Thursday, February 17, 2011

L'Isba restaurant - Cedars


2 weeks ago, and thanks to my good old friend (@AccidentalTweep) for introducing me to L'Isba restaurant at the Cedars - Bcharre, I went to try it, and it happened to be Valentine (by accident!).
L'Isba (or The Hut) is located under the Cedars reserve in Arz, where you take your right near the Alpines hotel.
(There is a very notable sign)

You will notice a very comfortable and classy interior design.




And you can also get a special table design (in case of Valentine of course :P)

They have an agreeable 'Fondue' formula.
First, a fresh and a very tasty traditional salad. It felt like the vegetables were picked minutes ago.
Then the cheese or meat fondue (or even both). I just tasted the meat fondue, since I'm not a blind fan of cheese, and it was pretty good. You also get a plate of baked potato cubes to enjoy while waiting for the meat (or vice-versa :D).


And finally, of course, the mouth watering (better than sex) chocolate fondue!

My advice is to try L'Isba as soon as possible, since you can enjoy the Cedars in the snow, or some skiing at the slopes.
For reservation or more information, contact Wajih on 00961 3571154.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Fog, snow and Cedrus Libani

Last week, I visited two well-known Cedar reserves. One in the historical Barouk - Chouf that contains the largest natural reserve in Lebanon, and the other in Arz, Bsharre - North Lebanon, also known as 'The Cedars of God' because they were used by Solomon in the construction of the first temple in Jerusalem.
We were lucky to take some photos in fog and snow in Barouk. (I loved the first one below!)





And of course the amazing one drawn on the Lebanese Lira coin:


As for the Arz Cedar reserve, these are some photos.
Check the entourage first:

By the way, the reserve is always closed in winter, but you can ask people there, and they can guide you through a secret path ;)
First thing your eyes lie on is "Heaven's gate".



And this is Rudy Rahme's masterpiece.


And last but not least, the massive Cedar drawn in the Lebanese flag.


Make sure you visit Cedars in winter, and you will definitely know why they call them 'Cedars of God'.