Growing interest in Beirut food festivals and street markets

In its edition of today, Al Hayat newspaper published an article on Lebanese craving for food and their extensive participation in cooking festivals, with a special focus on ‘Suk el Akl’  held every Thursday in Downtown Beirut. Such activity, the newspaper wrote, is a smart way of marketing rural goods, traditional mouneh and veggies, in cooperation with ‘Suk el Tayyeb’ and ‘No Garlic No Onion’ hospitality portal, as well as the Lebanese chef, Wael Ladkani, and Solidere company. The food market opens at 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm to attract food lovers, including families. The event represents an occasion for the Lebanese people to walk around the commercial district of Beirut and taste new mouthwatering dishes, said Dany, a father of three. Al Hayat drew attention to the large crowds flocking to the souk, along with the participating sous-chefs who find in the marketplace a perfect venue to meet with their clientele and give them a bite of their good food recipes. In between the two regular gourmet dates, the Lebanese have something to look forward to every week and celebrate their love for life, the newspaper wrote. Such yearning does not unfold in ordinary diners or eateries, especially in not pocket-friendly posh restaurants, Al Hayat said. Food street markets and food festivals have become a habit in Lebanon that motivates households to go out and have fun at an affordable price. (Al Hayat, December 1, 2016)