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Baba G in Orange Circle keeps the flavors of Byblos Cafe on the menu
Baba G in Orange Circle keeps the flavors of Byblos Cafe on the menu

Los Angeles Times

time6 days ago

  • Business
  • Los Angeles Times

Baba G in Orange Circle keeps the flavors of Byblos Cafe on the menu

Byblos Cafe served Mediterranean cuisine and was a favorite in the Orange Circle for 36 years. It even became a go-to spot for other restaurateurs in the area, like JT Reed, a co-founder of Bosscat Kitchen & Libations across the street. 'JT was eating here every day and loved it,' said Tim Mahshi, son of the original owners of Byblos, Adel and Zalfa Mahshi. 'He got to know my parents and said if we were ever interested in selling, to let him know.' Coincidentally, that inquiry was not dissimilar to the way the Mahshis first acquired Byblos Cafe back in 1989. 'This place used to be a Mediterranean market and my father would shop here,' said Mahshi. His father was drawn to the old brick structures and vintage architecture of Old Town Orange. 'The small town feel reminded him of his home town in Lebanon,' he said. During the 10 years Mahshi's father spent buying Arabic cuisine ingredients and goods from the store, he always reminded the owners that if they ever wanted to sell, he was interested. 'It took 10 years, but then one day the owner agreed to sell it to him because they won the lottery,' said Mahshi. 'In a way, it was like my father won the lottery, too, because he finally got the store.' The Mahshis continued the business as a market and deli, occasionally offering hot prepared food specials, inspired by their Lebanese heritage. The food was a hit and in 1996 the family remodeled the store into a cafe, switching the focus to food service. 'We had little marble tables out here and everyone would be playing backgammon and drinking Turkish coffee,' Mahshi said. 'It was very much like the cafes in Lebanon.' When it came time for Mahshi to take over the business from his parents in 2018, he prepared for a remodel but was then diagnosed with colitis, an inflammation of the large intestine. 'We obviously wanted to keep this as legacy in the family, but then I got sick,' Mahshi said. Around the same time, Reed was turning Rod's Liquor Store across the street into a Bosscat Kitchen location, one of the brands he operates under Daily Dose Hospitality with his business partner, Leslie Nguyen. Mahshi's mother had a good feeling about Reed and set up a meeting to talk seriously with him about selling. After Reed heard that prior to Mahshi's diagnosis the senior Mahshis had been hoping their son would take over the business, he offered to become a partner, to collaborate and mentor Mahshi so the family could keep it. 'I wasn't sure what my timetable was, because I was still really sick,' said Mahshi. 'JT said, 'Take as much time as you need.'' The two operated the place as Byblos Cafe for two more years, until last week, that is, when they reopened as Baba G, a reference to baba ghanoush but also to Adel Mahshi with 'baba' meaning 'dad' in Arabic. The business made the transition from full service to quick service with customers ordering at the counter. While the menu retains many of the flavors and recipes that made Byblos Cafe a favorite, like chicken shawarma and fried cauliflower, there is a renewed focus on healthy eating. 'With my health issues I've always dreamed of having a place that is as seed oil free as possible; somewhere you can eat every day and not feel bad, but in fact feel better,' Mahshi said. The new menu is 98% seed oil free, with only four items using seed oils. The menu invites diners to customize their meal by choosing a base of rice, lettuce or pita wrap, then a protein like the famed chicken shawarma, falafel or lean beef filet, and toppings like sumac onions, Arabic pickles, tabbouleh, feta cheese, hummus and tahini. 'The food that we do is made with love,' said Mahshi. The partners knew change would be hard for some of their longtime customers. 'Again, this is like a small town, and we had a lot of loyal customers that we had before my parents retired. People thought the big Bosscat company was coming in to take over the mom-and-pop shop, but that's not what happened,' said Mahshi. 'If anything, [Reed] is the reason why we are still here and this is still in my family legacy.' They have also seen many old customers return, as word spreads of the reopening. On a recent afternoon, Mahshi high-fived people coming in and waved with familiarity to families walking up to the counter with children. He is glad people seem to be welcoming the change. 'Great things don't just last forever, you have to keep evolving to keep them great,' said Mahshi. So what do his parents think of the new concept? 'They love it,' said Mahshi. Baba G is located at 129 W. Chapman Ave. in Orange and open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Lebanese Actress Stephanie Atala Ties The Knot Wearing Bespoke Georges Hobeika
Lebanese Actress Stephanie Atala Ties The Knot Wearing Bespoke Georges Hobeika

Grazia USA

time26-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Grazia USA

Lebanese Actress Stephanie Atala Ties The Knot Wearing Bespoke Georges Hobeika

Photo: Supplied Lebanese actress Stephanie Atala has officially said 'I do' to her long-term partner and fellow singer Zef (Joseph Abboud) over the weekend, and naturally, it was a deeply heartfelt moment stitched into the details. Truly embodying the spirit of a summer bride, Stephanie tied the knot at the Saint John Marc Cathedral in Byblos, wearing a bespoke designer dress to ring in her special occasion. The actress wore a custom sculptural gown by the famed Lebanese designer Georges Hobeikha for her wedding ceremony. A dream dress for many, and one that turned heads for all the right reasons. Truly a day where Stephanie was the undisputed star, the dress featured the Maison's classic impeccable artistry and craftsmanship in what might just be the most covetable summer bridal look of the season. Photo: Supplied Naturally drawing attention to the white crepe wedding gown, the dress further told the significant story of the couple's love. Taking the form of a flattering mermaid silhouette, the dress featured delicate threadwork inspired by the ocean. A sure nod to their countless adventures at sea ( and a sweet nod to their beachside proposal), her veil spotlighted a cascade of shimmering hand-embroidered blue and white crystals, this time etched in the shape of dainty starfish symbols. Of course, echoing the same love for the ocean is her husband, Zef, who also wore a custom navy suit from the Lebanese house. He paired it with an unconventional tie that reminisces about sea harbours and sailing ropes, a final touch that perfectly became a day to remember forever.

Lebanon army says receives suspect in Christian party official's killing
Lebanon army says receives suspect in Christian party official's killing

Arab News

time24-05-2025

  • Politics
  • Arab News

Lebanon army says receives suspect in Christian party official's killing

Pascal Sleiman of the Lebanese Forces Christian party was abducted and killed in April 2024The army had said he was killed in a carjacking by Syrian gang membersBEIRUT: Lebanon's army said Saturday it had taken into custody a suspect in last year's killing of a Christian political official, with help from Syria's new authorities, in a case that sparked public Sleiman, a coordinator in the Byblos (Jbeil) area north of Beirut for the Lebanese Forces (LF) Christian party, was abducted and killed in April army had said he was killed in a carjacking by Syrian gang members who then took his body across the army received 'one of the main individuals involved in the crime of kidnapping and killing' Sleiman after coordinating with Syrian authorities, a military statement suspect 'heads a gang involved in kidnapping, robbery and forgery and has a large number of arrest warrants against him,' the statement said, adding that investigations were LF party opposed Syria's longtime ruler Bashar Assad, who was ousted in December, as well as its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, which last year was engaged in cross-border fire with Israel that escalated into all-out and Damascus have been seeking to improve ties since the overthrow of Assad, whose family dynasty for decades exercised control over Lebanese sentiment soared after Sleiman's disappearance and death, in a country hosting hundreds of thousands of Syrian accused Hezbollah of having a hand in the killing, but then chief Hassan Nasrallah, who was later killed in a massive Israeli air strike, denied his party was LF had said it would consider Sleiman's death a 'political assassination until proven otherwise.'

Top chefs to redefine art of modern dining
Top chefs to redefine art of modern dining

Gulf Weekly

time01-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Gulf Weekly

Top chefs to redefine art of modern dining

The Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay has organised an array of grand dining events this month. CUT by Wolfgang Puck will transform into a spectacular stage for a one-of-a-kind culinary collaboration on May 15. Executive chef Brian Becher will welcome Bahraini chef Tala Bashmi for an evening that promises to redefine the art of modern dining. The two celebrated chefs will craft a thoughtfully composed tasting menu, rich in personal meaning and creative expression. It will be held from 7pm, at BD59net per person, and BD30 for a beverage package. Meanwhile, gather with family and friends for the return of Bahrain Bay Kitchen's Latin American-themed brunch, filled with vibrant flavours and festive rhythms. Colourful appetisers, sizzling mains and delicate desserts will make for an unforgettable day tomorrow, May 2, from 1pm to 4pm. It costs BD35 inclusive of soft beverages and BD48 including a selected beverage package. Children under six years dine with the hotel's compliments, and those aged six to 12 enjoy a 50 per cent discount. Experience a seafood celebration at Byblos from Tuesday to Sunday, until June 30, from 6pm to midnight. It's priced at BD52 for two people. Embrace the Italian way of unwinding with Bay View Lounge's Aperitivo Experience. It features stunning artisanal boards layered with the country's finest cheeses and cured meats. The a la carte menu will be available, until May 31, from 11am to 11.30pm. Savour the seasons newest creations at re/Asian Cuisine - go for Hokkaido scallop with yuzu and miso, Maine lobster with ginger and lime and Australian Wagyu katsu sando. It is available on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, from 7pm to 11pm, and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 7pm to 11.30pm. To relax on the weekend, opt for the hotel's spa package. It includes a 60-minute personalised massage paired with an express facial. Unwind further with delicate finger sandwiches and handcrafted sweet delights, while overlooking the stunning views of Bahrain Bay. It is available from Sunday to Wednesday, noon to 9pm and costs BD110 for 90 minutes. For more details, call 17115044 or 17115500.

Dine in a stunning ambience
Dine in a stunning ambience

Gulf Weekly

time24-04-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Gulf Weekly

Dine in a stunning ambience

The Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay has lined up a list of dining experiences that are sure to make your weekend a special one. Discover the newly crafted seafood menu at Byblos, where authentic Lebanese flavours meet culinary artistry by Chef Tony El Khoury. Delight in refreshing crab and smoked salmon salad, kebbit samak, scallops and more, all the while overlooking the amazing views of Bahrain Bay. It is available until June 30, from Tuesday to Sunday, 6pm to midnight, at BD52 for two people. l Welcome spring with an enchanting Blossom Tea at Bay View Lounge, a celebration of delicate flavours and seasonal elegance. Savour the refined taste of stuffed zucchini, salmon, lemon saffron prawns with fresh mint and more. Sweet treats such as Japanese cheesecake, kumquat marmalade and yuzu tart are also available until May 31, from noon to 9pm. The culinary affair costs BD22 inclusive of jing tea and BD26 with a jing tea and a refreshing mocktail. l Savour the essence of Italy with a curated Aperitivo experience, where artisanal boards and irresistible small plates set the scene for a beautiful dining experience, at Bay View Lounge. Indulge in a cheese-board featuring Italy's finest selections, until May 31, from 11am to 11.30pm. It's priced a la carte. l Join Bahrain Bay Kitchen for a Hawaiian-inspired brunch filled with vibrant flavours and island favourites, tomorrow, April 25, from 1pm to 4pm. It costs BD35 inclusive of soft beverages and BD48 including a selected beverage package. l Chef Kiyoshi Udagawa is set to take you on a journey with Omakase, an authentic Japanese dining concept that celebrates craftsmanship and culinary artistry. Revel in this re-imagined Japanese tradition while enjoying the dazzling night views of the Manama skyline. Join the experience from Wednesday to Sunday. It costs BD69 per person for a 10-course set menu or BD60 per person for beverage pairing, at re/ASIAN CUISINE. For details, call 17115500 or 17115044.

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