It’s 14

Wow, this feels weird… coming back to my blog after almost 9 months of no posts.

Last year was eventful, to say the least. Actually, it qualifies as a significant milestone in my life path.

Long story short, on May 20, 2013 I gave birth to a healthy baby girl by the name of Nour Alexandra. Then came the hormones, the sleepless nights, the weight loss, the weight block, and finally the recovery.

It goes without saying that all that suffering was extremely worth it. I don’t want to pass a cliché, but nothing, no emotion in the world, comes close to comparison with motherhood.

Motherhood is herculean strength mixed with gushing love mixed with endless giving mixed with fearful worrying mixed with pride mixed with weakness mixed with optimism…

In 2014, I don’t want to list endless resolutions I know I won’t come close to accomplishing; instead I want to give 2014 a title:                       “Perseverance”

 Be it personally, professionally, or academically, this year will be the year of perseverance.

Michael Abou Sleiman should be banned from Television

I usually don’t watch TV, let alone Lebanese TV, but when the show “Dancing with the Stars” became so popular, I was curious to know what all the fuss was about.

I have to admit, the dancers, the celebrities, the dances, the costumes… the entire show was truly very nice.

Apparently, one of the starts on the show, Mirva Kadi, had some type of wardrobe malfunction that showed a little more than was intended, I didn’t see the scene. Naturally, the tabloids went crazy, and as if there isn’t enough “on purpose” flesh on TV for them to watch; they had to emphasis the “by accident” flesh.

Anyway, what drove me to write this blog was not Mirva’s outfit or the general public opinion about it, but Mr. Michael Abou Sleiman’s (the co-host of the Lebanese talk show “Talk of the Town” on MTV Lebanon) disgusting, vulgar, inappropriate, ill-mannered, unacceptable comments about the incident when Mirva was a guest on the show.

The moment Mirva walked on the set of “Talk of the Town”, Mrs. Mona Abou Hamzeh gave a brief summary of Mirva’s modeling career and achievements, and then started at her regarding the costumes she wore on the show, especially the last one.

No matter how much Mirva tried to cut the debate short and stand up for herself by emphasizing how she is always careful in selecting her clothes, and that they don’t rehearse while wearing the costumes, and that it wasn’t such a big deal, Michael kept making those very dirty jokes about the costume and about the last Buzz commercial she did where the electricity generator pops and she asks her nerdy, chubby, unattractive neighbor to help her fix it, then joins him and his friends for karaoke.

I don’t know why is it ok for talk show hosts to pass dirty, sexual jokes and insults to a young woman on national television on a show that is watched by all types of viewers.

Mirva deserves an apology and Michael Abou Sleiman deserves to be kicked off television.

For those of you who understand Arabic, below are links for what I’m talking about.

Buzz Commercial:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUUZpgSzZO8

Mirva Kadi on Talk of the Town:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0NnXbMoUmk

Exploitation

In a country where labor laws are passed to exploit workers rather than protect their rights, you would hope that institutions take it upon themselves to support their employees, especially those who have fought tooth and nail for years on end to bring them growth and prosperity.

Unfortunately, the opposite is true.

I have heard of an institution; let’s call it “Bank Cheap” where employees are treated as worthless laborers through out the beginning, middle, and advanced level of their careers.

Below are just some of the cases at Bank Cheap I’ve heard about.

Case 1:

“Employee 70”, who has been working at Bank Cheap for a little over 14 years, has a masters degree from a prestigious French University, has single handedly built the base for one of the Bank’s indispensible control and reporting functions by gathering information from half the departments at Bank Cheap, has been in the same middle management position for the past 6 years with no promotion, and still makes about US$ 10 an hour.

Bullshit

Case 2:

“Employee 86”, who has been working at Bank Cheap for 3 years, spent half those 3 years working double shifts, taking on extra loads, and developing an entirely new program that automates all the monitoring and reporting process of one of the Bank’s key control functions. “Employee 86” still holds the same entry level position, with the same entry level salary of about UD$ 3.8 an hour.

Ridiculous

Case 3:

“Employee 88, who also has been working for Bank Cheap for 3 years, has graduated as an honors student from one of the country’s top universities with a Masters Degree in Business Administration, has an internationally recognized certificate in Valuation Analysis, and is currently working for a certificate in Financial Analysis. “Employee 88” is considered to be a key player in one of the Bank’s control functions, carries on extra loads and sometimes for other departments as well, and still holds the same entry level position, with the same entry level salary of about US$ 4 an hour.

No Comment

Bank Cheap is filled with similar cases of hardworking, well educated, and innovative employees who I consider to be exploited.

Paparazzi – Beauty Lounge & Spa

For those of you who read my blog regularly, you are well familiar with my rants and critiques of various restaurants, resorts, and other places around Lebanon. These rants are a personal opinion that was built based on an experience, and is in no way meant to defame any of these places. That said, and if you are offended in any way… Sue me!

It was finally Friday, and my friends/ colleagues and I were all in desperate need of a manicure, pedicure, and some pampering. After discussing our options we decided to try Paparazzi – Beauty Lounge and Spa on Bliss Street, because we all had friends who’ve tried it and liked it.

And so it went…

Noor and Aya arrived at the appointment at about 2:40 and began. I followed at about 2:50 because I had to run an errand. After waiting for about 20 minutes, I asked the gentleman at the reception about when I would start, so he informed me that I had to wait for Aya to finish and then it would be my turn.

After ages of waiting, I was able to begin at about 3:45. As I was sitting on the pedicure chair, the non-Lebanese (with all due respect to all nationalities and races) nail artist asked if I had an appointment; I said yes, but she insisted that I check. So I got off the chair and when to the reception desk and asked the gentleman to inform her that I had an appointment. We I returned with the gentleman, she was no were in sight. After 7 minutes of asking the other girls about her and tracking her down, we were able to find her and convince her of my appointment and I sat back down on the pedicure chair in hopes that the confusion was over. She asked me what I wanted to do and if I had selected my color; I told her I wanted a French manicure and pedicure, so again she told me to get off the pedicure chair as we were going to start with my manicure first. Again, I got off the incredibly annoying chair with the sink below the feet that trips you every time and went to the manicure tables. Then again, she decided that she would do both my manicure and pedicure at the same time, so again she asked me to sit back on the pedicure chair.

For someone with a history of hysterical anger episodes, and years of self anger management therapy, I was beginning to get irritated. Even Noor couldn’t help but comment on the extent of my patients, but I told her that she was about to see my other face, literally, if this continued.

I sat down again in that damned chair and began.

In the mean time, Noor was struggling with her own nail artist as she was not able to comprehend the fact that Noor wanted her nails to be filed rounded with a French manicure and didn’t want her toes to be filed too close to the flesh. With no use, the nail artist did exactly the opposite and hurt her. While this went on, another artist came behind Noor and asked her to turn around so she could soak her hands for the manicure. Can you imagine having to twist your back 90 degrees for about 40 minutes? Yes, that was the last straw!!! Noor asked them both to stop, got up, went to the reception desk, complained about the service, and left.

Yours truly was still sitting there trying to teach the nail artist how to file my nails evenly, and how to apply a French tip using the brush.

So much for the rest and the pampering!!

Finally, at 5:15, and after repeating my hand manicure twice, I was done and able to leave… and never come back!

Osaka Sushi Lounge Vs. Tsumani

It has been quite a long time since I trashed one of Lebanon’s top places, so today’s lash out goes to Osaka Sushi Lounge located in the Kantari area.

For almost a year now, I have been hearing from friends that Osaka is the best sushi place in town. According to everyone, it’s supposed to have the best atmosphere, best service, and the best sushi in terms of variety and taste. So on Saturday, and after a month of contemplating the visit, my husband and I decided to try it mainly because we couldn’t get a reservation at Tsunami, our regular sushi place, because it was fully booked.

And so it goes, we arrived to Osaka at 10:30 pm, and sat at the bar until one of the tables was cleared which took about 7 minutes. We sat down and looked through the menu at the very limited variety and decided on what to order. After 20 minutes of waiting, my husband finally motioned to the waitress to notice that we were ready to make the order.

While we waited for the food to arrive, I couldn’t help but notice that the restaurant was not divided into a smoking and a non-smoking section. Usually at sushi places with an open bar, guests are prohibited from smoking on the bar because it’s directly over the food while it’s being prepared; at Osaka, sushi and cigarette smoke mixed perfectly in an atmosphere of ultimate Zen! (Super sarcastic tone)

The food arrived with a great presentation, but I wish I could say the same thing about the taste. Each and every piece of Maki was spicy, even the ones that didn’t include “spice” in their descriptions, not to mention salty to an extent that you are not able to taste the ingredients.

So in a nut shell, if you are looking for over priced, smoky, and salty sushi, brought to your table with bad service, then Osaka is your place!

For reservations, please call 01-360630

Tsumani, on the other hand, has a menu that is filled with pages and pages of different types of Sushi, Sashimi, Maki, salads, appetizers, and hot dishes to an extent that you can visit once a week for a whole year, and still order something new each time, as is the case with my husband and I.

The service is speedy and friendly, and if you choose to sit at the “non-smoking” bar, you will really enjoy watching a pair of very professional and talented chiefs make your delicious sushi with such skill that triggers your appetite even more.

So in a nut shell, if you are looking for affordable, clean, and delicious sushi, brought to your table with friendly and professional service, then Tsunami is your place.

For reservations, please call 01-337327

Traffic Rules for Sale

Corruption at its finest!

On a random street in Beirut, the story goes:

Officer: “Hey sir, you can’t park here, its reserved.” (Ya rayyes, ma feek tsoff hon, ma7jouz)

Lebanese Man: “Reserved for whom?” (Ma7jouz la meen?)

Officer: “You just can’t park here.” (Khalas, mamnou3a l saffe hon)

Lebanese Man: “Fix it.” (Zabbita)

Officer: “It can’t be fixed.” (Ma btitzabbat)

Lebanese Man: “Everything can be fixed, my friend.” –and he removes 20,000L.L. from his wallet. (Kil shi byitzabat ya sa7be)

Officer: “Welcome!” – and he removes the obstacle, and holds traffic for the man to park.

In a high traffic street in Beirut, the story continues:

Officer: “Madame, you can’t park here!” (Ya madame, mamnou3a l saffe hon!)

Madame: “I will only be just a minute, my friend needs to give me something.” (Mish mtawle, sa7ibte mnazlitle gharad)

Officer: “Even though, you will block traffic, you have to move the car.” (7atta law, m3ar2le l seir)

Madame: “She’s here, she’s here!” – And the Madame’s friend shows up from behind the revolving  glass door of the adjacent building wearing a mini-skirt, a tailored blazer and casually sporting cleavage. (Hayeha, ijit ijit!)

Officer: “Madame.” – he is politely ignored by the two ladies, but doesn’t mind it because he is enjoying the view.

Officer: “Madame, I’m going to have to give you a ticket.” – and he starts to take out the ticket book. (Badde a3milik zabit)

Madame: “How dare you, I’m leaving!” – and acts like such a victim that he can’t help but smile, he is hooked. (Yii wallaw!! – felle!)

Officer: “Ok, be quick.” (Tayib, bes bsir3a)

Madame: “You are so kind!” – winks and drives off, while the officer continues to check out her friend. (Killak zo2!)

At the place where they do yearly car revisions and pay the mechanique fees, it still goes on:

Mechanic: “It won’t pass.” (Ma btinja7)

Lebanese Man: “Why not, there is nothing wrong with it.” (Leish la2, ma biha shi)

Mechanic: “The left stop light isn’t red enough, the license plate is scratched, and the left tire needs air.”

Lebanese Man: “Come on man, let us go.” (Ya zalame, Masheena)

Mechanic: “I can’t, you have to fix those stuff and come back for another check.” (Ma fiye, lezim tsali7on barra, w tirja3 t3eed l mo3ayane)

Lebanese Man: “By your honor, you’re going to make me pass through this crowd again; why don’t fix it.” (Bi sharafak, baddak t3ali2ne b kil hal 3aj2a marra tenye? Sali7a inta!

Mechanic: “I can’t, I only do the check up!” (Ma bsali7 hon, bes mo3ayane)

Lebanese Man: “So you want me to pay another mechanic to fix it? You’re the best one here.” – the mechanic pick up on the bribe. (Halla2 baddak yene idfa3 la mikansien tene ta yzabita, ma inta ashtar wa7ad hon)

Mechanic: “If I want to fix it, it will cost you $60!” (Badda tkalfak $60)

Lebanese Man: “No problem, you’re a professional.” – and pays the money discretely. (Ma mishkle, inta m3allim)

Mechanic: “Congratulations, your car passed the tests. (mabrouk, nij7it!)

Barcelona, Dubai, Beirut...Sea side.

How wonderful is it to put our city in a category with the likes of Barcelona or Dubai?

Spot the resemblance!

Port Vell - Barcelona

Dubai Marina - Dubai

Zaitunay Bay - Beirut

Antique Shopping in Basta

Basta is located in central Beirut, just 10 minutes away from the Grand Serail building. The area is home to some of Beirut’s oldest antique vendors for almost a century, who raid old Beiruty houses looking for treasures.  The story goes like this: someone living in one of the old houses passes away; children come to the Basta area to find a few vendors and take them back to the house.  They make a deal and often sell items for a fraction of their retail price.

The Basta area is marked by the old, rampaged buildings that date back to the French mandate.  Both sides of the street are littered with shops stocked to their ceilings with old, dusty, and sometimes broken woodworks and antiques that can price up to $7,000 at times.  Further in to the market are alley ways also filled with treasures; mind you, visiting them requires flats, sachet bags, and a flashlight because some areas are dim.

Yesterday, my mother in law gave me a call just as I was getting off of work asking me to pass by Basta to look at an antique dinning room set and a bunch of other things she had seen and new that I’d like.  When I arrived to the shop, I could help but bite my lip in astonishment at the wonders I saw.  The tables, chairs, couches, instruments, chandeliers, and trinkets make you lose yourself and your day just exploring and learning about the items.  After four hours of prying through items, I managed to walk away with a console that was a gift from my fiancé’s auntie.  Thank you Auntie Samo!!  The dinning set is still understudy.

 

People, especially my colleagues, don’t always understand the awe I’m in when I see such things. Authentic antique items have history and character, they have a life and a story behind them that gets you wondering why is it scratched here, has this table seen happy feasts, how long has this clock been telling time...

It’s so interesting to be able to tell the difference between a Henry II Dinning Set, a Louis XIV chair, and a Chesterfield sofa. It feels so good to have an almost green copper chandelier cleaned and restored to find out that those are little swans hanging from its rim.  And finding that perfect porcelain plate with a shield and crest painted on it to hang on your wall, it’s priceless.

Now all of you know what to get me as wedding gifts!

White Beirut

No clubbing for me, Thank you!

I just like the video!

Brgr.Co

Don’t you just love those restaurants that serve only a few things on their menu, but serve them well?  No, no… I mean serve them extremely well?!

Well Brgr.Co is one of those places.  On their menu you have a choice of a 4 oz, 6 oz, or 8 oz patty with the classic toppings that include lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions, and the option of with or with out cheese; in addition to a few other sides, deserts, and beverages. 

Simple and Yummy

The burger reminded me of those real BBQ burgers I used to have in Canada on a Sunday afternoon in summer in the backyard.  The 100% pure Angus beef patty, grilled to your liking, on a fresh bun, topped with fresh produce, with a side of “Darn Good” fries.  Mmm! Even the Hot Dog is to die for!

As you might have read in my other blogs, I’ve become a décor freak, and this place gave me the feeling that I’m in the “Cheers” bar.  The brick walls, the wooden chairs, table, and bar stools, the leather couches, the rusted mirrors (done by my fiancé <3), even the entrance all give a cozy yet rustic atmosphere.

Burger places seem to be popping up here and there, but this one has something about it that makes you want to tell your friends “You’ve got to try it!”

Lebanon’s “Luxury” Redefined Resort

After a long and painstaking week, there is nothing like hitting one of Lebanon’s high end beach resorts for a little sun, water, and pampering.  I spoke too soon.

At first I though I was the odd one out, and didn’t want to mention any names, but then I came across this blog:

http://www.bloggingbeirut.com/archives/1152-Pretentious-Redefined-Sipping-Rose-in-the-Pool-Summer-of-2007.html

and thus got a green light to trash the place.

Orchid, one of Lebanon’s posh beach resorts is located in the Jiyeh area slightly south of Beirut.  It is an exclusive resort that sticks to a strict door policy of 18 and above and requires previous reservations, especially on weekends.  With magnificent landscaping, different leveled structures, private areas that include huts and Jacuzzis, and a white finish that gives off peaceful vibes, Orchid is a must visit for anyone in Lebanon; seriously! 

Even though my first experience at Orchid was exceptional, this time, there was no justice in comparing.  Beach beds are laid so close to each other that you find yourself rubbing elbows, and a little more, with a total stranger, the pool – only pool – would run as a private pool for some villa, but instead its used to accommodate a couple hundred guests, and the service is so bad that you have to change your drink three times before you get a bug-free glass, the right amount of cranberry, and the complementary nuts and carrots.

Then comes the notion of Premium V/s Luxury.

I’m a person who doesn’t mind paying a premium price for premium products, and services.  In fact, I prefer paying extra to ensure that the place I'm visiting, product I’m buying, or serving I’m getting is at a high standard.  But I refuse to be “sheeped*” and pay a premium price for a name that claims to be luxury when it is just a reputation from smoke.

Being in a swimsuit is already uncomfortable; a feeling that is maximized when you are being watched by perverted eagle eyes.  People around you who claim to be wearing sunglasses to shield the sun, are really wearing them to hide were their eyes looking.  That applies for both guys and girls. 

And again, wedgies are normal, Speedo’s are the “It” fashion for men, and making out in the pool is everyone’s favorite pass-time.

I just hate the sleazy, sex-oriented, see and be seen, showy, braggy attitude most of this Lebanese generation is at.

BLEKHHH!!  

*Sheeped: It’s a word translated from the casual Lebanese jargon that means being cheated, schemed on, and treated like a dumb barn animal; the sheep.

Imm Sharif

Imm Sharif (meaning Mother of Sharif) is a Lebanese Restaurant that has recently opened on the outskirts of Ashrafieh in Beirut.  The name might infer that it’s a cozy, homey restaurant, but in reality, it’s nothing of the sort.

Driving up to the place, one is taken aback by the huge dungeon like wooden door with the marvelous carvings at the top.  After you step inside, you can’t help but stand to admire the beautiful collection of Greek plates (absolutely must have) mounted on the wall facing the door.  The whole restaurant sits in one of Beirut’s old estates, so the high rise ceiling, and the pattern tiles are just some aspects of the décor that catch the eye.  The walls are painted with a pale blue, the ceilings are hand painted, tables are topped with mirrors to reflect the ceiling, and all accessories and cutlery are pure silver and blue crystal.

Talk about luxury.

Imm Shafif offers a set menu of a selection of the best Lebanese delights, but with the restaurants posh twist.  The plates include caviar, fatoush and tabbouleh, garlic labne, homos, mtabbal, kafta, freeke, all made with an extra secret ingredient that turns the taste around.  Midway through dinner, a live band plays a number of old Lebanese and other oriental “tarab” his from the likes of Umm Kolthum, Ilham al Madfa’I, and Warda. 

With all the time and effort I’m putting into finalizing our apartment, my fiancé and I have developed an eye for detail and quality in décor and accessories.  I was in tableware heaven just looking at the table settings, the silver plate chargers, the silver cutlery, the bohemian crystal glasses, and the blue trim porcelain plates. 

I want some!!

I can’t help but mention that my fiancé, who runs a family business of manufacturing glass, mirrors, and aluminum, was responsible for all glass and mirror items at the place.  What can I say, everything he touches become even more beautiful than it already is.  *Grin*   

All the above mentioned yummy and sparkly come at a price.  After dinner, the bill was just as high end as the restaurant itself.  However, the entire experience was well worth it.   

I “Heart” Gemmayze

One can’t mention Beirut’s nightlife with out stopping to give specific recognition to Gemmayze.  Located between Beirut’s Central District and the Achrafieh area, Gemmayze is listed as one of the historical streets in Lebanon and protected from any demolition or fundamental renovation.  In addition to the row of residential buildings dating back from the French mandate, Gemmayze is considered one of Lebanon’s most happening clubbing areas. 

In late 2009 and 2010, the battle for Gemmayze, namely Gouraud Street, took a turn for the worst when the Gemmayze residents couldn’t withstand the blaring music, the party chaos, and the scarce parking spaces that resulted from the pubs located in the area.  To satisfy the residents, the government closed down a number of the pubs located on the street, and placed curfews for their music and opening hours.  However, no one could kill the areas spirit, so it wasn’t long before Gemmayze returned to its old ways of partying hard. 

One of the best places to hit in Gemmayze is Gauche Caviar.  Located in the middle of the street, Gauche Caviar is an upper scale restaurant and bar with its elegant design and lively ambiance.  This particular pub’s name was derived from the 19^th century, and describes 'A person who subscribes to socialist ideals yet does not feel the need to totally let go of their privileged lifestyle'.

If it’s to grab a drink and unwind or to go wild and live it up, the atmosphere at Gauche Caviar sets the mood you desire. 

The MET

The latest addition to the Boubess Group chain of restaurants, hotels, and gyms, The MET, a metropolitan eatery, opened its doors to the public in Beirut Souks to serve a mix of dishes from all corners of the globe.

In the mood for sushi, Indian, Italian, American, Lebanese, French, or a refreshing salad bar, you would find it on the menu.  It’s urban yet cozy décor, accompanied by its mouth watering dishes and convenient location in the center of Beirut makes it the restaurant of choice for me and other people of all ages and lifestyles.

Even though everything on the menu is exceptionally appetizing, my favorite dish is the Chicken Curry, an abundant amount of chicken cubes marinated in a delicious and creamy curry sauce with a side of basmati rice and a spicy mango sauce.  Other great selections are the Chicken “Ai Funghi”, a grilled chicken breast with creamy mushroom sauce and a side of golden French fries and sautéed vegetables, and the Four Seasons Pizza.

Mmmmmmmm 

I "Heart" Hamra Street

Hamra Street has always been one of the most happening places in Beirut through out history.  One of the main streets in Beirut, Harma Street is known for its cultural, economic, and educational significance. The Hamra area cannot be categorized into a tourist destination, a business district, a leisure attraction, or even an educational area separately; it is a mix of all. 

 

Even though the Hamra area has had its share of renovation, one can’t help but notice that most of its buildings till have their authentic structure and design.  Even the newly tiled streets give the area the old French look from the time of the mandate.

Hamra Street is home to a vast number of shops, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and other businesses those of which are international, and others that are of local origin.  The Bestseller clothing brands such as Vero Moda and Jack & Jones have opened a number of shops on the Hamra strip.  International and local cafes such as Starbucks Coffee, Costa Coffee, Lina’s, and Hamra Café are among the many popular places to sit, especially for students from the neighboring universities who are looking for a place to study, other than their college library.  Boubess Group, owners of some of Lebanon’s most hip restaurants and hotels, has also found Hamra Street to be a good location for their rising restaurant empire.  Napolitana (Italian Pizzaria), Kaiten (Sushi Conveyor) and Laziz (new age Lebanese food) are just some of the Boubess restaurants on Hamra Street.  Other popular eateries include Roadster Diner, Deek Duke, and Crepe Away.  Hamra is also home to a number of Hotels and furnished apartment buildings.

     

Regardless of all of the above, the reason I love the Hamra District so much is because I spent the best time their while I attended the American University of Beirut, located on Bliss Street, Hamra District.  Similarly, the Lebanese American University and the Haigazian University are two of the best colleges located in the area, among others.    

Speaking Roses

Speaking Roses is not an ordinary flower shop.  It as international floral company that developed and patented a new, state of the art technology that prints words, logos, and pictures on fresh flower petals to make them look as if the inscription grew on them.  The technology they use goes beyond fresh flowers to include personalizing wooden, silk, soap, glass, and ceramic flowers.  Speaking roses didn’t stop at printing on flowers; they took it to the next level and also developed a technology that involves silver, gold, or platinum plating of flowers.  These plated flowers don’t just look amazing, but they last forever too.

Printed Roses

Plated Roses