Opening a new restaurant in the middle of a worldwide pandemic wasn't part of Madaline Fakhoury's game plan but she is determined Downtown Beirut will weather the storm.
Having grown up in Newcastle as part of a large and loving Lebanese family, the vivacious Fakhoury says "the divine delicacy of the Lebanese cuisine is deeply embedded within my bones and is something I wish to share". It's also something she feels Newcastle has been missing.
"We're bringing culture and warmth back to hospitality in Newcastle," she told Food & Wine.
"Even though I was raised here in Newcastle, my family's Lebanese culture and hospitality was integrated in our lives every day. Downtown Beirut is a family-operated business, which can be challenging, but the bond a family shares is inextricable and unbreakable and holds the restaurant together."
Fakhoury started out in catering and credits her parents with nurturing her love of cooking.
"I loved watching them grow herbs, fresh vegetables and fruit from our garden. They loved gathering family and friends around a rich meal," she said.
"I believe it was their love for cooking, and all that the Mediterranean has to offer, that got me into the business that I'm in now."
Feedback from her customers has been encouraging to date.
"There are no words that can truly describe how amazing it has been so far. We treat our customers like family and make sure they enjoy every bite," Fakhoury said.
The feedback is all the more uplifting because Downtown Beirut almost didn't open. When her husband's income ceased due to COVID-19 restrictions, Fakhoury was convinced she would have to wait "until at least 2021" to open. Then her brother came to the rescue.
"It was through the incredible financial support of my eldest brother, Mark Chalhoub, alongside the hard-working, selfless nature of project manager Oscar Douglas from Prodigy Group that I was able to pursue my dream of opening," she said.
"I have faith the storm will pass. I'm just learning to adjust my sails. The battle is real and I know I'm not on my own. There are millions of people in the same boat as me. Our destination is unknown but as long as we all work together and fight against this virus, we should all arrive safely."
When social distancing restrictions eventually lift, diners have a lot to look forward to at Downtown Beirut.
"The layout of the restaurant was designed to be a 'sit down and experience Lebanon' phenomena with traditional Lebanese music, mezza, baklava, golden syrup and Arabic coffee - and that's just the beginning," Fakhoury said.
"Islington is the hidden gem of Newcastle and needed a huge culture revival."
