Tucked away deep in The Alleway, at the heart of Beirut’s Gemmayze district, Couqley is no secret. This little as-authentically-French-as-it-can-get little bistro is relentlessly jam-packed with hungry goers who know that this is one spot in town that will put your money where your mouth is, pun intended.

Picture this- all the cliché French dishes you’ve heard about or had on your trips to Paris, now make them available in one cozy spot with a seasoned Executive chef who’s completely hands on, a friendly and well-trained staff, and top it all off with an extensive wine list at retail price and you got yourself one of the most successful formulas in the business.

Yes, Couqley manages to bring out the gluttonous little monster in me because I really really have a hard time deciding what to go for, but if I must choose some favorites here they are:

I usually start things off by indulging myself in the bowl of goodness that is the French Onion Soup Gratinée, topped with a generous amount of melted thick cheese, a dose of comfort food at its best. You’ll start feeling warm and fuzzy all over as you wash it down with some wine and prepare yourself for the sins your about to bask in.

Next I usually go for the divine homemade Foie Gras with strawberry confit and some fig bread or another favorite, the Spicy Calamari salad with Asian vinaigrette. A fantastic way to welcome round two of my little feast.

Here’s when things get tricky, picking my main course. I have three all-time favorites. You absolutely must try the classic favorite Steak Frites, a well-cut faux fillet topped with a savory creamy sauce and fries that put McDonalds to shame.

But surely you can’t have a true French gastronomical experience without trying the succulent to-die-for Duck Confit- another favorite, with hearty sautéed potatoes, caramelized onions, mushrooms and an unbelievable garlic based sauce.

But if you’re missing a wholesome home cooked meal then I suggest you go for the Beef Stroganoff made genuinely with tender pieces of beef, creamy tomato sauce and fluffy white rice.

Without further adieu and for the happiest of all endings get the rich Chocolate Fondant or torched Pain Perdue, seriously don’t even try to fight it. I usually feel like I need to get carried out on a stretcher when I’m done, but I come back for my fix and do it all over again every time.

Price Range: $30-$50 per person with wine

The Verdict: A Culinary Orgasm

All Images belong to Couqley.

The atmosphere is wonderful, pedestrian-only areas in Lebanon are rare, and so this is one of the few spots which you can have a meal on a trottoir without getting choked up by diesel fumes, while exploring this  little square hidden at the heart of Jbeil souks.

If you’re dining with a date, you can start of with a double shared portion of a lovely crisp green rocca salad with simple balsamic vinaigrette to get your taste buds rolling. If the weather permits, they’ll probably grill them for you outdoors while you get teased with the loveliness of the aroma, but mind you, you won’t be the only one; the neighborhood felines will also come out to play as soon as they sense that you’ve ordered the best item on the menu.

I don’t know how or what they marinate that filet in but it will stand out for you instantly , and the portion is one of the largest and most generous I’ve had in the city, without compromising on taste or texture. The golden-soft side roasted potatoes infused in rosemary were quite the treat. But the best part of it all would be that buttery, creamy, dreamy mushroom sauce that accompanies the filet. An absolute must-have!

My friend had an eye-catching fish filet with some steamed vegetables and a lemony sauce that she instantly fell-in love with and highly recommends. It was toasted on the outside and soft and fluffy inside.

For dessert we shared a fresh’n warm Belgian waffle sprinkled with powdered sugar and drizzled with a comforting dark hot chocolate sauce. Truly a happy ending!  Bisoux

They’re called www. Shopbop.com and they deliver worldwide including Lebanon in just 3 DAYS!!!

They have a mad selection of designers  you can have a pick from, even better they also have a regular SALES section.  The best part of it all… drum roll please … FREE SHIPPING!  I know I know.. breath in. breath out. 

1. Rachel Pally, Lyndon Dress, 30% Discount, now $160.30

2. Sam Edelman, Novato Haircalf Pumps  $100

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs, Turnlock Katie Bracelet $98

4. Lauren Merkin Handbags, Painted Snake Clutch was $250 now $175

5. Gorjana, Carmel Stud Earrings $22