DAGMAR’S FAVORITES

LEBANESE DISH

I eat almost everything Lebanese, which is why I cannot name a favorite dish. I love how fresh and natural ingredients are here and how Lebanese food is shared leisurely.

LEBANESE RESTAURANT

Due to my positon as GM of Phoenicia Hotel Beirut, I have literally tried all the restaurants in town. Some of my favorite Lebanese spots are Babel (04 546546/ 04 542842), Em Sherif (01 206206/70 919119) and Mayrig (01 572121).

BAR

I often grab a drink and listen to good music at Joe Peña's (01 449906/03 053093) because it’s a symbolic place for me. Bar du Port (71 444006) is another spot I frequent and somewhere I took an immediate liking to. If I feel like taking things to another level, I go to Music Hall (03 807555), Iris (03 090936) or Pacifico (01 204446). It all depends on the crowd I am with.

COFFEE SHOP

I enjoy spending a lazy Sunday afternoon at Starbucks in Zaitunay Bay. It’s a great place to people watch and their coffee hits the spot.

HIDDEN URBAN GEM

Every time I walk around Beirut, I discover a new gem to add to the list! The streets around Sursock are full of old Lebanese houses that have been beautifully preserved.

PLACE TO UNWIND

One special summer spot is Colonel Beer Microbrewery (03 743543) in Batroun. The place is simple, authentic and offers a little bit of everything in an unpretentious way.