Insider tips

LT speaks to Greek-lebanese artist, producer and founder of cabaret-style theater, Music Hall, Michel Elefteriades. He might be a master of nightlife, but we discovered he still makes time to enjoy the country when the sun is still shining. Here are his t

Michel Elefteriades’ favorite spots

IF SOMEONE IS VISITING LEBANON FOR JUST 24 HOURS, WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE THEM?

I would take them to Baalbeck and we would have lunch in Zahlé at a good Lebanese restaurant like Casino Mhanna (Berdawni, Zahle, 08 800634, closed during winter) or Arabi (08 800144, Berdawni, Zahle.)

WHAT’S YOUR HIDDEN GEM IN LEBANON – AN UNKNOWN DESTINATION AWAITING DISCOVERY?

I have one but don’t expect me to reveal it to the media and take the risk to mention it to invaders.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE NIGHTLIFE ESSENTIALS TO VISIT IN BEIRUT?

Music Hall (Starco Center, Omar Daouk Street, Beirut Central District, 01 361236, themusichall.com) and I would have given you the same answer even if I wasn’t its owner.

NAME ONE VILLAGE OR TOWN THAT FEELS LIKE HOME AND WHY?

Ajaltoun in the Keserwan region because that is where I spent all my summers till I was 20.

TELL US ABOUT ONE OF YOUR URBAN SECRETS?

Bread Republic (Main Street, Hamra, 01 739040, Bread Republic Hamra), late at night.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO GO FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY IN THE SPRING?

Laqlouq because it’s a special place for me.

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WHAT WOULD YOU TAKE IN A PICNIC BASKET FOR A TRIP TO THE CITY PARK HORSCH BEIRUT?

Bananas, oranges and apples, and maybe kaaké and Picon cream cheese.

WHERE IS THE OLIVE OIL IN YOUR KITCHEN FROM?

Every year, Faysal and May Khalil, the founder and president of the Beirut Marathon Association, send me oil and olives from their village Hasbaya.

IF YOU WERE STUCK ON A TRIPOLI PALM ISLAND AND COULD ONLY TAKE THREE RECORDS BY LEBANESE ARTISTS WHICH ONES WOULD THEY BE?

The best of Fairuz, the best of Wadih El Safi and an album that I produced for Tony Hanna, Tony Hanna & the Yugoslavian Gipsy Brass Band – “My Village, Lost Somewhere Between Beograd And Baghdad.”