I just learned Magnolia Bakery will be opening at ABC Dbayeh on Thursday December 6th. I actually first heard about Magnolia from friends who live abroad, and I know they’re pretty famous for their delicious cupcakes.
Magnolia first opened in New York and became famous for their dessert treats before expanding into other cities, and two years ago they opened their first non-US branch in Dubai.
So much for calling his show “Enta Horr”! And I hope MTV Lebanon is aware of what this guy is doing!
After bashing Joe Maalouf for his show that caused pain, hardship and torture to 36 innocent Lebanese men, and suggesting rumors were floating that he might be a closeted gay man himself, the heroic freedom fighter with the show title “Enta Horr” (you are free) filed a lawsuit against this blog and several others. The legal proceedings went unbelievably fast (most definitely bribes + political corruption) and in a matter of days, we were being sought after by the Lebanese security apparatus (research-wise that is… who we are, what we do, etc.)
My favorite part was when someone representing him said “Joe Maalouf ma byontal” (Joe Maalouf is untouchable). That was when I felt disgust and pity to this hypocrite of a bigoted homophobe. He has a prime time show on TV that is supposed to protect individual rights, freedoms and freedom of expression. But, when folks express themselves freely, he does miracles to try and land them in jail.
You can check the whole story on Gino’s Blog.
It isn’t surprising anymore to read about Beirut being ranked among the most expensive cities in the world.
The 2012 survey of the world’s most expensive retail rental locations by property consultants Cushman & Wakefield ranked Beirut as the 36th most expensive city among 62 cities worldwide, the second most expensive city among seven cities in the Middle East & Africa region, and the most expensive among five Arab cities. Source
It’s interesting though that the report lists the retail rent per location in Beirut compared to other places in the region.
The ABC Achrafieh ranked as the third most expensive location in the region at $2,000/month, followed by Kaslik Street in 10th place at $1,500/month, Verdun Street in 12th place at $1,400/month, the Beirut Central District in13th place at $1,200/month, and Hamra Street in 19th place at $850/month. (All figures are as at June 2012)
TEDxBeirut is happening today at UNESCO, and it has an interesting line-up of speakers this year.
If you didn’t manage to buy ticket to attend but still want to watch the talks, the organizer will be livestraming everything on this link. For more about the speakers you can check here.
Photo via brofessional review
Beirut Jam Sessions is the coming together of three passionate music lovers whose goal is to bring good music to Lebanon.
Those guys do so by featuring Lebanese bands and artists on their YouTube channel, in addition to bringing talented foreign artists, such as Emilie Gassin and Nadeah, to perform here in Lebanon.
Make sure to check Beirut Jam Sessions’ work on YouTube to get a glimpse of their taste in music, and if you’re interested in attending “Pony Pony Run Run” concert, tickets are currently selling for $25 at all Virgin Ticketing branches.
With the heavy rain we got over the last few days, here’s how people were being greeted on their way our of Beirut airport.
It’s more like they were swimming their way our of the airport!
Photo via Pascal Assaf
Najib from Blog Baladi posted today an official list of the illegally imported drugs by the Lebanese Ministry of Health which can be downloaded using this link.
I also noticed the website of the Order of Pharmacists in Lebanon is worth checking every now and then, since they regularly post memos issued by the Ministry of Health on fake or misadvertised drugs such as their latest memo on Energa, Starvex and many others.
Photos via Antoine Daou on Facebook
I was quite surprised to read about BRGR Co. opening its first outlet outside Lebanon in London, since we’re basically used to burger restaurants from the US and Europe coming to our region and not the other way around.
A new burger restaurant is set to open in London’s Soho next month, with the launch of BRGR.CO as the first site for the Beirut-based company.
BRGR.CO will use 28-day-aged beef from the Duke of Buccleuch Estate in south-west Scotland. Focusing on simplicity, the restaurant will serve a menu of three classic choices of burger: the 4oz, 6oz or 8oz with optional toppings of cheese or chilli-con-carne. A selection of traditional American-inspired sides, milkshakes and desserts will complete the menu offering.
The 55-seat restaurant will feature floor-to-ceiling windows as well as dark oak tables and chairs. A selection of character cow heads will be featured throughout the restaurant, which will be regularly auctioned with proceeds going to local London charities.
Located on Wardour Street, BRGR.CO Soho will be the first UK venue for the brand that operates two sites in Beirut. Source
It would be cool by the way if they also offered the Lebanese burger (the one that has the salad and fries inside it) on their menu there in London!!