La Bodeguita Del Medio Beirut

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Image by Beiruting.com

Cuddled up in the heart of Beirut, La Bodeguita Del Medio  brings the essence and spirit of Havana, Cuba… With its Cuban style decoration, colored walls that are covered with signs and frames of significant Cuban symbols, vintage wooden floors and tables, luxurious Cigar displays and lounge, authentic Cuban cuisine as well as culture-specific cocktails, all are engulfed with the tunes of authentic Latino rhythms, played by the Cuban band.

Image by Beirutnightlife.com

This place, located at the old Damascus Road, has an attractive architecture. It’s design is distinct with a high sense for every detail. From the exterior look and feel of La Bodeguita’s building, right to its door handle. From the lighting, to the smell of the air inside (which is a mixture of high quality Cigar and wood), to the widespread happy spirit present among its clientele, and then right to the mouth-watering taste of its delicious food (especially La Bodeguita Del Medio’s specialty ice cream, that contains rum raisins), and drinks, especially Mojito’s  ;)

Image via Beirut.com

Each and every time I visit, I can’t but admire the exquisite interior design, with all those Che Guevara pictures, paintings and illustrations, those photos of Havana and cuban people, in addition to some celebrities & happy customers… The look & feel of the place are inspired by the original one first established in Cuba, and then those founded in Miami, Berlin, Prague, Kiev, London, & several other cities around the world.

Image via Beirutnightlife.com

The place is constituted of two floors, and a terrace for the warmer season. The ground floor is where the bar, the cigar lounge, & the band are, whereas the upper floor is constituted of elegant tables, set around a square central opening, that ensures the spirit of the ongoing Salsa & the band to spread upstairs. Note that even if you’re sitting at the upper floor, the band will also pay you a visit! :)

At the upper floor. – Image by Beirutbightlife.com

Even though I dislike the conventional smell of cigarettes, and I don’t smoke myself, I can’t help but admire the smell of the tobacco leaves that constitute a fine authentic Cuban Cigar. The Cigar lounge, with a Cigar menu containing a wide array of fine cigars that are also beautifully displayed, is quite admirable.

Later on in the evening, as the music goes louder (and the cocktails start to have their effects), you’d see people, from all ages, happily dancing on Latino rhythms played by the band, all with wide smiles on their faces, everyone partnering with everyone, dancing and wandering around, clapping for the musicians, greeting us and everybody with just a smile and a nod as they go by, as if everybody truly know everyone around! The place is surely a hit for both amateur, as well as authentic senior Salsa lovers.

For all the people who are always fascinated by the authentic Cuban culture, La Bodeguita Del Medio Beirut, will guarantee you a rich experience for all your 5 senses, leaving you in the most jolly mood by the time your evening ends…

image by Beirutnightlife.com

Aleida Guevara at La Bodeguita Beirut. – Image by Beirutnightlife.com

Some interesting wall illustration of Guevara. – Image taken via my iPhone.

The Genuine Blogger & Sunshine Awards

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Hello again, world!

When I started blogging, I always thought that the joys I get out of it are majorly from my own writings.. Then I immediately got to discover some wonderful blogs and bloggers behind them.

Meg‘s was one of those. That’s why being nominated for a couple of awesome blog awards by her is just… Awesome!

Thank you so so very much Meg! You have one of the best travel blogs out there!

The Genuine Blogger Awards doesn’t come with any specific rules, however, the Sunshine Award does, and here they are:

  1. Link the award to the person who gave it to you.
  2. Answer the questions that come with it.
  3. Pass it along to 10 people and let them know they have received it.

The questions are:

  • Favorite color: Black
  • Favorite number: 1
  • Favorite Non-alcoholic drink: Water
  • Facebook or Twitter: Can’t make up my mind. Sorry.
  • My Passion: Painting
  • Favorite pattern: Anything lace-like :)
  • Favorite Day of the Week: One that’s filled with anything I find joyful
  • Favorite Flower: All kinds! :) Orchids, roses, lilies, Dahlia’s, simple white jasmines, etc…

The 10 Bloggers I’d like to nominate for both the Genuine Blogger & the Sunshine Awards are:

  1. Le Zoe Musings
  2. ArkiAzar
  3. The Scrumptious Pumpkin
  4. Modern Alice
  5. Miranda’s Inside Scoop
  6. Claire Cappetta
  7. Bohemian Spirited Mom
  8. Leanova Designs
  9. Trev & Gaila Cooking
  10. Maggie Del Socorro

Love,

Hiba

An Intellectual Facelift

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Hello again!

First, I would like to apologize for taking so long to get back to you again. See, I love my blog so dearly, that I can’t just post something on a rush.. Things have been going hectic lately, with so many changes that are inflicted onto me, or by me…

My parents are finally convinced that our salon needs a facelift. We have gorgeous pieces of furniture, that were costume-made, by hand, with a charming authentic rustic finishing. Unfortunately, for my parents lack of time, these well chosen pieces were not complimented with the ‘appropriate’ (in my opinion) accessories, especially chandeliers, curtains, and paintings.

To start with, I’m re-designing our book storage area, hence, the sarcastic title of this post ;) We are a family that feeds on reading, so we almost have a couple of thousands of books (literally) that I’d like to display in a more efficient, yet attractive way. I’ve been doing extensive online search for ideas, so please help! I’m so open to suggestions on this matter!

Then, I found a lovely antique furniture gallery some while ago, that I haven’t had the chance to re-visit, but will definitely do so soon. Reason? The most magnificent home decor, ones that look like they were especially made for me, ones to die for! I just melted with fascination by their pieces of art!

I will definitely be updating you with pictures, as soon as I can. Actual work hasn’t started yet, however, I’m on the lookout for inspiring ideas. Here’s one chandelier that I totally liked from Design Seeds. If the pastel blue color is replaced by a deep red wine shade, this elegant piece would be ideal for my living room.

And another one, that I’d adopt and install in a heartbeat! Just the way it is..

Ok. The idea was to concentrate on that marvelous chandelier… However, you can’t help but notice the lovely couch and its pillows, no? How about that marvelous carpet? & the background? Made me melt with fascination ;)

I’ll be waiting for your suggestions on bookshelves ideas!

I’m Gonna Cheat. Publicly.

Who, other than me, just love those very nice nominations/awards that circle around the blogosphere, recognizing blogs that are significant, in any way, to those circulating them?

Well I know I do. That’s why I just loved the fact that I was nominated for the Liebster Blog Award by the pretty Madi behind for.love.of.the.fleeting, without even being ‘Qualified’ to accept it ;)

Thank you so very much Madi, it always feels just incredible to know that someone favored my blog enough to choose it for an award… I really think your blog is noteworthy, not only for your nice fashion sense, but also for your informative posts. I especially the one describing types of concealers and foundations here :)

FYI, as per Google translate, the word Liebster is the German for ‘Beloved’ or ‘Dearest.’ The award originally should go to new and/or small blogs, i.e., ones with less than 200 followers, hence, mine doesn’t belong here ;) But I’m still going to accept it, and circulate it. Forcefully if need be! :p

Rules for accepting and passing along the Liebster Blog Award are as follows:

  1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog. Checked
  2. Link back to the blogger who presented the award to you. Checked
  3. Copy and paste the blog award on your blog. Done
  4. Present the Liebster Blog Award to 5 blogs of 200 followers who you feel deserve to be noticed. Kindly Read below
  5. Let them know they have been chosen by leaving a comment at their blog. OK!

Please check out these lovely blogs:
Thank you always, for reading and following along..
Best,
Hiba

Il Siciliano

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Opened back in 2006, this magical place called Il Siciliano, was designed and executed down to each and every detail, to allow its visitors to be transformed in time and place, into the good old days of the charming Italian island of Sicily.

Image via my iPhone

From the moment we entered this three-storied restaurant, we took the notion of its inviting ambiance, which is a mixture of traditional Sicilian casa architecture, Sicilian decoration and appealing aromas. Add to these, just the right touch of chic modernity in some details.

We were greeted with great hospitality that accompanied us throughout the evening. Our waiter was not only nice and friendly, but also very knowledgeable about each and every dish! It was our first time at Il Siciliano, and he was good enough to make us completely rely on him to choose the variety of dishes we ate through out our dinner… & everything we had was simply marvelous!

I never really dare to order seafood pasta or pizza anywhere, because I rarely end up liking it. It either is too salty, too dry, too raw (with non-fresh ingredients, so you could imagine the taste), or just too much of the other ingredients with only one tiny baby shrimp and a small piece of canned calamari to justify the name! However, Il Siciliano proved to be top of the line when it comes to Italian seafood dishes.

Each and every plate had been a feast by itself. Made with the freshest of herbs, vegetables lamb and seafood, with authentic olive oil, home-made pasta, and of course those several kinds luscious cheese and freshly made bread (that you won’t get enough of its smell!).

Here, take a look at some of what was on our table ;) (but please, excuse my poor iPhone camera, and the dim – but nice - lighting of the place)

Image via my iPhone

Image via my iPhone

Image via my iPhone

Image via my iPhone

Image via my iPhone

I personally mark Il Siciliano as one of the best ‘culinary spots’ in Beirut. It definitely is a must try for all of you who love traditional Italian food that is made to perfection at the Casa Della Sicilia, or even if you’re just looking for a nice quite outing, to enjoy a drink and a Cigar indoors at their Chicago Bar, or at their marvelous garden Giardino di Palermo, under an olive tree, enjoying lemon and rosemary scents.

One small remark: I’d have loved to listen to some traditional Italian folklore or opera music playing in the background, instead of the excessively long pauses that were interrupted with short pieces of the classics. It was only our first time there, I’m sure there must have been an explanation, like us showing up early for dinner, since usually in Lebanon, the ‘real’ outing starts at around 10.30pm & onwards ;)

– Images that are not taken via my iPhone, are a courtesy of Il Siciliano.

At-Home Remedies: Honey Bliss

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I’ve had the chance to take an amazing elective course during the summer of my senior year at university, called ‘The Art of Honey-Making.’ From its title, you could only imagine how interesting that might be! :D

We studied everything about the life of bees, their hives, their Queen, her most precious Royal Jelly, swarming, bees’ incredibly intelligent division of labor and sense of belonging…. And of course, honey! We had weekly lab sessions for us to observe and take part in taking care of several bee hives placed at a special place, on campus :)

We also had fun field trips, during which I got bitten 3 times in my right hand alone! We  even participated once in a local farmers’ fair, that takes place in down town Beirut every Saturday, where farmers and local villagers would sell their home-made products, like: several kinds of cheese, labne, bread, jam, fruits’ compote, fresh-from-the-garden fruits and vegetables… etc…

We extracted honey right out of honey combs on the spot, right in front of the spectators, poured them into glass Jars of 1Kg capacity each, & sold them for around $27 (which was a discounted price by the way). We also sold Royal Jelly, and home-made honey cookies…

Enough with reminiscing… It was not only this course, but also Lebanese grandmas’ recipes, that tought me the importance of Honey. Be it incorporated into our diet, or hair and skin care! I’ve got plenty of skin care honey recipes, but will keep some for later.. So here are a couple of them, just for you… ;)

For the hair: Mix equal amounts of honey with olive oil. Add a spoon of Vinegar, and place on your hair for at least 30 minutes. The result?? A naturally moisturized and shiny hair!

- If you dislike the smell of olive oil, you can use jojoba oil instead, but I’d definitely recommend olive oil. Rinse well with warm water, then with rose-water extract, to get a heavenly smell ;)

For the body: Mix honey, baby oil (or even olive oil!), lemon juice and rough brown sugar. Massage/scrub into your skin in circular motion. The result?? A super softening body scrub, that leaves your skin hydrated, clean, healthy, and glowing!

- You might feel a slight tingling… It’s ok! The lemon juice is getting into & clearing your pores.

- The legendary Cleopatra used to bathe in a mixture of milk and honey! Purely! Can you imagine the bliss?? It is believed that she not only was a charming beauty, but also had the fairest complexion.

Hope you liked my Honey at-home remedies! Don’t forget to let me know what you think please.

Enjoy!

 

- Image via.

Pink Risotto

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Image via my iPhone. Unedited, so please excuse the spill over the side of the dish!

Ingredients:

2 cups italian rice.

3.5 to 4 cups cooking cream

2 cups water

2 tbsp butter

1 cup minced onion

1 clove garlic, minced

3 medium-sized tomatoes, peeled, seeded and minced

1/2 cup minced mushrooms (canned)

2 cups grated parmesan cheese

A few fresh basil leaves

Salt & ground pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Combine the water & cream, heat to simmer, & then keep the pot over low heat.

2. Melt butter over medium heat, add onions & stir until they are transparent in color. Add the Garlic, then add rice, and stir constantly for one minute.

3. add the rice to the water & milk mixture, and cook for around 15 minutes. Stir slowly every now & then, or else the rice would stick to the bottom of the pan.

4. Add the mushrooms and tomatoes. Cook until rice has become tender, but slightly chewy, and most of the liquids have been absorbed.

5. Stir in the parmesan cheese, until it’s completely molten & blended into the other remaining contents. Add the salt & pepper.

The rice should take around 20 minutes all together. Add water or cream if you think it’s needed, when the rice becomes over-dry.

Spoon the ridiculously yummy risotto into plates. Sprinkle with fresh basil, & serve immediately!

If you’re feeling more sinful than any other day, sprinkle (a very slight amount of) Gruyère cheese on top as well ;)

The Versatile Blogger Award!

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Even though I have not been a very active blogger this month, I still checked up on my blog, commenting and replying to all those lovely people who took time to visit, like, and comment on a post of mine. Yesterday, I was thrilled to be nominated to the Versatile Blogger Award, by the sweet Jo, who’s behind the nice restlessjo..

Restlessjo is simply a great travel guide, in the form of a blog. It features Jo’s personal favorite destinations around the world, using a great style of writing, as well as marvelous photography! Make sure to check it out, I’m quite confident you’re going to be addicted! :)

Obviously, accepting this award comes with a few rules (I’ve done my research!)

  • Thank the person who nominated me, and add a link
  • Tell 7 things about myself
  • Nominate 15 fellow bloggers

So here’s what I got to say ;)

1. Thanks a lot restlessjo, it was so nice of you to have chosen my blog among the other awesome ones for this award :)

2. I did formerly tell 7 random things about me, but here are some other 7 facts :)

1. Lebanese & Mediterranean food in general is my favorite cuisine, but

2. I can’t get enough of Japanese seafood!

3. My favorite writer/poet/philosopher/painter is Gibran Khalil Gibran

3. I’m planning on starting my masters degree this year, hopefully in England

4. I’m very competitive in nature, especially when it comes to group games and challenges ;)

5. I love Yoga; have to be keen on attending classes more often ;)

6. I love skinny jeans, leather jackets, and maxi dresses

7. I still don’t have a driving license! It is one of my 2012 resolutions to get one. I get freaked out quite easily when approached by larger vehicles (I don’t like Hummers, and I can’t be driving around in a 6-wheeled truck to ensure my dominance over the road! :p ), so I’ve declared myself a threat to the sanity of other road passengers, and quit attempting to learn.

3. & again, here comes the hardest part, with all those great blogs and bloggers around, it was so difficult to choose only 15.. But here they are:

Basmati Taco

A Detailed House

Sophie Mouskou

A Teaspoon of Turmeric

Chocolate and Chard

Going Dutch

Sa’Khino

Subhan Zein

A Joyful Dwelling

My New Favorite Day

Yasmin Cruz

Modern Alice

Style On The Couch

Love, Honey

Big Dreams, Little Pockets

I would like to apologize from those who I didn’t get to nominate. I really do love & enjoy reading from all of you. Hopefully I’ll get to pass to you some other little joyful award next time! :D

Thanks again restlesjo, and all those supporters and friends in the blogging sphere :) It is always a delight to be connected with all of you. I can only hope to get better at this, in order for this community of mine to keep on growing…

Best,

Hiba

A Beans Snack

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Image via my iPhone

Every day, aside from the main dish, my mom makes sure to serve different types of appetizers, alongside a salad -or two- over lunch. Today’s main dish was Beans Stew (with tomato sauce and fat-free beef). Aside, some of the kinds of beans forming a simple salad, a Hummus plate, spring greens salad, green thyme salad, olives, and home-made jam :)

For this simple and delightful salad:

- Boil a few kinds of beans (two in my case), until completely soft.

- Add mashed garlic, lemon juice, parsley, & olive oil.

- Add a sprinkle of salt & pepper, to taste.

& indulge in this healthy & yummy food retreat! I had it for lunch, but then I couldn’t resist to munch on a couple of spoons late in the afternoon :)

- Note: You can play around the sauce. You can use coriander, soy sauce, and/or any other kind of greens to this salad in order to make it more desirable for your taste..

- & another Note: Careful to boil each kind of beans separately, because each one takes a different time to become well done.

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