What Was Served at Pope Leo XIV’s Official Lunch in Lebanon?
Lebanon welcomed His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as part of the country’s third-ever papal visit, with a warm and enthusiastic reception that reflected a unifying national spirit.
Amid the excitement and anticipation, even the smallest details were carefully considered, including the official lunch held on the second day of the visit.
The day’s itinerary included a spiritual tour of Lebanon’s most iconic sites: St. Maroun Monastery in Annaya and the tomb of Saint Charbel, the Our Lady of Lebanon Shrine in Harissa, a private meeting with Catholic patriarchs at the Papal Embassy, an ecumenical gathering at Martyr’s Square, and a youth meeting in Bkerki.
The Official Lunch
The Les Cartes Fines team, renowned for luxurious cuisine and immaculate presentation, prepared the meal in partnership with Maison M, creating an elegantly arranged table and a refined dining experience.
About 30 people attended, including the Pope, accompanying cardinals, papal embassy staff, and invited guests.
The menu included:
Cold Starter
King Crab Tian — Alaskan king crab with avocado, Granny Smith apple, daikon radish, green garlic, and herb sauce.
Hot Starter
Black Truffle Ravioli — fresh ravioli stuffed with wild mushrooms, truffle, and Parmesan, served with a creamy black truffle sauce.
Main Dish
Mediterranean Fish Merou — Atlantic mero fish with baby potatoes, asparagus, and Mediterranean herb-lemon sauce.
Intermezzo
Artichoke salad with pistachios — grilled artichoke, Parmigiano-Reggiano, wild arugula, roasted pistachios, and sun-dried tomatoes, with a balsamic-lemon-pistachio dressing.
Dessert
Chocolate Hazelnut Tart — rich chocolate tart with caramelized hazelnuts, topped with smooth Belgian chocolate.
While everyone agreed that the lunch was luxurious and refined, many noticed the absence of traditional Lebanese flavors. Still, the professionalism and dedication of the Les Cartes Fines team were evident in every detail.
Beyond a religious milestone, this visit carried a deeper message of support, love, and peace for Lebanon. What did you think about Pope Leo XIV’s official visit to Lebanon?
