Conversations Overheard:

At the reception of a (very) large, well-attended high-society wedding: “There’s enough silicone in this room to lift the roof”.

Over a drink, two uber-cool twenty-something brothers (very ChI’s) recount how they named their newly-acquired power boat, which they keep moored at the St Georges harbour…. “So, you see, we just couldn’t decide which of us should name it, or what to call it. So over a family dinner we consulted our parents. Dad said: “How are you paying for it?” We said: “From our salaries”. He said: “And who pays your salaries?” “You do”. The boat’s name? The ‘Thanks Dad!’ !!!”

Sheherazade Stories….

Christmas Eve dinner – in a Christian/Muslim home in old Beirut – a seated dinner for 12. Warm, bohemian, intellectual company, multiple nationalities, cross-sectarian – very Beirut. Décor an eclectic, sophisticated but homely mixture of antique, retro and modern, in a run-down old building reminiscent of old Cairo, with its ill lit, worn marble steps leading up from the entrance. Vintage wine from a 26-year old cellar kept in the mountains above Beirut, Christmas gifts to the hosts, which included elegantly sculpted Riedel glass wine decanters. Laurent Perrier rose champagne and mousseline de foie gras to start off the evening – before dinner. At the table, more oysters than any one could eat, flown specially from Paris…followed by yet more foie gras sautéed in butter with pears, pumpkin soup with cream, roast capons….etc etc. Never made it to the turkey cooked and brought by one guest “in case we run short of food” (a near-impossibility in a Lebanese household!), which got handed over to our hostess’s mother the next day. And the desserts – again mont blanc from Cannelle - cheeses flown in from Belgium….and more. And lovely little gifts for the Stranger who was ChI. Lebanese hospitality at its warmest and most inclusive. Emballage, presentation, affection and style….tt