifestyle magazines and other hard-to-find titles, including some limited editions. Books & Pens (01 741975 ext 126) Barakat Bldg, Jeanne D’arc Str, near intersection with Bliss Str, Hamra. Mon-Fri 8am-10pm; Sat 8am-8pm. The ground floor is a mid-sized bookshop where you can find a wide range of stationar y, including ar t, computer, and school supplies, as well as magazines, newspapers and a few books. The librar y on the first floor stocks a much wider selection of books and novels that ever yone can read. Dar al Saqi (01 8660442) Al-Nour Bldg, Oueini Str, Verdun. Mon-Fri 8am-4pm. Dar al Saqi is the Beirut branch of the publishing house originally started in London by Lebanese exiles André Gaspard and Mai Ghoussoub in the 70s. Now world-renowned for its brave and high-quality independent publishing in Arabic and English, their bookshop – on the same site as the publisher’s – is a superb place to find the best of the literary scene. Librairie Antoine (01 218175) Level 3, ABC Mall, Furn el Hayek Str, Achrafieh. Daily 10am-10pm. Other branches available. This wellestablished chain is a book lover’s haven, with a large range of titles in Arabic, French and English. If you can’t find the book you’re looking for, their friendly staff will happily order for you – or you can try their online store. Other branches: Sin el Fil, 01 481072/8 Hamra, 01 341470/1 Librairie el Bourj (01 973797) Behind An Nahar Newspaper Bldg, off Weygand Str, near Martyrs Square, Downtown. Mon-Sat 9am-7pm. Located in the heart of downtown Beirut, with everything from political biographies to children’s books stocked on its shelves, Librairie el Bourj has something for everyone. Librairie des Lettres (01 785229) Ground floor, Sami Harb Bldg, Vienna Str, Ain el Tineh, Verdun. Mon-Sat 8am-7pm. With everything from student books to school and college supplies, this library is a useful stop if you’re shopping for your studies.

Minus 1 Minus 1 aims to make art and inspiration accessible to everyone . Serving as an anti-gallery, this creative space is located in the convenient streets of Achrafieh. (03 064969) Lebanon Str, Achrafieh 50 For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com

Librairie du Liban (01 373204) Ground floor, Blue Bldg, Bliss Str, Hamra. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm; Sat 9am-1.30pm. This publishing house specialises in school books and University books, and has been successfully helping the publishing system in Lebanon improve its services over the past several years. Other branches: Hamra, 01 344070 Downtown 01 970602, 01 972525 Libraire Orientale (01 200875) Furn el Hayek Str, facing ABC Mall, Achrafieh. Mon-Sat 8.30am-7pm. Librairie Orientale is one of the oldest bookshops in Lebanon and its three points of sale carry a selection of novels, dictionaries, biographies, research books,

literature, cookbooks, maps, travel books, periodicals and children’s books in Arabic, French and English. Other branches: Sin el Fil, 01 485793 Hamra, 01 736524 Librairie Samir (01 448181) 169 Gouraud Str, facing Mar Maroun Sector, Gemmayzeh. Mon-Sat 9am-6pm. Founded in 1947, this renowned Lebanese publishing house and bookshop has always been ready to help novice editors develop their talents. Specialising in children’s books, their store also has book and DVD rental services. Librairie Stephan (01 335503) Achrafieh Str, Achrafieh. Mon-Sat 8am-8pm. Comic books, novels, textbooks, children’s books and cookbooks in French and Arabic are on offer at Stephan. The Achrafieh branch also has a small selection of English books. Maliks (01 741975 ext 118 or 221) Al Hadi Bldg, Bliss Str, Hamra. With branches all over Lebanon, Maliks has become a household name when it comes to college and ar t stationer y, and printing ser vices. You can also find university books here, as well as an associated librar y on the first floor of Books & Pens building. Papercup (01 443083) Agopian Bldg, Pharaoh Str. Mon-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat 10am-7pm. Specialists in ar t, design, architecture and photography books, Papercup also of fer a huge array of local and international magazines. Homemade cake, Victorian tiles and a sliding ladder make it easy to spend hours rummaging amongst their well-stocked shelves. Virgin Megastore (01 999666) Mar tyrs Square. Daily 10am-12mid. Spend hours in this massive store, that sells ever ything from music, movies and computers, to books, newspapers, maps and even clothing. One of the largest selections of English books in Beirut. Way In Bookshop (01345856) Hamra Street, opposite Starbucks. 9am-6pm. Though it may look like an adult book store with arrows pointing the way to a staircase descending from the street, this 30-year old shop is rather an excellent place to pick up international newspapers and magazines, reference books, novels in Arabic and English, specialist press – Gun Digest to Psychology Today – and good quality stationar y.

LIBRARIES Bibliopolis (03 812318) Nagib Trad Str, Saint Nicolas Stairs, Achrafieh. Open by appointment only, Mon-Fri 10am-7pm. Owned by Antoine Abi Heila, an exper t restorer and trader of antique books and manuscripts, this librar y houses a fabulous collection of 16th-20th centur y books. You must make an appointment to come visit, but the chance to explore the historical documents, antique books, Islamic texts and manuscripts is definitely wor th the ef for t.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES Al-Jana Public Library (01 819970) 4th floor, Hadba & Bagdach Bldg, Boustany Str, Arab University Area, Cola. Mon-Fri 9am- 5pm. The public librar y of the Arab Resource

Art & Culture Centre for Popular Ar ts gathers books and films in three languages that are dedicated to culture, especially ar t, in Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine. Archaeology Studies Library (01 420298) IFPO, French Cultural Centre, Damascus Str, Mathaf. Mon/Wed 8am-7pm; Tue/Thu/Fri 8am-4pm. With around 45,000 books and 140 periodicals, this renowned librar y gathers archaeological works that are centuries old. Learn more about the histor y of the Middle East in the welcoming atmosphere of the reading area. Bachoura Public Library (01 667701) 3rd Floor, Issaf Bldg, Bachara. Mon 9am-1pm; Tues-Sat 9am-1pm, 3pm-7pm. The first and largest public librar y in Beirut. As well as Lebanon’s three favourite languages, the librar y stocks books in Armenian, German, Tamil and Ethiopian. Come with a passpor t photo, a copy of your identity card and LL10,000 and receive a membership good for a lifetime of borrowing books. Alternatively you can stop by and read at leisure.

ESCWA Library (01 981301 ext 1204/5/6/7/8) 7th floor, Room 1702, UN-House, Riad el Solh Str, Downtown. Mon-Fri 9am-2pm. Par t of the United Nations Organization, this prestigious librar y gathers a huge range of Lebanese and international works, periodicals, social references and UN documents in English and Arabic, with subjects ranging from economics to sociology. Access for outsiders is only allowed for University students. Geitawi Public Library (01 562677) Jesuit Public Garden, near Or thodox Saint George Hospital, Geitawi, Achrafieh. Tue-Fri 9am-1pm, 2pm-6pm; Sat 9am-1pm. Located in Jesuit Public Garden, this public librar y of fers pleasant indoor and outdoor reading spaces for you to enjoy their diverse collection of books and journals. Internet access is also available. Goethe-Institut Lebanon (71 457490, 71 457498) Facing Sacré Coeur School, back entrance. MonThu 8am-5pm; Fri 8am-2pm. The librar y and information ser vice of the Goethe-Institut aims to spread German culture by giving an accurate view of it, thanks to book collections, audiovisual materials and newspapers about Germany, whether it is in German or in other languages. Human Rights Library (01240023) 1st floor, Bacchus Bldg, St. Joseph Str, Dora. Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. Located near the St Joseph Hospital, this librar y is dedicated to human rights related works, with books in three languages and a quiet reading space. Mediatheque de Beyrouth (01 420257, 01 420267) CCF, Damascus Blvd, near Mathaf. Tue-

Joanna Seikaly Art Gallery The Gallery Collection is now on show at Joanna Seikaly Art Gallery, featuring the artists Raouf Rifai, Semaan Khawam, Thaer Maarouf, Wissam Shaabi, Taline Temizian, and Samer Saem el Dahr. (70 776711) 480 Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh, Beirut, Mon-Fri 2pm-6pm, Sat by appointment

Monot Library (01 203026) Saint Joseph University Str, Monot. Tue-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-1pm. This public librar y is a bijou bibliothèque tucked behind Monot Theatre. As well as the usual fiction and non-fiction, the librar y prides itself on its fine selection of books on film, theatre, ar ts and architecture. The National Library (Association YAB) (01 364259, 01 368221, 01 738137) Shehab Bldg, Armanazi Str, Zeidanieh. Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm; Sat open upon request. This librar y caters specifically to the blind and those with poor vision. Check out cassette tapes and/or CDs to take home and listen to, or take advantage of the wide selection of large-print and Braille books. Recto Verso (01 330994, 01 271500) 121 Monot Str, Monot. Mon-Sat 10am-6pm. Gabriela Schaub and ar t critic César Nammour’s intimate librar y-cum-bookshop, where anyone curious about painting, sculpture, photography, architecture or interior design can browse their public librar y, pick up a book or two or just sit down for a reasonably priced espresso and enjoy the free WIFI.

Art & Culture

Contemporary Studies Library (01 420291/3) IFPO, French Cultural Centre, Damascus Str, Mathaf. Mon-Fri 8am-15.30pm. With its 16,000 works and 120 periodicals covering many fields of Lebanese data, this renowned space has become a bona fide study centre for researchers seeking to know more sociology and politics and town planning in Lebanon and especially Beirut.

Wed 10am-6pm; Thur 1pm-6pm; Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-3pm. The Médiathèque has established itself as probably the most comprehensive French librar y in Beir ut, welcoming an average of 300 visitors a day. This fully stocked librar y and media centre houses over 27,000 books, 2,500 audio CDs, 1,500 DVDs and 150 magazines and newspapers – all in French. There’s also a collection of French books translated into Arabic.

UNDP Library (01 962500 ext 503) 5th floor, Arab African International Bank Bldg, Riad el Solh Str, Star Square, Downtown. Mon-Fri 8.30am-4pm. Par t of the United Nations, this librar y provides a collection of books, periodicals and references that raise awareness about their development programmes, with topics such as Finance and Sustainable Development. Youth and Culture Centre (09 213217) Zouk Mikael Main Rd, next to the Municipality. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat 9am-1pm. This public centre boasts its own librar y, book club, cineclub, multimedia centre, auditorium, WIFI computer lab and literar y café. Though aimed at 18-25 year olds, the centre is open to ever yone, with as many as 30,000 books available for public borrowing. It’s a wor th a visit for the beautiful views alone.

MUSEUMS Edward Nassar Museum (04 712112) Jal El Dib Main Rd. MonSat 9am-6pm. Owner Edward Nassar has spent 60 years collecting precious valuables which are now proudly on display for others to enjoy. The museum is jam-packed with paintings and ar t adorning all walls as well as old manuscripts and autographs (all personally addressed to Nassar), collections of old and historical books, sculptures, ancient watches, archaeological remains, stamps, and the largest Roman, Greek and Byzantine coin collection in the Middle East.

For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com 51

Film

Edited by Roman St Clair roman@ontimepublishing.com

Cinema at the Souk

Film

Downtown Beirut goes multiplex mad

nother cinema in another shopping mall, so what’s the big deal you may well ask. Well, the brand-spanking-new movieplex Beirut Souk Cinemacity might just answer your question. Interior architect Nabil Dada and his firm (also responsible for the luxurious Beirut Yacht Club) were in charge of this whopping four-year project where approximately 12,000 square meters were transformed into a sort of spaceship movie heaven. The idea, as they put it to TOB, was to 'redefine' the moviegoer’s experience by creating a sensory journey throughout the space. Every aspect of the cinema has been thought out to the nth degree, with sensory pleasure at the forefront. The outside bears a slight resemblance to the $140 million Beijing Olympic Aquatic Centre with its eye catching, UFO-like LED display. Indeed, once you step inside the futuristic, space-age complex you half-expect to see Harrison Ford blade-running up an escalator in hot pursuit of an illegal, bioengineered Nexus 6 replicant. When TOB accidently took the

elevator down to level - 3 we literally thought we had stumbled onto the set of Star Trek. This gargantuan complex houses 14 theatres, two of which are for the ‘VIPs’. The regular theatres vary from 70 to 327 seats and the VIP caters for 40-50, taking the total number of cushioned chairs where you can plonk yourself in front of a screen, to a staggering 2,400. The actual cinema seats were imported from Spanish company ‘Figueras’ who also design seats for such littleknown buildings as The White House. The technologies used in the Beirut Souk Cinemacity are cutting edge. Along with the presidential seating there are transparent elevators that change colour, a ceiling composed of 256 LED screens playing animations specifically

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

created for the space, sound absorbers, fibre optics, street art and graffiti works – all of which come together to give a unique and modern feel. The combination of advanced technologies and a simple, almost minimal interior works to a superb effect. There is also a sushi bar if you fancy finding and eating Nemo before or after your viewing experience. This cinema is so geared up towards a sensory overload that you don’t even have to go into a theatre screen to enjoy it. One could quite happily order some California Rolls, hop in the magic rainbow lift up to the Lego land seating on level 2 and stare at the animated ceiling for hours. (01 995195) Cinema City Beirut Souks, Downtown

You half-expect to see Harrison Ford bladerunning up an escalator

Film Critic’s choice

The Book Thief ��

Nicholas Cage is one of those rare actors who toes the fine line between genius and insanity. Here are three of his maddest.

Vampires Kiss (1988) Cage has a one night stand with a woman whom he hallucinates to be a vampire and proceeds to lose the plot. The best scene is when he runs through the streets covered in blood, crying ‘I’m a vampire! I’m a vampire!’

Dir. Brian Percival. Release Jan 16. Vox Cinema Narrated by Death himself but, alas, not adapted by him, this sumptuous, faintly unrealistic version of Markus Zusak’s best-seller bypasses wartime horror at every juncture. Angelic orphan Liesel (Sophie Nélisse) arrives in fictional Molching, Germany, in 1938 with separation anxiety and an inability to read. Kindly foster parents Hans and Rosa fix both problems in what feels like a

Her

THE BOTTOM LINE A disappointing adaptation of a best seller.

��

Meet Samantha—the ultimate in chatty, user-friendly operating systems. The gentleman who’s installed her on his computer, Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix), is won over by her sense of humor and sultry voice (courtesy of Scarlett Johansson). The film’s takeaways - about artificial intelligence and genuine emotion; humanity and intimacy - trump minor annoyances. It’s melancholy, moving and unmissable.

�� Dir. Kenneth Branagh. Release Jan 16th Rejoice that Chris Pine is our new Ryan. It isn’t hard to warm to this ex–economics student turned soldier. The plot’s a bit complex for what amounts to a lot of running around—the movie can’t help but evoke the Bourne series along with a hint of Skyfall. Director Kenneth Branagh does double duty as a caricatural baddie who loves fitted black suits.

By David Fear

By Joshua Rothkopf

THE BOTTOM LINE Decent rom-com with solid performances.

THE BOTTOM LINE All said, you won’t hate yourself for wasting your time.

HUNGER 2008 An independent, harrowing historical drama that received huge critical acclaim and won Fassbender numerous acting awards.

INGLORIOUS BASTERDS 2009 A role in the Tarantino flick showed Michael had hit the big time. Best line: ‘There’s a special rung in hell reserved for those who waste good scotch.’

PROMETHEUS 2012 Ker ching! Fassbender is now one of the biggest names in Hollywood, here he plays a convincing humanoid.

12 YEARS A SLAVE 2014 Teaming up again with his favorite director Steve McQueen to deliver another incredibly powerful performance.

For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com 53

Film

Bad Lieutenant (2009) This is a tale of a cop living on both sides of the law. Snorting heroin, sleeping with prostitutes and assaulting old ladies, this Lieutenant lives up to his name. Cage is masterful as a man on the edge.

By Joshua Rothkopf

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (PG-13)

Dir. Spike Jonze. Release Jan 30th

Face Off (1997) Another unbelievable plot where FBI agent (Travolta) swaps faces, in the most literal sense, with a criminal mastermind (Cage) to find out where the latter has hidden a bomb.

matter of weeks. Soon, Nazis start roughing up the townsfolk, but Liesel has unerring moral instincts, hiding a brotherly Jew in the cellar and softening hearts all around, while developing into an avid reader. Where the book had a kernel of intellectual irony to it—words betray a nation—this drama goes shamelessly for the heart. Both Zusak and the filmmakers grab at a randomly downbeat conclusion that feels incidental to the evil of the time.

Film Coming out this month Knife fight Dir. Bill Guttentag US. Jan 15. A political strategist juggling three clients questions whether or not to take the high road as the ugly side of his work begins to haunt him. Before Midnight Dir. Richard Linklater. Jan 16 We meet Celine and Jesse nine years after their last rendezvous. Almost two decades have passed since their first encounter on a train bound for Vienna, and we now find them in their early forties in Greece. Before the clock strikes midnight, we will again become part of their stor y.

Film

3D I Frankenstein Dir. Stuart Beattie. US. Jan 23. Theatres Nationwide.Frankenstein's creature finds himself caught in an all-out, centuries old war between two immortal clans. Dallas Buyers Club Dir. Jean-Marc Vallée. US. Jan 23 A son of Texas, Ron Woodroof is an electrician and rodeo cowboy. In 1985, he is well into an unexamined existence with a devil-may-care lifestyle. Suddenly, Ron is blindsided by being diagnosed as H.I.V.-positive and given 30 days to live. Yet he will not, and does not, accept a death sentence. Plush Dir. Catherine Hardwicke. US. Jan 30. A young singer/songwriter, despite being married, becomes involved with her new guitarist, who she soon discovers has a dark past and may be a danger to her and those close to her.

Her Dir. Spike Joze. US. Jan 30. Theatres Nationwide A lonely writer develops an unlikely relationship with his newly purchased operating system that's designed to meet his ever y need Last Days on Mars Dir. Ruairi Robinson. UK. Jan 23. Theatres Nationwide. On the last day of the first manned mission to Mars, a crew member of Tantalus Base believes he has made an astounding discover y - fossilized evidence of bacterial life. Unwilling to let the relief crew claim all the glor y, he disobeys orders to pack up and goes out on an unauthorized expedition to Mars. The Book Thief Dir. Brian Percival. US. Jan 16. Theatres Nationwide.Based on the beloved international bestselling book, The Book Thief tells the stor y of Liesel, an extraordinar y and courageous young girl sent to live with a foster family in World War II Germany. This film is a life-affirming stor y of sur vival and of the resilience of the human spirit.

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 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. Institute d’Etudes Sceniques, Audiovisuelles et Cinematographiques (IESAV) (01 421000 ext 5354) Theatre Beryte, St. Joseph University, Damascus Str, Achrafieh. Free. This is one of the two weekly cineclubs hosted by St. Joseph University. Each month features films of a different theme that are screened on Mondays at 8.30pm. Expect well-chosen classic, contemporary, Arabic and international films with French or English subtitles. They even receive the occasional film premiere or special guest. 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. Sinners (03 792563) Gouraud Str, facing Cloud 9, next to Hanks, Gemmayzeh. A hot Gemmayzeh pub that has added a deliciously sinful twist to the Cineclub concept. You have to call weekly to find out what film is on, but once you get down there you can drink as much wine and eat as much popcorn as you like for LL20,000. Intriguing.

Theatres 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 four-lane 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. 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.

The Lego Movie Childhood fantasy materalises in The Lego Movie, hitting theaters early February. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum lend their voice to the animation where an ordinary Lego man is mistakenly recruited to save the world. Feb 8 54 For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com

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 luxur y theatres, the largest screen in the countr y stretching across 20 metres and a gourmet café. The VIP screens offer reclining chairs and waiter ser vice for top pampering throughout the film screening. Make sure you purchase your tickets online or through their mobile application to avoid queuing.

Music

Edited by Roman St Clair roman@ontimepublishing.com

Waxing lyrical with the Wordsmith

TOB talks to Jad Dawaliby as his debut album drops, to discuss words, love and the French

I have a very weird, big and true attachment to French

The album’s title track was in fact written by this friend. For the tailor, that makes it the most intimate and personal, as his character and legacy was captured from another perspective. Many of the songs are centred on the theme of love, pain and relationships. ‘Les Deux Bougies’ (The Two Candles) celebrates the erotic and passionate nature of new love, ‘Des Mots pour Te Récupérer’

Four top songs from the golden era of French music JACQUES BREL – La Chanson des Vieux Amant Though actually Belgian, Brel is one of the finest examples of the French songwriters. This beautiful number sings of love, age and suffering. CHARLES AZNAVOUR – Et moi dans mon Coin The French Armenian Asnavour is one of France’s most popular and enduring singers. Here he sings of watching as he loses his love to another man. DALIDA Pour nes pas Vivre Seul Translating to ‘for not to live alone’ Dalida suggests that one should rather live with a dog, a rose or a cross. That is if you can’t get a person to live with you, obviously. EDITH PIAF Mon Dieu The ‘little sparrow’, best remembered for ‘Non, je ne Regrette Rien’ has a truly original and wonderful voice. Cursing God for letting her loved one leave her, she somehow sounds both powerful and vulnerable.

For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com 55

Music

t is an admirable thing to have a way with words (we at TOB try our best). To charge language with meaning and inspire emotion is something we strive to achieve every day. For Jad, and indeed many others, this practice surpasses the conversational and occupies the realm of ‘art form’. Jad began singing in choirs from the tender age of eight and was writing poems by the time he was 11, illustrating that lyricism and music have long been an integral part of his life. The label ‘Tailleur de Mots’ (Tailor of Words) was given to him by a friend and is meant, as he puts it, ‘in a very romantic and fashioned way’.

(Words to get you Back) is an unrequited letter to a girlfriend who has recently married and the tortured narrator waits for her divorce. ‘Ma femme est-elle stérile?’ (My woman is she sterile?) is fairly self-explanatory but Jad says that it was one of the most difficult poems he had to write. The subject remains taboo and he wanted to meet it head on, honouring the pain and hardship of the situation while simultaneously offering hope and happiness. When asked whether his own life was the inspiration behind this personal subject matter, Jad replied, ‘Being a poet I can’t only write about myself because I live amongst a people and society. I don’t want to be selfish, I must tell their stories.’ An even bigger influence on Jad is the French music from the ‘60s and ‘70s, particularly that of Jacques Brel and Charles Aznavour. When one listens to a song of this description it is like a story from start to finish and Jad believes that this brings an educational element not found in most global music today. For him this music has the power to appease aggressivity and if the whole world listened to it, we would live in a different (and presumably wonderful) place. ‘I have a very weird, big and true attachment to the French language. It’s a kind of magic,’ he observes. Unfortunately all of the artists from this era are deceased with the exception of the 89 year-old Aznavour whom Jad would give anything to collaborate with. Pessimistically Jad believes that when Aznavour dies, the genre does too but surely he cannot deny that in fact it will keep on living through him. www.facebook. com/ tailleurdemots

SHOPPING LIST

Music Don’t forget to eat your greens

TOB chops it up with the Coolcumbers as they reflect on past successes, failures and vegetables

Music

Could you tell us a little about your musical background? Practically, each one of us has musical knowledge on more than one instrument. For example, Samy, Dany and Ralph have all studied classical piano in an advanced music school. Gio and Thierry can also play different instruments than their own with the band. So technically we all have a large and coherent musical background in many instruments, though not all to a professional level.

Hey guys, so introduce us to the band. We are the Coolcumbers, a Lebanese alternative rock band consisting of Enzo Sabbagha on vocals, Samy Hajal on lead guitar, Thierry Boulos on rhythm guitar, Gio Fikany on bass, Ralph Haiby on keyboard and Dany Bassous on drums. How much do you love cucumbers? We don’t really, ‘love’, cucumbers. Actually some of us do, others can’t stand them! So how did you guys form? We formed back in late 2010 for some school project. Dany, Samy and Enzo weren’t in the band initially, there were other members. We were just jamming around having fun. The others joined later when we had our first ever Christmas school concert, it was really silly at the time. Enzo joined in 2011 when we decided we were going to take this seriously.

MARC ERNESTO TRIO Marc Ernest Trio takes the stage once again at Radio Beirut. Featuring a sultry sax, an electric keyboard and a sexy, upright bass. Radio Beirut (76 936744) Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael. Sun 19. 10pm. LL10,000

What were these competitions which you won? In 2013, we entered a couple of Facebook voting competitions. The first one was in February, held by a director named Youssef Nassar, who was offering a free music video to the winner. It was great seeing over 2500 people voting for us, we ended up winning it and shot the music video for ‘Go Ahead’ last summer. The second one granted us the opening spot for the Skunk Anansie concert in Beirut at the waterfront stage. That was a very surreal experience. What is your worst ever on-stage experience? [Laughs] It probably was back in 2011 before getting Enzo as a lead vocalist, when Thierry our rhythm guitarist was singing a song on stage. He forgot the words and pulled out a piece of paper to read the lyrics and carried on with the song. It wasn’t a total disaster, just hilarious for us. And how about your best? This would probably be our album launch this December at PK450. Seeing all the people in front of us singing along to our songs or maybe at la Fete de la Musique 2013 when all 800 people sang along the final chorus of a KOL song. It was incredible. The Coolcumbers album ‘Time & Youth’ is available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, CDbaby and Xbox Music

ABED EL KARIM EL SHAAR SINGS ‘EL HAWA GELAB’ WHO KILLED BRUCE LEE, SAFAR AND MORE Penultimate good-bye party for the 2famousTv couple. When it comes to classic Lebanese music, this guy has It should be a fun night with music acts, free prizes given got it going on. Haunting vocals accompanied by ouds and a special appearance from a VIP Lebanese MP! and a qanun these should be very special performances. Radio Beirut (76 936744) Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael. Metro Al Medina, (76 309363) Sarolla Bldg, Minus 2, Hamra. Fri 17 & 25 9.30pm LL50,000 Fri 17. 6pm. Free

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

Best Blunders from 2013 Three of the year’s most impressive mistakes from the musical community

Miley Cyrus Miley Cyrus has really transformed her image this year, some say she has blossomed into a miniature, elfin, wrecking ball of controversy. Her camel-toe twerking, onstage-reefersmoking and freakishly long tongue licking everything, has shocked many. TOB says, ‘leave the girl alone; she’s just having fun’. Ian Watkins, baby Not to be confused with Ian H Watkins from Steps. This selfproclaimed prophet definitely got lost this year and found himself looking at a lengthy prison stretch for his heinous acts. For those who don’t know the extent of his unspeakably abhorrent crimes, all we can say here is that you don’t want to know. May he never be released. Beyonce: lost for words Many around the world worship Beyonce like a sort of demi goddess, so when she got busted for lip synching at President Obama’s Inauguration, many were left agog. Making some feeble excuse about having no practice or sound check with the orchestra she was obviously forgiven by her hoards of disciples.

Music Live music Blue Note (01 743857) Makhoul Str, Hamra. MonThur 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 entertainment, Blue Note’s gastronomy is international, though nothing out of the ordinary. Stick to the steak platter, and the apple pie for dessert. Chill (76 740390) Jean d’Arc Str, Hamra. MonSat 4pm-late. A warm boho atmosphere and extremely friendly staff. 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.

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 concert hall with an industrial look, all grey tones and exposed pipes. Check out their clubbing Saturdays where you can finish off 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 mini-industrial factory. It’s part of a project that aims to show the dying buildings of Beirut. The mini amphitheatre will house plays, live music and art exhibitions along with a weekend ‘blunch’ that will no doubt make this a new creative space for artists 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 performance. Get off your seats and get groovy at your table to the Arabic spun by the DJ.

Music

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 every night of the week playing everything 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.

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 with live entertainment 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 entertainment hall seating up to 100 people. The cultural and entertainment venue in Beirut boasts a stage for performing artists. Music Hall (03 807555) Starco Centre, Omar Daouk Str, Downtown. Thur-Sat 10pm-late. In 2003 this former cinema was converted into a lavish, Cabaret-esque music hall that hosts local and foreign performers on its monumental stage. Beirut’s premiere live music stage will offer you an experience you’re not likely to forget. Radio Beirut (01 561577) Al Nahr Str, Mar Mikhael. Mon-Thur 10am-2am, Fri-Sun 10am-3am. Lose yourself with appreciation for musical talents in this radio café and bar as you watch live broadcasts. This venue serves as a platform for local and regional artists 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 varti beurek in a smashing ambience, offering two seated levels, a bar and a leafy garden. Adds an Aleppo twist to some authentically Armenian dishes, to enjoy with the regular musical entertainment. Wed- Sat: 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 staff, live music and great fresh food. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, platters, soups and mains.

Treehoppers, Why not take to the roofs of Beirut with the Treehoppers, a three-piece Beiruti band with some seriously catchy covers to keep you foot-stomping ‘til the early hours. (03 090936) Iris Indoor, Al-Nahar Building, Downtown. Thu. 9pm 58 For more reviews, listings and bookings go to timeoutbeirut.com

Rules (76 414747, 76 123404) Boutrous Dagher Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 6pm-3am. This Gemmayzeh pub knows exactly how to entertain 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 off all drinks. Wed: Karaoke. Thur: Live comedy with Raymond Saliba. Fri & Sat: Live DJ sets. Sun: Live acoustic bands. Every 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 affordable meals, cocktails and a bustling ambience will love this Gemmayzeh gem. Named after the number 13 in Italian, the restaurant serves 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. Tue-Sun 6.30pm-late. If you’re looking for a night out with a combination of art, 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 artists for free and hosts band performances with music ranging from indie-alternative, nu disco, electro-pop and deep house. The laid-back space offers comfy couches, affordable 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 comfortable lounge areas are infused with serious party 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 offers all kinds of musical and sound instruments. They also repair instruments and offer 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. Mon-Fri 9am-6.30pm, Sat 9am-1pm. This haven is the place to be for all music lovers. They stock imported musical instruments of all sorts 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. Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 4pm-9pm. Music lovers will be pleased to discover this place, which stocks a large collection of CDs, iPods, and accessories. If you are looking for a specific album or accessory 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,

Music Zouk Mosbeh. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. If you are looking for a certain brand or type of musical instrument, look no further – 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 different 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 offered during the week. 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 art of percussion with these unique drumming lessons.

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. 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 offers 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 certificates are awarded to all students to keep track of their progress.

Al Mandaloun Splash out on dinner and dancing all at once, in Mar Mikhael’s al Mandaloun. This sumptuous former theatre hosts all kinds of acts and even has a suspended VIP area. (01 565333) Armenia Str, Mar Mikhael 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, art, dance and singing. With qualified instructors and a variety of equipment, kids will be astounded by the unlimited courses on offer. The school boasts a friendly and happy environment, making sure every student feels like they belong to one big family. Some of the courses on offer include, zumba dance classes, hand crafts and music lessons for toddlers.

Audio equipment 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 offer great maintenance and customer service. 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 Martin 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 heartbeat can be found here, and there is excellent after-sales service. 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 importers, distributers and installers of various brands in the video and audio industry. 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. Stuffed with multimedia equipment, some of the luxury brand names include Apple, Nokia, Samsung, HTC and Toshiba to name a few.

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-vurt 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 spin-kings will love this non-profit DJ school that is dedicated to polishing off musical talents. Originally founded in 2009, it promises to kickoff careers in the music industry with courses, workshops and tutorials. The school is open to all ages with all the kit a would-be DJ needs.

Recording studios 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 certified 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 services, from songwriting and production to distribution and marketing. Jean-Marie Riachi Studios (04 522111, 03 808333) Rue des Oliviers, Rabieh. Mon-Fri 9.30am-6pm. This awardwinning production house and studio offers an array of packages to suit budding artists. They specialise in recording, producing and composing in all music genres. With three impressive studios, the production house also offers comprehensive services to commercial clients. Some of the renowned artists they have worked with include Haifa Wehbe, Fairouz and Elissa. Tunefork Recording Studios (70 148879) Moucarri Bldg, 7th Floor, Dora Hwy, Dora. By appointment. We reckon this recording studio is a place for serious audiophiles with a commendable range of services and equipment to suit all. Some of their services include music production, composition, voice-over recoding and sound design to name a few. The studio also provides music for commercial clients.

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Music

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. Offers 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 offer lessons in theatre, photography, dancing and sound engineering.

Nightlife Sounds better in Stereo They were once ‘Underrated’ but Stereo Club Nights have now cemented themselves as a part of Beirut’s nightlife

Nightlife

tereo Club Nights used to be Underrated. Not literally! That was the name of the well-loved night before this summer. Three years ago they were founded and threw low-key parties with an open bar and crazy themes including an ‘aliens exist’ night and another called ‘vive la revolucion’. We can only imagine what a combination of those two would produce. However they recognised the ever-changing nightlife trends in Lebanon and switched to something more professional and club-centric with house music at its core. ‘‘The scene in Lebanon is always evolving and so we had to evolve with it’ Nicolas Cardahi, events organiser for Stereo Club Night tells us. A comparatively small outfit compared to the likes of Überhaus or B 018 they started to throw summer parties under the name Stereo Club Nights at the Solea 5 rooftop but were shut down by police twice. This was a blow financially, but probably also improved the street cred with the cool kids, and their reputation was confirmed. As seasons changed and the rooftops closed Stereo had to pick a winter location. After some deliberation they settled on the Art Lounge, the rugged warehouse venue located in Karantina. ‘Art lounge was almost forgotten last

year and we thought it had a lot of potential’ Cardahi reveals. The space is perfect, a huge open room with the DJs controlling the tempo from the front and the bar fuelling the party-goers from the back. Easily accessible are the ‘chill zone’ and smoking area for those who need to catch their breath (cough, cough). Stereo pride themselves on providing international DJs; they have another club called The Clinic in LA and, between them, manage to pull some pretty impressive names to Lebanon. Adriatik, Tube & Berger and Dr Dru are just some of the well-established names that can be found at one of their nights, and this certainly draws in the deep house enthusiasts. Back on January 11 their night with the Berlin-based Stefan Biniak drew a crowd that was over 600 strong. As a group Stereo have a very good relationship with many of the other nightlife players in the country as well as DJs and musicians and hope this summer to found a festival, much like Creamfields except that it would actually happen (hopefully!). Operating every Saturday and saving up to hopefully throw a threeday festival this summer, we urge you to go down at least once and support this. Art Lounge (03 265900) River Bridge, Karantina. Sat 10pm-4am

DANCE HERE NOW

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

Edited by Roman St Clair roman@ontimepublishing.com

Nightlife The best things in life are free

Nightlife

Nobody loves paying on the door before you even have a chance to check out the vibe inside. Luckily with these three you don’t have to

THE O1NE After much controversy and delay, the eagerly anticipated sister club to its brother in Abu Dhabi opened its doors this December and it has certainly received mixed reviews. Some believe that this oversized baked bean tin mega-club could transform Lebanon into a global clubbing Mecca, though others are not so convinced. The latter believe that it is too expensive and makes you feel like a battery farm chicken in a coop. On the other hand fans of the place insist that this is a world-class club with an amazing lightshow and ambiance. We think it depends on how many grand you can afford to drop and whether or not being treated like poultry ruffles your feathers. (70 939191) BIEL, Downtown. Fri-Sat. 11pm-Late. Free

Night of the fornight

‘80S NIGHT AT BO18 The ‘80s are back and disco is sweeping the world one synth at a time, whether you like it or not. Every Thursday B018 pays homage to this golden era when men wore eye liner and girls had enormous hair. This ‘80s night falls slightly short if you are expecting to hear Hall and Oates, Human League or the Pet Shop Boys but is perfect if you want to bop around to Wham and Michael Jackson. It is a little bit like an underground sardine factory with too many tables and not much room to dance but if you drink enough this will cease to be a problem. The open-grave style, underground setting is pretty special too and could be off the Thriller video. (03 810618) Karantina, Thurs. 10pm-4am. Free

BrasilLeb Urban Ritual: Open Roda and Dance Party As you may or may not know, there are more Lebanese in Brazil than there are in Lebanon. They have blessed South America’s largest nation with Middle Eastern culture for many decades and now it is time to get some back in return. The second edition of Beirut Open Roda & Dance Party brings Capoeira and Brazilian music to Lebanon. For those who are curious or

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

LOGE This ominous and exclusive looking restaurantcum-lounge is located in bustling Gemmayzeh. It has tinted windows, which hide a handsome and lavish interior from the outside world and offers live entertainment, as well as a delicious culinary experience. For those shower-singing super-stars every Monday night is Karaoke night; if you prefer something slightly higher brow, you can watch talented Arabic and English singers all week long, performing with live bands. The venue can comfortably seat 180 people giving partygoers plenty of room to get up and go wild to the live entertainment. It offers dancers and diners an elegant atmosphere with high quality service. (01 449999) Pasteur Str, Gemmayzeh. Mon-Sat. 10pm-3am. Free

have never played Tekken, this is a chance to see what Capoeira is all about as well as enjoy caipirinhas, good music and a friendly crowd. If you are a capoerista this is a rare opportunity to play/fight/dance and experience different styles. There will be plenty of Brazilian mash up music, dancing, drinking and all for absolutely no entrance fee! Alt City (01 742582) Montreal Bldg, Hamra. Fri 17. 8pm-11.30pm. Free

Nightlife 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.

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 perfect pre-clubbing venue. Ser ves a good selection of international cuisine and an impressive selection of shots.

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 start off 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 every 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 converted workshop. Everyday brings a new popcorn flavour for you to munch on and there’s an

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. Bulldog (70 281596) Youssef El Hayek Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 5pm-late. Happy hour 5pm-7pm. As British as its namesake, this pub is decked out like a pirate’s cabin and its drinks are reasonably priced. Sport fans can watch football with English commentary and they even sell draft beer. Celtic (01 338688) Monot Str, Monot, Achrafieh. Daily 5pm-2am. An Irish style pub popular with Lebanese and ex-pats alike. Good place to hang with friends and watch sports (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.

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 important art venues, with a bar, concert space, art book store and a popular cineclub (with a different 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 offer 20% off for all university students with ID, and discounts to all Red Cross members.

Godot (01 575770) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 4pm-2am. Happy hour 4pm-8pm. This lively little bar attracts Beirut’s artsy and intellectual crowd with its tasteful decor, exposed ventilation system and charming staff. Sip one of their signature fresh fruit cocktails or sample their selection of mouth-watering draught beers. Free WiFi.

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 very pocket friendly. 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 hearty meal in a cosy atmosphere. A home from home, expect a varied soundtrack of everything 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.

Chaplin (03 286977) Mar Mikhael Str, Mar Mikhael. Daily 10am-late. Happy hour 5pm-8pm. This charming old-world bar complete with net curtains, 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 served in the morning.

Moscow Mule (03 329279) Makdessi Str, Hamra. Daily 4pm-3am. A stand out bar for young and old to spend thrilling nights. Try out their addictive ‘Moscow Mule’ specialty cocktail made of vodka, lime, fresh ginger and soda. Enjoy a smart décor with couches, high-stools and an outdoor terrace as you listen to jazz, blues, soft rock, rock and funk beats. Meals are also served. Happy hour: 5pm-9pm.

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.

Torino Express (03 611456) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 10am-2am. Café by day and kicking bar by night, Torino Express was converted from an old arcade shop, and is arguably the most popular bar in Gemmayzeh. You’re best off 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.

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 staff, Citizen Smith has an industrial-feel interior and attracts a crowd of young and artsy professionals.

Unfidèle (01 565908, 70 545447) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Sun-Thur 8pm-1am; Fri-Sat 8pm-2.30am. Sick of the same old bar scene? Unfidele, one of Beirut’s unique lounges, presents a new vibe to the heart 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 try their fondue to ensure a sweet ending.

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Nightlife

Anise (70 977926) Alexander Flemming Str, Mar Mikhael. Daily 6pm-1.30am. Feel at home in this lovely Mar Mikhael haunt offering cocktails and tasty bar snacks. We love their extensive variety of homemade Arak gathered from vines across Lebanon. Drinks are affordable with attentive bar staff. Tr y their specialty the Cezar Arak cocktail.

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, served beneath dim lighting. Serves both breakfast and lunch.

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, library style upper room. Serves excellent mezze and the enthusiastic bar men – with a uniform of white t-shirt and trouser braces – will knock you up any drink that comes to mind.

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 offers a relaxing atmosphere during the day before the rocking beats start 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’.

Crew (01 449873) Pasteur Str, Gemmayzeh. Daily 6pm-6am. This bar works on a different concept, hospitality staff receive 25 per cent discount on drinks and Middle East cabin crew get a whopping 50 per cent off. 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 offer. Hosts regular psychedelic nights.

Nightlife 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 offers a wide selection of wines from around the world. And don’t forget the cheeses and charcuterie.

Bars with dinner 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. Try the stuffed sea bass with fennel and mixed vegetables and a good stock of wines.

Nightlife

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 serves 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. Offering 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 antismoking policy.

student district, Chords serves 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 colourful garden for outdoor seating. Free WiFi is also available. De Prague (01 744864, 03 575282) 166 Makdessi Str, Hamra. Daily 9am-2am. Its trendy art 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 off. 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 off with a mix of chill out tunes before the thumping alternative, rock and RnB beats take over. The kitchen serves 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 on delicious cocktails. If their famous mojitos get the better of you, soak up the liquor with their quality food. Try the burgers topped with blueberry jam. 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 sporting events. Mon: pub quiz.

Rail Coffee Bar (71 727274) Mar Mikhael Main Str, Mar Mikhael. Daily 4pm-late. This coffee bar makes a fantastic spot to meet people in a laid-back and cheerful setting. Handsome sandstone walls, wooden architecture and traditional chairs welcome you in with an upbeat mix of tunes. Whether you want lunch, dinner or coffee, the menu serves a mix of sandwiches, salads, pastries and desserts along with coffee, tea and cocktails. An outdoor terrace is available for smokers.

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 offers everything from sushi to steak, with live entertainment such as seductive dancing, sax solos and a full live band.

Regusto (01 752571, 03 283232) 1st Floor, Hamra Square Center, Hamra Str, Hamra. Daily 11am-3am. This simple, down-to-earth restaurant and pub ser ves Armenian food and can get pretty packed in the evening. Regusto is especially popular with the artsy, 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 performances by Gus Farah. Happy hour daily 5pm-8pm.

Bedivere Eatery & Tavern (01 748909, 03 902909) Makdessi Bldg, Jeanne D’arc Str, Hamra. Daily 11am-late. Named after one of King Arthur’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. Serving international cuisine, diners can choose from appetisers, pastas, sandwiches, main dishes and dessert. You’ll be impressed by the U-shaped bar along with everything else about the place. We suggest you try the steak on lava as a main dish and finish off with the fondant au chocolat for dessert.

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 serves a modern take on international cuisine, including Mexican and French fare. With a selection of freshly baked goodies, early birds should try the ‘Schwarz breakfast’ formula. Step inside for sleek black décor, exquisite oil paintings and a bar that shimmers with 16 different colours. Tue: salsa night, Wed: karaoke, Thur: oldies night, Sun: jazz night.

The Bronx (76 885888) Uruguay Str, Downtown. Daily 12noon-2am. The only restaurant bar with a New York twist in downtown Beirut. Their graffiti 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. Every other night, DJs Tim, Cesar and Mich will get your heart pumping with the best of RnB, commercial and rock. Their daily happy hour goes from 6pm-8pm. 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 Khoury, it boasts a retractable roof (summertime only), giving drinkers panoramic views of Martyrs’ Square and the sea beyond. Reservation recommended. Chords (03 940553) Makhoul Str, Hamra. Daily 6pm-late. Bang in the middle of Hamra’s

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.

Mad One of Beirut’s top club destinations. The luminous ceiling dazzles the dancing clubbers and the coloured lasers bounce off the mirrored walls, making it a real spectacle. (03 060090) Seaside Road, Nahr El Mot. Thu-Sat. 9.30PM-late

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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 evening to soul and funk, and eventually electropop as the night gets underway. 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.

Nightlife 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 offer a fine selection of food; we recommend their spring rolls and sushi selection.

Clubs B 018 (03 800018) Charles Malek Ave, Quarantina. Thur 9pm-7am; Fri-Sat 12mid-7am. Famed Lebanese architect Bernard Khoury 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 off early. Thur: ‘80s night.

Vie (01 447766, 71 664477) Mar Mikhael Str, Mar Mikhael. Tue-Sat 8pm-late. This fine-dining restaurant-club has a smart 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 entertainment from Arabic and French to Italian.

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 started. Both indoor and outdoor space is effortlessly chic with contemporary designs so make sure you get glammed up. The space has been designed to let partygoers warm up before hitting the clubs. Serving fusion cuisine, you’ll find a mix between Asian tapas and light nibbles.

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 coffees (LL3,000) with croissants and jam or lebneh platters (LL10,000) for breakfast, including a selection of artisan sandwiches ser ved for lunch and dinner. A different DJ each night sets a warm, laid-back ambience with tasteful shuffles of jazz, electro-funk and swing before the tempo (and volume) picks up around midnight.

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 sport matches and concerts. 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 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. 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 offer, 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.

Concrete 1994 A huge warehouse venue located on a kind of industrial estate in Sin El Fil. It has a Billie Jean style Saturday night fever dance floor with lit panels and a terrific sound system. Host to events by CU NXT SAT. (03 865050) Sin El Fil Hwy. 9pm-late 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 offers a delightful selection of drinks. With cocktails made out of fresh fruits and vegetables, be sure to try the ‘big apple martini’ to start 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 & Resort 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. Try 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-the-wall really well, serving a mix of fusion and old fashioned cocktails as well as full meals for everyone 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 perfectly 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 jawdropping views, quality entertainment and a delightful atmosphere. Check in every Thursday with live jazz performances 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 comfortable, with chairs spilling onto the busy street. Sandwiches and snacks are also served along with beverages. Y Cocktail Bar (76 376764, 03 557346) Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Tue-Sun 8pm-late. Don’t ask why, just head straight to the heart 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.

Depot (71 418039) Monot str, Monot. Fri 9pm-4am; Sat 3am-10am. Depot is the club for TAG Afterhours Sessions. This is the place for clubbers who don’t want the party to end as resident DJs B!Box and KAA keep the mainly electronicorientated music spinning till well after breakfast time. Life (70 666060) Quarantina. Fri-Sat 10pm-late. Partygoers 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 party venue, you will find you have arrived at the ultimate party scene. 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 perform 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. WedThur 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 serve as a platform, hosting international concerts, DJs and other major art performances.

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Nightlife

Zucca 01 998669) Uruguay Str, Downtown. Daily 12noon-2am. Meal for two with drinks LL120,000. A mixology bar and pizzeria located in the heart 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.

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 Achkar plays and sings Arabic music until closing.

Love & Dating In 2014 relax, move on and diversify

Edited by Desirée Ketabchi desiree@ontimepublishing.com

LETTER

January spells New Year’s resolutions

Love & Dating

Q.This hottie I was dating kissed another girl at a friend’s party I invited him to. All my friends saw it. He apologised to me and said he didn’t know how it happened. I really like him, how can I win him back? Jade

We don’t all have a diary like Bridget Jones where we note down everything about our disast…sorry, fabulous love life. Nevertheless the beginning of a New Year is the moment to press on pause to reflect on it. Not to moan of course, but to make resolutions! The suggestions below are not necessarily going to make you find your ideal partner but, and this is no small achievement, your love life will become much easier. Stop dating the wrong person. Feel like you always end up in a conflicting relationship? It might be because you unconsciously look for partners with a similar personality as your mother or father. Isn’t it enough to have two parents?

your behaviour and you will get results quicker than with a diet. Diversify. Your partner is bossy and treats you without respect in front of your friends? The answer is easy, diversify! Why feel hurt and humiliated when you could be spoiled and loved? Move on. Your object of desire doesn’t even look at you? We all like to weep over ourselves, but in 2014 we wake up and we move on! Let’s forget who doesn’t want us and find someone else.

Change your behaviour. You have been complaining that men/women don’t want to engage a relationship with you. Change

Relax! Your parents are starting to put pressure on you to get married? Why not have some fun before you find someone great? We believe that 2014 is the year to learn how to relax and enjoy life.

A. Gina He said he didn’t know how it happened??! Seriously?! That’s quite funny! Forgive me but I can’t stop laughing when I think that he made out with a girl in front of all your friends! But his explanation is also quite difficult to believe. Did you really believe him? You should tell him to disappear from your life. Actually you shouldn’t tell him anything, since you haven’t heard from him. His position is pretty clear, isn’t it? For advice on sex and dating, email our sex columnists George and Gina at letters@timeoutbeirut.com For more dating tips visit timeoutbeirut.com/love-dating

Three reasons to date a hipster

As incredible as it could seem, there actually are perks to dating a hipster

CLOTHES You often don’t know what to wear and feel that your wardrobe needs to be freshened up. Date a hipster. Since hipster clothes are unisex - male hipsters wear skinny jeans and female hipsters wear lumberjack shirts - you can exchange them with your partner and look more fashionable than ever.

COOLNESS It’s dead easy to seem cool with a hipster. It is all about pretending to be cool, so if you say or do something with enough conviction you will look cool. You can talk nonsense about an emerging artist exhibition you’ve just seen, a hipster would never dare saying he/she hasn’t heard about it.

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EVENTS Hipsters are aware of all cool events and places to go in town (because they regularly check TOB), from the vernissage with free wine to the new coffee shop that serves a delicious cappuccino. Dating a hipster will open doors you never knew existed.