NoGarlicNoOnions: Restaurant, Food, and Travel Stories/Reviews

Epic ANJAR: Activities, Nature, Water, Agriculture, Food, History and Endless Stories!

Mechwar Videos | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

September 03, 2022

Mechwar Videos

Epic ANJAR: Activities, Nature, Water, Agriculture, Food, History and Endless Stories!

Although I've been to Anjar several times, I decided to go back to get a different perspective. With various activities planned in this serene environment, the day was destined to be great!

September 03, 2022 | Bekaa

Aainata el Arz: Beauty, Richness & Fertility Between the Bekaa Valley and Bcharri Mountains

Mechwar Videos | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

October 10, 2020

Mechwar Videos

Aainata el Arz: Beauty, Richness & Fertility Between the Bekaa Valley and Bcharri Mountains

Ainata, or sometimes known as Ainata-Al Ariz (Arabic:عيناتا الأرز) is a Lebanese village, 108 km from Beirut, located in Northern Lebanon, between the Bsharri District and the Baalbek District.…

October 10, 2020 | Travel & Tourism | Bekaa

Photos and Videos of The Historical Rayak Train Station

Mechwar Videos

October 10, 2020

Mechwar Videos

Photos and Videos of The Historical Rayak Train Station

Only rust remains at Rayak: Lebanon′s railway heritage In August 1895, the first steam locomotive departed from the port city of Beirut, crossed the rugged terrain of Lebanon′s Bekaa…

October 10, 2020 | Travel & Tourism

Ammiq Wetland: A Breathtaking Experience for the Senses

Travel & Tourism | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

September 07, 2020

Travel & Tourism

Ammiq Wetland: A Breathtaking Experience for the Senses

The Ammiq Wetland (100 hectares) is the last significant wetland in Lebanon, a remnant of extensive marshes and lakes that once covered parts of the Beqaa Valley. This natural spot remains an…

September 07, 2020 | Bekaa

BACK TO THE ROOTS: Produce from the Land. Agriculture in Ras Baalbeck: Fresh Natural Products

Mechwar Videos | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

June 02, 2020

Mechwar Videos

BACK TO THE ROOTS: Produce from the Land. Agriculture in Ras Baalbeck: Fresh Natural Products

A healthy body is a healthy mind. A healthy mind is a happy person. A happy person is everything! You need to take care of your body as though it is your own child, listen to it, and feed it what it…

June 02, 2020 | Travel & Tourism | Bekaa

BRITEL: A Mountainous Village Near Baalbeck with Welcoming People

Mechwar Videos | Baalbeck Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Bekaa

March 27, 2020

Mechwar Videos

BRITEL: A Mountainous Village Near Baalbeck with Welcoming People

Brital (Arabic: بريتال‎) is a village located in the

March 27, 2020 | Travel & Tourism | Baalbeck

A NEW WINE, FROM OLD VINES: Chateau Ksara, Releases Carignan Varietal

Coffee, Wine & Drinks

March 17, 2020

Coffee, Wine & Drinks

A NEW WINE, FROM OLD VINES: Chateau Ksara, Releases Carignan Varietal

After the international success of its Merwah varietal, Château Ksara, has once again honored its roots and produced the country’s first Old Vine Carignan varietal. Carignan has been…

March 17, 2020 | News

Beautiful Anjar: A World Heritage Site You Have to Visit

Mechwar Videos | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

January 18, 2020

Mechwar Videos

Beautiful Anjar: A World Heritage Site You Have to Visit

The city of Anjar was founded by Caliph Walid I at the beginning of the 8th century. The ruins reveal a very regular layout, reminiscent of the palace-cities of ancient times, and are a unique…

January 18, 2020 | Travel & Tourism | Bekaa

Rashaya: The Famous Fortress, The Longest Souk... An Informative Video

Mechwar Videos | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

November 21, 2019

Mechwar Videos

Rashaya: The Famous Fortress, The Longest Souk... An Informative Video

Rashaya, also known as Rashaya al-Wadi or Rachaya el-Wadi(and variations) is a town in Lebanon, situated in the Rashaya District and south of the Beqaa…

November 21, 2019 | Travel & Tourism | Bekaa

Visit El Kaa: Tourism, Sceneries, Food and Adventure (A Video Review)

Mechwar Videos | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

November 21, 2019

Mechwar Videos

Visit El Kaa: Tourism, Sceneries, Food and Adventure (A Video Review)

Qaa, El Qaa, Al Qaa or Masharih al-Qaa is a town in Baalbek-Hermel Governorate, Lebanon. It has a mainly Greek Catholic population. The village has been the target of attacks from the…

November 21, 2019 | Travel & Tourism | Bekaa

Have You Ever Been to Yammouneh? Watch the Video and Plan Your Visit

Mechwar Videos | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

September 02, 2019

Mechwar Videos

Have You Ever Been to Yammouneh? Watch the Video and Plan Your Visit

Yammoune is a lake, nature reserve, village, and municipality situated 27 kilometers northwest of Baalbek in Baalbek District, Baalbek-Hermel Governorate, Lebanon. The village has a few hundred…

September 02, 2019 | Travel & Tourism | Bekaa

Couvent Rouge: A Promising Wine and One of Lebanon's Best

Coffee, Wine & Drinks | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

September 02, 2019

Coffee, Wine & Drinks

Couvent Rouge: A Promising Wine and One of Lebanon's Best

Couvent Rouge was established in 2010, as a complement to the “Coteaux d’Heliopolis” cooperative project. Founded in 1999, the cooperative’s purpose was to replace illicit…

September 02, 2019 | News | Bekaa

Let's Get Lost in Hermel: "Rafting Squad" Experience on Al Assi River

Travel & Tourism | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

September 02, 2019

Travel & Tourism

Let's Get Lost in Hermel: "Rafting Squad" Experience on Al Assi River

I spent two memorable days on the river, enjoyed a two hours rafting experience, slept at the club and most importantly enjoyed one of the best breakfasts ever. Made with love, breakfast, and…

September 02, 2019 | Bekaa

Dont Miss out Arak Festival in Zahle on 26 and 27 July 2019

Events | Zahle Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Bekaa

July 26, 2019

Events

Dont Miss out Arak Festival in Zahle on 26 and 27 July 2019

Arak or araq is a Lebanese unsweetened distilled spirit in the anise drinks family. The alcohol content may get as high as 95% if it is homemade according to Lebanese traditions. It is a translucent…

July 26, 2019 | News | Zahle

Photos of the Chtaura Park Hotel: An Agreeable Stay in a Historic Hotel

Hotels | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

July 19, 2019

Hotels

Photos of the Chtaura Park Hotel: An Agreeable Stay in a Historic Hotel

Chtaura Park Hotel is located in the heart of the Beqaa Valley and is 45 km away from the Rafic Hariri Beirut International Airport. The hotel is perfectly located with easy access to local banks,…

July 19, 2019 | Bekaa

Mechwar to Rass Baalbeck: A Breathtaking Video and 400 Photos to Enjoy

Mechwar Videos | Baalbeck Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Bekaa

July 14, 2019

Mechwar Videos

Mechwar to Rass Baalbeck: A Breathtaking Video and 400 Photos to Enjoy

Ras Baalbek (Arabic: رأس بعلبك‎) is a village in the northern Beqaa Valley in

July 14, 2019 | Travel & Tourism | Baalbeck

Chateau Kefraya Amphora Special Edition: Rediscovering Phoenician Wine’s Identity

Coffee, Wine & Drinks

March 27, 2019

Coffee, Wine & Drinks

Chateau Kefraya Amphora Special Edition: Rediscovering Phoenician Wine’s Identity

Before the existence of the French wooden barrel, ‘‘Phoenicia’s wine’’ used to cross the Mediterranean, from Byblos’ Lebanese port.

March 27, 2019 | News

Restaurant Shams Anjar: A Restaurant I Recommend Serves Delicious Lebanese Food

Lebanese/Middle Eastern | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

March 14, 2019

Lebanese/Middle Eastern

Restaurant Shams Anjar: A Restaurant I Recommend Serves Delicious Lebanese Food

What a place! You hear about it until you discover it by yourself! Chams is Anjar’s famous restaurant and one of the country’s biggest. With a bowling arena, 9D cinema, chocolate brand,…

March 14, 2019 | Recommended | Bekaa

Rayak Train Station: A Local Heritage Everyone Should See

News | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

January 13, 2019

News

Rayak Train Station: A Local Heritage Everyone Should See

The city of Rayak is found in the middle of the Bekaa Valley, between two of the major touristic cities of Lebanon, Zahle, and Baalbek. This city was once well known for its military airport,…

January 13, 2019 | Travel & Tourism | Bekaa

Rayak Boutique Winery: Every Bottle is Made with Love

Coffee, Wine & Drinks | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

December 25, 2018

Coffee, Wine & Drinks

Rayak Boutique Winery: Every Bottle is Made with Love

Wine-making has been a passion of the Maalouf family for hundreds of years. In 1914 the family escaped the World War One famine in Mount Lebanon and took refuge in the city of Rayak, in the…

December 25, 2018 | Tasty Discoveries | Bekaa

Domaine de Taanayel: A Piece of Heaven in the Bekaa

Mechwar Videos | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

June 17, 2018

Mechwar Videos

Domaine de Taanayel: A Piece of Heaven in the Bekaa

In 2009 the Domaine de Taanayel and arcenciel signed a long-term partnership deal of which the mission is to enhance the environment for social work services. The objective is to make the…

June 17, 2018 | Popular | Bekaa

Ecolodge Taanayel: Plan Your Weekend Getaway in the Bekaa

News | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

May 13, 2018

News

Ecolodge Taanayel: Plan Your Weekend Getaway in the Bekaa

En 2006 arcenciel construit un Ecolodge à Taanayel (Békaa) pour promouvoir l’éco-tourisme dans la région. L’architecture de l’Ecolodge s’inspire…

May 13, 2018 | Bekaa

Karm el Joz: A Relaxing Green Space

Spotted Stories | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

April 24, 2018

Spotted Stories

Karm el Joz: A Relaxing Green Space

Karm elJoz is a space for celebrations. Located in Taanayel, at the entrance of the Bekaa, it is one of the largest walnut orchards in the country. It is trees and green for as far as the eye can…

April 24, 2018 | Bekaa

Chateau Kefraya: An Escape in West Bekaa

International Cuisine | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

November 12, 2017

International Cuisine

Chateau Kefraya: An Escape in West Bekaa

The West Bekaa region has a rich cultural heritage and history. On your way from the Shouf region to Kefraya, don’t miss Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve and the 19th century Beit-Eddine Palace,…

November 12, 2017 | Restaurants | Bekaa

Cascada: A New Giant Mall Opens in the Bekaa

News | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

November 11, 2017

News

Cascada: A New Giant Mall Opens in the Bekaa

Cascada Mall is situated on a 220,000 sqm piece of land in the heart of the Bekaa valley featuring several synergistic hubs like the shopping center, Arcadia Wedding Venue, Medical center,…

November 11, 2017 | Bekaa

Lebanon's Chateau Kefraya "Comte de M" Sets a New Record

Coffee, Wine & Drinks

November 06, 2017

Coffee, Wine & Drinks

Lebanon's Chateau Kefraya "Comte de M" Sets a New Record

CHATEAU KEFRAYA'S "COMTE DE M" SETS A NEW RECORD: VINTAGE 2012 OBTAINS 93 POINTS, FROM ROBERT PARKER’S ‘’WINE ADVOCATE’’

November 06, 2017 | News

Mechwar to Chmestar, Baalbeck

Mechwar Videos | Baalbeck Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Bekaa

September 19, 2017

Mechwar Videos

Mechwar to Chmestar, Baalbeck

Shmustar, also spelled Shmistar or Chmistar (Arabic: شمسطار‎‎) is a

September 19, 2017 | Travel & Tourism | Baalbeck

Al Haush: A Piece of Heaven in the Heart of the Bekaa

Hotels | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

June 15, 2017

Hotels

Al Haush: A Piece of Heaven in the Heart of the Bekaa

We planned to spend the weekend in the heart of the Bekaa... A piece of heaven on earth, Al Haush is a place rich with history... It feels like a museum filled with amazing traditional things... I…

June 15, 2017 | Lebanese/Middle Eastern | Bekaa

Souk el Akel: For the First Time in the Bekaa; Celebrating Zahle

Events | Zahle Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Bekaa

May 12, 2017

Events

Souk el Akel: For the First Time in the Bekaa; Celebrating Zahle

Zahle here we come... two days of endless fun, entertainment, great food ideas and the Universite Antonine Job Fair.

May 12, 2017 | News | Zahle

Zahle: The Bride of the Bekaa

Mechwar Videos | Zahle Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Bekaa

February 06, 2017

Mechwar Videos

Zahle: The Bride of the Bekaa

A red-roofed town set among the eastern foothills of Mount Sannine, Zahlé enjoys a prime location in the Beqaa valley. Snowcapped mountains tower above it in winter, while in summer its…

February 06, 2017 | Zahle

This Sunday... We're Going to Baalbeck!

News | Baalbeck Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Bekaa

September 22, 2016

News

This Sunday... We're Going to Baalbeck!

Driven by our love of Lebanon and her hidden corners, and inspired by NGNO, The Foodie’s Trail is a range of special tours around the country.

September 22, 2016 | Popular | Baalbeck

The Box of Change: Delivering Goodies from Ersal! (Product Discontinued)

The Box

June 03, 2016

The Box

The Box of Change: Delivering Goodies from Ersal! (Product Discontinued)

This morning 500 Boxes have made it around town. The Box is a monthly box of goodness that includes a handpicked selection of the finest food, goodies and gadgets from across…

June 03, 2016

Instead of Rhône, France, Try Bekaa Valley, Lebanon

News

November 17, 2015

News

Instead of Rhône, France, Try Bekaa Valley, Lebanon

Business Insider: 8 overrated wine countries around the world — and where to go instead Older might be better when it comes to wine, but not neces

November 17, 2015 | Popular

Mechwar Baalbeck: A Day I'll Remember for a Long Time

Mechwar Videos | Baalbeck Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Bekaa

July 02, 2015

Mechwar Videos

Mechwar Baalbeck: A Day I'll Remember for a Long Time

One can't mention Lebanon without thinking of Baalbeck, the great temple. The Roman temple of Baalbeck is considered one of the world's biggest, if not the biggest, and is famous to everyone…

July 02, 2015 | Travel & Tourism | Baalbeck

Mountain House: High Standards and Beautiful Decor up in Baalbeck

Breakfast & Coffee | Baalbeck Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Bekaa

April 17, 2015

Breakfast & Coffee

Mountain House: High Standards and Beautiful Decor up in Baalbeck

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…

April 17, 2015 | Recommended | Baalbeck

Zahle, Lebanon is Proudly an Unesco City of Gastronomy

News | Zahle Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Bekaa

February 16, 2015

News

Zahle, Lebanon is Proudly an Unesco City of Gastronomy

This morning, Raymond Hanna, a NoGarlicNoOnions reader and supporter sent me a story that put a smile on my face. Yes, out of only 5 cities around the world, Zahle, our local Lebanese Zahle is part…

February 16, 2015 | Zahle

Al Tanbakji: Plunge into the Lebanese Culinary Heritage

Lebanese/Middle Eastern | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

February 12, 2015

Lebanese/Middle Eastern

Al Tanbakji: Plunge into the Lebanese Culinary Heritage

Our discovery tour around Zahle ended at Al Tanbakji, this famous restaurant facing the Ksara winery. Al Tanbakji is a revival of our traditions within a restaurant. Enter a reconstructed Lebanese…

February 12, 2015 | Restaurants | Bekaa

Visiting Zahle: A Delicious Journey Around the Bekaa Capital

Mechwar Videos | Zahle Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Bekaa

January 05, 2015

Mechwar Videos

Visiting Zahle: A Delicious Journey Around the Bekaa Capital

Zahle is one of Lebanon’s gems. Although a long drive away from Beirut city, Zahle is not at all far, especially if you’re looking for something delicious to eat… Zahle has so much…

January 05, 2015 | Travel & Tourism | Zahle

Tasty Discovery: Homemade Kaak bi Halib from Kherbet Anafar

Tasty Discoveries | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

January 04, 2015

Tasty Discoveries

Tasty Discovery: Homemade Kaak bi Halib from Kherbet Anafar

One of my absolutely favorite bites is Kaak bi Halib or what are also known as soft milk buns or milk cakes. I love them and my preferred to date has been the ones sold at Salon des Familles in…

January 04, 2015 | Bekaa

Wine Grapes Harvest Season in Lebanon: Bekaa and Batroun

Coffee, Wine & Drinks

October 18, 2014

Coffee, Wine & Drinks

Wine Grapes Harvest Season in Lebanon: Bekaa and Batroun

So much to discover and appreciate in our beautiful country...I wake up sometimes wanting to discover what's happening behind the mountains and valleys.. I am always ready to pack my camera and head…

October 18, 2014 | Mechwar Videos

Le Petit Déjeuner du Vigneron at Le Relais Dionysos, Kefraya

Breakfast & Coffee | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

September 15, 2014

Breakfast & Coffee

Le Petit Déjeuner du Vigneron at Le Relais Dionysos, Kefraya

While the season for harvesting grapes is upon us, Chateau Kefraya is organizing tours for every wine enthusiast who wants to live the experience from end to start. Come to Kefraya, one of…

September 15, 2014 | International Cuisine | Bekaa

Massaad Barbecue Zahle: Tales of Taouk

Lebanese/Middle Eastern | Zahle Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Bekaa

July 08, 2014

Lebanese/Middle Eastern

Massaad Barbecue Zahle: Tales of Taouk

If you’re from Zahle or know someone living in Zahle, Massaad barbecue is a popular place there. “Tabliyet Massaad!” It’s what the locals tell you when you ask where…

July 08, 2014 | Recommended | Zahle

Bouzat el Berdawni: Zahle's Living Tradition

Ice Cream & Gelato | Zahle Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Bekaa

July 04, 2014

Ice Cream & Gelato

Bouzat el Berdawni: Zahle's Living Tradition

Berdawni isn't only about Casino Arabi and Casino Mhanna, it’s also about the tastiest ice cream in Zahle and the famous Semsmieh. Visiting Zahle for a food discovery, specifically some sweet…

July 04, 2014 | Tasty Discoveries | Zahle

A Visit to Tanmia's Chicken Factory

Spotted Stories | Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Lebanon

June 25, 2014

Spotted Stories

A Visit to Tanmia's Chicken Factory

I love visiting factories, something I used to organize on a monthly basis for my scouts. I used to love introducing them to how things were produced, showing them how hard and sophisticated the…

June 25, 2014 | Bekaa

Salon el 3a2ilat, Zahle: Lebanon's Finest Kaak b 7alib

Desserts & Sweets | Zahle Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Bekaa

May 21, 2014

Desserts & Sweets

Salon el 3a2ilat, Zahle: Lebanon's Finest Kaak b 7alib

I’d last been to Zahle more than two years ago and the flavors of their Kaak b Halib hadn’t left my memory. I can still remember their texture, their smell, their aroma and rich…

May 21, 2014 | Popular | Zahle

Georges Massaad Zahle: Foul, Hommos, Balila and Fried Eggs

Breakfast & Coffee | Zahle Bekaa Lebanon Middle East

Bekaa

May 21, 2014

Breakfast & Coffee

Georges Massaad Zahle: Foul, Hommos, Balila and Fried Eggs

I know, I should have been working on a Monday morning instead of touring around... Driven by passion, on this beautiful Monday morning I decided to give Zahle a visit. I'm new to the area so…

May 21, 2014 | Street Food | Zahle

Chateau Ksara "The Original Story": A Video to Watch

Coffee, Wine & Drinks

December 18, 2013

Coffee, Wine & Drinks

Chateau Ksara "The Original Story": A Video to Watch

That's a video worth watching. A creative series of four videos of which the below is a general overview telling the story of the Ksara caves discovery. Ksara is the oldest winery in Lebanon. It has…

December 18, 2013 | Spotted Stories

Chateau Nakad: Wine, Culture and Taste Since 1923

Coffee, Wine & Drinks

May 10, 2013

Coffee, Wine & Drinks

Chateau Nakad: Wine, Culture and Taste Since 1923

Located in the Bekaa is a small village called Jdita, known for its fertile land, stands an old house built on the remains of a wine cellar. The house dates back to the Bronze Age and carries…

May 10, 2013 | Spotted Stories

Meet Afendello - A Zesty Experience Like No Other

Have you heard of Afendello? If you haven't yet, you're missing out on a lot and I will tell you why. You can take a minute. Perhaps you're still pondering over the name - Afendello - as it sounds…

May 08, 2013 | Tasty Discoveries