Tag Archives | steak

Society Bistro – French Cuisine at Extremely Affordable Prices

Society Bistro at Saifi Suites Hotel is a french restaurant that has been in business for several years but became a serious hot spot almost one year ago after dramatically reducing its menu prices. My friends kept trying to drag me there since last summer but I only managed to go for the first time two months ago and totally regretted not doing so earlier!

To begin with, the restaurant’s interior is pretty cool, the non-smoking section has a ceiling made of blown glass grapes while the smoking area is decorated with backlit cymbals. And to reserve a table you sometimes should place your booking weeks ahead especially if it’s on weekend since it’s always full. However, if you have no problem waiting then you can simply show up with no reservation at 9:30 or 10:00PM and wait a bit before you get seated.

The first thing that will strike when you go over Society’s menu is how low are the prices are compared to other places of the same level. We’re talking about $6-$10 salads, $10-$21 mains, and $4 desserts, and don’t let these prices fool you into thinking Society compromises portion size or quality, on the contrary their portions are pretty generous and I personally loved all the items I’ve tried so far with my favorite being the Black Angus Tenderloin.

I honestly suck at describing flavors so I won’t act all foodie on you and just leave you with these appetizing photos all courtesy of @vistasbyrony.

Bottom line, while it’s becoming normal for restaurants to charge $20 for a burger nowadays, Society Bistro is quite a gem! With a friendly staff and cool ambiance I highly recommend you go check it out if you haven’t done so already.

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Le Relais de l’Entrecote Beirut

The name pretty much says all what this restaurant has to offer, entrecote meat. I went there a while ago an totally loved it. They have a fixed menu consisting of a lettuce-and-walnut salad as a starter, followed by two servings of steak cooked to your taste with butter sauce and fries on the side. And trust me, the steak is really really GOOD, I had mine medium cooked.

A dinner for two with drinks will cost you around $75-80, and I know you would be paying less than that for a bigger portions at e Cafe, but Le Relais de l’Entrecote offers a really different (don’t read better) experience and atmosphere that are worth paying for.

While one could save Le Relais for romantic dinners, e Cafe is to me more suitable for casual outings, and they’re both my favorites.

Le Relais de l’Entrecote is located at Abdel Wahab el-Inglizi street and has two other branches at Verdun and Downtown.

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Eau de Vie – Phoenicia Hotel

I was invited to a tasting at Eau de Vie Phoenicia last night which has been renovated and re-opened in November with a new design and exquisite menu.

I’ve never been to the place before, but I’ve been told it used to target old people prior to the renovation, and they’re now trying to attract younger people. Although I’m not really sure how many “young” people will be able to afford the prices on the menu, but I believe the overall experience of the place is worth it!

The staff was so friendly and took us on a small tour around the place to show us their new wine, whiskey, and cigar storage rooms, the new lounges and how small private areas can now be booked for groups of 50 people without really disturbing other guests, and of course their fantastic view of the Mediterranean and the mountains.

And then came the food… which was no less than awesome! We first got served some smoked salmon and a variety of salads, followed by our choice among 4 mouth watering main dishes, and finally a variety of really really REALLY GOOD desserts.

I totally recommend the place and I really hope they maintain their taste and quality of food, unlike other places in Beirut.

Oh and now that Valentine’s day is getting near, I suggest you book a table for two by the window at Eau de Vie if you’re on the look for a nice fancy place for you and your loved one, and I guarantee it’ll be your winning card 😉

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é Café at Eddé Yard Jbeil

I went to é Café at Eddé Yard Jbeil upon the recommendation of a friend back in March for the first time, and have fallen in love with their food ever since!

E Cafe Jbeil

Passing by the old souk of Jbeil, there’s no way you can miss é Café and the barbecue placed outside their kitchen. The place consists of a beautiful outdoor area and a cozy interior space, offering 2 small french and italian menus, in a very nice ambiance. However, you wont need to check on their items because you will know what to order the minute you start watching the chef grilling mouth watering pieces of entrecote!

E Cafe Jbeil 1

The entrecote will be grilled to your taste (I recommend medium well) right in front of you. Once done, the chef will place it on a bed of grilled onions and potatoes, accompanied with a sauce containing butter and some other things but tastes good anyway, and a bowl or rocca salad with balsamic vinegar, all tasting very good!

E Cafe Jbeil 2

When done, your experience will seriously be incomplete if you don’t order their Gauffre au chocolat! Ignore any other topping mentioned in the menu, and go straight for the dark chocolate, it just tastes like heaven!

E Cafe Jbeil 3 E Cafe Jbeil 4

The staff at é Café is very friendly, and it’s impressive that their service was very timely each time I went there. If you plan to visit the place, then I recommend you go there on a Saturday night during summertime as the old souk is now packed with outdoor pubs and bars, and gets crowded with people on Saturdays creating a nice atmosphere.

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