After debuting last week on the Internet, because I'm afraid I might like it and lose all credibility. more ›

A few weeks ago, while perusing the offerings behind the glass at the Surfas café, I noticed a bowl of green grains labeled “Freekah salad”. more ›

Don't get me wrong, I love Beirut, but last Thursday I was lucky enough to be invited by a friend at Harmonia Mundi to the pre-screening of GYPSY CARAVAN...When The Road Bends. Written and directed by Jasmine Dellal of Little Dust Productions, the film is a documentary about five bands that play different kinds of Gypsy music, who united for a highly successful 6-week tour across North America. Descendents of the Roma, a group that migrated from Northwestern India around 1050, Gypsies are now spread over the Balkan peninsula, the Americas, the former Soviet Union, Western Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. more ›

Khalife is internationally known for mastering the oud (the Arabic lute). He has toured the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and the United States giving solo performances as well as performing innovative new works. Khalife also founded the Al Mayadeen Ensemble, which specializes in Arabic chorale and the musical heritage of Lebanon. more ›