Archive for января 2017

THE GATHERING RESTAURANT (BEIRUT, LEBANON)


The Gathering restaurant is located in Beirut (Lebanon) and  consists of 3 separate 300-year-old buildings. They were almost destroyed during the war, but the owner of the company has renovated it and transformed into the restaurant. This restaurant is 4 years old but the whole company (Found’d group) exists 30 years.







Lebanese, Lebanese from abroad, immigrants, tourists - these are the guests of this place. Manager says that there are many factors that affect customers. And one of the most important factor is politics. If there were no war in Syria, perhaps there would be more Arabic and European tourists. But closed borders limit this.

Here, in The Gathering the cuisine is international and it is the most popular.
Prices are medium, quite democratic.










The aura here impresses much more. In fact, Beirut is a forest of concrete building with lack of greens. But The Gathering  is green oasis with rich flora. This place is hidden and you can't find it until you go into the depth of the streets.

We recommend you visiting this place, touching the old aura and resting from everyday fuss.




WINE & BREAD OF THE LEBANESE LAND


Château Ksara.

There is some evidence that Lebanon (Phoenicia) is considered to be the native land of wine.
Phoenician wine was one of the most desired good among Greek, Egyptian and Roman nobles.
In 1857 monks from Society of Jesus (by that time they were settled in mountain regions of the country) founded first Lebanese winemaking house "Ksara" (Château Ksara) — by name of old settlement that gave shelter to Christians running from persecutions. In local idiom"Ksara" means "fortified palace". Much water has flowed under the bridges since then, but "Ksara" still remains the largest winemaking company of the country. It produces about 40% of all wines in the country.

Overall length of its wine cellars with thousands of bottles and woods is 3 kilometers. You can easily get lost here. All the year round the temperature here is +12-13 °C.









Château Kefraya.

Kefraya is the second winery (after Ksara). It was founded in 1978 by Bustros family. Red wines have become "signature dishes" of the company. They are famous for delicate bouqet and health giving powers. They are supplied to the best restaurants in Lebanon and to 35 coutries. 70% of produced wine is red wine, 30% is white, rose, sweet wines and arak (Lebanese and Arabic alcohol). Red wine is produced of 5 grape varieties.
The winery has won prices at international competitions in Europe, USA and Asia. Michael Busto, the president of Château Kefraya, has enriched traditions of his winery by contributing traditions from France (traditions of producing Cabernet Sauvignon wines, Syrah and Grenache).

By the way, there is a restaurant at the winery, where you can order elegant dinner with wine degustation. Also tourist can have access to the sections of wine production.