Beyond the Latté – 5 Groups for Mother & Child Bonding

By Tati Hafez

Baby and toddler groups for activities are a great place to meet mothers with children the same age as yours. These informal groups are run by volunteer moms who gather on a weekly basis. Some centers in town host these groups or cater activities for such a young audience. There are plenty of reasons to form one or join an existing group, and the benefits for both parent and baby are many.

Art Café

Babies are welcome from as early as 9 months old, where they can join Create Fun, a multi-sensory session for both child and parent. The group meets on Tuesday mornings from 10 to 10:50 am
10B Road 11, Maadi
Galleria 40, 26 July Corridor, 6Th October
Tel: 0122 705 0753 or 0121 117 0729

Maadi Mum and Baby Group 

A Facebook group established in 2012 for parents based in Maadi, this group organizes activities on a weekly basis and it is a great chance for parents to meet, exchange ideas and socialize with their babies and toddlers. These meetings are hosted in different locations within the neighborhood, like Osana Wellness Center and BCA.

Osana Baby Group (babies up to 1 year old) meets on Wednesday mornings at 11am. BCA Baby and Toddler Group meets on Sunday afternoons at 3pm.
Join their group on Facebook: Maadi Mum & Baby

Osana Family Wellness

Sparkles and Bubbles is a sensory activity session where babies and toddlers have the chance to explore their senses through music and play. It is a great opportunity for mom and child to bond physically and emotionally.
Sparkles and Bubbles (6 to 18 months) meet on Thursdays 11:15 am to 12:15 pm
Tel: 0101 773 3770

SANE 

SANE’s baby classes are a great starting point to engage babies with their five senses, help hand-eye coordination, build socialization skills and spend quality time with their favorite person in the world – mom. Groups are divided according to their age and developmental stage. During one hour the little ones will be exposed to live music played by a guitarist, explores their senses in a sensory room and experiment in a messy, artsy and playful atmosphere. Classes run for an hour for a fee and walk-ins are welcome.

Crawlers (6 months to 1-year-old) meet on Tuesdays from 12 pm to 1 pm. Wobbly Walkers (12 months to 1 ½) meet on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 pm. Walkers (1 to 2 years to old) meet on Sundays from 10.30 am to 11.30 am.
Tel: 0115 694 8295

New Cairo Momma and Baby Group

A Facebook group for mothers with babies and toddlers living in New Cairo, aiming to meet similar aged kids for play dates and some much needed coffee for their mothers. Play dates are organized within the group members.
Join their group on Facebook: New Cairo Momma and Baby group

The Tap: Showing Egypt’s DJs Love on International DJ Day

The 9th of March marks the 16th “International DJ Day”, a day for celebrating the world’s music mixers, mood-setters, and hard-working entertainers that have brought energy to dance floors across the globe. Respect needs to be paid to all kinds of DJs and The Tap has cooked up something special for all DJs on that day.

In 1935, American radio commentator Walter Winchell coined the term “Disc Jockey” to describe radio announcer called Martin Block, the first radio announcer to gain popularity for playing famous recorded music over the air.

Around the late 40s, specialized DJ equipment such as mixers and direct-drive turntables began to emerge in the market, together with techniques like beatmatching, scratching and cueing. DJ Kool Herc, Kraftwerk, Afrika Bambaataa, Larry Levan, and Grand Wizard Theodore are considered to be some of the most influential musicians of the early years of electronic music.

The most common types of modern DJs are radio DJs and club DJs; the first introduces and plays music on air, and the latter mixes music recordings from two or more sources to produce a seamless flow of music at live events. Turntablists use techniques such as scratching, as well as audio consoles such as a DJ mixer to manipulate sound and create new music and sound effects.

Egypt is blessed to have many talented DJs of all types, be it radio or club, and some who do both such as the master of Hip-Hop and RnB DJ Feedo from “Friday Night Flavas” radio show, as well as Safi who is well-known for his “Nile Bazaar” show.

Local DJs vary in their own unique musical genres and styles; from Hip-Hop and RnB like DJunkie, DJ Mobbz, DJ AK as well as rising ones, like DJ Fedde, DJ Doggy Dog. Also, on the electro side, we have DJs like Ouzo, Sebzz, Aly Goede, and the list goes on.

There are also Different styles of deejaying be it old-school like Vinyl DJs who don’t strictly play vinyl only: Ahmed Samy, DJ Mazen Hamdy, Zeina, Sewwes, TATA, and several others. Furthermore, we have “Disco Misr” who introduced VJing (Video Jockey) to the Egyptian party scene.

Although there clearly is dominance in male DJ line-ups or even an all-male line-up during a club night. But there is a rise of female DJs and producers, Such as Akladios, Bosaina, Nur, Zeina, KidMims, PurplPitch and noticeable others who are paving the road for more female DJs to follow.

The local DJ scene is thriving, and promising to flourish even more with immense talent emerging onto the scene by the day!

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Pinchos in Heliopolis

Inspired by owner Tamer Ayoub’s extensive time spent in Spain, Pinchos is built on the mission to provide Cairenes with delicious and authentic tapas and a selection of beverages. This spot fills the gap for a local watering hole in East Cairo, and we popped in for early dinner to sample the menu.

Dishes Sampled
Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted with a refreshing Pinchos signature cocktail comprising of vodka, lychee syrup, sweet and sour mix, lime, orange and basil undertones. While sipping on this zesty concoction, we selected a number of hot and cold tapas from Pincho’s extensive menu. For starters, the presentation of each dish is impeccable and the portion size is perfect for two. Stars of the roster are the boquerones fritos, traditional Spanish fried anchovies and the Bikini de Mozzarela y Pavo, a fried roll of mozzarella stuffed with turkey. The pairing in the bikini was excellent and well-deserving of a signature item.

Another excellent pairing is the alcachofas al ajillo con gambas, garlic drenched artichokes with shrimp. The Albondigas con Tomate presented tender and juicy meatballs in tomato sauce with rice, albeit the rice would have benefited from a little extra cooking time. The gambas al ajillo were tender and juicy, well seasoned and adorned with a mix of chopped herbs. The sea bream was tender and delicious, served on a bed of mashed red cabbage, dressed with crushed peanuts and arugula.

The octopus with potatoes and paprika needed a bit more kick, the pieces would have benefited from a thinner slice and the potatoes were a bit bland. The chorizo al vino tinto sounded delicious, but the sausage was more traditional Egyptian sausage than Spanish chorizo. The paella comprised of traditional Spanish style rice, chunks of chicken, shrimp and peas – simple and hearty fare. All the tapas were washed down with a jug of homemade sangria, red wine steeped in a selection of fresh fruits.

Finally, we sampled some of Pinchos signature desserts of which the churros con chocolate is the definite winner. Churros are traditional finger sized fried doughnuts sprinkled with brown sugar and offered with a chocolate dipping sauce – we would definitely recommend having two servings of these!

Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverages Available

The main dishes are certainly worth a try – beef filet in red wine sauce, sea bass with mashed potatoes, and Pinchos cheese platter and Spanish olives.

Beverage options include cocktails, mocktails, wine, beer, soft drinks and hot beverages.

Décor & Ambience
Pinchos is divided into two separate dining areas and a lively bar area. The furnishings are a mixture of classic and modern décor, comfortable and chic. The super attentive and friendly service makes this spot one to return to again and again for after work drinks and a good nibble or two.

Worth knowing: Pinchos has live music nights on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 pm.

Clientele mix: Groups of friends, and those looking for a chill date night.

Price range:  Moderate.

Contact information
Opening hours: 5 pm – 1:30 am
Address:  58 Beirut Street, Heliopolis
Tel:  0122 219 3134
Facebook: pinchos.cairo
Instagram: pinchos_cairo

Art Scene March 2019

Liwan art gallery

Exhibition Name: Forms & Colors
Artist: Gamal Fahmy
Opening Night: December 9th, 2018
Exhibition Ends: December 21st, 2018
Address: 30 Hassan Assem St. off Brazil St. – Zamalek

Safarkhan art gallery

Exhibition Name: Solitude
Artist: Ashraf El Zamzamy
Opening Night: February 18th, 2019
Exhibition Ends: March 13th, 2019
Address: 6 Brazil St., Zamalek

AL Mashrabia art gallery

Exhibition Name: Explosion
Artist: Shahira Shoukry
Opening Night: February 23rd, 2019
Exhibition Ends: March 9th, 2019
Address: 8 Champollion St., Downtown Cairo

UBUNTO art gallery

Exhibition Name: Juggled
Artist: Tarek El Sheikh
Opening Night: February 17th, 2019
Exhibition Ends: March 9th, 2019
Address: 20 Hassan Sabry St., entrance from Ibn Zinky
St., Zamalek

What NOT to Miss on the East Side! March 2019

Tati Hafez takes us on a quick tour of all the new spots and services available to East Siders! This March, the column is dedicated to services that help mothers stay well informed in their busy lives. Let’s appreciate all the mamas out there!

Lice Busters
 Do you get an itch just by reading the word lice? What if we told you that for the first time in Egypt, there is a lice removal service, with a natural approach? Lice Busters uses powerful suction tools guaranteeing a lice free head in only one session at the comfort and privacy of your home. Just book yourself an appointment with one of their technicians.
Tel: 0109 720 7675
Facebook & Instagram: @licebusters.eg

Nine Psychology – House of Therapies
Nine Psychology is a home of certified therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists in a range of emotional, behavioral and mental health issues, offering one-to-one sessions, group therapy, well-being workshops, assessments and retreats.
Address: 73, Road 9, Maadi
Tel: 0120 088 5123
Facebook & Instagram: @ninepsychology

Nina Found Home – Artisan bed linens
There’s nothing more rewarding than a good night’s sleep and some relaxing lounging in bed. Nina Found Home uses100% pure premium Egyptian Cotton in sateen weave, for the collection of bed linens, cushions and throws. The minimalist color palette selection is tranquil, luxurious, and comfortable. Proudly handcrafted by local artisans. Website: www.ninafoundhome.com
Tel: 0100 070 6300
Facebook & Instagram: @ninafoundhome

Dahab Khan – Sufi inspired first collection
The designer of Dahab Khan’s unique taste caught the attention of friends and family who gave her initial push to start her own collection, which was inspired by the poems of the 13th century Sufi mystic poet, Rumi.
Tel: 0122 314 8592
Facebook : @dahabkhan

Gem Couture – Be as unique as your gem
It all starts with a gemstone and its natural gorgeous shades. Gem Couture is about working with a variety of semi-precious stones, making them the focal point of a piece. With a special preference for the nuances of the Labradorite stone the designer Dina Abdel Basset has adopted it as her signature stone. The uniqueness of the pieces is guaranteed as no two gems are the same. Special orders accepted.
Tel: 0100 693 3000
Facebook & Instagram: @gemcouturebyd

Pre-Teens Etiquette Course by Dina El Selmy
Marie Claire Arabia consultant Dina El Selmy is also a certified Etiquette and Protocol consultant who regularly runs etiquette and public speaking courses. This March she is hosting a Pre-Teens Etiquette Program where graduates ages 8 to 13 will polish their etiquette through a series of four Saturday workshops and dining tutorials that are age appropriate and interactive, including poise and posture; introduction and greetings; general courtesies and dining etiquette.
Starting March (Saturdays from 9-11am)
Address: Dusit Thani Tel: 0111 112 6599
Facebook & Instagram: @dinaelselmy

What’s New Around Town – March 2019

Box of Roses

Reinventing the typical bouquet and adding a new feel to the classic gift of flowers.

Address: 23 Hassan Assem St., Zamalek
Tel: 0102 327 7525
Facebook/Instagram: Box of Roses
Web: www.boxofrosesegypt.com

El Lido Burgers

Now open at Shooting Club and New Giza University, El Lido makes authentically chargrilled burgers and hotdogs in homemade bread and serves up grandma’s chips with a side of nostalgia. Catering and delivery are also available.

Branches: Shooting Club Dokki / New Giza University
Tel: 0127 777 8845
Facebook: El Lido Burgers
Instagram: ellidoburgers

L'amandine

After years of creating delicious cakes and pastries in Dokki, this exceptional pâtisserie has now opened a new branch in the wildly popular Arkan Plaza. Pass by to discover its’ exciting range of oriental and French pastries.

Address: Arkan Plaza, Sheikh Zayed
Facebook: Lamandine Egypt

BOHOBUN

BohoBun is now open at The Greek Campus for a limited time, come get some juicy burgers and try it out for yourself! Home of the world’s grooviest gourmet Burgers, made fresh daily.

Facebook: BOHOBUN
Instagram: bohobun

TBS

What makes TBS special is that everything is baked in front of you. The “It’s so fresh, it’s baked in front of you!” slogan has now become embedded in the minds of Egyptians. It’s like heaven on earth for a bread enthusiast!

Address: Merghani Street; Heliopolis
Facebook: tbsfresh
Instagram: tbsegypt

Self

Self offers a selection of blends, salads, sandwiches, greek yogurt, nut butters, nondairy milks, and of course tea & coffee – made fresh every day.

Address: 14, Road 218 – Degla, Maadi
Tel: 19326
Facebook & Instagram: @selfjuicery

SENSE

Cuts, color, hair treatments and creative styling, all you need to keep your tresses healthy and flattering. The professional team at SENSE by Ali Abboud and Hany Saad understand each woman has her individual style, and knows how to show her at her radiant best.

Address: Nada Mall, Sheikh Zayed
Tel: 0115 442 8877 – 02 3797 9033
Facebook: sense by hany saad

Art Hut

Art Hut is now open in Palm Parks everyday from 11 am – 7 pm. Art Hut helps budding artists discover their talents and unleash their inner spirit. Pop in for a few hours or drop your kid off and let them get crafty! Drawing and painting classes are available for children and adults, in addition to photography, music, cooking, and handcrafts classes. Art Hut also features the artwork of some exquisite Egyptian artists.

Address: Palm Parks, Sheikh Zayed
Tel: 0120 051 7321
Facebook: Art Hut Egypt
Instagram: arthuteg

Dental Care

Dental Care Clinics offers top-notch technology in cosmetic dentistry including the highest quality restorations, crowns, veneers andlumineers. All dental specialities are offered, such as endodontics, fixed and removable prosthesis, pedodontics, surgery, implants, periodontics, cosmetics and laser treatments.
Enjoy a special 10% discount on any service for our readers!

Address: Twin Towers Rivulet – Building C
Tel: 0100 984 3468
Facebook: Dental Care Clinics
Instagram: dentalcareclinics_dr.jalaby

NSA

Operating since 1958, NSA Diagnostic Laboratory is considered among the most advanced of its kind in Egypt, while continuing to provide a highly personalized service. NSA collaborates with the best hospitals and polyclinics in Egypt handling all medical tests. NSA labs take care of 300k patients annually, providing the highest quality of service all over Egypt through 41 branches in Cairo, Red Sea, Sinai, North Coast and Aswan.

Address: New Giza University
Tel: 0122 745 5997
Facebook: nsa.labs
Instagram: nsa_labs
Web: www.nsa-lab.com

Kamal Shalaby

Kamal Shalaby adds a touch of fashion and function to every room with unique furniture. Its furniture designs feature high-quality materials and a meticulous attention to detail, all at an affordable pricepoint. Whether you’re furnishing a modest apartment or spacious house, discover essential pieces in modern designs that will help you create a space that you’ll love to live in.

Address: Exit 14 Mall in front of Greens Compound
Tel: 0122 352 6945
Facebook: Kamal.shalaby.furniture
Instagram: Kamalshalaby.furniture

Hedeya

Hedeya Mega Store is now open in Sodic West beside El Nada Hospital. Browse tons of amazing items in this brand new MEGA store.

Address: Sodic West, beside El Nada Hospital – Sheikh Zayed
Tel: 19818 – 0122 980 0009
Web: www.hedeya.com

Fins

Fins brings you a new concept in seafood; a selection of smoked seafood items, infused with tasty sauces, packed and ready to use. Sold in Sunny, Oscar, Basics Market, Zakuski, Cosmos, and Seoudi Markets.

Address: 5 Abu Atteya St., Abbass El Akad – beside Intl. Garden Wonderland Mall 4th floor/ Nasr City
Tel: 02 23826710 – 02 23826715
Facebook: Fins Seafood
Instagram: @Finseg

8 Places to Get Your Body and Mind Ready for Delivery

Even with baby on the way, there is no reason for personal wellbeing and fitness to be put to the side. There are great centers in all parts of Cairo where expectant moms can practice yoga or fitness routines especially tailored for those important months. Here are our picks.

West Side

Rofayda Health Park
This complete medical camp offers special medical and fitness services for expecting mothers, current mothers, and babies. Moms-to-be can enjoy a whole range of services and activities, including Yoga Mum with prenatal yoga as a discipline that utilizes postures and breathing techniques, and Fit Mum for Pilates.
Address: 27 Crazy Water Axis, Entrance 2, Sheikh Zayed
Tel: 0127 141 4014
Facebook: RofaydaHealthPark
Instagram: rofayda_health_park

Reform Pilates – Beverly Hills
Prenatal Pilates is a targeted course that is aiming at supporting a healthy pregnancy by keeping moms to be strong and flexible. Exercising during this special time is essential to maintaining good physical abilities, good mood, limiting weight gain and can enhance all the phases of pregnancy and motherhood. The routine is simple and developed over a variety of Pilates equipment to provide the best tools for a better healthy pregnancy.
Address: Beverly Hills, Mall 1, Shop 4
Tel: 0102 772 0204
Facebook: ReformPilatesEgypt
Instagram: reformpilatesstudios

The Center

Mudra Yoga
Prenatal classes are available on Monday and Thursday at 5:30 pm, pre-reservation is a must.
Address: 12 El Sayed El Bakry Street off Brazil Street, first floor, apartment 4
Tel: 0109 408 8155
Facebook: Mudrayogastudiozamalek
Instagram: Mudra.yogastudio

On the Mat
On the Mat offers a variety of classes to suit everyone’s needs. Prenatal women are welcome to come to practice yoga, which is proven to help with pregnancy and even birth. There are regular classes with Heba Mahmoud at 1:30pm on Saturdays and On the Mat offers packages for private sessions with one of its’ certified, dedicated teachers.
Address: 5 Al Morsaleen St. off Shagaret El Dor St., Zamalek, first floor, apartment 4
Tel: 0100 459 3586
Facebook: onthematstudio

Yoga Vidya Egypt
Yoga Vidya Egypt aims to provide a yoga community where people of all age groups and walks of life can explore, practice and study yoga together. The services promote physical and mental health through yoga, massage, meditation, healthy eating and an environmentally-friendly lifestyle. Enquire about any current prenatal classes.
Address: 12 Sayed Abd El-Wahid St. off Wadi El Nil St., Mohandeseen
Tel: 0122 863 0066

East Side

Vivid Life
Prenatal classes are available at times. Call to see when they are being held.
Address: 13 Dr Naguib Hashad St., Heliopolis
Tel: 0100 141 3026
Facebook: Vividlifeintiative

YallaYoga
YallaYoga offers relaxing prenatal Shama yoga classes that prepare the mind and body for delivery.
Address: 15 El Maahad El Eshtraki St., El Hegaz St., (opposite Merryland), Roxy, Heliopolis
Instagram: yallayoga
Facebook: YallaYogaEgypt

Osana Family Wellness
Pregnancy and postal-natal workshops, classes and support are available as well as baby, child and family classes. Osana also offers pregnancy massage, which relieves many of the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches and edema (swelling). It can also induce labor in women who are at or beyond their due date.

Physiotherapy for pre-natal
Through the use of a variety of positional, manual and deep tissue techniques these sessions focus on addressing muscular pain associated with pregnancy, vaginal birth and C-sections. This treatment involves gentle movements, pelvic floor exercises and breathing techniques to alleviate common joint pains, muscular discomfort, abdominal diastasis (muscle separation), urinary tract issues, and incontinence, by promoting core strength, pelvic floor flexibility and coordination to encourage a smoother delivery and postnatal healing. Pregnant women are welcome to start treatment in their 4th month of pregnancy.

Acupuncture for pregnancy
A treatment that specifically targets complaints commonly faced during pregnancy such as morning sickness, lower back and pelvic pain, depression, headaches, and sleep problems. Acupuncture for pregnancy can also help with encouraging breeched babies to move into the correct birthing position, induce labor and promote uterine contractions and dilation of cervix.

Pregnancy yoga
For second and third trimesters only, this class is specially designed for expectant mothers. The exercises offer and encourage deep relaxation, will gently build strength and stamina and also encourage the baby to move into the optimal birthing position. No previous yoga experience is required.
Address: 4 El Nady St., Maadi
Tel: 0101 773 3770
Facebook/Instagram: osanafamilywellness

6 Instagram Accounts to Follow for Makeup Inspo

We all know how addictive Instagram scrolling can be, but this bad habit can be a useful one when it comes to inspirational looks! Need a little direction and ideas to springboard off of? These 6 mega-talented Egyptian makeup artists will provide just that.

Noheir Darwish
Noheir can produce a number of styles for day and night, fresh or super glam.

Kiki Ismail
One of the biggest names in the biz, Kiki is well-versed in both sleek, trendy looks and haute couture fashion.

Heba El Kaissy

Hopping between Cairo and Dubai, Heba is a London College of Makeup graduate and launched The Kit – The Make Up Artist on Facebook where she offers beauty tips and tutorials.

Sherifa Attout
Follow Sherifa for lots of fresh and trendy inspiration on both day looks and night glam.
Mai Ayman

This London Makeup Institute certified makeup artist from has a dreamy page full of high fashion looks, perfect to draw inspiration from.

Sally Rashid

Follow this Lancôme national make up artist for fresh-faced look inspiration, perfect for any occasion.

Crave’s Quinoa Salad

We bet you’ve heard about how healthy quinoa is, it’s basically a super-food that is gluten free, high in protein, fibers, vitamins and minerals and works as an antioxidant that improves digestion and aids weight loss. We’ve picked out a delicious healthy quinoa salad that will satisfy your hunger and give you all the nutrition your body needs.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups uncooked quinoa
  • 3 cups quartered grape or cherry tomatoes (from about 1 1/2 pints)
  • 4 cups mixed leaves
  • 2 cups diced, cooked chicken breasts
  • 1 cup finely chopped fresh basil
  • 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

  1. Prepare quinoa according to package directions. After cooking, allow to cool, then fluff with a fork. (If serving as a warm, main-dish salad, allow to cool just enough that the basil and greens won’t wilt when added and the cheese won’t melt.)
  2. In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, tomatoes, mixed leaves, chicken, basil, Parmesan, and garlic. Stir to combine.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Pour over quinoa mixture and stir thoroughly to combine.
  4. Serve immediately or refrigerate, covered, until serving.
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