I’m a carnivore. This place’s tag-line is “casa de carne” so it’s safe to assume I love it. When one thinks about steak, perhaps the first country that comes to mind is France, or maybe even Brazil for the more culinary adventurous people. However, it looks like the guys in Argentina have figured out the best way to make good use of innocent cows.
La Estancia is located in the heart of Gemmayzeh, one story above El Gardel. The aged, traditional Lebanese building has been given a delightful face-lift with a dim lights and comfortable chairs spread across several sections on the restaurant. The sectioning allows for a feeling of coziness and privacy, something greatly appreciated when you’re on a date or entertaining business associates.
The specialty is of course the steaks and grill. They do have a decent selection of salads though, for the herbivores among you, who probably will become normal again after they feast their eyes on the Lomo. Lomo is my favorite type of meat at La Estancia. Its called Lomo because of the part of the cow or bull it is made from. The meat isn’t fatty, just good old red meat. There’s the Cote de Bouef though for those of you who do like the taste of fat cells with their meat.
The Lomo comes in several varieties and forms each with a different sauce or topping. My favorite is the 200g Lomo steak (which might be a bit small, but makes up in taste what it lacks in size). The meat is cooked to perfection by the Argentinian chef, and that makes me very happy. When you cut into the dark brown exterior and expose a pinkish interior with just a tad bit of juiciness, that’s divine, and that’s what happens in La Estancia.
The prices are not your average diner ones. A decent dish will probably cost you in the excess of 35,000 LBP. Add to that an appetizer, salad and maybe a dessert, you’ll end up with a 30-40USD per person fabulous 4-course dinner, which is fair considering that’s including a glass of wine for each. When you think about it though, you are getting gourmet food that’ll bloat you, not some ready-made microwaved dish that’ll have you spending just as much, minus the flavor.
Try to head there on Wednesdays, when it’s open grill and you can refill your steak *dies happy* The staff are extremely nice and courteous, making you feel nice and important.
Verdict: Love it. If you like steaks, you’re gonna love it too
Price: 60-80 USD should be more than enough for dinner for two with wine
Atmosphere: Laid back, relaxed and perfect for dates or a night with friends or colleagues
Music: Subdued, Latin
Staff: Very nice and courteous, knowledgeable about the menu

Find places to go to in Lebanon on www.gardlen.com





















































































































