Heliopolis Welcomes The Smokery
Fine-casual Dining in the Heart of Korba
Concept: Home-grown, fine-casual dining
Type of cuisine: International – specialized in smoked salmon
Beverages: A buzzing bar with house signature drinks – reviewer’s note: Angel A.
Signature dishes: The Saumon Fruite Balsamique and The Steak Café de Paris
Menu overview: The menu is essentially the same as the one in Katameya Heights, so you know what to expect.
Dishes sampled: We started with a variety of bite-size appetizers – which they call mise en bouche. Also sampled was the Salmon Dip with cucumber and carrots – displayed in a stainless steel tree (designed by the owner). Then we tried a fresh and aromatic duo, Salmon-Tuna Tartare accompanied by herb-buttered toast. One of the highlights was the Honey-glazed Salmon Skewers, which consisted of 4 perfectly cooked salmon fillets covered with a pleasant thick and tasty honey sauce. Our Sushi platter of 14 pieces was just a small sample of their finest Japanese selection – crispy rolls, California, Maki tuna and salmon and shrimp Nigiri.
Balancing out on the fish intake, we also tried the Duck Mandarine Crêpes, which consisted of succulent shredded duck, with crispy skin, a tangy mandarin sauce, rolled in a paper-thin crêpe pastry. The Zucchini-Cream Cheese Rolls were an excellent choice for a summery afternoon nibble – simple and light. On the side we had a Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad, on a bed of shredded lettuce and caramelized walnuts.
A new addition to the menu – The Cordon Bleu was our option for the main dish. We were served a tender and succulent boneless chicken breast, melted cheese, accompanied by French fries and a small green salad. We wrapped up our lovely afternoon of great food with a small sample of some of their mouthwatering desserts.
Other menu options that appealed: Le Curnonsky – named after the prince of gastronomy, this dish consists of a special thick-cut tenderloin fillet, and gratin dauphinois (based on potatoes and fresh crème) and braised vegetables. Best for sharing.
Décor: The Smokery Heliopolis is tucked in the left corner of the garden that belongs to a 1920’s Boutique Hotel. They have managed to keep the same cozy and al fresco feeling as their Katameya Heights’ branch – with a lot of greenery, an outdoor sitting area overlooking a gracious and newly renovated 1920 villa – that soon will host a boutique hotel. Their bar is set in the center of the venue – where you can watch the making of your drinks or sit on a stool by the counter.
Clientele mix: Upscale Heliopolis crowd
Price range: Higher end
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday from 4pm to 1am
Friday and Saturday from 2pm to 1am
Address: 58 Beirut Street – Heliopolis
Tel: + 01286830199 (weekend reservation is highly advised)
Facebook and Instagram: TheSmokeryEg
