Named after Chef Alexis Couquelet...
There are certain places in Lebanon that somehow leave a certain something in your mind... Couqley is one of those places. There's something about the place... maybe it's location, maybe it's the food. But the last time I was there, I was a bit disappointed and hope that the incident does not reoccur.
This French bistro is located in what has been described as one of Lebanon's best hidden places, The Alleyway, in the heart of Gemmayze district. The Alleyway houses a number of outlets including The Angry Monkey, The Union among others and is a few steps away from other popular night spots in Gemmayze. Before going for a drink in one of the many pubs around, drop in Couqley and enjoy the taste of French cuisine in a fun, typical and professional ambiance. The meals are prepared by Executive Chef and Co-Owner Alexis Couquelet...
Lets take a tour around the place. Couqley is well lit but a little too yellowish: you can notice that from the pictures. I like seeing and enjoying what I am eating. I also liked their selection of wines available by the bottle, in a glass or carafe. It's obvious that Couqley's interior has a special story. We asked and were told that the place was converted from an artisan’s workshop which today features a traditional hand-cut mosaic stone floor, zinc bar and a charming outdoor seating area.
The staff and managers are usually very professional and super attentive, which is something I really appreciate as it is really rare to find these days. Now talking about the food of course - I have been there a few times so far. Every time I enjoy what I have... but unfortunately the last time I was there with my wife and two other couples, and was disappointed. Firstly, I noticed that the menu is full of spelling mistakes. How can your guest trust what they will be eating if it is not spelled properly by the owners, and specially when they are french? We all ordered salads that day to start with, but unfortunately they all came with an over acidic taste: inedible. When we asked the waiter why - he said that there was nothing he could do about it and will inform the kitchen. In a situation like that, the least he could have done is remove the plates and change them immediately. The waitress was very smily and comprehensive and tried everything to make our evening memorable.
I ordered the Foie Gras to start, followed by the Cote De Boeuf, shared with a friend and enjoyed it as always, ending the feast with their Pain Perdu. As for Couqley, I will surely visit the restaurant again as I consider it one of the top 5 French places around Lebanon, but I would urge the owners to forbid smoking inside. It is becoming unbearable, in such a small cozy place to inhale others smoke.
