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 Food & Drink

Lebanese restaurant named among 38 best eateries in America

A Lebanese restaurant in Michigan has been named among the 38 best restaurants in America by the food network Eater.com.

For the third year in a row, Al Ameer Lebanese Restaurant in Dearborn, Michigan has been named among the best eateries in the nation.

Food critic Bill Addison traveled to 36 cities to come up with his list of America’s “essential” restaurants.

“Among Dearborn’s cache of Lebanese restaurants, this is the paragon,” Addison’s review said.

“Kahlil Ammar and Zaki Hashem’s family business includes an in-house butcher facility, so the unrivaled stuffed lamb (and also lamb liver, a traditional breakfast dish) exhibits exceptional freshness.”

Dearborn, a Detroit suburb, is home to one of the largest concentrations of Arabs outside of the Middle East. Al Ameer is one of several dozen Lebanese restaurants in the diverse city.

Al Ameer's famous stuffed lamb dish. (Eater/Bill Addison)
Al Ameer’s famous stuffed lamb dish. (Eater/Bill Addison)

In addition to the classic Lebanese favorites, Al Ameer is known for its house dishes like stuffed lamb, moujadara, grape leaves and the Al Ameer platter.

Al Ameer Restaurant is located at 12710 West Warren Avenue in Dearborn, Michigan. To visit their website, click here.

To view Addison’s full list of America’s 38 best restaurants, click here.

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 Entertainment

WATCH: Massari, Maya Diab, and French Montana’s remake of ‘Nour El Ein’

Lebanese-Canadian singer Massari, hip-hop artist French Montana, and Lebanese singer Maya Diab released a remake of the Arabic classic Nour El Ein.

“Nour El Ein,” which translates to “the light of my eyes,” is the second collaboration between French Montana and Massari.

The 2018 remake has two English verses sung by French Montana and Massari with the chorus performed by Maya Diab.

RELATED: French Montana’s Lebanese music manager Tony Sal listed in Billboard’s ‘100 Power Players’

According to the National, the idea for the song came from the Lebanese music composer Hadii Sharara, who is also one of the most successful music producers in the Middle East.

Maya Diab, Massari and French Montana collaborated on their own version of the Arabic classic, "Ya Nour El Ein." (YouTube screenshot/Massari)
Maya Diab, Massari and French Montana collaborated on their own version of the Arabic classic, “Ya Nour El Ein.” (YouTube screenshot/Massari)

WATCH: Massari – Ya Nour El Ein (feat. Maya Diab & French Montana)

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 News

Lebanese American cop files lawsuit, claims he was called ‘Beirut Bomber’

A Lebanese American police officer has filed a lawsuit against the San Jose, California Police Department alleging racial discrimination, reported NBC Bay Area.

Officer Nabil Haidar, a Lebanese American and Muslim officer, said his fellow officers called him “Bin Laden,” “Taliban” and “Beirut Bomber” in the days and years following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Haidar hired a California law firm to represent him in his lawsuit against the city of San Jose, the police department and police chief. He also named five other officers.

NBC Bay Area reported that the alleged harassment “escalated to a new height” after the U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003 to begin the Iraq War.

The lawsuit claimed that police officers allegedly said, “You’re not gonna blow up are you?” Haidar claims his fellow officers imitated his accent while saying, “I’ll kill you all.”

Haidar moved to the U.S. in 1988 and earned a bachelor's degree in criminology. (Gwilliam, Ivary, Chiosso, Cavalli and Brewer)
Haidar moved to the U.S. in 1988 and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology. (Gwilliam, Ivary, Chiosso, Cavalli and Brewer)

Haidar’s attorney said he decided to pursue legal action after he was allegedly harassed by a police sergeant at a meeting recognizing veterans.

“Captain, you forgot to mention Nabil. He is an ISIS veteran,” the sergeant allegedly said. “He was with ISIS for two years.”

The San Jose-based Mercury News reported that the city had not yet received a copy of the complaint.

“However, based on the claim filed by Mr. Haidar with the State Department of Fair Employment and Housing, and our subsequent investigation, we have not seen a basis for liability against the City,” City Attorney Rick Doyle said.

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 City Beat

Lebanese film director Khalil Zaarour to appear at Michigan screening

Lebanese film director Khalil Zaarour is set to appear at a Michigan film screening of his 2017 drama “Nour,” which follows the story of a 15-year-old girl forced into marriage.

The Lebanese American Club of Michigan (LACOM) is hosting the screening Oct. 24 at the Landmark Main Art Theatre in Royal Oak, Mich., about 15 miles from Detroit.

The event begins at 7 p.m. with a meet-and-greet with Zaarour, who is traveling from Lebanon. Tickets are $15 per person.

According to its website, “Nour” features the story of a young girl forced to marry a boy she despises.

“Her carefree summer days morph into claustrophobic confinement and household chores,” the film’s synopsis said. “Nour mourns her lost childhood and scattered dreams. Easy summer days full of dreams, love and joy were the world of Nour and her group of friends who are torn apart by an event that changes Nour’s life forever.”

WATCH: Trailer for “NOUR” a film by Khalil Dreyfus Zaarour:

Zaarour is an award-winning writer and director known for his films, “Malaki” and “The Window,” which received the Best Film Award during the 13th European Film Festival.

Khalil Zaarour is an award-winning screenwriter and director. (Facebook/Nour)
Khalil Zaarour is an award-winning screenwriter and director. (Facebook/Nour)

For tickets to “Nour” in Royal Oak, Mich., click here. Zaarour is also appearing at a Washington, D.C. screening of the film, hosted by the LAU Alumni D.C. Chapter. Tickets to the D.C. event can be purchased here.

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 Food & Drink

Beirut’s Central Station Boutique named among ‘World’s 50 Best Bars’

The Central Station Boutique Bar in Beirut was featured among “The World’s 50 Best Bars of 2018.”

The World’s 50 Best Bars is an annual listing of the finest bars and alcohol establishments around the globe. Central Station was number 27 on the list!

The bar got its name from the once-functional Beirut train station, which is located near the Central Station Boutique.

The Central Station Boutique Bar is known for its "ability to deliver some very creative drinks," according to the list. (Facebook/Central Station Boutique Bar)
The Central Station Boutique Bar is known for its “ability to deliver some very creative drinks,” according to the list. (Facebook/Central Station Boutique Bar)

RELATED: Lebanese winemaker produces pioneering blue wine

“The menu is an appealing balance of humor and flavour, with a nice emphasis on taking something that feels familiar and reimagining it with a contemporary edge,” the list said.

The bar is located on Armenia Street, Mar Mikhayel in Beirut and is open 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. 7 days per week.

“The space elegantly combines dark wood with quirky touches, such as the railway carriage wheels suspended from the ceiling, while a long, focal-point bar runs the length of the room,” the list added.

Learn more about the Central Station bar and The World’s 50 best Bars list at this link.

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 Success Stories

White House appoints Darrell Issa to lead Trade and Development Agency

President Donald Trump has nominated former Congressman Darrell Issa, a Lebanese American, to lead the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

Issa will replace Thomas Hardy, who has been the acting director since President Trump took office in January 2017.

The USTDA was established to advance economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle income countries, according to the USTDA website.

Earlier this year, Issa announced he would not run for re-election, which set up a competitive campaign in one of California’s biggest swing districts.

The California Republican is currently the wealthiest congressman in America, with a net worth projected to be around $460 million.

Lebanese-American Congressman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) announced he would not seek re-election in January. (File photo)
Lebanese-American Congressman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) announced he would not seek re-election in January. (File photo)

RELATED: Lebanese-American prosecutor runs for California State Assembly

The congressman’s book, “Watchdog,” mentions his travels to Lebanon during a time he traveled to locate buyers for land that his father inherited.

He said his trip to Lebanon was “a blessing,” and he met his grandfather’s brother and sister during the occasion.

Read the official White House press release about Darrell Issa’s nomination, here.

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 News

Lebanon opens first ‘blind-friendly’ supermarket in the Middle East

Marqet, the first blind-friendly supermarket in the Middle East opened Sept. 27 on Koraytem Main Road in Beirut, as part of a project launched by Lebanese non-profit Red Oak, a press release said.

According to a statement on the Red Oak website, this supermarket initiative coincides with their other recent projects aimed at bringing blind and visually-impaired persons to Lebanese museums.

The Youth Association of the Blind collaborated with Red Oak to train Marqet employees on how to support blind and visually-impaired shoppers during a two-day workshop, the release added.

Red Oak said employees at Marqet have been taught to support blind customers, walk them through the aisles, orientate them, showcase or describe products and help as they check out.

Marquet is Lebanon's first 'blind-friendly' supermarket. (Facebook/Red Oak)
Marquet is Lebanon’s first ‘blind-friendly’ supermarket. (Facebook/Red Oak)

According to Marqet’s website, it’s a one-stop shop for meats, fresh fruits, vegetables and many favorite brands like: La Boulangere Bio, Oslo, Royal Gourmet, Gloria Jean’s Coffees, Qi juices, Cocoa & Co. and more.

“Smell the aromas of fresh bread baking in our bakery with its organic section, run your errands supported by our friendly staff, sip a cup of coffee and let our staff handle your order or call us from the comfort of your home and we will deliver,” the site said.

Marqet is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. everyday — including Sundays, delivery is available with no minimum order requirement and customers can find free parking.

For more information, visit: marqetlb.com or redoaklb.org.

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 Success Stories

Lebanese music manager listed in Billboard’s ‘100 Power Players’

Lebanese music manager Wassim SAL Slaiby made Billboard’s 2018 list of “R&B/Hip-Hop 100 Power Players.”

The 38-year-old entrepreneur was born in Lebanon and currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife former Miss USA Rima Fakih and family.

He runs Sal & Co./XO Records, where he manages big name artists like French Montana and The Weeknd.

Slaiby married former Miss USA Rima Fakih in 2016. (Facebook/Rima Fakih)
Slaiby married former Miss USA Rima Fakih in 2016. (Facebook/Rima Fakih)

Related: Rapper Cardi B wears two dresses by Lebanese designers to VMA’s

Billboard wrote that Slaiby’s “Achievement Of The Year” was when longtime client Abęl Makkonen Tesfaye notched his third consecutive Billboard 200 No. 1 single.

“Seeing Abel take over that stage and knowing how much it meant to him was very special,” Slaiby told Billboard. He has been working with the artist since 2012.

The entertainment media brand also recognized the Lebanese entrepreneur’s philanthropic efforts to build a Ugandan hospital with artist French Montana that opened in March of this year.

Learn more about Wassim SAL Slaiby and Billboard’s list of Power Players at this link.

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 Lifestyle

Forgotten luxury hotel from Ottoman Empire re-opens in Lebanon

A forgotten luxurious hotel built under Ottoman rule over 100 years ago, in the village of Sofar east of Beirut, officially reopened its doors to the public on Sept. 16 as it celebrated works honoring its past by British artist Tom Young, according to AFP.

AFP offered a look inside the grand space and spoke to Young about his exhibition paying homage to the hotel’s glamorous past, before the civil war forced the building’s doors closed.

“This place is just full of history… it was once one of the greatest hotels in the Middle East,” Young, a 45-year-old painter who has been living in Lebanon for a decade, told AFP.

A sneak peak inside the Grand Sofar Hotel before it opened for public viewing. (Facebook/Tom Young Art)
A sneak peak inside the Grand Sofar Hotel before it opened for public viewing. (Facebook/Tom Young Art)

“It was where kings and princesses and emirs and generals used to meet — also the most famous singers of the day.”

The paintings on display for Young’s exhibition showcase the exclusive parties of high society, lively dance scenes in the ballroom, card games played by the rich and powerful as well as historic political meetings — sometimes held in secrecy.

“Breezing through the Grand Hotel’s seventy five roomed corridors you can almost hear the secret deals being made between generals and ministers as celebrity love affairs nestled in the corners of the Monkey Bar,” Young wrote on his website.

The Grand Sofar Hotel is open to the public for a special art exhibition until Oct. 14. (Facebook/Tom Young Art)
The Grand Sofar Hotel is open to the public for a special art exhibition until Oct. 14. (Facebook/Tom Young Art)

Young’s show will run through Oct. 14, but programming at the Grand Sofar Hotel will also include: music, dance performances, kids workshops and art workshops.

The hotel and exhibition are featured in a video shared by Young on YouTube, take a look inside:

Throughout the exhibition, Young’s website says shuttles to the hotel are available every Saturday of the week from Beirut. Pick-up is scheduled for 3 p.m. and the return is set for 7 p.m.

For more information, visit tomyoung.com or email grandsofarhotel@gmail.com.

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 News

Former Lebanese president tweets, ‘Our hash is the best hash’

Former Lebanese President Michel Sleiman mocked Lebanon’s marijuana industry with a tweet, “Our hash is the best hash.”

Sleiman, who opposes the legalization of marijuana, said Lebanese citizens joked that Lebanese citizens should embrace the culture of marijuana.

“Wake up, Lebanese citizens. Accept the culture of hash. Our hash is the best hash,” he wrote on Twitter.

Lebanese government officials are exploring the potential economic value of legalizing marijuana for medical purposes.

RELATED: LAU to study ‘potential medical value’ of marijuana in Lebanon

Minister of Economy and Trade Raed Khoury said marijuana, which is illegal in Lebanon, could diversify the economy and open new markets.

“The quality (of cannabis) we have is one of the best in the world,” Khoury told Bloomberg News, adding that marijuana could become a one-billion-dollar industry.

The Lebanese American University is studying the potential economic value of marijuana in Lebanon. (File photo)
The Lebanese American University is studying the potential economic value of marijuana in Lebanon. (File photo)

Meanwhile, Sleiman joins a growing list of Lebanese officials opposing the marijuana industry. He said Lebanon should look into other industries to grow its economy.

“Lebanon, a country which exported the alphabets, cannot find solutions for its economy other than exporting hash,” Sleiman questioned.

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