24 Hours in Beirut with Nasri Atallah
Nasri Atallah is the kind of guy who does it all - author, blogger, publisher and manager of local blues-rock outfit, The Wanton Bishops.
He is also currently the head of media at Keeward, running its publishing, music, digital storytelling and video production sectors. Atallah travels often between Beirut, Paris and now increasingly, New York, where Keeward has been developing most of its book business. He published his first book, "Our Man in Beirut," two years ago and is presently finishing off his second book, which went from being a novel about London to a collection of short stories about Beirut because, according to him, “writing is mainly about throwing away shitty stuff, so I’m back to [short stories] I want to tell right now.”
Whenever he's in Beirut, this is where he likes to hang. Click through the slideshow to see what's up.
Keeward Office
Keeward, undoubtedly, is number one when it comes to Atallah’s favorite places to be in Beirut.
It is a company that focuses on combining technology with culture through various strategies such as publishing, app development, marketing and communication.
“We’re expanding pretty quickly, taking a new floor in the building, and now sexing up our offices so they look as cool as all the 40 people who call it home,” he says about the place.
Berytech Technology and Health Pole Damascus Road
Mathaf
Tel.: +9611612661
Tel.: +9611612500
Goutons Voir
“Goutons Voir is where we often go for lunch, because you know ordering Roadsters every day can get boring,” Atallah says of the bright little restaurant in Monot.
His usual order is the seafood platter because “it makes me feel less guilty for also ordering the truffle fries.”
Abdel Wahab El Inglizi St.
Monot
Tel.: +9611333644
Mob.: +96170595951
Art Factum Gallery
A renovated old steel factory, Art Factum shows off contemporary art and design from local and international names.
For Atallah, Art Factum is “undoubtedly the best art gallery in Beirut, and possibly the region, right now. It’s owned by my good friend Joy Mardini, who spent years getting to know the industry in Europe. She’s the real thing. And she represents one of my favourite photographers, Tanya Traboulsi."
Rehban Street
Karantina
Tel.: +9611443263
Mob.: +9613798081
Photo via Facebook
Torino
Torino, our favorite chill bar in Gemmayzeh, is where Atallah heads for a laid back, fun night.
“It’s kind of redundant to place, Torino, on a list of things to do in Beirut, since I think it’s on every list. But I truly love this place. Everyone is friendly. It’s always packed,” says Atallah.
“There’s a physicality to the place that’s very rewarding – it feels like being on public transport. You have to make eye contact and talk to people. And, since it’s on all the lists, it’s full of backpackers and tourists and creative types, so something random always happens.”
Gourand Street
Gemmayzeh
Mob.: +9613248606
Photo via iusatoday.net
Epicery
“It’s new, bright and airy, and has a kind of colonial feel to it, with a well-stocked bar, great barrel-aged cocktails and food that’s slightly unexpected,” is what Atallah says about new Mar Mikchael hotspot, Epicery.
“It’s a very adult way to start the night before you go fall over dancing somewhere. Oh, and it’s the brainchild of the two guys who brought us Behind The Green Door, which incidentally is a great place to go dance and fall over. "
Rue du Patriarche Arida
Mar Mikhael
Mob.: +96176046556
Metro Al Madina
How could a writer and talent manager not love the Hamra performance hub that is Metro Madina?
“Without a doubt, this is the best live venue in Beirut in my opinion,” Atallah says.
“And I’m not just saying that because two of the musicians I managed have played amazing gigs there. I’ve seen small intimate shows there, trippy turn of the century cabaret like Hishik Bishik and rock competitions. It’s a versatile space, and their programming is perfect.”
Saroulla Building
Hamra
Mob.: +96176309363
Photo via Facebook
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