Bosporus in Cairo Festival City

Bosporus in Cairo Festival City

Newly opened in New Cairo’s Cairo Festival City Mall, Bosporus offers an intimate indoor seating area and a massive outdoor space to enjoy people-watching, delicious food and an after meal shisha experience if you wish. We visited for a quiet weekday lunch to see what this new restaurant had to offer. Check out more photos of cuisine and the venue at the end of our review!

Type of cuisine:  Authentic Turkish Cuisine.

Mantra: #LetsMeat at Cairo Festival City is an easy mantra that brings food and friends together.

Signatures Dishes & Dishes Sampled

The authentic menu makes choosing signature dishes a breeze. The Bosporus Signature Salad, Mixed Mezze Platter, Mixed Grill, Pilav Ustu Kuzu Kafas,  Bosporus Kasap Kofte, and Bosporus Buffalo Baklava will all make you want to visit Turkey.

 For starters, the Ezo Gelin Soup came steaming hot with just the right amount of broth to make it hearty but not too filling. The Mixed Appetizer Platter came next, served on a supersized crescent moon shaped serving tray with a delicious mix of cold mezze. The Olive Salad was pickled to perfection and the muhammara, hummus, babaganoush, moutabel were all the best possible version of themselves. It is worth noting the serving size was big enough to feed a small army of people. The classic Turkish puff bread that accompanied the mezze was made in-house and absolutely fantastic, but dangerous because it is easy to fill up on. If you want to spoil yourself with a hot mezze, the Içli Köfte was decadent and a nice offset to the cold mezze.

For our main dishes, we chose the Chicken Doner with Fries and Chicken Adana Kebab. Both dishes were spiced to perfection and came in portions large enough to share. The kebab came with sides on a beautiful wood platter and felt very ‘Istanbul-chic’. While there was hardly any room to breathe, dessert could not be passed up. The Classic Baklava and Sarma Baklava were flanked with Turkish coffee and Turkish tea to end a beautiful authentic meal.

 Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverage Available

The menu is so incredibly large and as it was Eid there was no lamb available, but this would have been the showstopper. Due to the size of the menu, there were many other mouthwatering items that appealed like the Jumbo Karides and Salmon Steak.

 Many non-alcoholic drink options are available, including fresh fruit juice, soft drinks, flat and sparkling water options, smoothies, milkshakes, mocktails, and Turkish teas and coffees.

 Décor & Ambience

The decor is simple and elegant giving the restaurant a European feel without the pomp and circumstance. Each table is made of simple wood but flanked with funky colored chairs and cushions. The decoration is minimalist with pops of color, accent walls, and scattered plants tying the downtown Istanbul theme together.

 The mood at Bosporus is relaxed with an authentic Turkish vibe. The decor and location give it a welcoming feel that is upscale but not intimidating. The indoor and outdoor seating areas also accommodate a wide range of guests from families to those on romantic dates.

 Clientele mix:  The clientele consisted of mainly well to do foodies looking for something more than a burger and fries at the mall.

 Price range:  The menu is large with items for everyone’s budget. For the portion size and quality of food, the prices at Bosporus are very affordable.

 Hot Tip:  Order a few dishes to share, this way you get more bang for your buck! Shisha on the patio! Bosporus faces the fountains in the CFC Village and the combination of delicious shisha and water show makes you feel like you’re on vacation.

Contact Information

Address: The Village – Cairo Festival City Mall

Tel: 0103 334 9328

Facebook  /Instagram

 

Mawlawiyah in Cairo Festival City

Mawlawiyah in Cairo Festival City   

This restaurant and lounge is a welcome addition to the New Cairo scene. Situated in Cairo Festival City, it is a handy spot for anyone who has worked up an appetite from browsing the shops and wants to kick back with some traditional fare in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. We visited on a weekday for an enjoyable dinner and left satisfied.

Signatures Dishes & Dishes Sampled

Mawlawiyah cuisine inspired on the Ottoman Empire and classic international favorites like Veal Chops and Duck à l’orange.

Upon arrival, we scanned the well-rounded menu of traditional and international fare and opted for a hearty oriental meal full of classic and reliable dishes. Oriental Salad, traditional Lisan Asfour soup, Cream of Chicken and Mushroom soup, a platter of assorted cold and hot appetizers, Oven-baked Rice Tajine and the Mawlawiyah Mixed Grill plate.

Our soups arrived steaming hot and did not disappoint. The classic Lisan Asfour is instantly familiar, a well-known Egyptian soup packed with mini pasta  cooked in a hearty chicken broth – you cannot go wrong with this choice! The Cream of Chicken and Mushroom soup gave off an enticing aroma and was packed with flavor. After contentedly finishing our bowls of soup, we were served a platter of warm appetizers consisting of a small selection of their extended appetizers menu. We delved into small round Mombar – sausages stuffed with a spicy rice mixture then deep fried; Sambousak, another traditional appetizer, arrived in two versions: cheese and meat, and the Spring rolls filled with cheese and spinach. There are plenty more appetizers to choose from on Mawlawiyah’s extensive menu, but we did not have the stomach space to spare! With what little room we had left, we eagerly awaited our main courses, but first, the healthy portion of the meal The Oriental Salad arrived in flourish, neatly presented in a wooden bowl. A plentiful mix of tomato, cucumber and bell peppers marinated on a lemony sauce, we enjoyed the brief but well-needed dose of fresh crunchy greens.

For our two main courses, we opted for the appealing Oven-baked Rice Tajine and the Mawlawiyah Mixed Grill. The Tajine, which we had been eager to try, was incredibly tasty, comprising of creamy rice and meat combined in one dish and proving to be the true winner of the meal. The dish is rich and extremely filling, so we advise sharing. The Mixed Grill is the choice for any meat loving carnivore. This selection of meat cuts; kofta, shish taouk, kebab and marinated quail, is accompanied by French fries seasoned with paprika and garnished with grilled vegetables and quarters of oriental bread filled with a very spicy mixture of potato and chili – not for the faint-hearted.

Both traditional and international desserts are available for those who have an inch to spare, which we unfortunately could not bring ourselves to indulge in, but we recommend you plan ahead and end the meal on a sweet note.

Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverages Available

Couscous with Meat and Molokheya with Duck sound appealing.

Beverages available include the Mawlawiyah Cocktails, Fresh Juices, Frappes, Smoothies, Milkshakes, and a selection of hot beverages are all available.

Décor & Ambience

Mawlawiyah is true to the origins of its Sufi name, and the decoration echoes that theme. The restaurant interior seating area is refined, boasting a red velvet back wall, beautiful floor tiling, oriental paintings and a large metal carved Sufi figure. The outside is more relaxed but as comfortable. You can enjoy the view of passers-by while enjoying a shisha.

Top Tip: A breakfast menu is available including both traditional and western favorites.

Clientele mix: Mall goers, friends and families.

Price range: Average prices for a nice evening out.

Contact Information

Working hours: 9 am to 2 am.

Address: Cairo Festival City, New Cairo.

Tel: 0111 599 9885

Facebook / Instagram

Bocca at Capital Promenade

Celebrating its identity as an eatery and social house, Bocca delivered on both counts on our recent visit. Looking for an upbeat experience to set the mood for the coming weekend, a late lunch on a sunny Thursday was high on our agenda. Check out more photos of cuisine and the venue at the end of our review!

Type of cuisine: Bocca offers a very diverse and interesting range of International dishes, ranging from starters, salads, soups, sandwiches and feteer, all the way to main dishes and desserts. Vegetarians and vegans will also find plenty of options to keep them happy, as will young ones with the Kid’s Menu.

Signatures Dishes & Dishes Sampled

Everything we tried was superb, but we learned that hot favorites are Steak and Fries, Bocca Burger, Loaded Potato and Cheese Balls, Sojouk and Cheese and the amazing Pizzokie for dessert.

We needed something cool to help us beat the heat, so we sipped on large fresh juice combos while we perused the menu. The Kiwi and Banana and Mango, Strawberry and Banana did the job perfectly. For starters, we couldn’t pass up the Loaded Potato and Cheese Balls. Hot and gooey, with a melted cheese interior and crispy casing, they came with a Thousand Island dip. Although we can be wary of fried food, these were light and not oily at all. The Grilled Shrimp and Quinoa Salad came next, and will be a ‘must have’ on any future visits as well. Beautifully presented in a sculptural silver bowl, the delicate Rocca leaves and edible flowers combined well with the grilled shrimp, quinoa, edamame, pomegranate seeds, sautéed marinated vegetables and sundried tomatoes. Drizzled with an Asian dressing, the end result was pure genius.

Our main dishes came promptly and we knew we had chosen well the minute they were placed on the table.  It became clear Bocca is about creating a feast for your eyes as well as your palate. Our Lime Shrimp Risotto arrived in a signature cast iron skillet and looked inviting. Hats off to the chef; the rice was al dente without being undercooked, the creaminess of the sauce held the dish together without any stickiness, the generous amount of juicy shrimp gave a distinctive fresh seafood taste which worked alongside the subtle citrus element of the lime and slight sweetness of finely sliced leek. The freshly grated Parmesan and garnish of wafer-thin sun-dried  beetroot  created an ultimate finishing touch.

Our Pan-Seared Greek Chicken also came on its own skillet, accompanied by traditional zucchini fritters, corn on the cob, fresh vegetables, grilled Greek cheese and a refreshing yoghurt dill sauce. There is an art to getting the right crispy finish to chicken breasts with the skin intact and Bocca nailed it. The breasts were succulent and juicy, and the skin was flavor-packed with the right amount of crunch.

Portions are generous, so we hesitated at the thought of dessert. But our sweet tooth won out, and we shared the massively popular Pizzokie. In Bocca’s own words, it is a ‘decadent skillet-baked chocolate cookie topped with vanilla ice-cream’.  We would add, ‘hot from the oven, melt in the mouth chewiness that sends you straight to paradise’…

Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverage Available

To be honest, based on our experience, everything.  The Artichoke and Spinach Casserole looks great, as does the Wild Mushroom Soufflé.

All soft options with a good range of fresh juices, smoothies and hot beverages. The shisha range is said to be one of the best around, just saying…

Décor & Ambience

Stylish and contemporary, with green walls full of plants giving a fresh, attractive feel to the space.  Seating is arranged on two indoor levels in addition to a generous courtyard area at the entrance.

Ambience at Bocca is lively but refined. Music is kept discreetly in the background so conversation is not a challenge.

Clientele mix: On our visit, Bocca filled up rapidly, predominately with effortlessly chic ‘ladies who lunch’. Maybe their hubbies were all away in Russia for the World Cup? It seems a spot for a 25+ group, with families popping in on weekends.

Price range: Prices are slightly above mid-range, understandably when you consider the quality, service and presentation.

Tip: Takeaway is available and delivery service is planned for the near future.

Contact Information

Opening hours: 10 am – 2 am.

Address: The Promenade, Sheikh Zayed

Tel:  0155 477 7777

Facebook / Instagram

Crave’s Famous Taco Salad & 6 Salad Building Tips

Hardly anyone can say no to a good salad, no matter how simple. Salads are a great way to have an abundance of fibers, vitamins and greens to boost your system. With hundreds of types of flavor combos, salads are not limited to only greens such as lettuce or Rocca; try adding fruit, grains, nuts, grilled steak or chicken as well.

6 Salad Building Tips

  • Use your hands to chop leaves, as using a knife sometimes makes the leaves lose their shape and freshness.
  • Always pat greens dry with a kitchen towel, so they don’t wilt when you put the dressing on before serving.
  • To make perfectly balanced vinaigrette, use three parts oil to one part vinegar and shake in a jar with a lid to get the best consistency.
  • Get creative: add nuts, fruit, cheese, grilled proteins (beef, shrimp, chicken) to make a balanced meal out of it.
  • Never add dressing when you prepare a salad, add only right before serving. Adding the dressing beforehand makes all the veggies wilt by making them release their water.
  • When using tomatoes in the salad, remove the pulp if it will be for a garnish and keep if it will be within salad itself.

Crave’s Famous Taco Salad

Ingredients

For the taco meat

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1/2 cup water

 For the salad

  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 15-ounce can beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/2 11-ounce bag nacho-flavored tortilla chips (like Doritos)

Instructions

For the taco meat

  1. In a large bowl, add ground beef, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and dried oregano. Mix together with hands until well combined.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the cooking oil. Add the ground beef and break up the meat into smaller chunks using a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is completely browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Add the water and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.

 For the salad

  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the lettuce, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions and shredded cheese. Toss to combine.

 Note: If you’re planning to serve this at a party, add the cooked ground beef and nacho-flavored tortilla chips and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

 

 

Alibi Bar on Imperial Boat, Zamalek

 

If your alibi is the place you need to get away to, chill out and escape your problems, then this new pub-style bar and restaurant overlooking the Nile in Zamalek is a great new discovery. Check out more photos of cuisine and the venue at the end of our review!

Type of Cuisine & Dishes Sampled

A thoughtfully constructed menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pasta, pizza, mains and desserts, all elevated to gourmet status. The menu features verything from tapas to sushi with some favorite main dishes thrown in.

On a very warm night it was a pleasant relief to be served a long, thirst quenching mojito from the comprehensive list of cocktails from the bar, garnished with fresh mint and with a nice kick to it. Their own ‘Alibi’ signature drink is also a must-try: vodka, fresh rosemary, fresh ginger, blue Curacao syrup and club soda – a gorgeous taste sensation.

With such a varied menu it was hard to know which way to go, but we decided to leave the extensive sushi menu on the side and chose a couple of hot appetizers: Goat Cheese Gratin, which came on toasted bread, and a standard Egyptian dish, Chicken Liver; so delicious I couldn’t help but ask for the recipe. Tangy and rich in a liberal sauce, this version doesn’t even need pomegranate to make it irresistible.

We also ordered the Rocca Salad, which came with shaved parmesan and fresh mushrooms, tossed in a sharp balsamic dressing.

There are main dishes here from just about every type of cuisine, Italian pasta, Asian sweet and sour chicken, to standard favourites such as Salmon Fillet and Veal Parmesan. We tried the Shrimp Curry which came in a coconut milk sauce with pineapple, not overly spicy but generous with the prawns, and a satisfyingly creamy Linguine Alfredo with mushrooms.

Other Menu items that Appealed & Beverage Options

Thai Chicken Soup, Seafood Risotto with crab, shrimp, and the calamari and mussels all sound appealing.

Beverage options include special in-house cocktails, spirits, a comprehensive list of local wines and beers at very reasonable prices, delicious fresh juices, soft drinks and a full range of hot drinks.

Décor & Ambience

Alibi offers a deconstructed pub atmosphere with brick, metal and wood accents, low lighting, a choice of high tables or comfortable lounging chairs, and an outdoor terrace overlooking the Nile. Indoor seating also has an additional 40 stools at the bar, and a spectacular Nile view from the whole room.

Alibi boasts a relaxed vibe with TV screens screening live sports events, and low level music playing on the speakers featuring a variety of genres. Live music nights are also available most weekends, ranging from Oriental music, cover band and tribute nights, and club nights.

Clientele mix: Ranging from the young and lively, to families, groups and couples.

Top Tip: Once the summer crowd come back to Cairo in September, Alibi Bar will start serving brunch on Saturdays, offering a great way to hang out with friends at the weekend. Take-out is an option, but there is no home delivery or catering.

Contact Information

Opening hours: 2 pm to 2 am.

Address: The Imperial Boat, Zamalek

Tel: 0122 144 9449

Facebook / Instagram

 

 

Alibi’s Salmon Salad

 

Alibi’s Salmon Salad

What could be more tempting on a hot summer’s day than this fresh, pretty salad? Try this simple ad tasty salad courtesy of Alibi for a nice, light lunch with friends.

Dressing Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Mix all ingredients well in a small bowl.

Salad Ingredients:

50 g smoked salmon
50 g iceberg lettuce
50 g red leaf lettuce
25 g rocca
6 orange cloves
6 slices of red radish

Preparation:

Tear the salad greens into bite-sized pieces then mix in the dressing. Place on a plate and arrange the smoked salmon on the salad. Finally decorate the plate with the orange cloves and red radish.

Mawlawiyah’s Veal, Potato and Onion Tagen

 

Try this veal, potato and onion tagen courtesy of Mawlawiyah for a hearty and filling meal at home, perfect for the whole family.

Ingredients:

600 g veal chops
10 baby onions
1 tablespoon tomato purée (optional)
4 potatoes (peeled and diced)
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 litre demi-glace or rich veal stock
Bay leaf
Thyme

Preparation:

On a medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter in a deep heavy-bottomed pan.

Add baby onions and cook gently until they begin to colour a little. Remove semi-cooked onions from pot and place in a bowl.

Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the pot. Heat for one minute.

Add veal chops and brown lightly on outside.

Sprinkle flour and seasoning over the veal chops and toss until well coated (in the pan). Cook for 1-2 minutes.

Add demi-glace or rich veal stock, bay leaf, thyme, salt, pepper and cooked onions. If you like a little extra Mediterranean touch, add the tomato purée.

Add potato cubes and transfer all ingredients to a tagen or ovenproof casserole dish.

Cover with a lid or seal well with oven paper and foil. Cook for two hours on a very low heat, not more than 140 C to 160 C. The meat should be tender when broken with a fork.

Serve hot.

 

 

 

6 Homemade Treats for Doggies

By: Mariam Elhamy

Why should pup parents be able to enjoy all their favorite cool-me-downs while their pets go without? Show them some love with these tasty dog-friendly refrigerator treats.

Peanut Butter Pup-sicles

Mix a cup of peanut butter, half a mashed ripe banana and a splash of water, scoop it like cookie dough, and freeze in an ice mold for a few hours.

Pumpkin and Yoghurt Treats

Blend a couple of cups of cooked, mashed pumpkin with a cup of yoghurt, a teaspoon of honey and a ripe banana, then spoon into ice trays. Plus, pumpkin is good for your dog’s digestive tract.

Peanut Butter Cookies

Preheat oven to 350° F. In a mixer combine 1/2 a cup water, 1/4 cup canola oil, 1 egg and 2 tbs peanut butter. In a separate bowl, combine 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup all purpose flour, 1/4 cup quick oats and 1/4 cup cornmeal. Mix everything together. On a floured surface, roll out dough and use cookie cutters to cut the dough then place it on a baking sheet and bake for 20 mins turning them over halfway through.

Banana and Yoghurt Ice Cream

Blend one ripe banana with 2 tubs of plain yoghurt and a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter. Pour into small plastic containers and freeze overnight. Serve in scoops.

Apple Bites

Slice two apples, removing the seeds and the core, then chop up and throw in a blender. Add a cup of plain yogurt and a splash of water, then blend, pour in an ice tray, freeze, and let your pup enjoy!

Watermelon Treats

Purée de-seeded watermelon, unsweetened coconut milk or coconut water, and honey, pour into an ice tray, and freeze. Try a few yourself! You can cheat by freezing small cubes of de-seeded watermelon, if you are feeling lazy.

4 Summer Health Risks and How to Handle Them

Summer is the season for fun times, but can also be the time for some seasonal diseases and ailments to pop up. It’s important to arm yourself with the proper protection, prevention, and treatments needed to pass through the season with ease.

Sunburn

The easiest way to avoid sunburn is to cover yourself up. When your skin is exposed, wear sunscreen and reapply every two hours whether you go in water or not. Also, try to avoid the sun during the peak hours of 10 am and 4 pm.

If you do burn, make sure to moisturize your skin using a moisturizer or Shea butter. Aloe Vera gel and mint can be used to help cool the pain and ease the burning sensation. You can also spray cold water on the area to ease any discomfort.

Food Poisoning

Warm summer temperatures create the perfect breeding ground for the most common bacteria that cause food poisoning. Stay safe by following these important rules.

  • Wash your hands, utensils and food surfaces often.
  • Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods. When shopping, preparing food or storing food, be mindful to keep raw meat, poultry and fish away from other foods. This prevents cross-contamination.
  • Cook foods to a safe temperature. You can kill harmful organisms in most foods by cooking them to the right temperature.
  • Refrigerate or freeze perishable foods promptly within two hours of purchasing or preparing them or within one hour if the room temperature is above 32.2 C/90 F.
  • Don’t thaw food at room temperature. Defrost food safely by defrosting it in the refrigerator. If you microwave frozen food using the “defrost” setting, be sure to cook it immediately.

Reference: Mayo Clinic

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is usually a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. Symptoms include a high body temperature of 40 C/104 F or higher, headache, confusion, agitation, irritability, delirium, seizures, nausea, vomiting, flushed skin, rapid breathing and elevated heart rate. Heatstroke requires emergency treatment, so immediately get the affected person to a shaded area and particularly shade the head from the sun. Remove excess clothing and cool the person by whatever means available – place them in a cool tub of water or under a cool shower, spray them down with a garden hose, sponge with cool water, fan while misting with cool water, or place ice packs or cold, wet towels on the person’s head, neck, armpits and groin.  

Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)

The problem occurs when you go swimming and then allow water to dry out naturally, creating a moist environment that aids bacterial growth. Symptoms include itchiness and discomfort as well as a discharge. To prevent swimmer’s ear, make sure to dry your ears out thoroughly after swimming rather than letting them dry out naturally. If the problem has already set in, then avoid using cotton swabs which can worsen the problem. Usually you can treat swimmer’s ear with eardrops. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and more serious infections.

This article was brought to you by Tabibi 24/7, Cairo’s leading Family Medicine & Pediatrics group practice. Tabibi home visits in Sahel (covering from marina to ghazala)
 
 follow up on more summer tips from Tabibi. For more information, call 16724 or visit  www.tabibi247.com
1...184185186...338Page 185 of 338
©