Sa7el 2018: Cheers Pub at Bianchi Clubhouse

After sunset, the poolside area at the Bianchi clubhouse turns into a cozy candle-lit restaurant and bar called Cheers Pub. After a long hot day at the beach we headed over to cool off with a drink at what some may consider the best restaurant in Sa7el and indulge in some Lebanese delicacies.

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Cheers Pub offers Lebanese and Oriental cuisine. Famous for their Mezze Mix Platter, it serves as the perfect option for an early evening snack before dinner. The platter comes with batata harra, baba ghanoush, hummus and our favorite, grilled chicken liver seasoned in lemon and herbs. A basket of Lebanese bread was also served alongside.  All dishes were on point with great flavors and suitable portions; a perfect quantity of food to be shared between 2 to 3 people.  We had to sample the Vine Leaves, which turned out to be delicious as well, cooked in the Lebanese way. Mr. Ehab, the Lebanese manager at Cheers gave us tips on how to make the mezze at home while we waited for our Grilled Lamb Skewers, another dish that comes highly recommended at Cheers. Once again, the portion was large and beautifully presented with grilled tomatoes and onions and spicy bread. The lamb was so tender; it melted in the mouth. And what better way to cap the night off than with the signature Chocolate Mousse?  Paired with light and crispy shortbread, it left us wanting more after every bite.

Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverage Options

We were tempted by the Kebbeh and the Mix Grill. The pub offers a wide selection of beverages including hot drinks, juices, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks.

Décor & Ambience

During the day, Cheers is a simple poolside bar. After sunset, Cheers transforms into a beautiful candle-lit restaurant and bar, with cabanas nestled around the pool. Low lights hang from trees creating a chilled out mood. Cheers is the perfect spot for a date, or just a private night with friends. Cheers turns into a party spot as well. Check the Instagram page to stay up to date.

The ambient lighting and the gorgeous pool give Cheers a feel of calm and intimacy, almost as if you were hanging out by your own pool at home.  The service is impeccable and the manager is very attentive.

Music and DJ program: Stay up to date with Cheer’s live DJ nights on its’ Instagram feed.

Clientele mix:  The clientele at Cheers is very broad- based. During the day families with children are common at the poolside restaurant. However, the clientele transforms into an older crowd of groups and couples in the evening.

Dress code: Summer smart.

Price Range: Moderate.

Contact Information

Opening hours: 10 am to 3 am

Address: Bianchi Clubhouse

Tel: 0100 142 8631

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Sa7el 2018: Rakkan by Sass at Bo Islands

Right about sunset time, we arrived at the latest Sa7el hot spot, Rakkan by Sass, a beach bar/lounge/restaurant located inside Bo Islands. We were excited to try the cuisine, cooked by the very talented Italian Head Chef Nick.

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You will find gourmet Italian cuisine for the most part on Rakkan’s menu, but there are fusion items on the menu as well. We let Chef Nick do the choosing for us, and so we found ourselves starting with a Salmon Trio that came beautifully presented. The trio of salmon marinated in 3 different ways came served with onion, capers and lemon, offering bountiful flavors in every bite. As a main, Chef Nick proposed the Beef Fillet that came served with Waffle Potatoes and green and yellow zucchini. He added his special spiced butter on top and we watched it melt, our mouths watering. The steak was cooked impeccably to a medium-well, just as we requested, and the Waffle Potatoes were crispy and tender, just as they should be.  For dessert, we were served Zuccotto, a specially crafted by the chef with a mind-blowing presentation. Rakkan was carefully written on a white plate in chocolate powder near the Zuccotto, a round chocolate-covered sponge cake filled with almonds and candied fruit. This Tuscan dessert was a first for us and we highly recommend it.

Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverage Options

The Scaloppini Al Limone and the Half Canadian Lobster were other options on the menu that looked really tempting. They also have a vegetarian section and a kid’s menu.

Rakkan offers a wide range of beverages including fresh juices, virgin cocktails, soft drinks and a wide selection of alcoholic beverages as well.

Décor & Ambience

The large space is divided into three sections, a bar/lounge, a restaurant and a beach area with large group sunbeds, single sunbeds and tables. The colors are wood and white throughout the whole spot, and the overall vibe is glitzy vacationing in St. Tropez. The interior décor is simple yet luxurious and contemporary. At sunset, it really feels like the place to be.

Some of the best chilled-lounge beats we have heard this summer together with dim lighting as the sun was setting made for the best vacation mood yet.

Music and DJ program: A live DJ every Thursday and Friday and sometimes Saturday, including some of the biggest names in Egypt and occasionally foreign DJs too.

Clientele mix:  A mix of people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, groups and couples.

Dress code: Summer smart

Price range: Splurge, but worth it.

Contact Information

Opening hours: Open from lunch till late

Address: Bo Islands

Tel: 0127 996 6132 – 0127 996 6135

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Sa7el 2018: Tanline Beach Lounge in Marassi

Eager to enjoy a much-needed full day under the Sa7el sun at possibly one of the best restaurants in Sa7el, we headed down to Marassi’s North Beach and sat by two pools on a wooden deck, surround by beanbags and sun-beds.

Tanline Beach Lounge focuses mostly on light and easy-to-eat food, sushi and pizza being their specialty. They offer a wide range of sushi, from California Rolls to Hosomaki Crab. Also on the menu are light salads, sandwiches, ceviche, and sashimi.

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The menu at Tanline Beach lounge is a good size, containing ‘light beach food’. Vegetarians will find plenty of options between the salads, Avocado Rolls or the Mushroom Pizza. Signature dishes include the California Rolls, the Salmon Sashimi, and the Mushroom Pizza.

The California Rolls are served in portions of 10 pieces. They arrived at our table beautifully placed on a black plate, served with soy sauce and wasabi paste. They were light, fresh, and delicious. The Mushroom Pizza came topped with lots of mushrooms and green olives, with a crispy crust. It is a good size and can definitely be shared.

Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverage Options

The Salmon Sashimi and the Shrimp Ceviche were very tempting and we’ll be sure to try them next time around. The Chicken Caesar Salad comes highly recommended too, fresh, textured and light, an ideal beach meal.

The beverage options include milk shakes, smoothies, soft drinks, hot drinks, wine, beer and house sangria.

Décor & Ambience

A wooden deck sits just 6 m from the shore. In it is a large pool and a kiddy pool surrounded by beanbags and sun-beds on one side, and dining tables on the other. The deck also includes two large bars. It’s just positive vacation vibes all around.

Clientele mix: Families with children and groups of friends in their late 20s and early 30s.

Music program:  A mix of lounge and chill-house, live DJ on Thursdays and Fridays.

Price range: Moderate to expensive.

Contact Information

Address: North Beach, Marassi

Tel: 011 1138 3911

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Sa7el 2018: Ocea on the Grill in Marassi

Sitting on a beautiful wooden deck on North Beach in Marassi is a new fish and seafood restaurant. With its stunning location, right by the breaking turquoise waves of the Mediterranean, Ocea on the Grill is going to be a crowd favorite and possibly one of the best restaurants in Sa7el. We could not wait to sit, relax, enjoy the view and indulge in some great seafood.

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The menu at Ocea on the Grill offers both seafood and non-seafood mezze, grill items and pastas.

The Moules à la Marseillaise came very well presented, basking in an exquisite white wine sauce, made with onion, garlic, basil and lemon. Those went pretty fast, leaving us wanting more! The fried silversides were crispy and not oily at all, perfectly citrusy with a squeeze of lemon. The Lemon & Oil Herring was also worthy of any top restaurant.

Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverage Options

Fried Calamari, Fish & Fries Basket and the Seafood Pasta are on our must-try for the next visit.

Beverage options include smoothies, milk shakes, soft drinks, beer, wine and house sangria.

Décor & Ambience

The wooden deck of Ocea on the Grill lies just a few meters away from the turquoise water. The summer hits playlist in the background complements the stunning view of the sunset over the horizon. Seating options vary from dining tables to high tables and bean-bags (just in case you need a nap after your seafood lunch). The service is impeccable. There is always a waiter on the lookout for orders, and the staff is very friendly, immediately making you feel relaxed and laid back.

Clientele mix: Mixed groups of friends in their 20s, 30s and 40s just enjoying a day out at the beach and catching lunch at Ocea. Vacation vibes abound, all are in jolly spirits and chilled-out mode.

Music program: A mix of RnB and pop music, including the biggest hits of the season. Feel free to shake a hip or two.

Price range: Moderate to expensive.

Contact Information

Opening hours: Morning until 7 pm, (it will be open to a later time very soon).

Address: North Beach, Marassi

Tel: 0111 138 3911

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Sa7el 2018: ElMasyaf Eats at the Diplo Clubhouse

Right by the Diplo Clubhouse pool, is Sa7el’s newest and freshest dining sensation. Its simple yet colorful décor and its comfortable seating boosted expectations and made it a sa7el favorite and arguably on of the best Sa7el restaurants. We couldn’t wait to try the food at this place aiming to bes one of the best restaurants in Sa7el We sat down at a table by the bar, sheltered in the shade, where we were greeted by Martin Sanchez, ElMasyaf Eats’ friendly and talented Peruvian chef.

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The menu at ElMasyaf Eats is compact, though there is something for everyone. We started off the culinary journey with the signature salad, the Citrus & Goat Cheese Beetroot Salad, a fresh and vibrant summer salad. Next came the Fried Halloumi Sticks and Prawn Tempura, two of the signature appetizers. The Fried Halloumi Sticks, were perfectly cooked, a feat unto itself, and came with a Coriander Aioli Mayo sauce. The Tempura Prawns stole the show and we found ourselves fighting over the last prawn. It came served with a Wasabi Mayo and a mind blowing Soy base sauce that we still can’t get over! We moved on to the mains and went with the classic ElMasyaf Burger, packed with Cheddar, Parmesan and the delicious Coriander Aioli. Not your average burger, the burgers here are what they call ‘Craft Burgers’ or ‘Artisanal Burgers’, where each component of the burger is first cooked and perfected on its own, and then finally put together for the customer with precision.

We also went for the Stuffed Calamari with black rice, a dish we had never really seen or tried before. It came served with a Mojo Rojo spicy sauce that we fell in love with, beautifully complementing the impeccably cooked potato stuffed calamari. Then we dug into the Salmon Risotto, which was packed with delicious grilled salmon fillet. We finished off our meal with the famous Homemade Pumpkin Donuts and the Sweet Meringue Lemon Pie. The donuts are also definitely a must try when you visit ElMasyaf Eats, you will not be disappointed! The presentation of each of these dishes was flawless, giving us a feast for the eyes before we delved in!

Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverage Options

Watermelon Feta and Basil Salad, Seafood Tagliatelle, Roasted Baby Chicken and the Quinoa and Pineapple Prawns are other dishes that made our mouths water, and we can’t wait to try them the next time around. The menu also includes a kids’ menu.

We had their refreshing Virgin Pina Colada, sweet enough but not overbearing, which was very cooling on a hot summer day. Also offered are other mocktails, fresh juices, soft drinks and a wide selection of hot drinks.

Décor & Ambience

The restaurant is outdoors, on a patio by the Diplo Clubhouse. The walls and bar are decorated with lovely colorful artwork adding to the restaurant’s personality. The furniture is simple coastal in neutral colors. The restaurant is spacious; you will never be sitting too close to the table next to you.

You can slightly hear kids playing in the pool in the background, a mix of radio hits and chilled house is playing at just the right volume, and you are surrounded by palm trees, flowers and exotic plants; you can definitely feel the summer!

Clientele Mix: We were there on a weekday at early lunch-time and the restaurant was not buzzing yet. We are told the clientele is a mix of groups of friends and families.

Dress Code: Relaxed casual

Price Range: Moderate to expensive

Contact Information

Opening Hours:  Lunch and dinner every day

Address: Diplo Clubhouse, Sahel

Tel: 0121 131 0088

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Hello Summer July 2018

United Group is thrilled to host their annual HELLO SUMMER event on the 20th and 21st of July at Marassi North Coast, bringing all the top designers and exhibitors in town all under one roof! Stay tuned.

Javelin Sports Club Aquathlon

Javelin Sports Club Aquathlon event powered by Crossfit Stars will be the first to hit Sahel on July 20th at TELAL

Come to test yourself. Open to all levels & a great race for beginners. Places are filling up fast.

Register NOW at https://javelin.sportsofegypt.com/

Javelin Customer Service  01277500703.

What’s New in Stella Di Mare – July/August 2018

Located on the beach of Stella in Sidi Abdel Rahman, Fat Fish offers delightful gourmet seafood snacks that match perfectly with your summer mood & your beach drinks.
Fat Fish makes sure they only serve the highest quality seafood, including shrimps , calamari & salmon, fried or grilled to your perfection. Find them waiting for you to try their tasty recipes & indulge in a unique taste of the Mediterranean at Stella Di Mare!

Location: Beach of Stella Sidi Abdel Rahman

Tel: 0100 500 5587‬

Instagram: @fatfish_sahel

Working Hours: 12PM – 7:30PM

Tijuana Beach is the place where you can chill and enjoy an epic time by the beach, whether its listening to the DJ beats, having a snack, or swimming in the crystal clear water. It is located in Stella, next to Diplo.

Location: Stella Sidi Abdelrahman

Tel: 0122 522 5079 – 0100 860 331
Working Hours: 11AM – 7PM

Go Bucket is a mobile food kiosk serving delicious appetizers, starting their bucket list with boneless wings, and many others to be ticked off soon!

Location: Stella Sidi Abdelrahman and Diplo 3

Email: gobucket@hotmail.com

Facebook: GoBucketEgy

Instagram: @gobucketeg

Working Hours: 10AM – 7PM

The Lemon Tree in Sahel

The Lemon Tree and Co. takes you on a Mediterranean journey of the most exquisite ingredients, a world of delightful dining paired with a night full of life.

Devotion to great beats makes your summer nights unforgettable.

Facebook: TheLemonTreeCairo

Working Hours: 9PM – 1AM

 

The Beach Bar by The Lemon tree offers a tantalizing, light and friendly ambience reflected in the neutral relaxing tones of its interiors and warm lighting.

There is no better way to enjoy a day at the beach with delectable food choices, fresh juices, and a sparkle taste of cocktails while facing crystal blue waters and ivory white sand.

Location: Telal

Working Hours: 4:30PM – 8PM, 10PM – 2AM

 

The Boutique by The Lemon Tree and Co. is a home for the trendiest local designs and brands since 2015. It reflects a blend of intellectual local artists and high quality designs.

Location: Telal

Working Hours: 3PM – 1AM

Tel: 0112 166 6022

Instagram: @thelemontreeboutique