 Damascus is a mix of old
world charm set against a cosmopolitan city, and the gastronomy at the La
Veranda restaurant at Beit Zafran Hotel de
Charme, located in Damascus,
Syria, mirrors this mix, where Chef Sewar al Bittar blends Syrian specialties
with new world flair.
The newly renovated hotel
features 12 rooms and suites with two restaurants, the roof terrace La Veranda, and the Mooneh restaurant located in the
vaulted cellar, and is nestled in the heart of Old Damascus offering easy
access to shopping at the Suqs Al Hamidiyeh, Midhat Pasha, Al Bzouriyeh, and Al
Harir, as well as other attractions.
Beit Zafran Foyer
The 100% smoke-free hotel
features stunning antiques throughout the property, an inviting courtyard with an
ornate marble fountain that was restored to its original glory, while off to
the side is the Liwan sitting area with its spectacular wooden ceiling, lush
red upholstered chairs and sofas, Ottoman style hanging chandeliers, and a cozy
atmosphere to relax and get away from the warm days or nights of Damascus.
Beit Zafran Courtyard
I stayed at the hotel in
September 2010, when I was attending the Silk Road Festival, and had breakfast and dinner at La Veranda, an attractive
open-air roof terrace restaurant. From
its lofty vantage point, the restaurant provides breathtaking views of
Old Damascus, as well as the hotel's grand courtyard. The restaurant features
wrought iron and glass tables flanked by matching chairs, while the lighting is
from the clear skies and the sparkling stars as well as the floor lamps, sconces
on the walls, and candles on the tables.
La Veranda
Before venturing off for a day of
exploring, I indulged in a hearty breakfast that included a variety of
delicacies including homemade granola made with a delectable blend of pumpkin
seeds, linseeds, sunflower seeds, golden raisins, shredded coconut, toasted
sesame, almond slices, apple and orange juice, oatmeal, and honey. I also sampled
homemade bircher muesli made with apples, oatmeal, sugar, lemon juice, and
milk; and mamouniah made with butter, semolina, sugar, and cinnamon.
Breakfast
Further indulgences included fresh
rolls and croissants, sliced meats and cheeses, a selection of olives, yogurt
balls in oil, a bowl of fruit salad, fresh squeezed orange juice, Arabic
coffee, and as an additional treat, an omelette filled with melted cheese.
Omelette
After a wonderful day of exploring, I
returned to La Veranda for dinner, where I appreciated the beauty of the ever-changing
evening sky to complement the four traditional "mezze" salads of hummus, creamy
garlic spread, tabouli made with bulgur, finely chopped parsley and mint,
tomato, spring onions, lemon juice, and olive oil, and fresh greens with sliced
tomatoes and onions.
  
Tabouli Garlic Spread Fresh Greens
I continued with a large stuffed
mushroom filled with cooked onions, carrots, and peppers, and garnished with a
sprig of mint, and a traditional Damascene dish of Sheikh El Mehshi, which was
stuffed zucchini filled with ground beef. This course was paired with a 2008
Chateau Ksara, 13.5% abv, a deep red Cabernet Franc from the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
that elicited intense spices on the nose, and heavy tannins on the palate.
 
Stuffed Mushroom Sheikh El Mehshi
The gastronomic evening closed with a
spectacular dessert of spun sugar, currants in clotted cream in a basket of
toasted coconut, rose jelly sauce, and cheese cake, which was a lovely ending
to a day of discovering Damascus.
Dessert
Read the Chefs' Recipes section where Chef Sewar al Bittar shares his
recipes for homemade Granola, Bircher Muesli, Mamouniah, and Sheikh El Mahshi
(stuffed zucchini with ground beef).
Chef Seward and Edward
Dining at La Veranda and Mooneh is by reservation only; La Veranda serves breakfast and
dinner, and Mooneh serves dinner only.
Read about Beit Zafran Hotel de Charme in the Destinations, Hotels and Resorts, and Chefs'
Recipes sections.
 La Veranda
Beit Zafran Hotel de Charme
Bab Touma - Haret Boolad
P.O. Box 31109
Damascus, Syria
Telephone: +963-11-54386760/1/2/3
Fax: +963-11-5443957
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.BeitZafran.com
 Read other materials on Syria
in the Destinations, Hotels and Resorts, Restaurants, Adventures,
and Chefs' Recipes sections.
For more information on Syria,
please visit Syria Ministry of Tourism website: www.SyriaTourism.org.
© January 2011. Luxury
Experience. www.LuxuryExperience.com. All
rights reserved.
|
