The Tale of Legend Khalil Al Falamanki Continues in Dubai...
Dubai, 11 July 2016: Al Falamanki, an ode to a golden era and a unique concept in the food and beverage industry in Lebanon, has now opened its first international venture in Dubai, situated across the Four Seasons Hotel. Named after the famous Khalil Al Falamanki, the restaurant and café, located in the heart of Beirut, takes diners on a culinary journey of traditional Lebanese food, offering a dash of old city nostalgia in modern-Dubai.
Al Falamanki is a restaurant and café that saw the light in 2008 to offer people an experience that goes beyond exquisite tastes and a friendly atmosphere. Rooted in the old streets of Beirut and the culinary habits of villagers, Al Falamanki plays host to a blend of homemade cooking smells, diversified dialects and old-school sounds, transporting patrons into the nostalgic experience of Beirut during the 60s.
The Falamanki concept is the product of restaurateurs Tony Ramy and Mario Jr. Haddad, and businessmen Sheikh Najib Abou Hamze and Mohamad Siblani, who strove to create an authentic and distinguished Lebanese dining experience. After embarking on a road trip across Lebanon on a quest for heritage, the partners stumbled across the story of Al Khalil Al Falamanki - a Lebanese wrestler-turned bodyguard from the past era who lived a full life of globetrotting and befriending local and foreign celebrities with his charm and reliability. Having felt that it embodied the concept they were seeking perfectly, Khalil's story became the main essence of Al Falamanki's experience.
The Dubai restaurant is located on the Jumeirah Beach Road, and comprises an indoor and outdoor area, which offers a selection of shisha, and seats up to 500 people. The space is filled with a carefree atmosphere that reflects the lively streets of the city of Beirut and the tastes of surrounding villages, colliding harmoniously with the sound of classic music from Arabic legends such as Fayrouz and Sabah. Taking the human aspect of the destination to a higher level, the wonderfully bucolic restaurant is a shrine to Mr. Falamanki, depicting his life through the fascinating walls which display a number of private items from his personal collections.
Al Falamanki's timeless and solid concept has made it a success story in a short period, setting high standards in the Lebanese market. Throughout the holy month of Ramadan, Falamanki will be offering a varied selection of appetizers and mains, ideal for breaking the fast with family and loved ones. For the appetizers, the venue will be serving traditional dishes such as Hashed Chicken, Summac Potatoes, Cheese Rolls, and Fried Kibbe. Main dishes will be a choice from the 'special' selection, or the Ramadan daily dishes.
Selection of Al Falamanki A La Carte Specialties:
Field Salad
The salad from our local fields that everyone loves, made with young grape & apple dressing
My mother Souad's Fattoush
Made with special baked bread and pomegranate molasses, the fattoush is a unique journey into the taste of Lebanon
Mini Mezza
An original combo of hommos, carrot tahini, beetroot tahini and eggplant with pomegranate molasses
Khalil's Cheese
Khalil's favorite cheese with a combination of wild thyme and onions
Balila and Veggies
Every Lebanese's favorite hot mezze made with chickpeas and vegetables
Khalil's Saj
Thyme topped with a cheese mix made exclusively for Al Falamanki by Khalil, a veteran culinary producer from Hrajel.
Legendary Meat in Dough
The traditional Lebanese blend of meat and spices, made legendary with Al Flamanki's delicious dough
Historical Fava Hommos
A blend of hommos and fava beans spiced up with a special mix and almonds, to offer a historical flavor
Kbaibet in Yougurt
Mixed with garlic, pine nuts and coriander, Al Falamanki's Kbaibet in Youghurt is a real Lebanese pleasure.
Scrambled Eggs
Sunny0side up eggs sprinkled with mouthwatering sumac, served in a traditional clay dish
-Ends-
ABOUT AL FALAMANKI
Al Falamanki is a restaurant and café inspired by the true story of Khalil Al Falamanki. It is a reminiscence of a legendary man who reflects a city so consumed by life and happiness, that it became everyone's favorite place.
Beirut during the 60s was an amalgam of characters and cultures, but most importantly, stories. As the old saying goes "if walls could talk", those concrete and stone blocks of Beirut would be sharing laughter, anecdotes, backgammon scores, and card games that lasted till dawn. They would echo the enchanting voice of Fairuz looking for her long lost childhood friend Chady...and bring back to life various scenarios of bliss and enjoyment.
The wide space's architecture and design awaken a homey and familiar feeling in the hearts of visitors. The small elements found on the restaurant's walls like Khalil's old ouds, his traditional "tarabish" hats and other elements retrieved from his private collection, tell endless stories full of emotions, and play a vital role in making Al Falamanki the phenomenon it is today.
Its charming Lebanese essence attracts hundreds of frequenters on a daily basis from different age brackets, backgrounds or affiliations, 24/7. Al Falamanki is all that and more. It is a destination whose frequenters are looking to relive lost moments, and indulge in great authentic food. It is a time capsule of feelings, taste, memories and belonging.
AWARDS
Gold Standard:
The Lebanese Ministry of Health awarded Al Falamanki's kitchen with the Gold Standard, which is the highest distinction for kitchen abiding by international standards of food safety, quality and hygiene procedures, to ensure that all the dishes and supplies are fresh and healthy on a daily basis.
© Press Release 2016
