Paris, the Lebanese Way

December 03,2018 0 Rita Ghantous

Chef Karim Haïdar

Chef Karim Haïdar, caterer, food consultant, author and TV personality, is also credited with being the founder and president of the Academy of Arab Cuisine in Paris, aimed at promoting Arab cuisine across the world. Together with his partner, Selloua Bouaziz, Haidar opened a café bar restaurant at the end of last year called Askini. Having quickly become known as an authentic Parisian bistro offering Mediterranean-Middle Eastern food, the establishment also serves mezzé and tapas.

Explaining the rationale behind the concept, Haidar said, “The setup is somewhat unusual, as we placed the drinks selection in the center and adapted our food to an informal dining arrangement, with an open kitchen serving guests, starting from 9am.” He added that the layout of the outlet lends itself to an atmosphere of conviviality in what is already a highly popular neighborhood, located in Paris’s 10th district. “With very suitable prices, our establishment is open to one and all,” Haïdar added. “However, at the other end of the spectrum, a full dining experience is provided, coupled with a great selection of original cocktails and an extensive wine assortment.” The chef also said that in 2019, he planned to publish a book dedicated to the many ways that kibbeh can be prepared. “I have been meaning to do this for quite some time, in terms of what is near and dear to my heart, and to express my affinity with this kind of dish,” he commented.

askiniparis.com

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About author

Rita Ghantous

Publication Executive

Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.