In the Stars: Your October Horoscopes

By Maeri Frances

Powerhouse Pluto gets geared up into direct motion again this month, having done a neat bit of reorganizing the status quo during the past period. It may not have been the most comfortable experience for many on our planet, but when Pluto does a house cleaning the effects will be felt for quite a while. Hopefully a path has been cleared for positive change on many fronts. P.S. Don’t forget to read your rising sign as well if you know it.

Happy birthday, Libra!

October in a Nutshell:  Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

Just kidding! How could adorable Libra have enemies? That being said, there is a lot brewing behind the scenes that you may be reluctant to share until the last week of the month or early November. Pluto is urging you to review your home and domestic situation. Is it time to implement the changes you were considering?

Aries

October in a Nutshell: Responsibilities fall on your shoulders.

You like to see the path ahead clear and free from obstacles, but this month you need to give time and energy to not only your own health and wellbeing, but also to the needs of others close to you. This can be time consuming, but any attempt to take shortcuts or duck out could put you in a bad light. You could make or break your reputation this month. 

Taurus
October in a Nutshell: You gotta have friends!

The supportive energy of planets in fellow earth signs suits you down to the ground. Everything makes sense and seems like a plan. Use the first few weeks of this month to think about what matters to you, your long term goals and who is currently rocking your boat, in the best possible way. Stay positive and goals can be within reach this October.

Gemini

October in a Nutshell: Why can’t we just keep things light and happy?

By the time you have dusted yourself off from the whirlwind of September, you will barely have time to prepare for the curveballs that October has in store. Financial matters could be hanging over your head like leaden clouds, but deal with them you must. The last week of the month is much more to your liking, so cheer up! 

Cancer

October in a Nutshell: Someone is pushing your buttons…

Relationships could pose some challenges this month. Are you the victim of someone else’s power play, or is it you being cagey and manipulative? Maybe a good heart to heart talk will clear the air, but unless you are both sincere and upfront the result could be yet another stalemate.

Leo

October in a Nutshell: Load up on those vitamins!

Now that finances are healthier you can afford to spend some time getting out and about and catching up on news and views. You are still feeling pressure regarding your health. This may be the month when you actually find a solution. It may involve compromising certain habits and routines, including diet. 

Virgo

October in a Nutshell: The best things in life sometimes require sacrifices

“No pain, no gain”, as they say. This could be the time to weigh up your self-indulgences and hedonistic side. Yes, Virgo, you do have them. To be truly creative and give birth to a new, pared back of version of yourself you need to shed outworn habits and assumptions. Just do it! 

Scorpio

October in a Nutshell: There’s a rumble in the jungle.

If anyone loves to dig below the surface, it’s you Scorpio. Nobody can beat you at getting the juiciest titbits of gossip and secrets that absolutely nobody wants to come out. But that’s when your better nature needs to shine. A few careless words could cause unnecessary unhappiness, so keep your lips zipped to be on the safe side.

Sagittarius

October in a Nutshell: Sign up for the next Casa Del Papel

You love grand gestures. Why do things by halves? And when you try to balance your needs versus your actual income there is something that needs adjusting. Frugality is not part of your carefree, exuberant nature. Put on your thinking cap this October and look for ways to boost your income. 

Capricorn

October in a Nutshell: You can do it!

Breathe deep and stride forward with confidence. Recent months may have been challenging, especially when things have seemed to slip out of your grasp just as you felt confident that you had it all under control. Lessons well learnt, you can apply your knowledge and experience to change your life, for the better. 

Aquarius

October in a Nutshell: If you ignore it, it might just go away…

You really can be your own worst enemy at times. Denial is such a comfortable state to drift along in, until reality hits. Sometimes you need to give yourself a bit of a shake-up. This October signals a phase when you can experience change on a profound, even subconscious level. Be guided by your instincts and listen to that inner voice.

 

Pisces

October in a Nutshell: Time to de-clutter and refocus

It is so easy to live in the moment, isn’t it Pisces? Drifting from situation to situation, immersing yourself in the social scene. En route you may pick up all sorts of fans and would-be friends who can’t resist the sheer radiance of your personality. But, enough is enough. Time to sort of out who is true to you, and who is just a hanger-on.

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 of each month.

Chandra Mahal on Maryotia Road in Giza

You may be asking yourself why on earth an Indian restaurant would open in the countryside; but a mere 10-minute drive from the Ring Road, the location is both accessible and extremely relaxing. Most importantly, the Indian food served at Chandra Mahal is worth the trip.

Signature Items & Dishes Sampled 

Signature items include the Murgh Tikka Makhani, commonly known as Butter Chicken, and the Kashmiri Rogan Josh. Fiery spice lovers will enjoy the Lamb and Chicken Vindaloo.

The best thing about Indian cuisine is the sharing aspect, so we ordered several dishes and dug in splitting plates between several friends in order to taste as much as possible. Loaded copper pots, and pans of steaming, deliciously spiced offerings filled the table. The Kashmiri Rogan Josh comprises of melt in your mouth lamb chunks cooked with aromatic spices and a delicious sauce begging to be dipped into. Our absolute favorite Indian dish, the creamy Murgh Tikka Makhani, arrived next, and exceeded any expectations. Juicy chunks of perfectly cooked Tandoori chicken in a to-die-for sauce, we are already planning a repeat visit to enjoy some more! Kashmiri Pulau, fried basmati rice, was the perfect pairing for all the dishes on the table, and grilled Seehk Kebab Jehangiri hit the right note – lamb koftas marinated in garlic, ginger and an assortment of Indian spices.

For vegetarians, Indian cuisine is always a favorite and there are many options on offer at Chandra Mahal. We sampled the Dal Tarkiwali and Makhani, along with the Tandoori Parantha and Tandoori Roti breads. Delicately seasoned lentils simmered over a gentle fire for hours, the spices seep into the dish and can be enjoyed either plainly with butter or in a rich, fresh tomato sauce with cream.

Other Menu Items that Appealed & Beverages Available 

We will definitely be back, and there are many choices we would love to sample next. Our eyes are set on the Shrimp Bhuna Masala, a stir-fried shrimp cooked in dry curry with spice, and the Murgh Jalfrezi, chicken strips cooked in onion, sweet bell peppers and aromatic spices.
Beverages available are soft options, as well as hot beverages.

Photos

Décor & Ambience

Chandra Mahal is set within a gorgeous Hassan Fathy designed compound, which houses an Oriental cuisine restaurant, Chez Dawlat Hanem, and Farid Bec, a private dining hall, along with an outdoor café on a huge terrace for shisha and nibbles. There is also a Kidzania on the premises to keep the kids entertained while the adults indulge in some relaxation.

Price range: Above average, but worth it due to the quality. 

Clientele mix: Groups of friends and families can certainly make use of the space. 

Contact Information
Opening hours: 12 pm – midnight
Tel: 0111 341 1143 – 02 37709055

Address: 3 Km from the Ring Road on the Maryotia Road, pinned on Google Maps
Facebook: Dawlat Hanem Restaurant

Instagram: @chezdawlathanim

Gouna Film Festival 2019’s Fashion Round up: Feathers, Princess Gowns, and Power Suits Take Over!

By Mai Omar

El Gouna Film Festival’s Third Edition was highly anticipated in terms of art and fashion, and it definitely did not disappoint in terms of the latter! The stars took risks with fashion, and in return this year witnessed some show-stopping trends; feathered gowns, dramatic layers, and pink as a power color! From emerging trends to the standout pieces, we kept an eye on all the outstanding outfits and extravagant looks worn by the ladies and gents, here’s the top trends we noticed on the carpet!

Fun with Feathers

‘Over-the-top, eye-grabbing, larger than life’ is what pops in your head when you see these looks, and that’s the kind of statement these ladies were going for with their dresses.

Pink Power

Forget the red carpet … These celebs turned it into a pink carpet. This bright, bold shade reigned on the red carpet this year.

Royal Fashion

The stunning gown inspired by the royals! These over the top princess gowns are an all-time-favorite on the red carpet.

Wearing the Pants

Comfy chic is the gift that keeps on giving, and its latest incarnation is as unexpected as it is stylish. These ladies opted for a bold look with flare.

Major Slits

These high-slit dresses added the Hollywood glamour touch to the red carpet.

Twirl and Swirl

Flattering and feminine. These flowy dresses added something exciting, yet delicate to these looks.

Angelic White

Dreamy, angelic and classic. Not a single look is disappointing and that makes it hard to choose a top look.

Golden Statue

Gilded gowns or mermaid silhouettes, the shimmering, rich-looking shade has made several appearances across the red carpet this year.

Sequins Sensation

Sparkle and shine were all over the carpet this season proving that this trend still correlates with any star-studded event.

Dapper Gents – and ladies!

The stars suited up! These gentlemen showed us some serious dapper style, but they weren’t alone. Some of the ladies opted for suits or Comme des Garçons inspired outfits in lieu of dresses and put their own spin on the look.

Jewel Tones

Whether it’s a simple cut or dramatic layers, these tones left us star-struck!

Ruffles, Ruffles, Ruffles!

Edgy, fun and feminine; these are the words that describe the vibe of ruffle-clad stars.

Playful Prints

Vibrant prints were all over in the red carpet in a variety of fun styles, making it a festive event.

Red Hot

A red carpet veteran, and still one of the much loved styles.

Back in Black

Whether it was an LBD or an all-sequin gown, the color of elegance and sophistication was eminently present on this year’s red carpet.

Fantastic Fringe

Fringe-y pieces are hands-down one of our favorite fashion looks. These dresses were a win on the red carpet.

Rich in Burgundy

Proving once and for all that less is more, this season saw attendees embracing plenty of different fabrics in this color.

Dramatic Florals

These dramatic floral sleeves added a fun twist to modern gowns.

Lavender Tones

Quite a few looks featured shades from the lavender family.

Hugo Bar and Kitchen’s Rosemary Ossobuco

Although this is not a dish usually cooked by mere mortals, the minds behind Hugo’s menu have granted access to their delicious Ossobuco recipe. Feel like flexing your culinary skills today? Here’s everything you need to know!

Ingredients (2 servings)

600-700 g Ossobuco ( cross-cut veal shank)

150 g Arborio Rice

Bouquet garni (onion, carrot, celery, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf)

Demi-glace powder for the sauce

12 cups of chicken stock

4-5 knobs of butter

Parmesan cheese

All-purpose flour

Vegetable oil

Salt and pepper

Preparation:

Season the Ossobuco with salt and pepper and dust very lightly with flour.

Place some oil into a skillet over medium heat. Put the Ossobuco in and sear until nicely browned on both sides. Remove the meat, and in the same skillet, add the onion, carrot and celery and sauté until soft.

Place rosemary, thyme and bay leaf inside a cheesecloth secured with string. Add your bouquet garni and 2 cups of chicken stock in a pot and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to minimum setting, add your meat, cover and simmer for 2 hours or until the meat is falling off the bone. Add more stock if necessary. Meanwhile prepare your demi-glace sauce adding the rosemary sprigs.

To prepare your risotto, warm 8 cups of chicken stock in a saucepan over a low heat.

15-20 minutes prior to serving, heat some oil and a knob of butter in a separate pan, over low heat.
Add the rice and keep stirring.

After a minute, start adding a ladle of hot stock and a pinch of salt. Keep adding ladleful’s of stock and keep stirring. Allow each ladleful to be absorbed before adding the next which will take around 15 minutes until the rice is soft but with a slight bite.

Finally, add another knob of butter

3 Start-ups by AUC Alumni You Need

Every day we come across new startups and initiatives that deserve a little spotlight. Our picks this month comes from a group of AUC alumni who have each put their vision into action with great results.

Honey Healthy Desserts

Honey Healthy Desserts makes indulging fun and guilt free! Getting on the bandwagon of less processed and more natural, Honey Healthy Dessert sweetens its confections with pure natural honey and fruits. The desserts are processed-sugar free, preservative-free, and made with gluten-free oat flour and coconut oil. Launched in mid-2017 by Lobna Mansour and her daughter Kenzi, Honey Healthy Desserts products can be ordered through Instagram direct messaging, Facebook, and via a WhatsApp number.

Facebook/Instagram: @honeyhealthydesserts

Tel: 0101 220 6230

Inploy

Cairo is brimming over with talent, but often freelancers aren’t able to connect with prospective clients that could benefit from their skills. Step in Inploy, an Egyptian startup created for freelancers by freelancers. The platforms, social media activities and operations are all created and managed by Egyptian freelance talent to promote freelance work in Egypt.

Website: www.inploy.me

Facebook/Instagram: inploy.me

Tel: 0100 528 8102

Sea Cube Egypt

Freshly frozen fish and seafood, cleaned and ready to cook. Introduced to the market a year ago by entrepreneur Ahmed Maan, this online market makes healthy menu planning a lot easier. Attractively packaged in practical sizes, the range of fish and seafood includes salmon, shrimp, Nile perch and calamari, as well as other options.

Facebook: SeaCubeEgypt

Instagram: @SeaCube

Tel: 0109 688 4737

6 Ways to Detox Post-Summer Skin

By Sara Saba

Even with the most diligent sun protection and skin routine, your skin becomes exhausted after spending hours in the sun. Are you paying the price with dry, dull and damaged skin? Here are some steps for kickstarting your skin’s detoxing and healing process ahead of the cooler weather.

  1. Deep clean your skin and pores by visiting your skin therapist or following a DIY process at home. You must exfoliate deeply to remove all the dead skin, dirt and oils that have accumulated during summer.
  1. Go wild with moisturizing. Hydrate your skin day and night as much as possible, including the face, neck and chest. Chlorine, salty water and UV rays can dry out your skin.
  1. When your tan begins to fade, you may notice some damage, freckles, dark spots or uneven skin tone. Visit your dermatologist to consider options like peeling or using a spot corrector.
  1. Don’t give up on sunscreen or antioxidants! Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you stop using broad spectrum SPF. Egypt is bright and sunny all year around.
  1. Exfoliate weekly as it is essential for removing dead skin and keeps you feeling radiant and smooth. Make sure to use a gentle facial exfoliant, and check with your skin therapist first in case you have really sensitive skin and can’t handle exfoliation.
  1. Since our lips lack melanin, they are susceptible to sunburns and require extra care. Use lip scrubs to remove flaky skin and provide real hydration. You can use coconut oil, sweet almond oil or any lip balms with vitamin E or preferably a lip treatment that contains SPF to prevent sun damage.

Contact Information

Glow with Sarah

Skinova Clinic Twin Towers Rivulet Sheikh Zayed

Tel: 0122 215 6051

Instagram: @sarahjeansaba

The Tap: DJ Shaun Lawes Talks Music

Cairo-based musician DJ Shaun Lawes – aka Shunus, has taken the local music scene by storm with his sublime live electronic acts.

It was his father who ignited his love of music early on by introducing him to Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Van Halen, among other rock bands. He knew immediately that he wanted to perform music on stage, so he started learning the guitar as a teenager, and was part of several rock, punk and metal bands. Lawes then got into music production to create songs for his band. Immersing himself more and more into the technical side of music, he started branching into various projects in genres like Chiptune, EDM and Synthwave. When he moved to Egypt five years ago, he gained more exposure to the house and techno side of electronic music, and has been developing his sound here ever since.

Over the last year, Lawes has been looking to develop his live performance further, and has wanted to incorporate his vocals and guitar into the music more. The goal of this album was to include these elements into every song thus expanding his live set. All the songs in this album feature themes of tranquility and acceptance, contentment and a desire to evolve. The different moods and pacing of the tracks showcase this inner battle we sometimes have within ourselves. Lawes is inspired by everything from the Brazilian body percussion band, ‘Barbatuques’, to producers like Crussen, Roderic, Gab Rhome, and DSF.

“My recent event at The Tap West was incredible,” says Lawes of his most recent performance at The Tap, “the venue was completely packed, and the crowd was so amazing. I felt such a strong connection with the crowd, I could feel everyone responding to the music as if we were playing together.” Lawes finds that the connection with the crowd is very important, it’s what he feels fuels a great night.

Guilty pleasure song?
Kpop and by Girl’s Generation.

One song you can’t stand?
070 – Honey

Dream festival?
In Egypt, I’d love to take part in Sandbox. Internationally, Fusion, or Burning Man..

One genre you would abolish?
Get rid of all those Soundcloud rappers with silly face tattoos.

 

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Char Bar at Four Seasons Hotel at The First Residence

By Mai Omar

Juicy, generously topped with cheese, and perfectly grilled burgers are an authentic American comfort food best served with crispy fries. That is exactly what you get at Char Bar. Although the restaurant is still in its’ soft opening phase, we enjoyed its’ laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a weekday hangout with friends after work!

Dishes Sampled

We started off with a light Beef Taco Salad; the barbeque sauce added sweetness to the red beans and sweet corn. The flank steak could have used a little bit more cooking time, but gave a harmonious flavor to the salad. The nacho chips paired beautifully with the dish and absorbed the salad dressing slightly.

The signature Char Burger was everything you would expect from an all-American burger. A medium-well, perfectly seasoned beef patty topped with beef bacon, lettuce, mushrooms, a fried egg, and chips for an added satisfying crunch.

Next we dove into the Chili Hotdog topped with flavorful, mildly spicy salsa cruda, chili beef and a divine cheese sauce. A tender chicken breast was the base for the Chicken Burger. It was perfectly fried, seasoned and topped with blazing jalapeno peppers that delivered the heat.

Vegetarians will be thrilled to find an option for them on the menu. Topped with delicious melted Camembert cheese, the vegetarian patty is comprised of chickpeas, celery, eggplant, and grilled zucchini for an extra smoky taste, and avocado for a rich, thick, creamy finish.

All the food was served with a side of regular fries, but we also sampled the Parmesan Fries, which are fried in truffle oil, needless to say, we were more than satisfied with the outcome. The Vanilla Milkshake was a hit as well; the whipped sugar syrup, and vanilla ice cream made it extra thick and creamy. The Virgin Mary was a little extra salty for our taste, but had a pleasant spicy, zesty flavor.

A mid-sized cookie pan followed. The famous American dessert topped with melting vanilla ice-cream was served with a twist; instead of the regular chocolate or caramel sauce, the chocolate chip cookie was topped with raspberry preserve which added an unusual tangy element to the whole dessert.

Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverages Available

Char Bar has even more plant-based items and side dishes like the Beetroot Chips and Sweet Potato Fries, which we’d definitely love to sample on our next visit.

Beverages include American style milkshakes, soft drinks, mock-tails, and beer are available.

Photos

Décor & Ambience

Soft lighting, comfy chairs and couches are all there to help you kick back and have fun in a laid-back atmosphere. There are two large TV screens so you can enjoy entertainment while you eat. The bar’s entire wall is dedicated to the menu to help you order with ease as you have a cool drink. 

Clientele mix: Large groups of friends and family will definitely enjoy this restaurant.

Price range: Slightly above average, but the quality of the food is worth the price.

Worth noting: Our drinks were served with paper straws instead of plastic straws, a gesture we found commendable.

Opening hours:  12 pm – 12 am

Contact Information

Address: 35 Giza St, Dokki

Tel: 02 3567 1600

Facebook: CharBarCairo

Instagram: @fscairofr

The Big Brunch at InterContinental Cairo City Stars

Brunch has become one of our favorite weekend activities in Cairo, perfect for gathering family and friends together over a leisurely meal. We sailed through the empty roads at noon on Friday to the InterContinental Hotel at City Stars. Down a flight of stairs, by the outdoor area, a crowd of waiters and kitchen staff were putting the final touches to their respective stations. An abundance of food was displayed on the expansive buffet, cold and hot, savory and sweet. All Intercontinental City Stars restaurants were well presented, each one showcasing its’ best cuisine. You might want to check this option out the next time you’re looking for brunch or breakfast in Cairo!

Dishes Sampled 

With so many options ahead of us, we started off at the bakery section where a selection of different types of breads, buns and bagels were neatly displayed in baskets; we picked a slice of French seafood terrines. The following section had countless salad items and dressings, followed by a beautiful cheese platter. Next came fresh smoked salmon, then a colorful antipasti vegetable selection of grilled bell peppers, thin sliced zucchini, eggplants and marinated red onions. Just by the leafy green salads we found a 3 layer-shelf of verrines – small glasses – filled with layers of salad ingredients – we tried the lettuce with beetroot cream and a slice of white cheese, which made a very refreshing combination. Still in the salad buffet we had small samples of the mushroom salad with cheese and cherry tomatoes, and also the sweet and sour mix of an apple radish salad. As we moved on to try out the respective restaurants’ food stations, we began with Shogun displaying two types of Japanese maki rolls. From the Lebanese restaurant Fairuz we delved into a mouthwatering Beef Shawerma and succulent, warm Vine Leaves accompanied by a serving of yogurt cucumber salad. From Indira the Indian restaurant – the one that caught most of our attention – the chef prepared a Shrimp Salmon Curry dish right in front of us, which we teamed with a potato and chick pea salad, topped with a cilantro dressing. We also loaded on special puffy crackers, as we filled our plates with all the familiar Indian aromas.

We could have spent the whole afternoon between the salad bar and these first food stations, but alas, we moved on to the dessert tables, where myriad types of sweets were meticulously arranged. Ice cream cones held a fruit stick; oriental sweets, mini cookies, pastries, creams, and mousse. With a Dark Chocolate Mousse in hand, served in a glass topped with cherry sauce, we also went for an ice cream cone filled with vanilla cream and a fruit stick.  Overall, it was an experience of diverse flavors – the idea of hosting the hotel’s main restaurants gave us an overview of their eating options for a lunch or dinner on another occasion.

Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverages Available 

We would have loved to try the pasta at Maestro’s station, but we had to leave it for the following Friday.

Cold and hot drinks, alcoholic beverages are also available. 

Photos

Décor & Ambience

Set by the pool area, the buffet area is completely shaded and big fans located on the sides create a pleasant breeze. You can sit anywhere along the pool area and enjoy the fresh air. We sat along the upper deck next to the buffet area, where our table was shaded by a generously sized umbrella. The atmosphere is lively, as you would expect in a hotel on a Friday over the weekend.

Clientele mix: Families, couples and hotel guests.

Price range: Reasonably priced, considering it is an all-you-can-eat-buffet.

Worth noting: The hotel has set up an entire kids’ entertainment area with a bouncing castle, face painting, and crafts activities. A DJ makes the atmosphere even livelier.

Contact Information 

Opening hours: Every Friday from 1 pm to 5 pm.

Address: InterContinental Cairo City Stars, Heliopolis

Tel: 02 2480 0100

Facebook: @ICCairoCitystars

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