I never thought I would actually say this, but I seriously enjoyed the Sunday buffet lunch at Hotel Al Bustan. It's not that I underestimate the place or anything, but for some reason, I haven't heard about it for a while...this hotel has lost its spotlight throughout the years. I was wary as to what to expect...
Nestled on one of Lebanon's most beautiful spots with a view that starts from Beirut’s airport to La Marina Joseph Khoury, Al Boustan is a place that became famous for its amazing views, original events, music festivals among other reasons... Al Boustan Hotel is one of those places that will take your breath away. Although it has been around for a while, the hotel has undergone a whole renovation process that makes it look fresher and more welcoming. When you reach the valet takes your car, you then head down to the lower level where the Sunday buffet is prepared. On one side is the pool and on the other side you'll find a perfect sea view that you can enjoy as you experience the generous and tasty buffet prepared.
Inside, away from the summer's heat is a long rectangular table filled with a large choice of cold dishes. Hummus, moutabal, fattouch, tabbouleh, artichoke salad, spicy fish, green salad, kebbe, sambousik, cheese rolls, kebbe halabieh, smoked salmon, fried potato cubes, mashed potatoes, mushrooms salad, mushrooms quiche, eggplant salad, endives salad, rocket and Parmesan salad, grilled vegetables... Were all on display. Outside, on the terrace, facing the pool you'll find two live stations; the Barbecue station where you you can enjoy some grilled ribs, meat, chicken and shrimps; and the other one which offers mouloukhieh and hrisset djej.
I appreciated their fresh selection of salads, the quality of the cheese rolls, the rich hummus flavor, samke harra... I went on to try a large choice of items, which were all enjoyable. I then enjoyed a variety of grills. The meat was exceptional; fresh, juicy and tender. Large pieces of meat melt in your mouth... the shrimps are marvelous; Large king prawns cooked to perfection and easily pealed to reveal a juicy perfectly cooked heart... All was great. But unfortunately I could not try the Mouloukhieh. It had too much garlic for my taste. The others who tried it and loved it...The chef prepares it live in a casserole pouring it on your rice plate. While we had lunch, kids were invited into the next room where they can play. A special lunch was prepared for them including hotdogs and burgers followed with some jello cups. My kids enjoyed their time and I'm sure yours will too.
The choice available: Apple tart, Bahamas, mini fruit tarts, nuts tart, Meghle, mouhallabiya, cheese cake, Mille feuille, profiterole, mousse au chocolat, amareddine. Some are too sweet, while others are too spongy or too creamy. The Meghle is simply inedible, the Mille feuille lacks some body, the profiteroles are too dull and the sorbets are too sweet. I then moved to enjoy some fruits and a selection of cheese... and coffee.
- Waiters are old indeed. They seem to have been working here since the first day the hotel opened. A bit grumpy... I suggest they try to share a smile every now and then
- Maybe the dessert chef needs training
- Food is good, fresh and enjoyable
- The plates are big and generous and the choices varied and satisfying
- People visit for the Mouloukhieh, you should too
- For the love of God, please update your website! It is way too old
- The buffet is priced at $71 TTC/person: Overpriced isn't it?
