Ivy Says

Lebanese Rank #6 Most Romantic Nationality In The World

February 14, 2012 - 3 Comments

It’s nice to see us finally making the news for love not war. According to this list aggregated by CNNgo Lebanese people have been ranked #6 for being the world’s most romantic peoples, falling just behind the Brazilian’s, the French and get this- them Italians. Inneresting… The article describes Lebanese people as

“They are different from the rest of the Arab world and they know it. Blessed with olive skin, soulful dark eyes and smoldering looks (not to mention a penchant by some for surgical enhancement), the Lebanese make full use of their physical attributes.

Combine this with Beirut, the region’s most liberal capital with a ton of slick nightspots, and you have the ingredients for a host of sexy, but classy, encounters.

Just wear something bright — there’s a fair chance he’ll be wearing expensive shades.

Seduction secret: Liberal application of hair gel and a designer shirt.”

Oh how lovely. How wonderfully stereotypical. I’m surrounded by olives. Yes I have a bunch of them with my labneh every morning, but the last time I checked my skin was not olive green, I mean, that’s like comparing a French person’s skin to cheese. And yes, I know we come off as super exotic and our dark mysterious eyes hide all our oriental secrets. PUlease who wrote this? And you hear that ladies? Surgical enhancements. Fantastically Plastic. Wear bright outfits and if you’re lucky enough he’ll bring out his D&G shades tonight. But the cherry on top of the cake? The Lebanese girl in the picture is the only one unfazed by her man and way more interested in the bling on her finger.

Oh well, don’t blame them, blame us, the very people that brought this shallow description onto ourselves. Jokes aside, congrats my fellow Don Juans for this romantic reputation and making the list. Gotta go, my magic carpet awaits.

IVY’S Valentine’s Day Outfit

February 14, 2012 - 5 Comments

Clutch: House of Harlow 1960

Bodysuit: Only Hearts

Skirt: Alice + Olivia

Earrings: Tory Burch

Bracelet: Motif 56

Pumps: Boutique 9

My French Affair

February 7, 2012 - 8 Comments

My name is Ivy and I have a bad bad addiction. It’s been going on for around 6-months now and it doesn’t appear like it’s about to die down anytime soon.

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.

Maya Diab-Fashion’s New Muse or TV Reckloose?

February 6, 2012 - 13 Comments

Did you ever want to stop that over-the-top dressed housewife at the supermarket and explain to her that just because Maya Diab’s turned herself into a living/breathing anime wonder it doesn’t mean that she too can dress up in leather suspenders and spike-studded oversized shoulder pads just to pick up some kebbeh?

Maya Diab’s is all about making a fashion statement and pushing the boundaries, and yes, sure, she’s positioned herself as a household name, landing herself some hefty endorsement deals. She takes good pictures, but the woman refuses to change that look on her face, the squinting eyes and over-pouting lips. She always poses like she’s posing and don’t even get me started on the way she handles herself on television. Had she at least tried to keep things subtle she may not be as ridiculed as she is today. To be fair her favourite designer Nicolas Jebran is a VERY talented designer. Now if only the two of them can work on the concept less is more.

Here are some of Maya’s most memorable looks. What do you say, HIT or MISS?