"Beirut's Ex-Abandoned Mansion" is now a vibrant community for artists and a workspace in one of the city's oldest areas. I love its vintage feeling...

"Holiday Inn Beirut" was a victim of the war. It has remained abandoned since the '70s, continuing to remind the Lebanese about the horrors of conflict...

"Catrinas" is one of my favorite restaurants in Beirut. It makes extremely delicious Mexican food and has spot-on atmosphere. Just try not to go at night.

"Pola Berry" in Beirut is a cute little cafe with flowers and a swing! The owner is Syrian and took the idea from a cafe in Amsterdam. Oh the strawberries!

"Villa Badaro" has been one of my favorite spots in Beirut for many years. This restaurant is in an old villa home -- I just love sitting in the garden...

"The High Llama Coffee Shop" is slowly becoming one of Beirut's favorite spots to chill, chat and work! I really like their whole llama theme...

"Al Estez" is one of my favorite take-away snack restaurants in Beirut. I visit it 2-3 times per week. The location, the food, the staff; it's all good!

"Mataam Al Sudan- Sahretna" in Beirut is a Sudanese restaurant that gathers together the city's Sudanese/Ethiopian community. It's as local as it gets!