Harry Potter Night

Perched on the foot of Mount Lebanon is the Massaya Winery, it's here where we all descended to join together to create a feast of British food paired with Massaya wines, during a magical remarkable night entitled: Harry Potter night. The British acclaimed chef, Mark Hix, created a British menu with Lebanese influence. Jeremy Hunt from Thorman Hunt Wines in the UK, who is the wine agent for Massaya wines, carefully paired Massaya wines for the menu along with Catherine Cheek, of Christopher Piper Wines (UK). 


The evening was hosted by the inspiration brothers Sami and Ramzi Ghosn, who founded Massaya in 1995. Ramzi who is chief winemaker at Massaya is also a chef, and so joined Mark in the kitchen. Guests were welcomed with a Hix Fix, a signature cocktail of Mark, which is morello cherries in Somerset apple eau de vie topped with sparkling wine. Loved in particular by Chef Walid Ataya who kept popping 5 cherries in his glass! The charming venue was all decorated with flying candles and vintage furniture which reinforced the theme, and guests were entertained by magic close up tricks done by professional magician Hady Akiki along with British beats played by DJ Joey Abillamah who both created an ambiance of cheers and fun. The heart of the restaurant is the open wood fire, which Mark used for making the breads and roasting the meets. The fire was fueled with vine twigs from the winery, and the smells were like a siren luring us all to the feast led by Chef Walid's truffle hunting dog. An evening of wine tasting, eating and laughter, to celebrate the continued friendships of Massaya in Britain... 
- Clodagh McKenna