Lotus flavor in all its forms has become big over the past couple of years! From Lotus ice cream to Lotus latté, Lotus cakes to Lotus brownies. It’s all been done to cater to an ever-growing demand for the rich, comforting Lotus cookie taste. No wanting to ignore the trend, we have come up with our own ode to Lotus: Lotus Pancakes! What can be better for the coming fall months’ cooler breezes and chilly mornings?
Lotus Pancakes
Ingredients
2 cups flour
1 sachet baking powder
Pinch of salt
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup milk
150 ml yoghurt
5 tablespoons melted butter For the Lotus syrup:
¼ cup Lotus Cookie Butter
¼ cup milk
Preparation:
Pancakes:
Mix flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and sugar in a bowl.
In a separate bowl place the eggs, milk and yoghurt and beat well.
Add the egg batter to the flour mixture and mix with a spoon until smooth. Add the melted butter and mix until it is absorbed.
Heat a ceramic frying pan over a low fire until the pan is very hot.
Pour ½ a cup of mixture onto the center of the pan using a ladle and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes until bubbles appear on the upper part of the pancake.
Turn with the help of a kitchen spoon and cook the other side for approximately another minute. Remove to a serving dish and form a pile to maintain the heat of the pancakes.
Lotus Syrup:
Add Lotus Cookie Butter and milk in a bowl and heat in a microwave for a short time (5 seconds).
Feeling blue? Want to spice up your life? If your home needs an injection of style, dive into the latest fall trends in interior design.
Embrace autumn
From mustard to caramel, the rich hues of fall can elevate a low-key space into a cozy haven.
Go for gold
Make way for gold accents. Keep it classy, not brassy. A little goes a long way.
Get geometric
Get things neatly lined up with geometric shapes and panels. In wood or textiles, cabinets or cushions, geometric style is one of
this season’s hot trends.
Join the navy
Always a staple color in any design palette, navy blue is getting a lot of love from interior designers this season.
Say it with flowers
From a well placed cushion to a wall sized mural, oversized flowers are big this fall. Huge,
even.
Keep it natural
Lose the bling and go for simple retro pieces. Natural timbers and rustic painted tables set the mood.
Vote for velvet
We know, velvet has been around for a couple of seasons. But, take our word for it, it isn’t disappearing any time soon. Sumptuous sofas, stately armchairs, plush cushions… take your pick.
Mohamed Khaled Natta is a high level bodybuilder turned triathlete. He has recently participated in the Iron Man race, known as the toughest race in the world, and finished it! We got a chance to learn all about his journey, and to get some helpful tips as well.
CWM: When did you start bodybuilding?
MN: I started training when I was 12 years old, but only entered my first bodybuilding competitions when I turned 18. I entered three or four competitions in that year. From 18 to 22 years old I stopped competing, as I was too busy with college work. When I was done with my education, I went back to an intensive training routine, making the Egypt National Team for Bodybuilding and then entered the IFBB World’s Men Bodybuilding Championship in Spain in 2015 where I took 7th place and the IFBB World’s Junior Championship in El Salvador where I took 3rd place. Since then, I have started working and don’t have enough time to train and compete at the same level I used to. However, I found a new passion in triathlon, and decided to try something new.
What are some tips you can share with us about training and competing?
When training and competing at this level, you definitely need a nutritionist to be following your diet. The food and lifestyle is 60% to 70% of the work. Someone that trains very well, but does not eat well or rest enough will not see the best results.
Talk us through a bodybuilder’s diet …
First of all, you need to calculate your personal calorie intake based on your weight, height, gender and age. Then, it all depends on what your goal is as a bodybuilder. If you want to build up muscles, you add calories and protein to your personal calorie intake and if you want to lose some weight, you subtract from it. In my opinion, for bodybuilding the optimum diet is to divide your calorie intake in this way: 40% proteins, 40% carbohydrates and 20% fats. Of course, this differs from sport to sport. Also, for bodybuilding in particular, you need to divide your food into six to eight small meals per day, instead of the regular three meals per day, in order to increase your metabolism.
What’s your workout routine?
In normal periods, I will train for two hours per day, five times a week. Before bodybuilding competitions, I do two sessions of two hours per day, for six days a week. Since it’s an endurance race, the Iron Man competition needs more training hours. During the final two months preceding the Iron Man, I was training 25 to 30 hours a week!
Rest days are the most important. When you train you break your body, and during times of recovery that is when your body is actually building. Rest, healthy food, relaxation and sleep are very important, and I also have massages regularly so that my body can endure the intense training.
Tell us about your experience at the Iron Man competition in Vichy and what it took to finish the race.
I was never a triathlete. However, this year I felt like I wanted to do something different. I started training and joining marathons and I loved the feeling of challenging myself. After a couple of marathons, I heard about the Iron Man competition by coincidence. I really liked the idea of how a human body can stay working for 16 hours straight. I had never raced a bike or swam competitively before, so I started taking swimming and cycling classes and joined short distance triathlons. I really loved the feeling! There are only around 20 Egyptians who finished the Iron Man race before and I was really excited to take part in it, and finish it! I hired a coach specialized in Iron Man training and started training very seriously. It was a really tough two months coordinating 30 hours of training a week with my day job. It was very challenging. I was training before and after work everyday and there was never any free time to go out on weekends or see friends. The hard work paid off, as I finished the race quite easily in 14 hours and 39 minutes and felt an incredible feeling of satisfaction.
So, what’s next?
There are many marathons taking place in Egypt at the beginning of next year, and I plan to participate. Hopefully in April, I will join my second Iron Man, in South Africa. For this year I feel like I am done, it was a good introduction to endurance sports, taking part in two full marathons and an Iron Man race.
A veteran actor with a career spanning decades, Ahmed El Fishawy is no stranger to the madness of show business. Adding producer and director to his list of accomplishments, this risk taker loves a juicy plot with a twisty cast of characters. Cue Karim El Shenawy’s Gunshot, and El Fishawy jumped on board the thrilling ride playing Doctor Yassin. The plot details of this murder mystery were heavily guarded in the run up to the premiere of the film at Gouna Film Festival last month, but we managed to grab a few moments of El Fishawy’s time to dig into how he prepared for his performance and what we can expect to see next.
What can you tell us about your role as Yassin in Gunshot?
I play a very different role for me, this is the second time I play a doctor – the last time was eight years ago when I played Sherif in 678. But this time it’s a different type of film, it’s a thriller – very mysterious and dramatic.
How did you prepare and get into character for this part?
The director, Karim El Shenawy, and the writer, Haitham Dabbour, were very influential throughout the whole process of preparing and shooting the film. They really talked me through the building of this character. I also met a lot of doctors and researched how to get into the mindset of a doctor to pull off the character of Yassin.
Were there any particular challenges for you in terms of the preparation?
The challenges actually fell more on the shoulders of our director, Karim El Shenawy! He is a visionary director. He puts so much heart into it.
This is El Shenawy’s first feature as a director, what was it like working with this rising talent on such a career milestone for him?
I’ve actually been privileged to work with many directors on their first feature film, seven to be exact. Among them were Amr Salama in Zay El Naharda, Ahmed Mekky in El 7assa El Sab3a, Mohamed Diab in 678, Ahmed Yousri in 45 Days… all these directors, it was their first feature and I really get excited to work with a director on their first movie because they always give a first project their all and the film is always very special.
Were there any moments during filming that particularly stood out for you?
Well, we build a set for a morgue – so that was scary! It was creepy for all of us to act on set in a morgue and pretend to dissect people.
What do you base your selection criteria on when you are reading through scripts and selecting projects?
Throughout my career, I’ve selected projects based on a simple motto: “If it aims on the page, it aims on the stage.” So first thing I am concerned with is that I have a good script in my hands; that is where it all starts. If it’s good on the page, then it’ll be a good film.
What about you yourself venturing into producing or directing?
Yes, I produced a film with T Productions and my own production company, Crystal Dog. It’s called Khareg El Khedma and I star in it with Shereen Reda. This is Crystal Dog’s first production, which is pretty exciting! Hopefully next year we’ll be joining forces with two other production companies to work on an innovative comedy about zombies – the first of its kind in Egypt.
What was the experience like being behind the camera for a change?
It feels great to be behind the camera because there are more branches and creative facets to explore as opposed to being an actor. There’s a certain type of freedom to create, especially when it comes to directing. I prefer being behind the camera sometimes.
This is the second year in a row you have starred in a film opening at the El Gouna Film Festival. How does it feel to be a key part of such a prestigious event?
The first edition was very successful, and I love how organized they are at pulling such a big event off. I was very excited to be part of it two years in a row, and hopefully I’m going to be part of next year’s edition as well!
Any projects or genres you wish to tackle next?
I don’t really have any solid plans, but I’m always taking chances, reading scripts, even from newcomers who are writing for the first time or directing for the first time. I’m very open to that, no specific plans!
Hot off the heels of a well-received role in Ramadan 2018’s Layali Eugenie, Asmaa Abu El Yazeed is becoming an in demand actress capable of playing a turn as a soft and whimsical singer or an emotionally volatile lady with deep secrets. We caught up with her to learn more about her role as Salma in Gunshot.
What can you tell us about your role in Gunshot and how you prepared for it?
I play Salma, the fiancée of Alaa, Arfa Abdel Rasool plays my mother-in-law. She is a conflicted character that is dealing with the aftermath of a crime and coming to grips with how this will affect her life.
You have enjoyed a successful career on stage in several productions. Tell us a bit about your transition to TV and film.
I’ve played roles in TV series before working on this film, like Haza El Masa2 and I was filming a feature titled Ana Shahera… Ana El Kha2en at the same time as preparing for my role in Gunshot. I was pleased to also have a film come out this past Eid called El Kawyeseen.
What was different about Gunshot in terms of preparing for the role?
It was actually a smooth process, the cast was fortunate to sit together many times to rehearse and get to grips with our characters. I worked very closely with our director, Karim El Shenawy, to really delve into the character of Salma and learn her motives and feelings. He also allowed me to put my own flourishes and fingerprint on her character, which was a privilege.
Did you face any challenges with the character of Salma?
I think the hardest part about playing Salma was she feels compelled to say things that are in conflict with her true feelings, and that is a challenge for most people. Her eyes contradict the words that come out of her mouth, and that is a challenge to pull off.
AR: I play a mother who is very mysterious, and the audience will be surprised by her at the end of the film. All the tricks and cunning moves that she resorts to are to protect her children, and I believe any mother in her place would do the same. She is a very authentic Egyptian woman and mother, but there is an obvious air of mystery audiences that will leave audiences intrigued. She resorts to certain extreme measures due to her circumstances.
How did you prepare for the role?
Honestly, preparing for this role didn’t need anything specific. It’s not as if I’m 24 and preparing for a role drastically different from who I am in real life. I usually read a script and either relate to the character or I like her. I am a mother and have children, so I can relate on several levels. I have experience dealing with many different types of mothers and I was raised in a stereotypically Egyptian neighborhood, so I do my best to empathize with the character, feel her troubles, and the acting comes out from within.
What was it like working with a first time director?
Honestly, more seasoned directors may be stuck in old school methods, so I enjoy working with fresh talent. A new director may have a fresher perspective and a different eye. I trust their talent, and wish them the most success. I also trust the production company to hire a director that is capable of creating great movies.
How is this role different from other acting experience you’ve had?
This role is very different from anything I’ve done before; I believe it will elevate my career in a totally different way. The script is developed very well and the director has made a great effort on this film. My acting colleagues have also helped me a lot – all of them have supported me a great deal, because this role was physically and mentally taxing. There is a scene where Ahmed Malek’s character straddles and beats me which, was difficult to say the least. The director also pulls off amazing shots within the film; one in particular is a lengthy one-shot scene, which came out spectacular. I am really betting this film will make a great impact on my career and the audience.
Any new projects coming up in the pipeline?
I’ll be traveling to Lebanon to participate in a storytelling festival, as I am known in the region for being a capable storytelling coach. I also teach courses at Studio ZAT in storytelling, so this is how I spend my downtime until the next project comes along!
On Thursday nights from 7-11 pm Aqua e Luce turns into a traditional Brazilian restaurant, complete with churrascaria served at your table. This is a meat lover’s dream.
Signatures Dishes & Dishes Sampled
The Brazilian BBQ night is a signature feature of the contemporary menu at Aqua e Luce. The signature cuts of meat cooked to perfection make the experience unique.
The timeless issue of quality versus quantity is not a problem on Thursday evenings. The amount of high-quality food in abundance is unlike anything else available in Cairo right now. We started with a trip to the buffet, which was overwhelming due to the amount of fantastic and diverse options. We started with salads including Salmon Salad, Brazilian Beef Salad, Chinese Salad, and Mexican Salad. Each receives a five out of five rating but honorable mention goes to the Salmon Salad; fresh pieces of salmon atop glass noodles and fresh vegetables married together with a hint of citrus.
Not pacing ourselves at all we decided to next try a variety of sushi because it looked too good to pass up and what a treat to have sushi as part of a salad buffet! More than five types of sushi rolls later including nigiri and uramaki we figured it was necessary to leave room for the pièce de résistance, the churrasco style meat. The brilliant chef Eduardo Bronte and his team carved us piece after piece of the juiciest most delicious BBQ meat. From veal tenderloin to short ribs to grilled salmon, there is a piece of meat or 100 for every hungry diner. It is not an exaggeration to say there is simply too much food to eat in one sitting, and that this was some of the best BBQ we have ever had. To end a perfect evening, we dove into the dessert bar and with so many choices, but alas, the double chocolate fondue won our hearts.
Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverages Available
The buffet for the Brazilian night is so extensive you will have to make multiple trips to try and enjoy everything. The endless fruits, vegetables, cheeses, nuts, salads, sushi, and dips are mouthwatering
Being inside an international hotel, the restaurant serves a wide variety of hard and soft drinks.
Décor & Ambience
The décor is modern with a fantastic tropical backdrop. The ambiance is romantic and sophisticated.
Clientele mix: The clientele at Aqua e Luce is international, foreigners visiting Cairo as well as locals are gathered to share a delicious traditional Brazilian meal together.
Price range: The price for the buffet is high, but considering it is an endless evening of starters, salads, churrasco-style meat, and delicious desserts it is well worth the price.
Hot Tip: There are many people in and out of the hotel and because of this the restaurants in the Fairmont Towers tend to be quite busy. On Wednesday evenings fresh fish is brought in from Alexandria and Thursday’s churrascaria makes Aqua e Luce a very busy place. Call ahead to reserve a table so you don’t miss out on these special events.
Address: Heliopolis Towers Hotel Orouba Street, Heliopolis
In an intimate sit-down with internationally acclaimed DJ and music producer Sewwes – aka Marwan Ahmed El Swaisy – we learned about a journey of passion for music.
Growing up in a family that loved music and collected cassette tapes likely influenced the young boy’s musical inclinations. Soon enough he started his own collection, and used to even host listening parties for new cassette tape releases as a young boy. But it wasn’t until the day he heard a recording of music being mixed together that he knew exactly what he wanted to do when he grew up.
To Sewwes, the name “Funktions of Funk” is born of his nerdy side. A function of funk typically is a statement that would change according to funk. In other words, it means it is built around funk but it doesn’t have to be funk.
Some of his most notable musical inspirations are James Brown, Quincy Jones, Ziad al Rahbani, Michael Jackson, and his all-time favorite DJ, DJ Satoshi Tomiie.
Sewwes wouldn’t mind being stuck in the late 80s music scene, although he thinks African, Latin and Nubian music deserve more attention. His guilty pleasure song? None other than ‘Can I Touch You There’ by Michael Bolton.
Sewwes dreams of one day playing at Glastonbury, WMC and any festival by the beach.
TV Addicts, rejoice! To keep you plugged into what is premiering every month, we put together a monthly list of new TV series set to air! We’ve added a description and a trailer for each show, so all you have to do is choose what sounds good and start streaming! Shows are listed in alphabetical order.
arrow (season 7)
Season 7’s theme is redemption. Now that Oliver is behind bars, he will come face-to-face with many of his former enemies, including Ben Turner/Bronze Tiger (Michael Jai White), Derek Sampson (Cody Runnels) and Danny “Brick” Brickwell (Vinnie Jones). With all three held in Slabside, Oliver will be forced to confront these and other villains he locked up while wearing the hood.
charmed
After the huge success of Charmed original series, the Charmed reboot has arrived! Promising great sense of humor, like in the original series, each sister will have their own power. Once their powers are unlocked, Mel learns she can freeze time, Maggie starts hearing other people’s thoughts and Macy discovers she has telekinetic abilities. None of the sisters have the power of premonition … yet! In this drama, each sister gains new abilities as the series progresses, so we expect that the reboot will see the women adding to their arsenal of skills as well.
doctor who (season 11)
The seemingly never-ending wait for the first-ever female Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) is actually almost over! In Season 11, Ryan (Tosin Cole), Yasmin (Mandip Gill) and Graham (Bradley Walsh) go about their day-to-day lives, when each one of them gets a sign from the Doctor that all is not as it seems. Looks like new adventures are on the cards for all of them …
Elite
Elite marks the reunion of La Casa de Papel’s María Pedraza, Miguel Herrán & Jaime Lorente, who star among fresh new faces playing students at Las Encinas, the best and most exclusive school in Spain, where the elite send their children to study. It’s also where three working class kids have just been admitted after their academy collapsed. Thinking that they’d lucked out, the three students find themselves in more trouble than they have ever experienced.
The clash between those who have everything and those who have nothing to lose creates a perfect storm that ultimately ends in a murder. Who is behind the crime? Is it one of these recent arrivals from a different world? Or is there something deeper hiding beneath the surface?
Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for a record-breaking season 15, making it the longest-running prime-time drama in ABC’s history. The new season will see Meredith go through a personal arc that involves her family background after Pompeo spoke about not wanting all of “Meredith’s adventures to be romantic ones”. Kim Raver is returning as a series regular after the last season’s cliffhanger saw Teddy Altman reveal she was pregnant, in addition to taking over as interim chief after Miranda decides to take a sabbatical. Watch all that and more drama this season!
Last Man Standing (Season 7)
Last Man Standing is back with season 7, hilariously, beginning with a promo voice-over reminding viewers that Last Man Standing was cancelled by ABC and is moving to FOX. The show tells the story of how Mike is king of the hill at work, but at home he’s the odd man out. Living in a house that is dominated by women — namely his wife, Vanessa, and their three daughters, 20-year-old Kristin, 17-year-old Mandy and 13-year-old Eve, how can he maintain his manliness? Mike tries to escape all the female drama at home in the warm, manly embrace of his job at the Outdoor Man store, a sporting goods emporium where he is marketing director.
legacies
Legacies is a spin-off series of The Originals which was a spin-off series of The Vampire Diaries! Whew, that’s complicated … The show follows Hope Mikaelson, the “tribrid” daughter of Klaus Mikaelson and Hayley Marshall, who is descended from some of the most powerful vampire, werewolf, and witch bloodlines. Two years after the events of The Originals, 17-year-old Hope attends the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted.
Marvel’s Avengers:
Black Panther’s Quest
In the animation series Marvel’s Avengers Black Panther’s Quest, Black Panther faces off against a collection of old and new foes as he struggle to balance his responsibilities to his homeland and his newfound duties as a member of the Avengers.
The Black Panther must decide his loyalties. Is he an Avenger first or King of Wakanda? As the mysterious Shadow Council rises to challenge Wakanda, T’Challa teams up with his sister Shuri to go on missions that no other Avenger can. It’s a globe-trotting journey of espionage and mystery as old foes resurface and new friends are made. In the end, Black Panther must balance defending his home and stopping threats before they start. Is he a sword or a shield? Only he can decide.
modern family (season 10)
You’ve watched Haley, Alex, Manny, Luke and Lilly (and Joe) grow up, but are you ready to say goodbye? That’s the big question you should be asking yourselves headed into the tenth season of this hilarious and touching family comedy! Even though the co-creators have been vague about the potential for the show to continue, all signs point to this season being the final bow for all three families – and the producers have hinted at a death in the family, so faithful fans beware …
Narcos: Mexico (Season 3)
Narcos: Mexico, starring Diego Luna & Michael Peña, explores the origins of the modern drug war by going back to its roots, beginning at a time when the Mexican trafficking world was a loose and disorganized confederation of independent growers and dealers. Witness the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel in the 1980s as Félix Gallardo (Diego Luna) takes the helm, unifying traffickers in order to build an empire.
When DEA agent Kiki Camarena (Michael Peña) moves his wife and young son from California to Guadalajara to take on a new post, he quickly learns that his assignment will be more challenging than he ever could have imagined. As Kiki garners intelligence on Félix and becomes more entangled in his mission, a tragic chain of events unfold, affecting the drug trade and the war against it for years to come.
As Season 6 of Ray Donovan begins, we find Ray (Liev Schreiber) rebuilding his life both personally and professionally in New York City. After being rescued from a plummet into the East River, his savior, a cop named Mac (Domenick Lombardozzi), brings Ray into the fraternity that is the Staten Island Police Department. While exploring this new world of brotherhood and corruption, Ray finds himself once again working for media mogul Sam Winslow (Susan Sarandon). Sam has teamed up with New York City mayoral candidate Anita Novak (Lola Glaudini), a partnership that puts Ray at odds with his new friends out in Staten Island.
riverdale (season 3)
In Season 3, Archie’s trial for the killing of would-be Lodge robber Cassidy Bullock is the primary story line. He already has his hands full with being set up for the crime by Hiram, and his life is going to get that much more difficult when Penelope Ann Miller joins the cast as the subtly named Ms. Wright, Riverdale’s new district attorney determined to put Archie behind bars for life.
supergirl (season 4)
Supergirl‘s game-changing finale, ‘Battles Lost and Won’, set the scene for a very different fourth season – going forward, the series will not only feature a tweaked regular cast but will be heading in a new creative direction. In this season, a new power player arrives on the scene in National City seeking to stoke fear and distrust among Americans against Supergirl and all alien species …
supernatural (season 14)
Following huge ratings for Season 13’s recent Scooby-Doo crossover episode, the show was renewed for Season 14, continuing its reign as the longest-running series in The CW’s history and we doubt the next season will be the end of Sam and Dean’s adventures. This season, Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) will return and so will Misha Collins as Castiel too. Catch the series this October to find out what happens next!
The Big Bang Theory (Season 12)
The Big Bang Theory returns with Season 12, their final curtain call! After some speculation that Season 10 would mark the end of the show, CBS renewed the hit comedy for Seasons 11 and 12, but what do we know so far about this season? We’ve already been witness to the long-awaited wedding of Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Amy (Mayim Bialik) in the Season 11 finale, could we potentially see Raj tying the knot? Tune in this month to continue along the adventures of geeky bunch from Pasadena, California in their final year of quirky mishaps.
the flash (season 5)
The Flash Season 5 renewal isn’t much of a surprise, since the series remains one of the most popular TV shows on the network, and it has consistently delivered traditional superhero adventures, terrific characters, and a hefty dose of weirdness when the situation demands it. The Thinker’s Enlightenment almost came to pass in the Season 4 finale of The Flash, but of course Team Flash was able to avert global disaster. Their world forever changed with several revelations in the finale, setting up a whole new conflict for Season 5.
The WALKING DEAD (SEASON 9)
The Walking Dead returns with many surprises in Season 9. We’ve heard some hints about what to expect from this season and we’re sharing! The premiere is called “A New Beginning” and it caught a lot of buzz. The show now has a new show-runner, Angela Kang, putting her own new ideas into this season and she intends to return the show to its former glory. Andrew Lincoln and Lauren Cohan are leaving, and Rick will have a new mace-like weapon, as his answer to Negan’s barbed wire-wrapped baseball bat Lucille. We expect to see more seasons in the future for this show, since it has been mentioned that Season 9 has an open end.
This is Us (Season 3)
New characters and troubled relationships are on the horizon for This Is Us’s third season. Kate finds love and self-acceptance while battling obesity. Kevin pursues a more meaningful career, which brings some difficult choices, in this heartwarming and emotional story about a unique set of triplets, their struggles, and their wonderful parents. In this series, the lives of the married couple, Rebecca, Jack and their three offspring – Kevin, Kate and Randall – are presented at different points in time.
will and grace (season 10)
Will and Grace step back and take stock of their lives in season 10. Naturally, they need to course correct their lives since everyone around them actively tries not to become them. Also, Karen’s decision will come back to bite her when Stan hits her with divorce papers. Hell hath no fury like a Karen scorned… and in danger of losing her wealth.