Picture this: A breath of fresh air going through old stones, sunny spells, calmness and serenity… amazing feeling as I walked through the aisles of Mir Amin. Built at the beginning of the 19th century. The famous Mir Amin is not only a national monument but also a luxurious hotel where good food is served…
Up on the hill of Beiteddine in Shouf is The Mir Amin Palace Hotel. A boutique hotel with 24 rooms where ultimate pampering awaits you… You’ll also find a pool and restaurants. I had the chance to meet the chef who really knows what he's doing.
It was 8am when breakfast was served. A buffet table out on the balcony set up to welcome guests. Round tables decorated with colorful cups, white plates and cutlery.
Let me tell you about the place first. Park outside and walk towards the entrance. One side takes you to the lobby and the other opens out on to the internal court where a fountain enchants the area. Old stones, high ceilings, big rooms and a terrace offering a view of the Shouf. Take time and walk around. Every room has a story to tell, ceilings covered with wood work, arabesque doors and sculptures. Today I seriously decided to come spend a weekend here.
The buffet:
- Labneh, olives, goat cheese labneh
- Halloumi and double cream
- A basket of fresh vegetables
- Fresh boiled eggs
- Zaatar, Kechek and tomato sauce
- Cakes and croissants
- Chocolate and pistachio halawa
- Cookies and chocolate muffins
- Hummus balila
- Foul mdammas
- Kishik
- Sahlab
- Fresh juices
I filled up a plate and sat to enjoy it. I loved the wind running over this mountain peak.
I enjoyed their Sahlab, which doesn't have an unpleasant milky taste. I loved the mini Saj manakish and appreciated the freshness and choice of cheese and Labneh available. The croissants are good, flaky, light and oil-free. Now for the best part - dessert. I've rarely had a mini muffin that juicy and watery, or cookies that chewy, or biscuits that crunchy.
On the buffet, three blocks of halawa take over. Chocolate halawa, pistachio halawa and plain variety. I'm a fan of halawa and those are really good.
Well cooked foul, tender hummus, balila, hot water and Nescafé, juices served in authentic glass jars, all while I enjoyed the view.
Today, I reconciled with a place which has got over its reputation of not having good food. A new chef, new ideas, and surely new staff, which I had the chance to meet around the premises. Visit the Shouf!
