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My best sushi experience

By Rony on December 22, 2014 in Reviews

Phoenicia-WOK_WOK-Chefs-Asian_Cuisine-Restaurant

Three years ago I hated sushi. Today, it is one of my favorite type of food. I won’t bug you with the story of how I became a fan, what I will do however, is share with you the best sushi experience I had lately which can be summarized in two words: WOK W.O.K!

I visited WOK W.O.K at Phoenicia hotel on a Thursday evening, which is one of two weekdays when they offer open sushi/salad/dessert (2nd open sushi night is Monday). This not your average cheap sushi you find on open sushi day at some other places. What was available was actually a large variety of fresh salads, mouth watering sushi, and satisfying desserts. The bar offered a wide range of salads including beef, chicken, crab, salmon, etc, the tastiest sushi and sashimi that I’ve had so far (their salmon is just wow, uber wow) and the desserts themselves were not bad at all considering it is not WOK W.O.K‘s specialty.

In addition to the great food experience, the service of the super professional staff made my evening very enjoyable.

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You can devour as much salad, sushi and dessert as physically and humanely possible for 45$. I highly recommend you give WOK W.O.K a try.

First photo is via phoeniciabeirut.com

Beirut through the lens of a Pan Am stewardess in the 60s

By Rami on August 7, 2013 in Lebanon

This video with highlights from Hong Kong, Beirut, Bangkok and Tehran was compiled by a stewardess called Mary Lou Bigelow throughout her service with Pan American Airways between 1962 and 1964.

You can start watching the part from Beirut at the 7m23s mark with scenes from Beirut Airport, Raouche, Manara, Phoenicia Hotel and water skiing in Saint Georges Hotel.

Everytime I watch an old video of Beirut, I wish I was born earlier to live the golden era of this city!

24 hours to kill in Beirut

By Rami on June 18, 2012 in Lebanon

Check out this cool find posted by Tarek from Beirut/NTSC a couple of days ago.

I stumbled upon the movie “In Beirut sind die Nächte lang” or “24 hours to kill”… A German movie shot in 1965 in Beirut. Here’s the synopsis:

“When engine trouble forces an airliner into a 24 hour layover in Beirut, the plane’s pilot finds himself in the crosshairs of crime thanks to his duplicitous purser. Lex Barker assays the hero pilot role with ease, while Mickey Rooney thoroughly enjoys his turn as the seemingly hapless criminal. Walter Slezak rounds out the caper as a deadly smuggler.”

Pity embedding the original trailer is forbidden…. But watching it is a must! You can find it HERE (above are some of the snapshots taken from that trailer)… Basically, it’s the usual mishmash of the epitomized image of Beirut: Lust, intrigue, modernist architecture, Phoenicia Hotel (and yes, there is a scene where the pool which gives way to the bar is seen!), Nadia Jamal (the belly dance), the nightclubs and get this – at the time private helicopters could land right next to Baalbeck ruins with no “yellow t-shirts” in sight…

I also heard a while ago about another movie called “Embassy” that was shot in Lebanon back in 1973, but unfortunately failed to find any trailer or footage related to it on the internet.

Eau de Vie – Phoenicia Hotel

By Rami on January 20, 2011 in Reviews

I was invited to a tasting at Eau de Vie Phoenicia last night which has been renovated and re-opened in November with a new design and exquisite menu.

I’ve never been to the place before, but I’ve been told it used to target old people prior to the renovation, and they’re now trying to attract younger people. Although I’m not really sure how many “young” people will be able to afford the prices on the menu, but I believe the overall experience of the place is worth it!

The staff was so friendly and took us on a small tour around the place to show us their new wine, whiskey, and cigar storage rooms, the new lounges and how small private areas can now be booked for groups of 50 people without really disturbing other guests, and of course their fantastic view of the Mediterranean and the mountains.

And then came the food… which was no less than awesome! We first got served some smoked salmon and a variety of salads, followed by our choice among 4 mouth watering main dishes, and finally a variety of really really REALLY GOOD desserts.

I totally recommend the place and I really hope they maintain their taste and quality of food, unlike other places in Beirut.

Oh and now that Valentine’s day is getting near, I suggest you book a table for two by the window at Eau de Vie if you’re on the look for a nice fancy place for you and your loved one, and I guarantee it’ll be your winning card 😉

Ivan M. from Cafe Del Mar at Amethyste Lounge

By Rami on June 23, 2010 in Events

Last week I got to enjoy Ivan M., one of the world famous saxophone players from Cafe Del Mar, playing live in Amethyste Lounge Phoenicia.

Below is a small video I recorded during his performance. The light is very low so you wont be able to see how the ambiance really was… but you will still enjoy his tunes.

Good food, great music, what more can one ask for?!

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