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Eats in Cebu: Beqaa

The Abaca Group’s latest outlet takes Cebuano taste buds on a journey to the Middle East, gaining a following of locals who can’t seem to resist the exotic flavors.

Beqaa’s Charcoal Fired Kebab

Hardwood floors, dim lighting and wrought iron features keep the dining room feeling intimate and cozy, while the open kitchen allows guests a peek into the creation of the charcoal-grilled meat and handmade Phoenician breads. The vegetarian and non-vegetarian mezze is a great way to start off the meal. Definitely order the tabbouleh—made of bulgur, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, mint, onions and garlic, the salad is one savory bite after another and is so light you don’t even realize how much you’ve already had.

Beqaa’s Lamb Chops

Of course, those who are looking for a more filling entrée will enjoy the kebabs from the main course menus, which are available in beef, lamb or fish. Seasoned with a combination of spices and grilled, the meats are best enjoyed with the selection of babah ghanoush, hummus and za’atar flatbread.

Middle Eastern food selections at Beqaa

2F Design Center of Cebu
AS Fortuna Street, Banilad, Cebu City
(032) 328 5539

Edited from the published article Traveling Plates in Zee Lifestyle March 2014

Related Topics:Beqaa Cebu dining Lebanese restaurants The Abaca Group

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LONDON IN FULL BLOOM: An Exclusive Look at the recent Chelsea Flower Show

Dame Judy Dench (center in white) with gallery owner, Jerry Sibal, Edwin Josue, writer Eva Gullas and artist James Doran-Webb.

The Chelsea Flower Show in London, one of the most prestigious horticultural events in the world, returned in full glory in May 2023, captivating visitors with its stunning displays and landscape designs. Held annually on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, this year’s show proved to be a true feast for the senses, showcasing an array of breathtaking gardens, vibrant floral arrangements, and innovative landscaping. The 3-day event showcased 36 outdoor gardens, including four balcony gardens for small spaces. Inside the giant pavilion, blooms compete with each other, exotic flowers, roses, and many more.

Princess Kate Middleton walking the booths at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Dame Judy Dench, who owns several of Webb’s pieces in her garden, with James Doran-Webb and Jerry Sibal discussing the works of James.

One of the flower arrangements competing at the show.

The 2023 Chelsea Flower Show embraced a Nature’s Harmony theme, with a strong focus on sustainability and mental health. The show’s organizers emphasized the importance of sustainable gardening practices and biodiversity conservation, inspiring attendees to create beautiful outdoor spaces while preserving and protecting the environment.

One of the floral gazebo displays recycled chairs and salvaged materials.

Shops at the Chelsea Flower Show are mostly from sustainable materials.

What’s Cebu got to do with the Chelsea Flower Show in London? One person. James Doran Webb (https://www.jamesdoranwebb.co.uk), an Englishman working with driftwood, has been displaying his artworks for several years. James collects cast-off driftwood and shapes them into beautiful animal shapes that find places in some of the most iconic gardens. Leaping horses, owls, reindeer, and the occasional dragon, James Webb’s creations are avidly collected by landscapers to add accent to gardens in all sizes, using cast-off wood, fitting perfectly with the sustainable element—something Mr. Webb has done quite well for the last decade.

The impressive dragon of James Doran-Webb

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The Philippine International Flower Festival will be held at the PICC in Manila from January 14 to 18, 2024. Watch out for more info from our website!