A MELTING POT OF GREAT FLAVORS AT BEIRUT COOKING FESTIVAL

Beirut Cooking Festival’s seventh edition marked a week of success for Lebanon’s culinary scene. Held concurrently with the Salon du Chocolat Beirut, the event celebrated the best local and international flavors, drawing in an audience of over 16,000 food lovers over the course of three days

Held at BIEL from 16-18 November, visitors were able to explore more than 100 stands showcasing the latest food and beverage products as well as kitchenware and cooking equipment. More than 20 wellknown chefs took part in the Chefs’ Theater and entertained the crowd with a selection of exquisite dishes including succulent seared foie gras and beef Wellington.

Elsewhere, the Librairie Gourmande invited visitors to browse a vast selection of cookbooks and attend book signings with well-known authors such as Kamal Mouzawak, Viviane Zoghbi and Zeina Akiki. A musical program and a food court topped off the exhibition, offering visitors an area to enjoy food from popular vendors and food trucks.

"The success of this festival, despite the current circumstances, is a testament to the spirit of our people who love to celebrate our food culture,” said Joumana Dammous-salame, managing director of Hospitality Services, the festival organizer.

Beirut Cooking Festival rounded off Gourmet Week, an initiative by Hospitality Services to promote the best restaurants in and around Beirut. More than 30 popular establishments took part in the fourth edition, from 13-17 November, where diners were able to take advantage of special set menus and discounts.