The minister of tourism Avedis Guidanian inaugurated yesterday the Beirut Cooking Festival and Salon du Chocolat expo in their 7th and 4th editions (Biel, November 16-18) in the presence of tourism syndicates, ambassadors and famous food experts. On the occasion, Hospitality Services managing director and HORECA event organizer, Joumana Damous Salameh, said: “We are honored to host these concurrent annual events which is a true celebration of some of the richest flavors and latest cooking and chocolate making trends.” Food, Salameh said, is at the heart of the Lebanese culture and promotes the image of Lebanon as a hub for culinary excellence and tasting. According to a statement by the organizing company, “Beirut, named as best international city for food celebrates once again its rich gastronomy with over 42 passionate chefs and food experts showcasing their latest food preparation techniques through 58 workshops, and with 112 exhibitors featuring and promoting their best foods, beverages, pastries, kitchen utensils and expecting over 15,000 of the food loving audience. (Al Mustaqbal, Al Diyar, An Nahar, November 17, 2017)