We're having a face-lift!!!

Hello our dearest readers and friends,

We just want to tell you that our blog is doing so well, that we decided it deserved a new, better more suited look. A look that resembles us more and that will please you too (hopefully!!)

So... don't forget us we'll be back in a couple of weeks or so.

Stay posted, enjoy every minute, have fun, and we'll be back soon!

Spare Arts Gallery for unique table designs

If you're bored with traditional tables and looking for unique and creative table designs this is where you should go!

 After a few years of experience as an art director in many galleries, designer Nabil Rizk created his own brand and shop "Spare Arts".

The  gallery which is in Mar Mikhael only features tables.

The only exception are those sculptures made of recycled metal from explosive shells pieces.

Collections are created every year and can be custom made to match your space or your wishes.

We  were lucky to meet with the designer the day we visited. He's really very open and willing to help.

He showed us around and explained to us the main collection's lines. Prices vary and can be really reasonable so don't hesitate.

Spare Arts Gallery (01 569070, 03 589070) 56 Madrid Street, Mar Mikhael. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

BlackRock Steak Lounge in Mar Mikhael

We had our first visit a few days ago to the new steakhouse

 in Mar Mikhael: BlackRock Steak Lounge 

The atmosphere is nice although the place is a little bit dark. 

 We really enjoyed our dinner.

 BlackRock is a casual steakhouse with a twist It serves meat on hot rocks.

It's healthy and kind of fun (cooking your own raw meat) and really tastes good. Food came quickly waiters were helpful and welcoming.

BlackRock steak lounge is in Mar Mikhael MainRoad

For reservation call 01 567444

Bergerac A new French Restaurant in Achrafieh

Bergerac is a new comer, just opened in Achrafieh, Furn el Hayek, facing Achrafieh supermarket.

 If you go there, do not miss the spectaclar mouth-watering cassoulet.  For this new restaurant is specialized in southhwest french cuisine.

 Those who are familiar to french cuisine know that the most delightful culinary cuisines are to be found in the southwest of France. Terrines, rillettes,foie gras, cassoulet and more.

The french chef Alexis will make sure you'll have an unforgettable experience.

For reservations 01 330 013

Boubouffe

You might be surprised to see the following post, but it was SO obvious for us to talk about one of the pillar of the restaurants in Achrafieh, that here it is!!!

You enter the restaurant and are not even surprised by what is around you because weird enough you don't expect it to change! And fortunately, Boubouffe hasn't changed at all!! I guess this is what makes it one of the long lasting restaurants of the town. 

I think that it is not only the owner's desire to keep it as it was but also the clients who feel at ease in a familiar environment. It has the same excellent food, same decor, same bar though the chairs might have changed,

may be different waiters and chefs but still the nicest and the most welcoming of all!

and of course the famous and excellent Shawarma that make all the others so jealous of!!

I am not even sure that the table clothes and the napkin holders have changed either but it feels so comforting, so good for those of my generation who have known Boubouffe for so long in war period or peace period, to see that it is still here in the heart of Achrafieh, standing as a witness of a whole generation.

You understand that WE love to eat good food and you can't cheat with a shawarma sandwich!!!

They also have a daily menu and they even deliver, you can call on 01334040 et bon appétit!!

Afkart 2012 at Biel

Lebanese designers are celebrating Christmas at the Biel Beirut Down Town from December 14th to the 20th . Fashion accessories, handicrafts, paintings, clothes, jewelry.

We paid them a visit and amazingly spent over 2 hours. We took a leisurely stroll through the booths and discovered great artists and designers with surprising talents.

 We were especially blown away by all the miniatures, amazing models on such a small scale and with so much details. 
A meticulous work we strongly advise you to discover.
Check out Mirene Maalouf's Storage boxes in the shape of coloured houses and the beautiful Christmas baubles from "L'Atelier". Each represents a trade or a business.

We also met designer Dina Khalife. The silk scarves are so colourful and lively.

 It suits Christmas perfectly and makes a great one-of-a-kind gift.

 

One big open space where you can find so many gift ideas it should give you a reason to head down to Afkart exhibition and discover all the talented local designers

if you're expecting a baby or just had one don't miss those nice  tshirts from Little Blue tomato. Trendy maternity tops as well as matching mother and daughter shirts. Love their packaging by the way.

Afkart Biel Hall 3 from 4pm till 10pm

for more info log to their Facebook Page

Beirut Art Center

BAC is hosting its annual collective exhibition in EXPOSURE 2012. An eclectic range of media has been displayed, involving photography, video, fresco, painting, drawing and performance. Here are some samples that we liked most.

Here is some charcoal drawings by Hayat Najm and the theme she chose Sometimes I can Bear the Absence. She uses objects that remind her of people who are no longer here.

This is an extract of the movie by Graziella Riskallah Toufic called I Missed My Bus Stop or.... Last Point

A really interesting video that you should watch.

Unfortunately you can't really appreciate the work of the artist in these pictures. Mouhamad Hafeda imagined a dialogue between two "Moukhars" mixing the past and the present, the actual role of the "Moukhtars" and the ideal vision people have about him.

This last example is From Rubber to Ashes is a symbol of unrest in Lebanon by Joumana Anjali Itani. Each painting represents an event that happened in the streets of Lebanon either a protest or tires burnt. They are mute monochromatic surfaces that are linked to aggressive and destructive issues.

The other artists taking part in this exhibition are Caline Aoun, George Awde, Chafa Ghaddar, Kinda Hassan and Ilaria Lupo.

The exhibition started on November 15,2012 and will last till January 23,2013 so you still have time to have a look at Jisr el Wati Beirut from 12:00 till 8:00 pm, or

 you can click here to visit the website 

or call+961 (1) 397018

Yummy New York Magnolia Bakery at ABC Dbayeh

It's Christmas soon and time for serious shopping. Lately I've been spending a lot of time at the newly renovated ABC Dbayeh. I find it pleasant and easy to get around.

 Yesterday after 2 hours of hectic shopping, looking for the perfect gifts, and just when i was about to fall from exhaustion I stumbled into a new coffee restaurant: New York Magnolia Bakery.

They have great cupcakes with a wide selection of flavors from vanilla to red velvet to cranberry (I've had the last one). The buttercream frostings look spectacular.

 The place is neat and cute. Loved the fresh flowers on the tables.The staff is really friendly and helpful.  those who visited New York know Magnolia is famous for its cupcakes. Recently it opened in Dubai and Kuwait city

New York Magnolia bakery is in ABC dbayeh level -1

you can log to the facebook page here

Christmas Picks at SMO Gallery

This year "smo gallery" brings a breath of fresh air to Christmas shoppers looking for a new and "arty" way to buy gifts.

 Famous artists and designers are  proposing beautiful and unique objects which can be bought for friends and family during this festive season

 Bokja, Marc Dibeh, Karen Chekerjian,Henry Dakak jr, Marie Munier, just to name a few. Amazing exhibition with astonishing designs.

 Check out those beautiful ceramic lamps and tables from the

 collection "a la maison" by designers Mary Lynn Massoud and  Rasha Nawam. and what about those gorgeous wooden pawns by Marc Dibeh?

The good news? Prices vary and may suit all budgets.

Stainless steel candle holders'prices start at 55$ for example .

So everyone can have a design and arty gift for Christmas

This collective exhibition will run until January 4th .

smo Gallery is in Qarantina, Beirut Dagher bldg (not far from sleep comfort)

Opens from 10am to 6pm

Christmas At ABC Achrafieh

Christmas is already here at ABC

It is really worth it!! 

Pay ABC a visit and enjoy!!