Photography by Sarka Babicka
Positioned between the glistening Mediterranean and exotic charm of the Middle East, Lebanon still remains much misunderstood in the West. However, while it may be easier to sell terrorism than tourism to newspapers, this tiny country is ripe for exploring. It’s also a country where food plays a role in society which borders on the obsessive and there are few ways of really getting to know the culture as well as by eating your way from border to border. From upmarket restaurants set amongst the glitz and glamour of Beirut, traditional bakeries beneath the towering ruins of Ba’albek, the wild Za’atar fields of the eerily peaceful Litani river, to freshly caught seafood, washed down with a few bottles of local wine, in the picturesque seaside town of Batroun, Taste Lebanon shows you a unique side to the country, taking in places that you wouldn’t know if you were travelling on your own. Indeed, as Kamal Mouzawak has famously said, in Lebanon ‘food is the greatest expression of our traditions,’ and this idea is paramount to the tour.
Furthermore, the trip isn’t just about eating, it’s about discovering how things are made and the importance of food in the Lebanese culture. It’s also about meeting both those who are sticking to traditions, people who have been using the same techniques for hundreds of years and also the new generation. Those young Lebanese who left for France or perhaps the US and returned to the motherland, eager to embrace modernity. Ultimately though, it’s also about having fun – a holiday experience of a lifetime where you’ll return with new perceptions, ingredients, friends and unforgettable memories.
The iconic Phoenicia Hotel, which has recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary, nestled in the vibrant downtown discrict and minutes from Zeitouna Bay, the chic new marina development, has generously offered complimentary half-board in five star luxury. All expenses including food, wine and on the ground transport will be covered. Flights excluded.
To enter the giveaway:
Blogposts: create a Lebanese inspired recipe based on a Lebanese Pantry ingredient or write a Lebanese restaurant review, or a researched piece on most intriguing travel aspects of Lebanon up to 700 words max.
Follow @tastelebanon and @phoeniciabeirut on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway and blogpost making sure to include the @tastelebanon @phoeniciabeirut #foodtrek
This is perfect timing. I just wrote a recipe using za’atar on my blog. I am so excited that I can use my recipe for this contest. I am also very excited about this giveaway. I have wanted to visit Lebanon for a long time!
In case anyone is interested, here is my recipe for za’atar spiced fried chickpeas (http://emilyadamscooks.wordpress.com/2012/09/21/zaatar-spiced-fried-chick-peas/)
Ohhhh, such a fantastic giveaway, Bethany!!! 🙂 I love seeing all your photos from your trips, and hearing the excited responses of your guests. 🙂 I will be entering for sure. 🙂 XO
Time to start a blog….Wowza.
I’d like to win a free #foodtrek to Lebanon http://t.co/pS4n9Ezh @tastelebanon @phoeniciabeirut My Lebanese post here – http://t.co/Ht0X8ES2
Taste Lebanon Food Trek Giveaway http://t.co/gcVgTMng via @sharethis
http://t.co/exqN5txp @tastelebanon @phoeniciabeirut #foodtrek
Food trek around Lebanon! Check it out! http://t.co/exqN5txp@tastelebanon @phoeniciabeirut #foodtrek
Are you a food blogger? check this out –> Taste Lebanon Food Trek Giveaway http://t.co/RFZZYJXr via @tastelebanon #foodtrek
Such a fantastic giveaway! We will definitely enter!!! Nice to meet you Bethany.. hope to do so in person 🙂
You could win a tour of Lebanon focussed on food. Taste Lebanon Food Trek Giveaway on Dirty Kitchen Secrets http://t.co/gjMISMR1 @bethanykd
Now that is what I call an experience par excellance. What a lovely giveaway. I’ve never been, but have been told many a time by those in the know, that Lebenon has the best food in the Middle East, it’s beautiful and the people are friendly – what more could you want? It is a land of milk after all.
“@Bethanykd: Once in a lifetime opp 2 win an all-expenses paid food trek in Lebanon @tastelebanon @phoeniciabeirut http://t.co/KA44yNEn
Are you a travel or food blogger? A contest for you –> Taste Lebanon Food Trek Giveaway http://t.co/3PMCQdG3 via @tastelebanon #foodtrek
#foodtrek @tastelebanon @phoeniciabeirut http://t.co/NKDkB0z1
Attention food & travel bloggers: Fancy a trip to Lebanon? –> Taste Lebanon Food Trek Giveaway http://t.co/DXeE1qJX #foodtrek @tastelebanon
Great response on the @tastelebanon #foodtrek @phoeniciabeirut http://t.co/iOX4zeuL Can’t wait for this trip. x
Same here! RT @Bethanykd Great response on the @tastelebanon #foodtrek @phoeniciabeirut http://t.co/oOLHrpVX Can’t wait for this trip. x
All expenses paid (excl. flight) #foodtrek to explore Lebanon, stay at iconic @phoeniciabeirut & eat like a king http://t.co/iOX4zeuL
check out the giveaway http://t.co/ZiuVnWrs @tastelebanon @phoeniciabeirut #foodtrek
I would so love to win this, Lebanese food is completely unknown to me so this would be fabulous! Great giveaway, very generous!
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all that want to explore #lebanon! here is an incredible giveaway, just make sure not to waste 3 days in zeytouny bay. http://t.co/RjBRg8a8
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All expenses paid (excl. flight) #foodtrek to explore #Lebanon, stay at iconic @phoeniciabeirut & eat like a king http://t.co/iOX4zeuL
would luv to experiance labanon to the letter z
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