On a calm Friday morning, along with some friends, we headed down to Food Dealer for breakfast. The Food Dealer is a deli/café that has recently opened on Mar Mikhael. The hype around it has been massive – where people come in to enjoy some food as well as buy some selective items.
The idea of a deli is popular around the world. And finally we can enjoy the experience in Lebanon… walk with me into the Food Dealer…
The first impression:
- The variety of items available on sale is interesting: Angelina chocolate spread. Yes "the" Angelina from Paris. Biomass organic products. Freshly packed dried fruits and nuts...
- I loved the spirit and ambiance of the place
- The music is soothing
Food, drinks and passionate possibilities:
- Cookies from Karine Zablit
- Nougats by L'Atelier du Miel
- Angelina chocolate spread
- Thin crackers (2erbenn) by Anges de la joie
- Gift baskets by Terroirs du Liban
- Homemade sauces by Sapori di Tery
- Olive oil by Zejd
- Zaatar by Bassatin Basnoub
- Bread, biscuits and cookies by Bread Basket
- The produces of Biomass
- Croissant by Paul
- Beer from Colonel Batroun
And much much more …
The place's little special details:
- Out on the sidewalk, tables and chairs can welcome you for a cozy drink as you blend in with the neighborhood
- A long fridge, a display that includes ham, cheese and Jamon Iberico
- The menu is hung in the wall behind the fridge
- A colorful display of food and drinks with fresh juice on display, a cutting machine and an espresso machine
- The place is divided into three areas. The drinks display, the long fridge and seating area and another vegetables display in the back area
- The floor is covered with special designed tiles by Blat Shaya - different colors: blue, white and black
- Filling the space image light marbled square tables
- On the left wall, high shelves are filled with jars and food bags
- A black board at the entrance is where the day's specials are written
- Tables are set with a rugged fabrics table napkin and a set of salt and pepper mills
- The drinks area has it all. Local and international wines with soft drinks and alcohol
The lunch and dinner menu:
- Salads
- Hot dishes
- From the fridge
- Sandwiches
- Drinks
- Dessert of the day
The morning deal:
- Sunny side up eggs
- Labneh platter
- Scrambled eggs
- Cheese, Zaatar and bacon quiches
- Cold cud platter
- Cheese platter
- Toasted turkey with cheddar sandwich
- Croissant (Zaatar, cheese, apple, plain, chocolate)
After walking around and enjoying the little details that constitute the place, we ordered breakfast... We ordered everything they have.
The food:
- Sunny Side Up: Two eggs served on toasted pain de champagne. Fresh, aromatic and covered with salt and pepper. Very tasty but what was even better and worth talking about are their super crispy like slices of bacon slices. Bravo!
- Scrambled: Non-oily and not soggy and it was just as good. Loved them!
- The Turkey Sandwich: Bravo! A load of freshly cut turkey, a toasted bun that's so crispy and a generous portion of melted cheddar. That's so good and even better with the mustard that comes with it. Two slices of dried tomatoes add a touch of finesse.
- The Bacon Quiche: Kudos to the chef who makes them. Tose Quiche are provided by a lady who produces them at home. Enjoy a crispy crunchy border that is like a cookie, with a rich filling. A passion that's felt within. Bravo, Bravo, Bravo.
- Croissants from Paul Bakery: Their croissants aren't my favorite around. It’s chewy with a little filling… and too sweet. Those croissant are stingy and really over chewy lacking crunchiness and flavor. Honestly, with all the tasty choices, I'll skip those next time.
- Labneh! Extravagant! Impressive! A superb goat Labneh served with a hint of olive oil, slices of tomatoes and Zaatar, authentic Zaatar. The Labneh has a feeling of lightness. Served with slices of toasted bread, this Labneh made my day. This is the Labneh from Jezzine.
The presentation is superb. Portions are served on wood cutting boards with salad, olives or sauces. Food is great. The ambiance is amazing... I wasn't expecting to be so amazed.
The check is served in a nylon bag. I loved the originality. Thank you Omar for the good service and welcoming gestures. And thank you chef for the attention and know how I enjoyed in every bite.
When I heard about The Food Dealer, I thought it was going to be another pop-up concept that sells sandwiches from behind the counter. Nope! I am sorry, I was wrong. I enjoyed some exceptional food here and an experience I invite you to try…
I’ll be coming back again… for lunch or dinner.
