An urban sanctuary, Ritage Garden is an all-day dining concept located in the heart of Beirut. We caught up with chef Maroun Chedid, Ritage’s owner, to learn more about his popular oasis and some of its special features.
Why did you decide to refurbish Ritage Garden?
Ritage Garden underwent renovations in order to better reflect its new image: a whimsical ambience and a carefully curated menu that boasts playful dishes celebrating world food while paying homage to our deeply rooted Mediterranean culture. Ritage Garden’s outdoor space is ideal for winter dining. Its cutting-edge retractable roof makes it a year-round destination for those who enjoy great food.
What challenges did you face in preparation for the reopening?
We prioritize quality and outstanding customer service, so finding premium ingredients and recruiting the best talent were our main challenges.
How important is it for a restaurant to reinvent and redefine itself from time to time?
One of the most effective ways to alter the long-term performance trajectory of a restaurant is to elevate the idea. That is what we tried to do with our restaurant, by stimulating the senses with an elegant but inviting atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal, a satisfying beverage or a cup of coffee while soaking up the Mediterranean spirit and feeling at home.
What are your future plans?
We have set major goals for 2023. We are looking forward to opening Ritage Garden and Maison Georgette in Accor’s luxury and premium hotels throughout the IMEA region. Moreover, this partnership will consolidate the expansion of our presence in the region, celebrating our core pillars across borders: terroir, authenticity, inventiveness and artistry.
About author
Rita Ghantous
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
