ANTHONY RAHAYEL
Resident Beirut foodie, worldly culinary fiend by Nadine Kahil
If you’ve passed through Beirut in the recent year, then you might have come across Anthony Rahayel’s infamous food blog: No Garlic, No Onions. It highlights the many restaurants located throughout Lebanon’s capital, as well as other international cities such as Paris and Barcelona. The foodie critiques not only the actual meal, but the service as well and offers professional photographs that allow you to fully enjoy his culinary experiences. A section called Friends&Co, where friends can actually write their restaurant reviews, from wherever they are, give his readers a wider choice of food reviews from different restaurants and countries. Not only so, Rahayel has graced our dining guide pages with reviews from his favorite dining spots in Beirut! Before you flip through to his chosen picks, get to know your Beirut culinary guide, Anthony Rahayel. Did you know that your website was going to be such a hit when you started? Honestly, no. I started the site to create a medium where I could come, write and express myself and share my experiences. Nogarlicnoonions.com became a gateway to say out loud what I think, how I feel and what I taste every time I go out for a meal. Do you feel the pressure to say something positive if the owner of the restaurant is a friend? No, not at all. But after my blog picked up, many have asked me to be positive about what I have experienced at their eatery. The minute I start writing, I say what I feel. I can’t say something is good when it’s not and I have to say when a meal really delivers a true culinary experience – from 94
Anthony Rahayel (left) the food, setting, service, music, etc. No one pays me to say anything. This is why I say what I truly think and I have honestly been surprised with the outcome. Some appreciate the openness and honestly while others don’t at all and send me hate mail. But that’s ok. At least I know they are reading and hope that they improve their food and service. What impassions you so much about eating out at a restaurant? I love it. I go out at least five times a week with friends and family. I often go back to my favorite places and try to express again and again why I love that place. They deserve it. And when I try new places, whether in Lebanon or abroad the feeling that I am going to try a new
place, new service and new tastes, is really amazing. Do you have a favorite restaurant in the world and why? I like a lot of places. Since I like various cuisines, I have a favorite in each category and I have created a Top 10 list, which changes often, depending on what’s new and what’s good. Categories include Burgers, Sushi, Italian, French and more. But if you’re really interested, you’ll have to visit the site to find out! You heard the man, drop Anthony a tip or two by emailing him at: anthony@nogarlicnoonions.com and for more information visit: www.nogarlicnoonions.com.