TANIA KASSIS
Shares her Lebanon loves
IF SOMEONE WERE VISITING LEBANON FOR 24 HOURS WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE THEM?
I would star t by taking them to visit the Jeitta grotto – a treasure of Lebanon not to be missed – then Harissa to enjoy the magnificent view over the bay of Jounieh and tell them about our Lady of Lebanon, who is worshiped by both Chr istians and Muslims. I would take them to visit the wonderful archeological site of Byblos in the af ternoon, with a nice walk through the old Souks, and end the day with a delicious Lebanese fish dinner in one of the restaurants of Byblos harbor.
NAME YOUR THREE FAVORITE PLACES TO GO FOR SUNDAY BRUNCH?
My favor ite one is Al Falamanki (01 323456, alfalamanki.com, Monot Street) for a typical Lebanese brunch, followed by the great international buf fet at the Four Seasons Hotel (01 761000, Minet El Hosn) or Al Mandaloun Café (01 321600/700, almandaloun.com, Charles Malek Ave, Tabar is).
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LEBANESE WINE OR ARAK?
I’m a big fan of Lebanese wine; my favor ite is Kefraya’s Comte de M.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR HIDDEN GEM IN LEBANON; ONE DESTINATION AWAITING DISCOVERY.
Qanat Baqish’s natural setting and magnificent view of the valley is a quiet place for a nice moment of solitude.
NAME ONE VILLAGE OR REGION THAT FEELS LIKE HOME.
I have always regretted not belonging to a village – our family is from Beirut. However Faqra is definitely my favorite place. I spend summer there every year and enjoy great winter moments too. I like the nature, the flowers, the trees, the colors, the calm, the sunset, the snow and the wonderful scenery.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE OUTDOOR ACTIVIT Y IN LEBANON?
I like to swim and enjoy sunny days on the beach. I usually go to L’automobile et Tour ing Club du Liban (ATCL, 09 640567, atcl.org, Jounieh), Spor ting (01 742481, Manara) or to one of our beautiful beaches in Jiyeh, Damour or Jbeil.
WHERE WOULD YOU GO FOR THE PERFECT COZY WINTER WEEKEND GETAWAY IN LEBANON?
The Intercontinental Mountain Resort & Spa, Mzaar (09 340100, icmzaar.com, Mzaar, Kfardebian) is a place I love during winter. It’s wonderful to enjoy the slopes. I’m a big fan of skiing, as well as the af ter-ski pleasures, with the spa access at The Intercontinental and the restaurant of fering fondue and raclette with a good wine.
NAME ONE OF YOUR URBAN SECRETS.
At the simple restaurants around the Pigeon Rocks at Raouche you can enjoy a nice cof fee in the morning or a glass of wine at sunset.
ARE YOU A MOUNTAIN OR SEA KIND OF GIRL?
I’m a little bit of both but my preference is for the sea. Looking at the horizon gives me a wonderful feeling of freedom. My favorite spot is the rock strip at ATCL where I of ten sit alone listening to chill out music, looking at the bay of Jounieh and our Lady of Lebanon, with whom I have a very special relationship.