In the heart of Monot Street, at the intersection between the main road and Huvelin Street is a shop that doesn't look much like a restaurant. All you see is a banner for a hostesses company, a souvenir shop and above all the Jars&Co logo. Interesting... what can it hide inside?
We went in, passed through the shop and landed in a covered terrace under some trees that moved around on that windy, yet hot Saturday morning. The first impression was great: a beautiful space, soothing and relaxing with its high ceiling, a colorful feel and many decorative items transporting you far away from Beirut.
The place is worth looking into:
- On the left is a bar, a wooden bar with candles on display and some high stools surrounding it
- Concrete tiles cover the floor
- In this cozy space a long bench follows the wall, covered with grey cushions
- Rustic white tables surrounded by old wooden chairs make you feel like you’re sitting in an old village up in the mountains of Italy
- Suspended from above is a large chandelier creating a contrast between old and new
- Blue, white and yellow. Three colors taking over the space, lighting it freshly
- All tables have a full setup: fork, knife, a square plate, salt and pepper shakers and a jar filled with napkins
- A dozen lights are attached to the walls
- You feel like you’re sitting outside while a large glass ceiling protecting you from the elements
- No music is needed since the sounds of chirping birds create a joyful ambiance
The concept is clear:
- Almost everything is served in jars, making it easier to eat and fresher on the palate
- What caught my attention was the reasonable delivery prices and that the jars are offered free of charge with every order
- Jars&Co doesn't open at night
The menu:
- Salads in a jar
- Pasta in a jar
- Bagel follies
- Snacks in a jar
- Desserts in a jar
- Drinks
I ordered and enjoyed:
- Snacks in a jar: Labneh Jezzine, wild Zaatar with Zaatar sticks LBP10,000: In a jar, served on a black board, we received a generous quantity of labneh chunks covered with black olives and wild Zaatar. I'm a huge fan of this labneh, which I eat almost everyday at home since my wife is from Jezzine. I can assure you that today's experience was as good as the one back home. A unique labne, rich and lemony with hints of finesse added by the Zaatar. Don't forget to dig in for the olive oil. Accompanying that are a couple of slices of pain de campagne that are fresh and slightly toasted.
- Snacks in a jar: Feta and jalapeños LBP10,000: Wow! Awesome. If you like spicy things, a must try for sure. A blend of east and west in every bite. The freshness and scent of the feta that fills your mouth while a strong spiciness erupts in the background all leaves an enjoyable aftertaste..
I was so happy enjoying those starters and so excited to try the main plates. Food until now was exquisite. Sipping my San Pellegrino in a jar, even drinks are special around here.
- We were recommended to try the Happy Salad, LBP13,000 ... And I was happy I did so. In a large jar, layered one on top of the other were edamame beans, shredded carrots, radish, beetroots, feta, spinach leaves, fresh parsley with balsamic vinegar on the side. Add the sauce, close the lid and shake. Yum! I loved the freshness that explodes out this jar. The mix of those ingredients together is so unique. The sweetness of the beetroot, the crunch of the edamame, the finesse of the cheese... I loved it.
- The creamy lemon tuna penne LBP12,000 deserves an article of its own: even though it wasn’t served in a jar, it was awesome to say the least. Al dente cooked pasta in a light tuna creamy sauce and topped with lemon zest. Add cheese for a better taste. Prepare yourself for the tsunami of flavors that will take over your mouth.
- As for the burger, The Bagger LBP14,000 unfortunately, it didn't impress me much. A bagel cut in four, with a slice of tomato and lettuce. I personally didn't feel the pickles. Inside is a thick piece of meat that's dry and needs more juiciness and fat, and it’s covered in way too much cheddar. The meat is not the finest I've had and the commercial cheddar cheese covered all the other flavors. Served with a green salad in a jar and some baked potatoes, I really enjoyed the potatoes. Crunchy quarters with their skin, which I found delicious.
The things I liked:
- Jessica, the waitress is welcoming and makes you love the place without any effort
- Forks used are inspired by the Laguiole knifes, with their little bee logo
- The delivery menu prices are cheaper than the dine-in ones
- The food is fresh and tasty
I was happy having lunch here and decided to taste even more: Desserts in a jar. I ordered the chocolate mousse as well as the cappuccino, each for LBP10,000.
- My friend was laughing at me while I moaned after each bite of this sumptuous chocolate mousse jar. Inside is a layer of cake topped with a layer of cream, one of light chocolate covered with a thick dark chocolate cream. Exceptional if I might say so. I was amazed. I just imagined it at as a decoration at home. For only LBP8,000 (delivery price), put one in front of each guest, you can impress them and say you did it!
- Inside a jar stuffed with cappuccino mousse and decorated with five bits of cream is hidden a mouthwatering dessert. Two layers of mousse with two layers of chewy biscuit create an exquisite dessert. I wished my house was closer so I could order it again for delivery.
Lunch ended with a couple of espressos and a smile out in the garden under the trees. I was so happy to have come here. How many times have I stopped in front of the door and thought how would I enjoy eating in a shop? I was wrong, I discovered something tasty, made with love, passion and dedication. I'll come back for sure.
