Riad Abou Lteif and Walid Merhi

A connoisseur in the restaurant and food industry, with a self educating mindset and a background in architecture, Riad follows his own philosophy when it comes to food. As the owner of Ferdinand Gastrobar and Meats & Bread restaurant, he has gained global recognition for the way in which he turns simple ingredients into remarkable dishes. Having long managed leading bars in Lebanon and winning several awards in the process, Walid currently co-owns and manages Ferdinand Gastrobar, leads the beverage program in Baky Hospitality– Egypt and owns a consultancy firm abroad. By farming his own produce, he has used his culinary heritage, terroir and passion to create a unique style through which he celebrates Lebanon’s seasons and legacy, making his name inseparable from the ever-evolving cocktail bar scene at home and abroad.