All the Beirut news.

The 4G network will only support data at the moment to be followed by calls and SMS by end of June
I tried the 4G SIM on both the Nokia Lumia 920 and Samsung Note2 and I couldn’t get a 4G sign even though I put the right configuration. I don’t know if I misunderstood Alfa’s official statement but they did specify a list of devices that work on the Alfa 4G network during the launch:

Just when I started having hope when I saw a policeman wearing a helmet (see below), I spotted an ISF bus not only going the wrong way yesterday but driving recklessly (and stupidly by creating more traffic). Of course other cars followed him instead of staying in line.
I’m wondering if the Interior Minister and concerned parties are allocating enough time to teach these officers the law because they obviously don’t have a clue or just don’t give a damn, and I am not sure which is worse.

I am sure you’re wondering about the title… You’ll get your answer towards the end of this review. I am still in shock…trust me… On my mission to find the best breakfast at a five star hotel in Lebanon, The Hilton Habtoor Grand Hotel was next on the list. After Le Vendome, Le Gray and Le »more...

I am aware that NoGarlicNoOnions is a blog covering all restaurants in Lebanon and wished to share my experience with a bunch of colleagues last week at Momo’s Lounge. I posted my complaint on Momo’s FB page and was responded to the next day by their management asking me to send my contact information to »more...

A couple of weeks ago, visiting La Cour Saint Michel, I discovered Bar Tartine by pure coincidence. A new place which was still closed at that time. I couldn’t but stand in awe in front of this unique concept that has quickly become a point for many in just a little time. Tartine Bakery gave »more...

I was at G-Star Raw‘s launching party last week and I was having a little chat with their Business Developer Patrick Reytenbagh who asked me which Lebanese restaurant I would recommend for a lunch or dinner for a tourist coming to Lebanon. I had a lot of places in mind but he just wanted that one-place that would leave a great impression and a one of a kind experience and the only restaurant I could think of is Babel in Dbayyeh.

East and West. Industrial design and craftsmanship. Two cultures and two design languages usually far apart from one another blend in the common language of design and tell the story of a project that spans from research to the creation of innovative products for markets around the world. This design and cultural blend produced “Fusion”: »more...

Love the invitation card!
Who wants to watch the Premiere of one of the best action movies for this summer at Lebanon’s biggest and newest screen? If you are interested, just leave a comment on this post with a valid email and I will draw a winner at the end of the day. The invitation is for 2.
The event marks the official opening of Vox Cinemas and is taking place on May 21st 2013 starting 7:30 pm.

There are a handful on Lebanese people I consider heroes. Charles Malik is one of them, but more recently, Gebran Tueni and Joumana Haddad take the top spot in my heart. Both of them published countless articles in Annahar, and Joumana continues do so today. So, as you can imagine, it was an immense honor getting my name published in the same newspaper as them. Here’s an excerpt of my humble opinion piece printed yesterday, May 16, 2013, in Annahar Shabab

لا ترضوا بالجزرة حين تدفعون ثمن الكافيار
حين أنظر حولي وأقرأ اللافتات المعلقة فوق شوارعنا، وأسمع مقدمات نشرات الأخبار، وأصغي إلى خطابات السياسيين، وأقرأ عناوين الصحف، أسأل لماذا “نتلهى” بتلك الأمور وننسى ما هو أهم؟

There’s some magic brewing atop one of Beirut’s high-rises where the well-groomed and fabulously dressed go to mingle. But this is not your average open-air bar sprouting all over the city; this is The Roof, the Four Season’s luxury playground overlooking the heart of Beirut.

Via Stop Cultural Terrorism

The Syrian Army in Hamra, 1990. My little bike is in the forefrontSome more pictures from my old collection. Here’s one of the Syrian army, and my little motorcycle. That little bike I bought of some shady character in Hamra, and I was very glad I could get rid of it 3 months later as it was a piece of junk.  Of course I was new to the country, and was not aware of the fact that people who appear very friendly and nice and willing to help you, are equally willing to screw you if they can get away with it.

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Once you are done explaining the above equation, I would appreciate if you could help me understand the new hybrid electoral law proposed.

In Lebanon, there are a handful of gems found in different parts of the country. I recently stumbled upon one, just 45 minutes away from Beirut heading North. Get into the car, drive towards Batroun  and you’ll discover a beautiful restaurant with a dreamy view of the Mediterranean sea. It’s colorful, humble, comfortable, homey and »more...

With the global warming on its toll, the temperature rising to 45 degrees, your summer outfit is incomplete without a pair of sunglasses. Apart from acting as a fashion statement, sunglasses also helps us by protecting our eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays and other damages that sun can cause. For the spectacles wearer, there are sunglasses with powered lens which serves all the three functions of clearing vision, protection from sun and being a stylish accessory. It also falls in the category of budget eyewear.
So how do we choose a sunglass? With the flourishing new demands in the market, it’s very difficult to be satisfied with one pair but I can help you narrow down your choice of selection. The trending ones amongst budget eyewear are the following:

Someone who loves food, will love these realistically. Look at this originally realistically looking Salami sticky notes.  These realistic looking Salami Notes take the sausage’s usefulness to a whole new level! Each note pad comes with 1000 printed notes perfect for phone calls, shopping lists, and any other memos that need taking. Sheets are blank »more...