Entrepreneur Olivier Gasnier-Duparc has unveiled Kintsugi, a boutique hotel, restaurant and bar in the heart of Mar Mikhael, Beirut.
The early 20th-century house is ideally situated in a traditional area, where trendy restaurants, bars, industrial shops and popular boutiques coexist. Kintsugi provides a colorful and comfortable atmosphere, with an intimate and inviting ambience.
The name Kintsugi originates from the Japanese technique used to repair broken china by applying golden lacquer to its cracks. Symbolically, it represents resilience and second chances, illustrating that any wound can be beautiful and that both broken objects and humans can find redemption.
The Mar Mikhael neighborhood where Kintsugi is located was heavily damaged during the Beirut port explosion; even Gasnier-Duparc suffered injuries as a result of the blast. However, the project represents a new chapter in an area that is finding its feet again.
Additionally, Kintsugi is a story of friendship, as a group of friends came together to bring this concept to life. Each of the uniquely designed seven guest rooms is named after and decorated around works of art provided by these friends.
The garden provides privacy throughout the day and offers a friendly setting for aperitifs, while the restaurant and winter garden add excitement to guests’ evenings. At Kintsugi, every day is a celebration.
Kintsugi creates sensations, provides a collection of experiences centered around Mediterranean and Asian flavors, as well as carefully crafted cocktail pairings.
Gasnier-Duparc gave an exclusive statement to Hospitality News ME, saying: “After spending 20 years in Lebanon, particularly in the nightlife and food and beverage industry, I felt the desire to transition to providing a more comprehensive experience for customers. This led me to search for a small space where I could establish a boutique hotel. In early 2021, I started working on the project and talking to the owner about the opportunity to take the property. A property that would allow us to feature a sizable restaurant and bar. With nearly 100 seats available, including our indoor and outdoor areas, we can provide an exceptional experience throughout the day and year-round. Our winter garden and open street garden add to the diversity of settings. We have expanded our services from breakfast to dinner, ensuring that guests can visit at any time and enjoy a distinct ambiance. Whether it’s a morning breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or an intimate dinner, each visit offers a unique experience due to the ever-changing atmosphere of our location.”
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