L’Atelier du Miel Workshop & Garden Cafe – Mar Mikhael

We got stuck in so much traffic on our way to have breakfast at L’Atelier du Miel but it was worth it. The staff was very friendly and we were welcomed with a taste of just-made chocolate confections. What I liked about L’Atelier du Miel was the pride and passion that seemed to exude from their products. This was shown in the knowledge of how their honey is made, as well as in the various types of honey featured in the items on their food menu. I appreciated that the paper placemat had the map of Lebanon on it, with a colored legend telling us which honey was made where. I also loved that my hot chocolate was infused with honey and that their strawberry jam was deliciously sweetened with the golden syrup. While my other half indulged in poached eggs with smoked salmon (one of the things on my list to eat as soon as I give birth), I had the scrambled eggs. They were so fluffy and creamy sitting on a slice of bread, and I really enjoyed them. I added some of the olive tapenade that came with the bread basket to them as well. The olive paste was great and nothing beats freshly baked bread. As for the croissants…yummy! They were so crispy and flaky. The stack of pancakes was my least favorite item; I did not feel that they were as fluffy as they should be. They were generously engulfed with honey, which rendered them a tad too sweet. However, to be fair, I was the one that had to order them without the accompanying berries, which I am sure would have added the necessary tartness that would balance the flavors. At the end of the breakfast, I was surprised with a lovely gesture: a box of Nougats as a gift for the constantly hungry baby kicking in my womb. We also could not leave the premises before taking some of their honey home with us. The comfortable ambiance at L’Atelier du Miel made me feel good on the inside, and I will be returning to taste their salads, sandwiches, and hot platters—of course, adorned with honey.

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The Sage Parlour – Mar Mikhael

Usually when I think of eateries in the streets of Mar Mikhael, most of the time what comes to mind is a tiny space to dine in. I was delighted to see that The Sage Parlour was not one of them. The larger size of the restaurant left me feeling comfortable, and the interior was beautifully crafted. The glass doors and facade let natural light in, the accessories were carefully coordinated, and the “greenery” sprouting from the wooden ceilings added to the relaxing ambiance. Also, our waitress was great; she was meticulous and attentive, as well as being friendly and polite. Our drinks arrived first. Not a keen coffee drinker, I ordered the hot chocolate, yet I was slightly disappointed because I like my hot cocoa to be richer and more creamy. I love it when the chocolatey drink is thick and dense. Then, their fluffy pull-aparts graced our table. I enjoyed biting into them, although I preferred them with the salt and butter more than with the sweetness of the jam. However, I would have loved it if the butter had been a tad more “spreadable”, instead of it just sitting there on the bread. For our mains, I liked the presentation of the Shakshouka and Merguez sausages on the side that my husband ordered, and loved my omelette platter. To sweeten things up, I had the buttermilk pancakes which were very good. All in all, I was looking for a laid back breakfast experience, and that is what I got. I would like to come back to The Sage Parlour to try their daily bakes and soft boiled eggs, and I also do have to try their Eggs Benedict!

SUD Restobar – Mar Mikhael

(Special: Sundays Brunch)

After trying SUD’s superb Fondue & Stone Grilling dinner, I was very excited to try out their famous Sundays Brunch at their Mar Mikhael branch. The service was really good as well, and the staff was friendly. There was a live D.J. playing music which was nice, although it was a bit too loud. I liked the high “ceilings”, and from where I was seated, I could look up to see the sky above me. Time to eat! At the place you get your plate and cutlery, you can have fresh juices, cold milk, and hot drinks. When I saw the colorful cereal loops, I had to have some with milk, and I also had a glass of refreshing orange juice. Then, I started off with the croissants, which were flaky and had very tasty stuffing. Their black rice salad and sauce were flavorful, and next to the salads, you can choose from a selection of cheese and hams. From the corner of my eye, I spotted the raclette—who doesn’t love melted cheese, seriously! You also have a live pasta cooking area and a stand where shawarma is ready to be served upon your request. Right next door, is a mankoushe baking section where you get your mankoushe freshly made. I opted for a zaatar and cheese one (better known as the “cocktail”); I liked the dough, but the zaatar was a tad more oily than it should be. Of course breakfast isn’t complete without eggs, and the chef happily prepares your choice of eggs and toppings; I had the sunny side up (which satisfied my constant runny yolk craving). When you can’t possibly eat savory food anymore, you know it is time for sweets. Alongside the dessert buffet, is a big tray of cheese knefe. The desserts include items such as tarts, eclairs, pancakes, fruits, and an array of candy you can place on a stick under cascading melted chocolate from an ongoing fountain. Want even more chocolate? On the side, stands a transparent cylindrical vessel holding thick hot chocolate within it. For me, that decadent hot chocolate was the best thing that I had had for dessert, then came the sort of bread pudding in a tray they had, which was moist and delicious. In general, the brunch offerings covered most of what a rich breakfast should have, but my taste buds were left partially “un-awakened” by some of them.

Mathieu – Mar Mikhael

We went to Mathieu for dessert. A sweet crepe is always a good idea. It is a cute and casual place that is great for a quick bite to eat or to satisfy a craving. The friendly man behind the counter seemed to be busily preparing some ingredients for the day. He asked us which crepes we would like to order so that he could make them for us. We looked at the big board hanging on the wall, and decided to order a crepe filled with Kinder and the Che. The melting chocolate on one crepe and the melting butter on the other was lovely to watch, especially when a sizzling sound was emitted when the rum was drizzled on to the Che crepe. Now, it was time to eat. The crepes were crispy at the base of the triangle, and became softer as you nibbled your way up towards the edge; my personal preference is soft. The crepe with Kinder was good as expected, but the Che surpassed it in taste. The rum addition to the butter and sugar was a great idea; it gave it a kick that made it stand out from the other regular sugar and butter crepes. Although tasty, the crepe dough itself was not exceptional and truthfully, I would have loved it if the batter had been poured in liquid form onto the heat in front of us for a more fresh experience (instead of a previously prepared crepe being heated up). However, I do still need to taste their “salty side”.

Bits and Pieces – Austria

Before I begin writing about more current food-tasting experiences, I have decided to create a special edition of several “Bits and Pieces” blog posts pertaining to different countries. These will contain scattered photos I have gathered; too little to be placed on their own but not unworthy of being mentioned. Here is the first one of these curations – let us proceed with Austria.

 

Heindl’s Palatschinkenpfandl – Vienna: If you are looking for a really wide range of pancake fillings and sides (and want to practice your spelling), this is your go-to restaurant. Although a bit on the heavy side, the pancakes are tasty. I enjoyed sitting on the terrace.

 

Augustiner Brau – Salzburg: Sitting under the shade of the trees in this beer garden is one of the most relaxing things to do in Salzburg. It was nice to see silver-haired people meeting here to enjoy a beer like how they seemed to have been doing for years. The brewery has existed since 1621 which is mind-boggling. The food is less impressive than its history, but appropriate for a casual setting. I would also recommend trying the Almdudler drink which is a fizzy Austrian invention.

 

Triangel – Salzburg: If I ever visit Salzburg again, I would definitely try this restaurant another time. The wooden tables, arches, and decoration give this eatery an appealing warm interior. I remember the food was great, especially the platter showcased above.

 

Cafe-Konditorei Braun – Mondsee: This cafe, in the quaint town of Mondsee, is known for its apple strudel; a traditional Austrian pastry. Another thing this town is popular for is its basilica, for it was there that Maria wed Georg von Trapp in the Sound of Music (yes, I do love the von Trapp family singers).

 

Lemonchilli Cantina & Bar Mexicano – Salzburg: I had to post this because I really enjoyed my dinner at Lemonchilli. A place to go to if you want a fun night out with a flavorful fajita and an accompanying drink.