Stunning, this place is really amazing. I came to Baalbeck expecting to see a village in distress, exactly like you see on the news... Stunning is the word, the kind of place I rarely visit, a marvel, an architectural wonder, up in Baalbeck.
Enter an old house with a fresh spirit, a house divided into two spaces open to one another through a window. Wallpaper decorate the walls, a beige floor, white wooden windows and fresh blue colors all make this place a relaxing, soothing restaurant. I felt like I was in a home away from home.
From the ceiling a dozen metallic buckets hang, each containing a lamp and are painted in white on the inside with a red flower. Inside the space are rectangular tables surrounded by relaxing chairs and big cushions. Everything is floral and fun... I fell in love with this restaurant.
The table was prepared for breakfast. A generous local breakfast with hints of modernity. Labneh, kechek, eggs with Kawarma, white cheese, goat labneh, fatteh and a vegetable platter.
I started with the eggs and Kawarma using a fine Kawarma from the village. Loaded with fat and rich meat, served in a clay pot. The foul is prepared differently; even though cooked with its envelope, it's rich in taste and firm in consistency and served with diced tomatoes and shredded parsley. My favorite was the fatteh; Laban, fried nuts, pomegranate and paprika. Well-cooked chickpeas and toasted bread in a bowl of cold Laban. With that, fresh, local bread, tea served in glasses and lots of authenticity and passion in every plate.
Taken in by the ambiance and decor, I forgot to have a look at the menu or even take photos of it.
A unique place indeed! With Fayrouz singing in the background, we enjoyed a pleasant meal in the light of the sun. Baalbeck has a decent upscaled restaurant with fine standards. I hope and wish the photos will express my amazement.
Next time you're here for the festivals, come early, have breakfast at The Mountain House and lunch at Al Ajami before moving on to the ruins.
