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The digital-oriented Arabnet Beirut 2014, which took place on the first week of March, made a point to honor all innovative sectors of the Middle East including, of course, food. After the first Forum Day was wrapped on March 5th, a mouthwatering culinary feast was held for the visiting guests and entrepreneurs in Beirut Digital District to savor 16 different flavors of Beirut. Over 200 attendees abandoned their formal suits and business cards and strolled and mingled in the 3000 square-meter space, allowing their taste buds to sample more than 16 food and beverage products. Drinks and liquor flowed while the delicious aroma of Indian, Vietnamese, Lebanese (of course), Italian, Moroccan, and Chinese platters filled the huge tent that was set up specifically for this event. The witty, nostalgic songs of Ziad Rahbani and other Lebanese oldies played by the band Wahdon added that special Beirut flavor which we all love.

Beirut Digital District was guest to some of the most exquisite Lebanese restaurants: Couqley, Mergherita Pizzeria, Jai, Mezyan, Abdelwahab, BRGR.Co, Dip N Dip, and Crave. The stars of the show, needless to say, were the chefs and bartenders, who patiently described their recipes over and over to curious samplers standing patiently in line. Spicy lovers enjoyed Hindi’s Rogan Josh platter (lamb Curry with saffron), while Margherita’s delicious parmesan-sprinkled spaghetti with tomato sauce was a general favorite. “We are doing a live demonstration of our dishes,” Massimo Diano, corporate chef of Margherita group, told Arabnet. “As you know, Pasta should be made and eaten right away.” No we didn’t actually, but thanks for the tip!

One of the most popular dishes was Couqley’s famous steak and fries, prepared through a live barbecue demonstration in the background. “[Couqley] is very much integrated into the digital community, as you can see from our Facebook and twitter page,” Couqley’s manager told Arabnet. “Today, we’re giving the people what they love.” BRGR Co’s mini-hamburgers were another delightful treat that made the event that much tastier.

Startup restaurants, like Jai, the popular and possibly only Asian delivery center in town, had their share of the moment as well. “We’ve been open for over a year now, and the feedback we’re having is amazing,” Jai’s manager, Wael Labkani, delightfully told Arabnet. After tasting their Shrimp Summer Rolls, I have to admit I quickly became a fan. As for the seafood section, Crave, the fusion bistro in Monot, offered mouthwatering salmon filet, grilled to perfection and served with sweet cream sauce.

Abdel Wahab and Mezyan were the perfect venue for Lebanese food lovers. Abdel Wahab’s mini-appetizer plates, as small as the palm of a hand, received huge success among casual tasters, and Mezyan’s delicate recipes decorated with ultimate precision was a true testament of the talent of Lebanese Chefs. After the main courses were savored, dessert was handed over to—you guessed it—Dip n Dip’s heavenly Belgian chocolate. 

But Taste of Beirut wasn’t all about heavy eating and drinking. Qi Juice Cleanse’s section, which had the slogan “Feel like you’ve eaten too much? It’s time for some detox” had its share of impressed and tummy grateful tasters. “We have organic cold pressed fresh vegetable and fruit juice,” the owner of the green radical concept told Arabnet. “They’re for detoxifying and alkalizing the body.  We’re here as part of the juice supplies, so between the beer and the wine, you can detoxify here and retoxifty there!” Their Red Magic drink, an energizing drink made with beetroot, carrots, apple and ginger was a delicious favorite among the guests. And guess what? It tasted nothing short of splendid. 

The alcoholic beverages were supplied by Beirut’s finest. 961 and Corona Extra hosted the beer, to the delight of all the beer lovers, and Massaya complemented the main dishes with its exquisite wine. The vodka was offered by none other than the renowned Stolichnaya and the refined Ketel One. Those who preferred whiskey found themselves visiting Johnnie Walker’s stand every now and then throughout the evening. 

And last but not least, Bittersweet, which is a catering service that transforms your events into a medley of delicate flavors, distributed amazing cocktails to Taste of Beirut’s attendees. 

The mini-festival lasted till midnight, and of course, it wouldn’t have captured the Lebanese spirit if it weren’t for the dabkeh dance that took place after the alcohol had worked its way in the guests’ systems. Check out the live coverage of the event below by No Garlic No Onion.