El Barrio at 1920 Boutique Hotel

El Barrio
El Barrio

El Barrio, the Spanish word for neighborhood, is the name of the latest hot spot in Heliopolis. El Barrio recreates a slice of Havana, with its distinct character and pure Latin flair.

Dishes Sampled

We were guided through the menu by very attentive and friendly staff, who were ready to detail each dish. Their menu is based on some of the most popular Latin appetizers, some with a local twist. We decided on a couple of dips, Cheska’s Dip – named after the owner’s wife – and traditional Guacamole; Salmon Chevice, Jalapeno Poppers, Tequenos and Beef Chimichurri. Cheska’s Dip consisted of a blend of creamy cheese, tiny chopped tomatoes and a touch of Sriracha hot sauce, which offered a pleasant lift. The Guacamole dip was simple and delicious, and quickly scooped up with the tortilla chips that came with it. Plenty of crunchy tortilla triangles were also served with the Salmon Cheviche, which came on a bed of avocado puree.

The salmon definitely had the acidity that is expected from the lime used for marinating. We then moved on to our hot appetizers while sipping on our Sangria and Cuba Libre. First came the Tequenos, golden brown, panko breaded cheese sticks, served along a super spicy chili jam as a dipping sauce. Tread carefully with the dip unless you love it flammable. Following up, we had the Jalapeño Poppers – deep fried hallowed Jalapeno filled with cheese. The gooey melted cheese balanced the hot pepper intensity. The Beef Chimichurri could have been slightly under cooked but that is a personal preference. On the other hand the chimichurri sauce was true to its roots. We ended up our evening indulging ourselves on a mouthwatering Tres-Leches and a slice of Dark Chocolate Red Chili Cake.

Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverages

Tacos and Empanadas are on our list along with a couple of signature cocktails. Beverages include Cold and hot drinks and a full-fledged bar.

Décor and Ambience

The Latin vibe hits you the second you walk into El Barrio. The place is divided into three distinct areas; a ground floor with a patio vibe, a terrace and indoors – which includes a cigar bar. Each section is so authentic in its’ detail that you feel you have been transported in time and place. There is a great sense of Latin flair, a reconstruction of a pre-Castro Cuba, with all its glamour. We would highlight the mix and match chandeliers on the terrace; the mirror cigar menu written in red lipstick; the beautiful Frida Kahlo portrait adorned with roses, and the Mexican-style altar in the indoor area. A single visit is not enough to absorb the rich detail of the interior.

Worth Noting: Cigar bar

Clientele Mix: Chic Heliopolis crowd and friends 

Price Range: High-end

Contact Information

Address: 58 Beirut Street, Heliopolis

Working hours: 7 pm until late

Tel:  0121 299 9996

Facebook/Instagram: @elbarrioegypt

Read More Restaurants Reviews Here

Falak Startups

Falak Startups is Egypt’s largest startup accelerator.

Falak Startups has been operating for the past two years out of AUC, supporting and empowering plenty of up-and-coming startups. Miral El Essawy took time out of her busy day to give us the low down on this much needed initiative.

Falak Startups is Egypt’s largest startup accelerator. To find and empower talented and ambitious early-stage startup founders, in order to help them thrive in the region’s rapidly changing entrepreneurship landscape. The sector-agnostic program focuses on honing startups’ product-market fit, fine-tuning their business model as well as their operating and revenue models, growing their customer base and raising follow-on investments.

It All Started with an Idea…

The idea started under the initiative of “Fekretak Sherketak” by the Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation, under the flagship of H.E. Dr. Sahar Nasr and her top economic advisor at the time, Dr. Shehab Marziban. The initiative resulted in creating Egypt Ventures, a VC fund to support and invest in high growth startups, and accordingly, the idea for creating a startup accelerator – Falak, was initiated to create and invest in a proper pipeline of early stage startups. It took around three months to then build the right team to lead this, and set up the new space to run the program for the first batch of startups.

The Importance of a Strong Team

Falak’s greatest asset is its team. Building a young yet experienced team, each adding a different element that complements the needed building blocks to run Falak, providing real and sustainable support to the startups, and making sure Falak is well positioned in the market ecosystem and the region.

Initial Challenges

At first, Falak was perceived as yet another governmental program that would not have any real tangible output, but rather just created for some good PR. It took a lot of effort and real commitment from the team to prove that they really do care about providing a solid program that is coupled by smart investments and supported by a qualified team that really wants to make a change in the ecosystem.

Where Does Egypt Stand in Terms of Projects Like Falak?

Egypt is one of the leading countries in the region in terms of programs like Falak. We’re one of the earliest counties to lead the startup scene back in the early 2000s, and even though other countries have recently joined in and grown faster, we are still providing very strong support and offer competitive value to startups.

Type of Projects and Initiatives that are Supported by Falak

Falak is sector agnostic, and focuses on tech-enabled and scalable startups. Some of the startups include:

  • Automotive: Mayday, Auto Parts, Auto Tell.
  • Health tech: Med Box, Mazboot, El Rosheta, Apoteka, 3elagi, Bypa-ss.
  • E-commerce: Alla’ona, Agri EG, NART, SOOVI, Faggala, The Mob.
  • Fashion: Darjee.
  • Construction- Service platforms: Benaa Today, Joudran.
  • Education: Splenkid, Olli.
  • F&B: Deal & Meal, Masry Market, 3al Mashy, Elgate.
  • Clean tech: Value Bekia, Taqatak, Delta Oil, Rabbit.
  • Agri-tech: 21 Farmer.
  • Social Networking: Droplin.
  • Fintech: Paynas, Xpay, Noqood, Hood, Digified, Waffer X.
  • Sports: Find Me football, Passport.

Others: Masto, Primo, Makank, Lamina, Kazzem, HLPR, Garrak, E-youth, Raseedi, Wint, Trendster, Merakido, Teradix, Vigo, Rafiq, SKN.

Contact info:

Address: The Greek Campus, Tahrir Square.

Web: www.falakstartups.com

Facebook: @falakstartups

Read More About Business Development Here

Tamer Hosny: The Engine Behind The Money

TAMER HOSNY

An established mega star in the pop music world, Tamer has been steadily building his film career with precision in terms of the quality of his films. Known to be meticulous on set and behind the scenes, the 42-year-old entertainer has been critical of his past work and always pushes to make the best movie possible. His latest box-office blockbuster The Money sees the superstar serve as both the writer and lead actor of the film, giving Tamer Hosny full control of his vision. We sat down to learn more about what makes this film different from his past work.

CWM: You’re the main cog of this machine, the lead actor and the writer of this movie. How did you bring the idea to life?

T.H: The type of movies I usually do are classified as light comedy/romance, so this time I chose to work on a new genre: suspense/comedy. The genre, the character and the look we built for Seif is completely brand new and different from how audiences have seen me before!

Tell us more about the role you play. Did you find any similarities in your character? 

Most of the lead roles I’ve played before have relentless perfectionism linked to them, so choosing the role of a con-man role was a departure for me!

I find people have a certain notion of what roles singers should play on the big screen, and it tends to be very limiting. I think challenging people’s perceptions by choosing once again to defy expectations, I broke this notion, much like I did before with Adam or with El Badla.

He is a serious person, but whenever he’s in a humorous situation, he shifts the mood from absolute seriousness to a light-hearted mood and in that we are pretty much alike. However, I do not approve of the way he thinks and how he decided to walk down a wrong path just because he couldn’t attain his goals and dreams.

What was the most challenging thing you, as Tamer Hosny, faced during the shoot?

The first challenge I faced was the body transformation I undertook to play the role. The character I play is heavily built and has a high level of athleticism, even in the way he runs or fights. To pull this off, I followed a strict workout plan for six months straight to be able to achieve the look needed for this character. I spent most of my day in the gym!

The other challenge I faced was changing the technique I usually use to make people laugh. The humorous moments in this film originate from a serious place, not from a comedic situation or set up for a joke.

How was the vibe on set, have you worked with this cast before?

All of the actors and actresses are old friends of mine! The energy on set was light-hearted and jolly, and I do believe that when there is harmony the cast behind the cameras, people tend to see it on the big screen.

Who is the funniest person from the cast in real life?

I can’t choose one person, because the whole cast is really funny, and we were laughing all the time whenever we were all in the same room!

Without giving anything away, which scene was your favorite?

A very important scene is the one where Khaled El Sawy and I face off against each other and argue about the very notion the movie is built on. Do we both act out of free will or was everything destined to happen? It required a great deal of work beforehand to pull off the scene in a cinematically thrilling way.

How does this movie differ from other movies in the same genre? What should the audience expect before they go see the movie?

What makes this movie unique is how it’s a blend between action, suspense and comedy. The movie, however, discusses deeper subjects for us as human beings. Are a person’s choices in life their free will or are they destined or fated to choose them according to a greater force, such as God’s pre-existing plan?

The audience should expect to see what they love about my usual acting work, in addition to enhancements and an evolution in my acting skills.

Quickfire Round

What did you want to be when you grew up, as a kid?

I wanted to be a professional football player, but then a predetermined course of events prevented me from achieving this dream and lead to me a new dream. Looking back, if I was given the choice again, I would choose singing.

Who was your ultimate celebrity crush?

My wife, Bassma Boussel.

What’s your worst annoying habit?

I’m always on my phone working.

What’s the best film you’ve recently seen?

Birdbox.

If you could trade lives with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?

Abd El Halim Hafez, may he rest in peace. I’m curious to know if he was aware that he is a legend, or did he become a legend after his death?

What compliment do people give Tamer Hosny the most?

That I am humble.

Which movie do you wish you’ve acted in?

El Shaba7 

Best advice you’ve ever gotten?

The more you give to those around you, God will reward you with much more.

Cats or dogs?

Dogs 

Social media – love it or hate it?

It’s a love/hate relationship. It facilitates good things, but also creates bad side effects.

In 2020, Tamer Hosny wants _______ to disappear!

Frustration

Check out our interview with Khaled El Sawy next!

and read more celebrity interviews here

In the Stars: Your January Horoscopes

Happy Birthday

Welcome to a new year, and a new decade. If ever there was a time to sit back and take stock, this could be it. The planetary line up sees some interesting configurations going on, and we all need to find our space in the big picture. What should each sign be aiming for in 2020? Let’s take a look at this month’s horoscopes.

P.S. Don’t forget to read your rising sign’s horoscope as well if you know it, and you can discover more about your moon sign here.

Capricorn
2020 in a Nutshell: This is your year!

With three major planets transiting your birth sign you may feel both shaken and stirred. Changes that have recently taken place in your life cannot be reversed, so the only road is forwards. Don’t worry about trying to pick up the pieces and glue them back together. New opportunities and abundance await, so get ready.

Aries
2020 in a Nutshell: Who’s da boss now?

You may have seen it developing over the past months, but now the message is loud and clear. Territory that you have gained in career matters needs to be defended and built upon as 2020 gets under way. There may be some new offers on the table, but look out for hidden clauses and added responsibilities.

Taurus
2020 in a Nutshell: Bring it on!

You are ready to embrace the new and unexplored. Let’s face it, the ‘same old, same old’ really didn’t work for you in 2019, so what’s to lose? There is a new reality to get used to, but it seems that you have the ability to be pragmatic and adjust your goals and expectations. This could be a landmark year.

Gemini
2020 in a Nutshell: Build stronger foundations.

Yes, you thrive on change and variety, but at your inner core you understand that having a secure base to come back to is worth a million little escapades. This is your year to create that base, alone, or with a significant other. It may be a home, or your own project, or just a few pounds stashed away in the bank. Keep your focus and goals become reachable. 

Cancer
2020 in a Nutshell: It’s all about partnerships.

If you are already hitched, expect a new level of commitment to emerge. There may be a few bumps in the road, but the final result could be a deeper bond. Singles may be a bit nervous about taking a step in a budding relationship, but by year end it all looks rosy.

Leo
2020 in a Nutshell: Tone it down, but stay upbeat!

Nobody can outshine Leo when it comes to living life on a grand scale.  So, how do you feel about reining it in a little?  No more shop till you drop; recycling is the new trend, and refining your daily habits in a more mindful way.  Your natural leadership skills propel you into the limelight, embrace the role of innovator and pioneer.

Virgo
2020 in a Nutshell: Learn to loosen up a bit.

Much as your virtues of reliability and attention to detail are appreciated, you can be a tad boring to those who first meet you. Before you go into a flurry of denial, think of ways you can actually learn to kick back, get creative and have fun. Then see what happens. Singles may find romance in store for 2020.

Libra
2020 in a Nutshell: Family comes first.

Lessons learned in the past 12 months can be useful in 2020. Life isn’t always easy, or entertaining, and this year some responsibilities have to be faced. Family and domestic matters are key to your wellbeing and peace of mind. This is not to say that there aren’t joys and benefits in store, they just come with certain caveats.

Scorpio
2020 in a Nutshell: Communicate and win.

Your razor mind and insight are your trump card this year. You have staying power and this is your chance to show what you can achieve when the going gets tough.  If communication skills and media are part of your job and lifestyle, then you can really be a game changer. What are you waiting for? Get blogging!

Sagittarius
2020 in a Nutshell: Money, money, money

It’s long overdue, but this year you can make a financial plan and stick to it. With a little strategy and persistence you can build up reserves to cushion you in leaner times. Recent changes may have given you new opportunities, and work matters look positive for 2020. Now it is in your hands.

Aquarius
2020 in a Nutshell: Go with the flow.

2019 might have exhausted your energy reserves more than you realized. Now it is time to nurture yourself, find a little space and quiet time to find inner balance. Don’t take on every battle that you think should be fought, sometimes it is better to let things sort themselves out. A change of residence or a new addition to the home is possible, be flexible and willing to adapt as needed.

Pisces
2020 in a Nutshell: No man is an island…

Make this a special year by getting out and about as much as you can. Your natural empathy makes you a great friend, and your caring nature makes you perfect for community initiatives. Join that club, team up with people who think the way you do, and be an inspiration to others.

Our monthly horoscopes are brought to you by Maeri Frances, a consulting astrologer with over 30 years’ experience. Exclusive to our publications, we brings tips for each Sun sign on how to avoid the pitfalls and ride the highs with each month’s horoscopes.

Digital Diet Solutions with Dr. Ahmed Noweir

Digital-Diet

For every diet plan that starts to trend there are as many excuses for not sticking to it. Too busy? No mentoring or support? No idea what to include or skip in your meals? This is where leading nutritionist Dr. Ahmed Noweir steps in. His clinic offers total online support, healthy tailored eating plans, psychological and lifestyle counselling, and as a bonus, really appetizing healthy recipes. So, say goodbye to those excuses, say hello to a healthier you!

The HealthyLife online program is a new concept that helps people across the globe diet, create healthier habits, reduce their risk of chronic diseases, and foster healthier relationships with themselves in the process.

How did you get the idea to launch this concept?

Many of our clients who reside abroad or those who travel for vacations requested that their progress be followed up while they are away for fear of regaining the weight they had lost and reverting back to unhealthy habit. This is how this online program was originally launched, so we could closely monitor and guide our clients, even when they were not able to visit our clinics for any reason.

What are the benefits in using this approach?

As mentioned before, the online program enables us to follow up our clients who are traveling or abroad. However, it is of immense benefit to any patient who chooses for any reason to lose weight, become healthier and get in shape, without having to visit our clinics. Some people‘s schedules are very busy, and others cannot, for health reasons, stay for long in the waiting room. This is a flexible, easy-to-use system that allows dieters to get the support and advice they need at a time convenient to them. An online weight loss and follow up program is of great benefit to a wide sector of our community, especially those who need that extra bit of support and mentoring.

Are there any disadvantages with this type of program?

Actually there are not any that I can think of. The means of modern technology has brought us all closer and made it possible for us to be in proximity to our patients in order to give them expert nutritional advice and guidance in the time and place most convenient to them.

What feedback have you received from your patients?

The feedback is generally very positive. The success of the program can be easily tracked by assessing the patients’ compliance and the success they are achieving regarding their weight, shape and life goals.

Does this program work for most people, or are there cases that need face-to-face follow up?

Of course, there are some people who are not that comfortable with technology and prefer direct contact with their doctor and need to follow up with him in person. We accommodate personal consultations, of course.

How can you register for the program?

Just visit dareurbody.com for registration.

Do you supply food plans and recipes?

Of course we do! Most of them have proved to be very successful and delicious according to our patients. Dieting can be downright difficult if you don’t enjoy the food you’re eating.

How much weight does the average client lose per month?

First and foremost, we should make a clear distinction between losing weight and losing fat. Anybody can lose weight by just not eating. But unfortunately the weight lost will be both muscle and fat. The goal of successful weight loss is to preserve as much muscle as possible, while at the same time losing as much of the excess fat as possible. A key indicator of a patient’s success is his fat percentage and not the scale.

That being said, the rate of fat loss can hardly be predicted beforehand and depends to a great extent on the individual‘s degree of compliance with the diet plan, his or her age, gender, muscle mass, BMR and level of physical activity.

Our target in Healthy Life clinics is to ensure a gradual loss of a patient’s excess fat in a healthy way, offering nutritional education and guidance and helping people achieve a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Top 5 tips for anyone needing to lose excess weight:

  • Eat mostly whole, unprocessed food.
  • Cut back on sugars, starches and unhealthy fats.
  • Drink a lot of water.
  • Exercise regularly and lift weights if possible.
  • Don’t follow fad diet, where your caloric intake is minimal or certain food groups are totally prohibited.

Contact information:

Address: 18 Khartoum St., off Arouba St., Salah Salem, Heliopolis.

12 Sahaba Square, off Gamal Salem St., off Mosadaq St., Dokki.

Tel: 0109 992 1791

Website: https://www.dareurbody.com/

Facebook: Dr.Ahmed Noweir/Healthylife

Read More about Diet Website

Create a New You with These 51 Quotes

51 Quotes to Create a New You

New inspiration, new attitude, new goals and a new path to fulfilment. We share a few words of wisdom from our favorite motivators, author, along with our wishes for a fantastic, empowering 2020.

Jim Rohn (September 17, 1930 – December 5, 2009)

Author, entrepreneur and motivational speaker.

  1. “Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.”
  2. “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”
  3. “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”
  4. “Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day.”
  5. “If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.”
  6. “Life is not just the passing of time. Life is the collection of experiences and their intensity.”
  7. “Your personal philosophy is the greatest determining factor in how your life works out.”
Jim Rohn Quotes
Joe Dispenza

Joe Dispenza

International lecturer, researcher, corporate consultant, author, and educator.

  1. “Can you accept the notion that once you change your internal state, you don’t need the external world to provide you with a reason to feel joy, gratitude, appreciation, or any other elevated emotion?”
  2. “A memory without the emotional charge is called wisdom.”
  3. “We should never wait for science to give us permission to do the uncommon; if we do, then we are turning science into another religion.”
  4. “If you want a new outcome, you will have to break the habit of being yourself, and reinvent a new self.”
  5. “Meditating is also a means for you to move beyond your analytical mind so that you can access your subconscious mind. That’s crucial, since the subconscious is where all your bad habits and behaviors that you want to change reside.”
  6. “Your thoughts are incredibly powerful. Choose yours wisely.”
  7. “Think of it this way: the input remains the same, so the output has to remain the same. How, then, can you ever create anything new?”
  8. “The point is, true happiness has nothing to do with pleasure, because the reliance on feeling good from such intensely stimulating things only moves us further from real joy.”
  9. “Conscious thoughts, repeated often enough, become unconscious thinking.”

Oprah Winfrey

American media figure, author, actress, talk show host, television producer, and philanthropist.

  1. “Turn your wounds into wisdom.”
  2. “Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.”
  3. “Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”
  4. “Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.”
  5. “Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.”
  6. “When you undervalue what you do, the world will undervalue who you are.”
  7. “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”
  8. “Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.”
  9. “True forgiveness is when you can say, ‘Thank you for that experience.’”
  10. “Everyone wants to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”
  11. “You don’t become what you want, you become what you believe.”
  12. “I trust that everything happens for a reason, even when we’re not wise enough to see it.”
  13. “Self-esteem comes from being able to define the world in your own terms and refusing to abide by the judgments of others.”
  14. “With every experience, you alone are painting your own canvas, thought by thought, choice by choice.”

Read More about Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey
Shawn Achor

Shawn Achor

American author, speaker, positive psychology advocate.

  1. “Habits are like financial capital – forming one today is an investment that will automatically give out returns for years to come.”
  2. “The best leaders are the ones who show their true colors not during the banner years, but during times of struggle.”
  3. “Constantly scanning the world for the negative comes with a great cost. It undercuts our creativity, raises our stress levels, and lowers our motivation and ability to accomplish goals.”
  4. “Without action, knowledge is often meaningless.”
  5. “Countless studies have shown that consistently grateful people are more energetic, emotionally intelligent, forgiving, and less likely to be depressed, anxious, or lonely.”
  6. “Focusing on the good isn’t just about overcoming our inner grump to see the glass half full. It’s about opening our minds to the ideas and opportunities that will help us be more productive, effective, and successful at work and in life.”

Tony Robbins

American author, philanthropist, and life coach.

  1. “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.”
  2. “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.”
  3. “It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.”
  4. “The quality of your life is the quality of your relationships.”
  5. “Quality questions create a quality life. Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.”
  6. “The past does not equal the future.”
  7. “In life you need either inspiration or desperation.”
  8. “Identify your problems, but give your power and energy to solutions.”
  9. “Every problem is a gift – without problems we would not grow.”
  10. “Success is doing what you want to do, when you want, where you want, with whom you want, as much as you want.”
  11. “When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.”
  12. “Most people fail in life because they major in minor things.”
  13. “Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution, experience life’s deepest joy: true fulfillment.”
  14. “People are not lazy, they simply have impotent goals. That is, goals that do not inspire them.”
  15. “Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.”

Read More on our Website

Tony Robbins

Sinatra at West Square Mall, SODIC

Sinatra at West Square Mall, SODIC

Any food haven created as a tribute to ‘ol blue eyes’ is half way to winning us over before we walk in the door. And Sinatra has done Frank proud, with a convivial atmosphere, great service and an appetizing menu.

Signature Dishes & Dishes Sampled

Their signature dishes are New York, New York beef tenderloin steak, Sinatra Dancing Song (strips of beef tenderloin in a signature sauce), Chicken Pizza Sinatra Style.

The crisp winter air had us craving some real comfort food, so we headed for the menu as soon as we were seated and delved into an array of bread, tapenade, and savory butter dips. First came Arancini, deep fried balls of rice resting on a fresh homemade tomato salsa. The crisp exterior gave way to fluffy, saffron-seasoned rice as soon as our teeth sank in. We would have liked a touch of mozzarella as well though, maybe on our next visit? We had barely had a chance to sip our excellent mock-tails, the aptly named Refresh made with orange, lemon, pineapple, 7-Up, and mint, and the Passion Fruit Mojito, when a piping hot dish of Cannelloni al Formaggio arrived at the table. It smelled and looked divine, al dente pasta with a rich gooey filling of four types of cheese. Baked with fresh tomato salsa and creamy béchamel, it was spot on.

We decided to share a New York New York tenderloin, so as to allow space for dessert. That was no problem, as the portions are extremely generous. The tenderloin comes with a choice of sauces, and we went for the peppercorn option. Rich and bursting with the heat of freshly crushed pepper, it was just the right topping for the tender and precisely cooked steak. With a huge dollop of creamy mashed potato to mop it up with, along with the most exquisitely turned sautéed seasonal vegetables we have seen in a long time, we were very happy diners.

Dessert was as decadently yummy as we had hoped, Chocolate Brownies with Ice Cream and lashings of chocolate sauce, and Lotus Madness, a calorie fest with caramel sauce and plenty of ice cream. No guilt, just pleasure!

Other Menu Options that Appealed

Following our winter mood we would forgo salads, tempting though they look, and go for French Onion Soup, Risotto Funghi or The Girl from Ipanema (chicken and pineapple in a light curry sauce). The burgers and sandwiches would be a good choice for lunch as well.

Beverages Available

Soft options, with a wide range of cold juices, smoothies, shakes and mocktails, plus hot beverages. Shisha is available in a range of flavors in both the indoor and terrace areas.

Décor and Ambience 

Subtle shades of grey and beige dominate, with a wall taken up with black and white music-themed photography. Sinatra offers both indoor and outdoor seating and we noted that even on a winter’s day the terrace area became quite a pleasant little sun trap. The music selection was slightly retro, and created a great background without being disturbing.

Clientele mix: It’s obvious that Sinatra has established a regular clientele in the short time it has been open. It is perfect for families and groups of friends; the vibe is friendly and relaxed.

Price Range: Very affordable, taking into consideration the generous portion sizes which are perfect for sharing.

Worth Noting: There is a Kids’ Menu, and breakfast is available daily from 8 am to 1 pm.

Contact Information

Opening hours:  Breakfast 8 am to 1 pm. Full menu from 1 pm to 1 am.

Address: West Square Mall, Beverly Hills, Sheikh Zayed.

Tel: 02 388 63861

Facebook: Sinatraeg

Instagram: sinatrarestaurantandcafe

Hamaki Thrills a Huge Audience

Hamaki Thrills a Huge Audience

By Mai Omar

Last November, The Parking at Cairo Festival City Mall was the host to over 10,000 people who came from all over Cairo to sway to the tunes of the mega star Mohamed Hamaki in the first live concert in New Cairo organized by GT Events.

The crowds warmed up early to DJ Ahmed Mahgoub’s crowd-pleasing mixes of the latest hits. Later on, Mohamed Hamaki made his grand entrance singing his massive hit Nefsi Aba’a Gambo, accompanied by a breathtaking lightshow that made the whole experience feel surreal.

Agmal Youm was performed next, after the star addressed his audience and promised them a smashing concert full of surprises and special guests. A few hit songs from his latest album followed, with Yezalzel sending the crowds into a frenzy, singing and dancing to its oriental beats, while Odam El Nas had the audience singing at the top of their lungs.

Hamaki then took the audience down memory lane with Garrah Eih and his almost 15-year old smash hit Ahla Haga Feeki.

Showing off his piano skills, Hamaki performed Rasmak Fe Khayali, also from his latest album, and crowds cheered loudly as a surprise marriage proposal took place live on stage! Hamaki chatted with the couple and congratulated them.

For the special guest appearance, Mohamed Hamaki welcomed his longtime friend and talented composer Tamer Ali on stage and together they performed some favorites like Ma Balash and We Eftkart, which the crowd sang almost from beginning to end with minimal support  from the star, which shows how deeply embedded these hits are within the hearts of his fans.

A few more of his latest hits followed, until finally Hamaki gave the crowd what they all wanted to hear; his patriotic song Om El Donya which ended the concert on an amazing high note, leaving the fans dancing and enjoying the music for a while after Hamaki had exited the stage.

The concert overall was outstanding in terms of organization, venue choice, and pre-entertainment; a show that will never be forgotten.

The Tap: A DJ/Producer on the Rise: Sameh El Abd aka ABD

The Tap: A DJ/Producer on the Rise: Sameh El Abd aka ABD

We had a sit-down with DJ/Producer Sameh El Abd aka ABD, who has managed to emerge in the scene and establish himself in a short period while continuously evolving his style and skills.

ABD’s start was at a very young age when he acquired his first controller, a Traktor S2. It took him years of performing at private parties and practicing at home through watching online tutorials to reach the point where he could perform in official large scale events where he shared the stage with big local and international names in the industry such as  Soulbutton, Heavy Pins, Asquared, Misty, Sadek and many more. Later on, ABD ventured into music production by launching his first EP earlier in 2019 titles Anthology, he is also scheduled to release a new Techno EP in January 2020.

Surprisingly, ABD’s biggest musical inspiration is Ray Charles, who ABD says taught him to love and see life solely through music. In the electronic music scene, Richie Hawtin, Reinier Zonneveld, Or:la, Joyhauser, Dawl, Kink and Boys Noize influenced him musically. The most memorable night for him as a performer and as an attendee, was his first gig at The Tap Maadi in January 2018.

We threw some quick Q&As his way, and here’s what he had to say:

What makes a good/booming night for a DJ?

It’s all about the crowd. A crowd that loves music and is not just coming to listen to their playlist.

What is one subgenre you think doesn’t get the attention it deserves?

Acid Techno.

What is it that you love about the scene?

In general, the music scene in Egypt is expanding so fast and people are getting to be more open for listening to new sub-genres. Also, the best thing is that we’re building it like a big family, from artists and promoters to audiences.

What is one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?

Laugh Gas by Haroumi Hasouno 

What festivals would you most like to play?

Dekmantel, Kappa Futur, Diynamic, Awakenings, Sonar, Meadows in the Mountains, Cercle, HYTE, and DGTL.

If you had the power to abolish one musical genre, which would you abolish for all eternity?

Dubstep, without even thinking.

Who are you listening to these days?

At the moment, I enjoy Reinier Zonneveld’s live performances in The Tap

 

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