ELI REZKALLAH
Creative maverick Eli Rezkallah is the groundbreaking artist and photographer behind Plastik, a playful, provocative and often controversial art and fashion magazine that has shaken up the Lebanese media industry. The 30-year-old Beiruti launched the outlandish, oversized title in 2009 when he was only 21 and the following year won Best Publication in the Middle East at the Dubai International Printing Awards. In 2016, the rest of the world tuned in when Plastik’s daring cover photo of Miley Cyrus went viral. The singer-songwriter was shot naked wearing only a dessert-themed eye patch and nipple covers. The genius of Eli, a master of visual storytelling, lies in his ability to lace glossy, hyper-real photo essays with darker socio-political messages. Here he recommends his favourite places to eat in Beirut.
LEBANESE BREAKFAST
“My favourite place for an authentic Lebanese breakfast is Al Soussi in Mar Elias. Try the traditional foul (fava beans with lemon, crushed garlic and cumin) and the scrambled eggs with qawarma (aromatic fried chopped lamb).”
BUZZY BRUNCH
Located in the hip Achrafieh neighbourhood and occupying the second floor of a former 19th-century palace, Liza Beirut is the stylish hangout of Beirut’s bright and beautiful, so dress to impress. The opulent interiors have a contemporary Middle Eastern flavour—think tropical wallpaper, geometric tiling, artsy hanging lanterns and ornate latticework. Eli recommends the Sunday brunch from noon to 4pm. Wash down delicious Lebanese treats with a glass of Château Kefraya Myst Rose from the Bekaa Valley. lizabeirut.com
SUPER SHAWARMA
“Restaurant Joseph serves one of the best shawarmas in Lebanon. It has layers of perfectly thin, delicious fresh bread filled with generous layers of juicy, tender meat served traditional style with lettuce and pickles. Everything is the best quality, which is why it tastes so good.” This charming no-frills restaurant can be found in the heart of Sin El Fil. Just follow your nose.
LUNCHING OUT
Another of Beirut’s buzziest hangouts is Meat
the Fish in Saifi Village. Diners often spill out onto the pavement where they perch on wooden pallets sipping local craft beers. As to be expected from such a cool culinary institution, the produce is fresh, seasonal, sustainable and of tip-top quality. There’s also a mini market area selling seafood. “It’s without a doubt the best-quality fish in town,” says Eli. meatthefish.com
DINNER TALK
Baron in Mar Mikhael is a small restaurant with a big reputation. Chef Athanasios Kargatzidis sources ingredients from Beirut’s farmers markets, Tripoli’s fishing boats and the fields of the Bekaa Valley. Expect traditional recipes and local ingredients presented in an imaginative new way. “Athanasios is one of the most creative chefs in town,” says Eli, who has been a regular since Baron opened in 2016. Watch Athanasios in action by securing the chef ’s table, which seats seven and overlooks the open kitchen. tastykitchens.com/baron