Eddé Sands is much more than a beach resort, the popular summer spot is also known for its famous Lebanese and seafood restaurant, La Pêche du Jour, which is open from April until October on the shores of the Mediterranean in Jbeil. It's been a while since my last visit. I came for the experience before the summer rush.
La Pêche du Jour, a casual Lebanese restaurant is known for its Lebanese mezze selection and wide array of fresh seafood and fish choices, as well as barbeque.
Casual for the fresh and positive ambiance, the waiters wearing white and pink, the light wooden tables, the view, the greenery, the service... everything that makes it look like a restaurant on an island in the Caribbean.
Park your car and walk down to the beach. You're welcomed by fresh air and the sea's musical tunes. I like it here, it's fresh and relaxing. Fayruz singing in the background, we sat inside and ordered lunch.
An enjoyable Saturday lunch with the family:
- We started with a Lebanese mezze selection: tabbouleh; tajen; hummus; moutabbal; hendbeh and mouhammara. Beautifully decorated plates prepared with good quality ingredients; we enjoyed the flame grilled taste of the moutabbal, the creaminess of the hummus, the freshness and acidity of the tabbouleh salad.
- A salad of fresh crab and avocado with pomegranate and purslane. Fresh with a zest of lemon and olive oil.
- My favorite - I'm not sure if it's a one off mistake with the sauce or they intentionally did it this way - are the makanek. Sweet and not sour, good quality and tasty makanek with an enjoyable sweetness that's so different from any makanek I've previously had.
- Tried the burger from my son's plate and enjoyed the meat quality. A real juicy and meaty burger and not that Kafta-style burger usually served at restaurants.
- They also have fresh bread at La Pêche du Jour. Fresh multi-cereal Lebanese bread with a touch of finesse. Dip it into your Hummus and enjoy.
- Zucchini flower with a yogurt dip. Light and airy with a fine crunch, the deep fried flowers are an interesting addition to the menu.
- Seeing shrimp moving around in an aquarium, an idea came to mind: raw is how these should be enjoyed. They're pure pleasure, ultimate enjoyment. Fresh raw shrimp with soy sauce.
Now for the serious stuff:
- A beautiful plate which looks like a masterpiece, boiled shrimps with cocktail sauce. These shrimps are fresh with their color and stripes singing out.
- Fried fish: taste good and smell even better. A bit of lemon and some tarator and enjoy. Served in a black clay pot, the fish are decorated with lemon quarters and individual portions of fried bread - the one they use for shawarma.
- Grilled fish, juicy, full flavored and not dry. I couldn't help but notice the fish smell which is fresh and appetizing. Add a splash of olive oil, lemon juice, a sprinkle of salt, a pinch of pepper... really good stuff!
When I thought that the experience was done, dessert landed on the table:
- Chocolate fondant served in a cast iron plate with vanilla ice cream. Served warm, dark molten chocolate and ice cream. It's good stuff!
- Kashta, bananas and honey; nicely decorated and taste great.
- Kashta ice cream presented in a fine dining manner with whipped cream on top.
- A selection of Maamoul for the holidays. Great desserts indeed.
I love it here. It's much more than just food. This place makes you feel like you have travelled a long distance yet you're actually home. I'll be back for sure.
