BURGUNDY NAMED TOP CNN RESTAURANT

CNN Travel has named Beirut's Burgundy restaurant among the world’s 20 underrated restaurants in the world. The list included Al Toke Pez, Peru (Lima), Enigma, Spain (Barcelona), Moregrill, Russia (Moscow), and Ristorante Giglio, Italy (Tuscany). CNN said that even with influential guides navigating foodies to elite restaurants around the planet, great eateries continue to fly beneath the radar. Food writers and a regional chair of the global academy that appoints panelists for the World's 50 Best Restaurants were asked to make the recommendations. Jade George, editorial director of Middle Eastern food culture magazine Carton, reported: "It bills itself as contemporary French, but chef Youssef Akiki of Burgundy challenges rigid dining habits by introducing Lebanese dishes done his way, and often experimenting with local produce. Although the restaurant's tasting menu changes seasonally, I am fond of Akiki's bird dishes, his pickled vegetable dish from Jacqueline’s garden and the savory and sweet bites with which he takes you on a regional journey.”