USAID Lebanon: From the American People
 

PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Group of people watch as tasters sample various Lebanese dishes at a table

Expert Food Tasters Give High Marks to Lebanese Mezze

August 29, 2007

More than 150 visitors attended a Mezze Festival in Zahle, Lebanon, on July 29, 2007. Visitors watched a mezze tasting competition, and bought food and crafts from small local and regional businesses. Twelve contestants from across Lebanon competed in the tasting for the awards of best traditional and innovative mezze. The jury consisted of an executive chef, restaurant entrepreneur and other food experts.

The festival and food tasting were designed to revive tourism in rural Lebanon and promote local products. The funding came from the American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The events are part of a larger $4.1 million USAID project, carried out by SRI International, to expand incomes and strengthen the Lebanese economy, particularly in rural areas.

"Photo of the Week" is a product of U.S. Embassy Beirut to highlight the U.S. Government's development, relief, reconstruction, and humanitarian assistance to Lebanon. For more information, visit the Embassy’s website at http://lebanon.usembassy.gov.

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