Was that a cheesy lunch or what?

… Literally, and you’ll see why!

Cha, Loomi and Deedee were skiing in Faraya and decided to grab a bite at Le 1700. D had told Deedee about this new place near Faqra in Kfardebian, and since D actually knows what she’s talking about, Deedee decided to check it out.

The place is spacious and has huge windows that flaunt an awesome view (especially on a clear day). Wood everywhere, thank Bob, cuz I’d hate to see plastic in that kind of setting. It’s cozy and the staff is friendly and trained, at least as far as we could tell. Surprised, though, to find the place empty for lunch on Saturday, but apparently they fill up at dinner Saturday and for lunch Sunday, which is logical for that area, so if you really want personalized service, head there when the crowd’s away… that’s what Deedee would do.

Once you sit down, you’re served warm bread with a piece of smoked Feta cheese topped with sundried tomatoes and pine nuts… yummy, and a refreshing alternative to the usual bread and butter. We asked for the Magret de Canard Salad and the Foie Gras – homemade, served with a fig confit and deedelicious. For our mains we had the Raclette and the Cheese Fondue (told you it was cheesy). The Fondue is pretty good, and you can’t really go wrong with Raclette which is served with a mixed green salad. Overall, it was fun and hit the spot after that short day skiing – considering there wasn’t much snow a few weeks back.

Deedee had a bottle of Epicure, a 2005 Red Bordeaux by Hubert de Boüard, that was just right for the meal we picked. You can find it at Enoteca, this Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend is medium bodied, rich and elegant with a nose of earth and spice. Along with its fine tannins it had dark red berries, prunes, cinnamon and licorice on the palate with a caramel finish. Le 1700 actually has it on the menu but Deedee asked if they’d let us drink our own bottle and they said “Walaw?!” They didn’t even charge us a corkage fee! I love those guys! Anyhoo, their wine list is not bad and the prices are pretty reasonable, yaani they don’t triple charge you, which is a good strategy for up-selling.

Deedee will do Le 1700 again cuz she’s eager to try the other intriguing items on their menu. Recommended, even if only for an aprés ski aperitif.

Great shots, Cha. For reservations: 03- 44 1700 (shway cheesy?)

Simple, straight to the point, and…

… no messing around. That’s exactly what Le Relais de l’Entrecôte is all about. You get wine, salad, steak and fries… if you want more, they let you have a second serving… w khalas!

The salad is comprised of a few iceberg lettuce leaves, whole and ‘spooning’ (yaani, layered on top of each other) drizzled with a mustard vinaigrette and sprinkled with walnuts. Simple, good, and a perfect starter to the meat galore. Tasted just right… can you tell?! (sorry ma lahha’it sawwira)

AEN and I had that with their house wine, which is different from the one they used to carry, and much better, if Deedee may say so. Château de Saurs, medium bodied, balanced and served chilled, this ruby red is fine with the meat if you don’t want to spend too much money and go all out. Yaani, price quality ratio is good. The palate is red berries with slight cinnamon in the finish.

You know what you’re getting, so the only decision you have to make in this place is: Shall I have a second serving? and the answer usually is: Yes!

Reliable and consistent… and reasonable in price, Le Relais de l’Entrecôte is on the corner of Monot St. and Abdel Wahab el Inglizi St. For reservations: 01-332087/8