Beirut's iconic 'Glass Cafe' takes its last bow

BEIRUT — Beirut's iconic Glass Cafe, which dates back to Ottoman times, shuts its doors this week, taking with it a slice of the Lebanese capital's cultural and political heritage."The history of this cafe is closely intertwined with the history of Beirut," said Angele Abi Haidar, 50, whose family has operated the Glass Cafe -- which first opened its doors in 1920 -- since 1951."Every inch of this cafe carries a story," she said. "It has witnessed the country's major political events and survived through the 1975-1990 civil war."Abi Haidar recently lost a long-running legal battle with the building's owner over the rental price which was set to jump threefold, from 50,000 dollars a year to 150,000 dollars -- a price she cannot afford."I spent a lot of money in legal fees and I can't go on any more," she said, sadly looking over the cafe which shuts down January 10.The glass-enclosed bistro-style eatery is popular among tourists and old-timers.It is located in the traditional but trendy neighbourhood of Gemmayzeh in a building on a corner of Gouraud Street, named after French General Henri Gouraud who signed a decree proclaiming the creation of the state of Lebanon in 1920.Ottoman-style buildings vie for space with modern high rises on the street, which is crowded with pubs, nightclubs and restaurants. But the "Glass Cafe" is one of its few establishments that still serves Lebanese dishes and offers traditional music.With its painted tiles, imported from Italy at the start of the 20th century, 1950s chandeliers and classic bistro style tables, the cafe has borne witness to Lebanon's turbulent history over the years as it hosted presidents, prime ministers, poets."The likes of President Camille Chamoun, Prime Minister Saeb Salam and (Maronite Christian leader) Pierre Gemayel were among our customers," Abi Haidar said."The cafe was also popular among intellectuals who could sit for hours debating about culture and poetry."As a young girl, Abi Haidar remembers watching her grandfather greet customers, with th

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