What to Expect from Gouna International Film Festival’s Third Edition

It is difficult to keep up with increasing expectations, but the team behind the Gouna International Film Festival (GIFF) seem up to the challenge. At the packed press conference moderated by actress Injy El Mokkaddem, enthusiasm and patriot spirits were soaring. The event teased many of the surprises in store for cinema lovers when the event kicks off on the 19th of September.

CEO and Co-Founder Amr Mansi spoke of the importance and responsibility the team shares for carving a spot for GIFF on the regional cinematic map and also announced the opening of a grand movie theater which will screen this year’s lineup of films.

The festival’s director Intishal Al Timimi spoke with excitement regarding Egypt’s first animated film The Knight and the Princess which will premiere during the festival, while El Gouna Founder Sameh Sawiris and Festival Founder Naguib Sawiris teased about special celebrations for the 30th anniversary of El Gouna.

COO and Co-Founder Bushra Rozza gave the audience insight into the selection and negotiation process for the famous international celebrities who attend each year, and she is just as excited as the rest of us about Mena Massoud, star of Aladdin, attending this year’s edition. Rozza also announced legendary comedian Mohamed Henedy will receive a Career Achievement Award. She told us not to give up hope that Rami Malek will make it one year, they are working on it!

Marwan Hamed, one of Egypt’s most innovative filmmakers, will head the Short Film Competition Jury and Tunisian Star Dorra Zarrouk will be serving as a jury member for the same category. ⠀

Your ‘Back-to-School’ Health Checklist

Summer’s gone and September is here. You may be ready with school supplies and school uniforms, but do you have a back-to-school health checklist for your child?

Here are Tabibi’s top 5 Items on your back-to-school health checklist.

An early visit to your pediatrician for a quick health checkup right before school will get you through the year. The main objective is prevention and early detection of possible problems.

  1. Go for a vision screening

Don’t wait for your child to tell you he can’t see from the back of his class and don’t just tell him to sit upfront. Be proactive and make a pre-school visit to check your child’s eyesight.

  1. Vaccinate

Don’t suffer the burden of treating your child’s preventable illnesses.Vaccination is one way to save time, money and school days lost.

Vaccination is critical: chickenpox, measles and influenza, and more. All equal school days lost. Check out the vaccination card and age  to make sure your child is protected.

  1. Keep germs and lice away

Children tend to forget and become careless. Reminder them why it’s important to wash hands after playtime. Also, why it’s important not to share combs, brushes, hats, and scarves.

  1. Stay consistent

Build a consistent schedule for bedtime and wake-up times.

Maintain a balance. Homework is a routine. But playtime is just as critical.

  1. Stay open

Friends talk more! Build a friendship with your child, quality time is important. Keep your ear and eyes open for signs of bullying or other concerns. Seek professional advice if needed.

These top tips will keep you ahead of possible health or wellness issues.

This article was brought to you by Tabibi 24/7, Cairo’s leading Family Medicine & Pediatrics group practice. Tabibi operates 24/7 and offers its services at the comfort of your own home or in one of its clinics.
 
For more information, call 16724 or visit  www.tabibi247.com

Eggspectation in Cairo Festival City

Newly opened, Canadian restaurant chain Eggspectation is the latest addition to Cairo Festival City’s restaurants and it did not let us down. We popped in for a weekend brunch and found it pleasantly busy, we reckon it will quickly be added to the list of best breakfast places in Cairo!

Signature Dishes & Dishes Sampled 

Signature dishes include the Lobster Mac & cheese, Filet Mignon and Lobster Béarnaise, and the BBQ Burger.

We were asked to have a seat at the bar while we waited for a table to be free, and were suggested the Honey Blue drink – an exquisite mixture of banana, blueberry, honey, and yoghurt that had a thick and creamy texture, and also enjoyed an American coffee to give our day a kick-start. Having whetted our appetites, we were soon prepared for the meal ahead.  

The team at Eggspectation made recommendations for a very special selection of dishes. After a short while, our food arrived – the Bad Boy Burger and the Lamb Chops – colorfully put together plates of joy. The Bad Boy Burger arrived with a side portion of fries, and as we placed the top bun on a glorious sunny-side up egg, the egg oozed all over the burger dripping down the tomatoes, onions, lettuce, cheese, beef bacon, and the big and juicy burger patty. The Lamb Chops came with crunchy sweet potato fries and a dip of cilantro and cream sauce, balancing out the lamb chops, and alongside there was sautéed asparagus, which had a nice zing to it- each nicely complementing the other. The meat was bursting with flavor and tender, cooked to perfection.

Not only was the quality of food impressive, but the quantity as well. The menu was varied with loads to choose from; juices and coffees, starters and small dishes, salads, pastas, meat dishes, burgers, sandwiches, crepes, seafood, soups, flatbread dishes, omelets, breakfast foods, and desserts.

Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverages Available

Other dishes that appealed to the senses included the Portuguese Piri Piri Chicken- roasted chicken breast marinated with smoked paprika, and the Shrimp Tacos- grilled shrimps served on a flour tortilla with fresh avocado and a sweet and savory mango salsa.

There is a wide variety of beverages, namely smoothies, including many healthy ones, as well as a fine list of coffee concoctions. We loved the Banana Java drink, a well-crafted mixture of expresso, chocolate milk, honey and banana, as well as the Tropical Teaser, an elegant fusion of mango, banana, pineapple, and fresh orange juice.

Photos

Décor & Ambience

The restaurant has a warm vibe, with an abundance of yellow ceiling lights, blending in with the light, up-beat, Western pop-music in the background. The service team was friendly, and the restaurant was filled with a hubbub of excited chatter. Wooden walls in neutral tones were decorated with yellow-based, modern, simplistic paintings that contrasted well with the navy-blue couches and white and navy-blue seats.

Clientele Mix & Price Range  

The tables were filled with a mix of Egyptians and expats of all ages. Family friendly, it also appealed to couples that chattered excitedly over their food, and of course, groups of friends that came pouring in. Others were doing work, hunched over their laptops with a smoothie in hand. A friendly, warm, bustling place.

The price range falls between middle to high range, reasonable prices given the large portions and sublime quality.

Worth noting: Despite the name “Eggspectation” giving a connotation of a breakfast or brunch place, the restaurant also caters to lunch and dinner experiences.

Contact Information

Opening hours: 10 am to 11:30 pm

Address: Cairo Festival City Mall

Tel: 02 2616 8270

Facebook: EggspectationOfficial

Instagram: @eggspectationeg

Amr Youssef: Strong, Confident & Cool in Welad Rizk 2

The charismatic actor is back this summer with a follow-up to 2015’s blockbuster Welad Rizk, the action-packed story of four brothers wading deep into a world of crime and mischief. With his piercing blue eyes and stern stare, Youssef has steadily accumulated the admiration and praise of critics and audiences alike since breaking onto the scene a decade ago, with no sign of slowing down. We caught up with the family man to talk about the sequel, his secret for success, and the kind of life he wishes his little girl to have. 

Congratulations! Welad Rizk 2 has smashed box office numbers to be one of the largest openings ever. How did the idea for the second film come about?

A.Y: When they first pitched the idea for part two, I was a bit concerned since Welad Rizk was such an enormous success and garnered a lot of fans. When a movie is so successful and loved by people, it has pros and cons. The pro is that it opens a path for a sequel and continued success, but the con is that it places a lot of pressure on the second film to be stronger and better than the first! You have to please your fans.

How did the sequel measure up to your expectations?

When I received the script for Welad Rizk 2, I definitely saw the potential and felt like it has the strength to stand up to the first film and please the fans, with twists and details that would prove exciting. I had several meetings with the director Tarek el Erian and felt reassured even more due to his brilliance and expertise as a director and his attention to detail and cinematography.

Our primary focus was to enhance all aspects and offer more: more character development, storyline, more action, better tricks and cinematography. The majority of audiences who saw the sequel loved it and thought it’s a stronger film, even if they watched the first movie 10 times! The final result exceeded my expectations in all aspects.

What is the energy like on set playing in an ensemble cast with Ahmed Ezz, Fishawy, Ahmed Dawood and Tyson? It seems like a lot of fun.

If the energy between us as an ensemble cast wasn’t right, neither movie would have been a success to be honest. We have a very comfortable working relationship as a cast, and it’s evident in our behind-the-scenes footage, which fans can look forward to seeing in the future. It’s like working with your friends, and we look out for each other like friends. If I notice something as an actor that can help my co-star, I speak up, and they do the same. This incredible chemistry on set is one of the reasons for our success.

What was your challenge in portraying Rabea Rizk in Welad Rizk 2?

I was challenging and pushing myself to offer a different side to Rabea than fans saw in the first film, I wanted him to be a stronger character. I wanted to develop his character even more and frame certain characteristics in a different light. I seized the opportunity to play out some scenes I didn’t have the chance to in the first film, because this film offered more of an opportunity for action scenes. I’m really pleased I was able to do that!

Photos

What is one of your favorite on-set moments during filming?

The funniest moments on set usually happened after the super long days, sometimes we’d shoot for over 20 hours straight and that’s when everyone is basically in a euphoric state due to extreme tiredness – it’s as if we were under the influence! (laughs)

Was there ever a turning point in your life when you realized you were on the right path?

Certainly, in terms of my profession, my ambitions have no limits. If you feel you’ve tasted success, you need to wake up the next morning with renewed ambition for what comes next and never stop reaching for the next level. I thank God for each success, and set my sights on to the next goal.

You’re the proud father of an adorable little girl Hayat. As a dad, do you have any parenting goals?

You wish for a lot when it comes to your kids, but the most important thing is that she grows up to be a strong person. I hope she does what she loves, because when you do what you love, you’re successful in life. I’m going to take raising her step by step, every stage of life needs its own guidance.

You’re big into fitness, tell us a bit about your routine.

For sure, I’m an advocate of daily exercise. Of course, during filming sometimes the day runs very long and we film for up to 20+ hours continuously, so you experience a gap in your routine. But I love fitness, all sorts not just the gym – swimming, tennis, and different types of sports. I love to move!

QUICKFIRE ROUND

What do you admire most in people?

Intelligence and humor.

What is fame?

Fame is responsibility.

Biggest phobia?

Lizards.

Favorite food?

Molokheya.

Era you would love to live in?

The era of Grand Hotel.

Job you’d like to have if you weren’t an actor?

Pilot.

Skill you wish you had?

Singing.

Worst habit?

Sometimes I am lazy.

Bad habit you overcame?

Anger.

Favorite place to vacation?

Aswan, when the weather is good. Alexandria in the winter.

Morning routine?

Fitness, for sure.

Music on repeat?

I love all sorts of music – my favorites are jazz, classics and rai music. Music is on 24/7.

Best piece of advice heard?

There is no such thing as luck, it’s all about when preparation meets opportunity.

Luka’s Cafe in Arabella Plaza, New Cairo

Luka’s has followed up on its already popular restaurant in New Cairo with a sister venue, Luka’s 11. Visitors can expect the same great food and ambience, so put it on your list if you’re looking for cheap places to eat near you!

Type of Cuisine & Signature Dishes

Luka’s offers international fare including sushi, pasta, burgers, hawawshi, and pizza.

Signature dishes include the Chicken Lemon Mint, Luka’s Beef Fillet, Salmon Teriyaki and Rib-Eye with Roasted Potatoes.

Dishes Sampled

We started with a very refreshing Lemon Mint and a Pink Lady Cocktail, which was a combination of pineapple, bananas, strawberry, and mango. We loved the inclusion of pineapple, which gave it a lovely fresh boost.

Our appetites were primed so we went straight to mains, making short work of our Chicken Lemon Mint and Luka’s Beef Fillet. The grilled chicken breasts were served in a vibrant lemon mint sauce accompanied by penne pasta in a creamy sauce. The chicken was mouthwatering, and the creamy sauce was thick and velvety, but we could have done with more of it. Our personal favorite, the grilled beef fillet was served with red sauce penne, Parmesan cheese and mushroom sauce. The beef was cooked as we requested, and expertly seasoned. Topped with bell peppers and rosemary with the brown mushroom sauce on the side, we loved every mouthful. The pasta sauce had a tasty home-made flavor and the topping of Parmesan cheese was a perfect finishing touch.

There were several tempting desserts to choose from, but we went with Luka’s Homemade Blueberry Cheesecake, which was divine. The biscuit base was crunchy, and the topping was creamy and sweet. The blueberry added a freshness with every bite we took. We also couldn’t miss out on Luka’s signature Brownies topped with vanilla ice cream; the best brownies we had ever eaten. A layer of dark chocolate and a layer of white chocolate with freshly made chocolate sauce and an extra scoop of vanilla ice cream, mixing them together felt like heaven in our mouths. Needless to say, we highly recommend it.

Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverages Available

Next time we would love to try the Salmon Teriyaki, Texas Fries, Roquefort Chicken, Luka’s Chocolate Mousse, Peanut Butter Molten Cake, Shrimp Zucchini, and Indian Chicken Strips

Beverages include a wide variety of beverages like coffee, smoothies, milkshakes, tea, soft drinks, and cocktails.

Photos

Décor & Ambience

The interior is modern and aesthetically pleasing. The outdoor seating area is quite simple and breezy. The lighting throughout complements the décor.

Clientele Mix & Price Range

Clientele include families and groups of friends.

Price range is quite affordable.

Worth Noting: Shisha is available, along with backgammon and playing cards for a bit of fun. There are also three big screens for matches.

Contact Information

Opening Hours: 9 am to 2 am

Address: Arabella Plaza, New Cairo

Tel: 0111 011 5026

Facebook: Luka’s

Instagram: @Lukascafe

Umami at Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa

Looking for a fun, romantic dinner in Cairo? Soaring flames and flashing knives may not usually be a part of the experience, but when Chef Laurence Lising gets to work, that is just the beginning. His dexterity, humor and friendly banter as he works on the sizzling hot teppanyaki iron plate result not only in mouthwatering food; the show is entertainment not to be missed. Chef Laurence’s journey as sushi and teppanyaki masterchef has led him from points as far afield as the USA, Australia, Canada and Jordan. He has cooked for celebrities and even royalty across the globe, but now, at Umami at the Le Méridien Pyramids, he has realized a lifelong dream; to cook at the foot of Giza’s famed Pyramids.

In Japanese cuisine, “umami” (or savory) is the fifth basic taste alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. This element features strongly in the salads, sushi and teppanyaki dishes on the menu – and they aim to be the best sushi in Cairo!

Signature Dishes & Dishes Sampled

Signatures items include the Umami Salad, Teppanyaki specialties, Chef Selection Nigiri.

After enjoying a welcome drink of pineapple, ginger and lemongrass, we launched with the Umami Salad, a fresh mix of red and white cabbage slaw, cucumber, and sweet and savory marinated shitake mushrooms topped with a tangy ginger dressing. The balance of flavor elements was a perfect introduction for the dishes that came next. Miso soup followed, with tiny cubes of tofu and squares of nori. Traditional and tasty, it paved the way for an impressive selection of sushi. We kept it simple and went for old favorites, California Maki, Philadelphia Maki, and Tempura Maki and loved every immaculately presented bite.

That left the star item, Chef Laurence’s teppanyaki. From juggling spatulas and knives, impressive egg-balancing feats, and ceiling-licking bursts of flame; we followed every step of the preparation. Vegetables were followed by expertly cooked mixed fried rice, then a combination of chicken breast, shrimp and US tenderloin steak with ginger and mustard dipping sauces that harmonized perfectly.

We enjoyed having our meal cooked at such speed right under our noses; it was a spectacle we won’t forget.

Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverages Available 

We would love to explore some more of the sushi combinations on our next visit. There is a full bar, along with soft options. 

Photos

Décor & Ambience

Fitting for the buzzing mood, hot pinks and reds dominate in the huge geisha-themed wall murals. Seating is arranged as simple natural wood tables and chairs, or around the large iron plate teppayaki station.  The lively pop music in the background suited the cheerful vibe, giving everything needed for a fun night out.

Clientele Mix & Price Range

Who wouldn’t enjoy this! Families, couples, groups of friends. A great treat for kids and teens as well.

Price range is moderate upwards, depending on your selection.

Contact Information

Opening hours:  6 pm to 11 pm. Tuesday to Sunday.

Address: El Remaya Square, Giza

Tel: 0102 818 8896

Facebook: lemeridienpyramids

Cross-Eyed with Comedian Mohammed Tarek

Interview with Comedian Mohammed Tarek

By: Mariam Elhamy

Meet comedian Mohammed Tarek who started out as a YouTuber in 2017 and is mostly famous for his Egyptian/English accent, the close-ups and funny faces he makes. He reached 323, 327 subscribers and 7,400,752 views on Youtube and is now doing standup comedy! We had a little chat with Tarek at Darb 1718 right before his first standup comedy show to ask him a few questions about how his love for comedy started and where he gets his ideas.

CWP: Have you always had a thing in comedy or was it something else?

I was born laughing! What really sparked my love for comedy was the difference you can make with it. One time my sister was crying really hard and I started making faces, going cross-eyed, until it made her laugh. That’s when I decided this is what I want to do, I love making people laugh.

Where do your ideas come from?

I usually sit and remember stuff that happens to me daily and I write it down on my phone then go make a video of it. I don’t really write structured scripts.

How much time does it take to prepare a piece?

This is my first stand-up comedy and it took me three months to prepare because I was scared, but hopefully after I gain experience it will be much easier and faster.

What do you work toward in your free time?

I study dentistry and I make videos … maybe I’m working towards an early career shift! But I really like dentistry and it’s the main thing so comedy is what I do in my free time.

What are your feelings about the entertainment industry in Egypt?

I think it’s very good! As Egyptians, we do have talent but we’re too afraid to look silly on camera … but I think it’s fine, you can be whatever you want! I think we’re heading towards a good future for comedy and shenanigans in Egypt.

What is society’s perspective of this position?

Egyptians like laughing, the whole world does too, no one really likes to feel sad so when we joke or laugh or find someone who’s capable of making others laugh. People are not going to hate that; they’re going to respect it.

Have you made any money out of your comedy yet?

Yes! YouTube pays good money! Whenever you can’t find work or you need some money, turn on your camera and do anything! You’ll be getting paid in dollars, my friend!

What do you think you’ve become known for?

When I first started, I used to play a character called Norhan the Fashionista. She mocked all the new fashionistas and would pretend like she knew what she was doing when she actually did not. I then played a character called Egyptian guy who didn’t care about what people think and would talk in the Egyptian-English accent … which we should all be very proud of by the way! People loved this character and related to it, so that’s what made me well-known.

Is there any material you think is off limits?

I think we’re all done talking about politics and religion, so it’s better we talk about ridiculous things and move away from more serious issues. Just laugh a little, even just 5 minutes a day, and life will be much better!

Interview with Comedian Mohammed TarekWho’s your favorite comedian?

American comedians Kristen Wig and Steve Carell – if you don’t know him then you need help! As for Egyptian comedians, Ahmed Helmy is my favorite actor in the entire world and it’s my dream to work with him some day. Helmy, if you read this, please take me with you in any movie even if my scene is in the bathroom, I don’t care!

Watch the Interview on Our Channel

It’s Beach Time! 17 Local Designers with Beach Ready Looks

We’ve gathered some of the freshest looks to make your visit to the shore fun and flirty!

Swim Wear

Beach Accessories 

Agista
Tel: 0120 576 3803
Facebook: @agistaworld
Instagram: @agistaworld_

Cordies
Sold in: PopUp Shop, Lakeyard, Hacienda Bay
Facebook/Instagram: @cordies.egypt

Coterique
Facebook/Instagram: @coterique
Web: www.coterique.com

Elia
Sold in:
@lamaisonblanche_eg
@dollysboutiqueeg
Instagram: @elia_eg

Jayda Hany
Instagram: @jaydahany
Web: www.jaydahany.com

Jazzy
Sold in:

Baraka Optics
Diplo 3, Marassi & Porto
Marina

Kerrat
Tel: 0127 506 0785
Facebook: @kerratt
Instagram: @karrat_

Nazeeka
Sold in: Jay Store, Diplo & Lakeyard
Tel: 0111 117 7832
Facebook/Instagram: @nazeekacollections

Nile Details
Sold in:

Mall of Egypt
Downtown, New Cairo
Lakeyard, Hacienda Bay
Tel: 0111 050 1502
Facebook/Instagram: @NileEyewear
Web: www.Nile-Eyewear.com

Nini’s
Tel: 0127 355 0700
Instagram: @ninis_eg

Omni Clutches
Tel: 0102 598 7777
Facebook: @omnisbags
Instagram: @omnisclutches

PIN
Tel: 0115 084 5669
Instagram: @pin.eg

Salt by Soula
Sold in:
Fashion Lounge, Lakeyard
Dolly’s, Diplo
RAX, in Capital Promenade
Facebook: @salt.swimw
Instagram: @salt_by_soula

SHEN
Instagram: @shenegypt
Web: www.shenegypt.com
Email: info@shenegypt.com

Talalya
Tel: 0102 777 9082
Instagram: @talalya_official

The Doodle Factory
Point 90 Mall, 2nd floor, New Cairo
Facebook/Instagram: @thedoodlefactoryegypt

Tresors di Mimi
Sold in:
Style Treasure
Instagram: @styletreasure
Tel: 0114 111 1923

Scarlet Women
8 Sesostris St. off Baghdad St., Korba, Heliopolis.
Tel: 0127 256 5102
Instagram: @scarletforwomen

Nun Boutique
22 Desouk St. in front of Shaker Hospital, Ground Floor Apt. 3 – Heliopolis
Instagram: @nun_boutique_

Mazeej Hotel is the start of Palm Hills Developments

Spreading across an area of 4,000sqm in Hacienda White, Mazeej Hotel is the first architectural feature of its kind in the North Coast.

Yaseen Mansour: Mazeej Hotel is the start of Palm Hills Developments’ expansion into the hospitality industry and follows the national initiative set by the Ministry of Tourism.

7 August, 2019 (Cairo, Egypt) – Palm Hills Developments, the leading real estate company in Egypt, announces the completion and grand opening of Mazeej Hotel in Hacienda White, North Coast. The hotel is a collaboration with Palm Hills Developments and G’nK Hospitality to comply with the national strategy to promote and facilitate international tourism.

Located on an area of 4,000sqm in Hacienda White, Mazeej Hotel provides a variety of amenities and facilities including 38 rooms, 4 suites, a private lagoon, and gourmet restaurants.

Palm Hills Developments Chairman, Yaseen Mansour states, “Our diverse portfolio is one of the unique strengths of Palm Hills Developments and is what makes us Egypt’s premier real estate company. With the latest addition of Mazeej Hotel, we have expanded to new industries while retaining our notorious standard of implementation.” He added, “As with all our projects, Palm Hills Developments guarantees the luxury and safety of Mazeej Hotel.”

Palm Hills Developments has 15 completed projects across Cairo and the Red Sea with each development fulfilling the company’s adherence to international standards, cementing its excellent reputation as the leading real estate developer in the Egyptian market committed to creating positive customer experiences.

1...128129130...338Page 129 of 338
©