Chicken and Ribs Brings ‘The South’ to Cairo

When a craving for good Southern comfort food hits, this is the place to find it. From mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet corn, fried chicken and tasty ribs. Just roll up your sleeves and enjoy one of the best American food restaurant in Heliopolis.

Signature Dishes

Fried Chicken and Waffles. The rest of the menu is quite substantial, offering a wide variety of appetizers, soups and salads, sandwiches, pastas dishes, fried or roasted chicken and ribs options, as well as a kids’ menu and desserts.

Dishes Sampled

We started with a couple of appetizers, the Bacon Madness, which consisted of three large slices of deep-fried battered beef bacon, topped with melted cheddar cheese and slices of jalapeno; and the BBQ Cheese Fries, topped with pulled beef brisket, diced bell peppers and onions, served on a hot cast plate, which kept the dish warm and the cheese melted. For the main dishes we were presented with a set of plates chosen by the host. First the signature – and best known – dish: Chicken and Waffles Meal. This is a classic Southern sweet and sour dish. Two pieces of hot, crunchy, crispy crusted chicken were served with quartered waffles, maple syrup and coleslaw. The golden crust of the chicken was crunchy on the outside, and the meat was juicy and moist on the inside. It definitely did justice to the fame of this dish. Our second dish was the Big Mamma Special – three pieces of fried chicken served with a bowl of mac n’ cheese, buffalo sauce and slices of garlic bread. The mac n’ cheese was delightful, with its dense, thick, cheesy sauce. It well deserves an honorable mention – we would consider it to be the best in town. Still to come was the Half Roasted Chicken marinated with the special house rub, served with mashed potatoes, gravy and southern style rice.  Our last main dish was the 1/3 Rack Ribs, 10-hour slow-cooked beef ribs, with easily pulled tender meat, served with corn-on-the-cob.  To wrap up our evening we shared a warm Toffee Apple Pie topped with the house-made vanilla ice cream.

Other Options that Appealed

We would love to come and try the Buffalo Wings bucket and Churros for dessert. A wide range of both cold and hot drinks are available.

The Décor

Chicken and Ribs shares the space with its fellow outlet – Butcher’s Burger, which is located on the second floor. The interior of Chicken and Ribs is bright and yellow. A paneled wooden wall displaying black and white posters provides a backdrop to the comfortable faux leather benches and wooden table-tops, giving it the feel of an authentic Southern diner. Across the room, a grey brick wall displays a large blackboard and serves as a corner for a couple of high tables and chairs. A black metal grid wall panel gives way to the second floor Butcher’s Burger.

Clientele Mix & Price Range

The Heliopolis crowd fills the spot and the price range is reasonable. Portions are huge!

Contact Information

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday from 12 pm to midnight. Friday and Saturday from 1 pm to 2 am.

Address: 19 Ramses Street, Korba, Heliopolis

Tel: 0121 111 3300

Facebook and Instagram: @ChickenAndRibsEgypt

Fashion: Rugged & Chic Men

RUGGED AND CHIC

Whether it’s streetwear or ready for business, we have some pieces to suit every taste. Shaimaa Eissa gives us the lowdown on what trends are on the runways
this season, and you can find similar styles in all the brand-name stores. Click on each image for product info!

Union Lounge in Maadi

With a massive indoor and outdoor space, offering comfortable seating for group outings and quiet spaces for those looking for a study spot in Maadi. We visited on a weekend afternoon to scope out the venue.

Type of Cuisine & Signature Dishes

International with a touch of Americana. Signature dishes include the Noof Cake, Ribeye burgers, the homemade bakery.

Dishes Sampled

After a warm greeting from the serving team, we checked the extensive menu, which is divided by meat type – beef, chicken, and seafood. While sipping on Saudi Champagne, a soda and fruit juice concoction inspired by the Kingdom, we chose our starters. Our meal began with the American Fries and a couple of homemade soups to warm us up on a chilly afternoon. The onion soup was very thick and rich with bits of caramelized onion throughout and a healthy serving of cheesy bread. The tomato soup was decently filling, freshly made on the premises but a touch salty. The American Fries consisted of thin matchstick fries covered with crisped onion slivers then nestled in a cheese sauce. The fries were a little too drenched for our liking and arrived soggy, perhaps serving on the side would allow the customer more control over how much sauce to add.

For mains, we opted for the Hawaiian Chicken and the Spinach Lasagna. The Hawaiian Chicken was an enormous portion – two large chicken fillets pounded into thin layers on a layer of grilled pineapple, topped with a shrimp and almond brown sauce served with Mexican rice and French fries. The dish is tasty and certainly imaginative, but due to the thinness of the fillets, the chicken was a touch too dry. The Spinach Lasagna is made with house-made fresh pasta. Extremely rich and covered in melted cheese, this is a decadent choice for those who love cream.

We capped off our meal with a serving of the Noof Cake, a heavily guarded secret recipe courtesy of a friend of the owner. It is a guessing game to decipher what exactly this cake tastes like, and nobody will tell you what the main ingredient or flavor is. It is worth a visit to order the cake and try to figure out what is going on here.

Other Items that Appealed & Beverage Options 

The Oaty Chicken, a combination of fruit and poultry, and the Ribeye Burger are promised to be unique. There is a Cheeseburger Soup on the menu – appealing in the sense that you have to get to the bottom of what this is about.

Hot beverages, coffee brewed on hot sand, fresh fruit juices, smoothies, soft drinks and virgin cocktails.

The Décor & Ambience

This restaurant is massive with a spacious outdoor patio area, inviting indoor dining space with a fully loaded coffee bar, and a quiet sectioned off non-smoking area in the back for those who want peace and seclusion. Warm wood paneling and plush leather sofa-style seating dominates the interior, while classic outdoor seating is available on the patio. This is very much a shisha/sports lounge-dining environment with large TV screens scattered about.Professional and courteous staff make this a pleasant place to pop in for a light bite with friends. Shisha is available more indoors and outdoors, music is loud and lively.

Clientele Mix & Price Range

Groups of ladies out for a catch up and college students studying. Price range is moderate.

Contact Information

Opening hours: 7 am to 4 am.

Address: Villa 46, Rd 9 – Maadi.

Tel: 0111 711 1717

Facebook: unionloungemaadi

Instagram: unionlounge

 

India Along the Nile in Semiramis Intercontinental Cairo

The newest addition to Semiramis Intercontinental’s stellar lineup up of restaurants offers hearty Indian food in Garden City packed with spices and notes from all the vast country and different regional flavors. Head chef Harish Tewari blends unique spice combinations as a part of his craft, creating a blueprint in India Along the Nile you will not find in any other establishment. We visited on a Thursday evening to enjoy their authentic cuisine.

Dishes Sampled

Upon arrival we were warmly greeted by the servers and led to our comfortable and spacious table. We began the meal with a cocktails and chutney selection along with traditional papadum. We opted for the Lehsuni Jhinga, chargrilled Tandoori jumbo shrimps marinated in fried garlic and yoghurt. The shrimps were melt-in-your-mouth delicious and tender, a must-try. Next came two kinds of marinated kebab – the Bhatti da Murgh and the Murgh Chandi Tikka. These chicken morsels are soaked in two doses of marinade – salt and spices with lemon, and then yogurt, cream and more spice blends. This results in extremely tender chicken that bursts with flavor, the Bhatti chicken is a Punjabi specialty marinated in 16 spices!

We sampled the Barra Champ next, Australian lamb chops marinated for 24 hours in mustard oil and malt vinegar then grilled on coals for a pleasant smoky flavor. The Dal Dhungari was spectacular and the most unique dal we have ever tasted – smoked yellow lentils on charcoal tempered with garlic, onions and tomatoes, clove and cardamom. The smoky flavor infuses into the dal and leaves an ever-pleasant aftertaste, a real standout dish. Of course, the naan bread to scoop it all up with was delicious as well.

Our mains were a selection of both vegetarian and meaty options. Murgh Dum Biryani arrived, long grain basmati rice and chicken cooked in a traditional copper pot. The Bhuney Pyaz ki Subzi came next, a vegetarian dish consisting of oven roasted pickled onions cooked on a slow and low heat in panch phoron spices – a tomato and onion based thick yogurt sauce flavored with pumpkin, heavily spiced and quite delicious mixed with the rice. A unique dish that is worth a try for those avoiding meat. The Nihari Gosht came next, a lamb shank slow cooked for 8 hours with spices and lamb stock. The meat was so tender and fell off the bone.

For dessert, we sampled the Mango and Saffron Srikhand, a yogurt flavored pudding, and the Chukandar Ka Halwa, a sweet beetroot fudge. While we didn’t love the taste of the beetroot fudge by itself, the two desserts mixed together were absolutely delicious! The beetroot fudge balanced out with the tart mango flavor and the cooling yogurt. For authentic Indian desserts, these are a must try.

Other Options that Appealed & Beverage Available

Malabar Seafood Curry, Tandoori Chicken with a variety of sauces, and the tasting menus all look appealing. Full bar on offer: Cocktails – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, soft drinks, fresh juices, and local beer and wine is available, as well as hot drinks.

The Décor & Ambience

A lot of dark red, wood, and large candles adorn the bar area. There is a large open plan kitchen for visitors to enjoy watching the chefs at work. A lounge area in the back by the bar is available for those who wish to drink and nibble without being part of the crowd.

 

Intimate and low-lit, a refined venue for fine dining, catching up, and tantalizing the taste buds. Polite staff, a knowledgeable chef who mingles with the crowd, and timely service. You will want a repeat visit.

Clientele Mix & Price Range

Couples, business colleagues, groups of friends in their 30s. Above average, but still good value for a hotel.

Contact Information

Opening hours: 12 pm – Midnight.

Address: Corniche El Nil – Garden City.

Tel: 02 798 8188

Web: www.ihg.com

Facebook/Instagram: SemiramisIC

Butcher’s Burger in Korba and Sheikh Zayed

This cheerful restaurant has two brand-new locations on the West and East side of town! We visited each to sample some of their delicious burgers in Cairo.

Type of Cuisine

Burgers may be the main attraction, but the great appetizers, prime quality Australian and South African Angus steaks, sandwiches, indulgent desserts and Tex-Mex items are not to be missed either.

Signature Dishes

Juicy Lucy Burger (two patties loaded with melting red cheddar cheese, chili con carne, pickles, lettuce and mayo); Portobello Mushroom Burger (Portobello mushrooms, Emmental cheese, rocket leaves, balsamic vinaigrette); The Butcher Sampler (a basket loaded with cheesy bites, potato skins, seasoned wedges, onion rings and nacho chips served with three dips); Buffalo Chicken Sandwich (fried chicken breast in Buffalo sauce, blue cheese sauce, lettuce and hot mayo); BB Buffalo Wings and Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake (served with warm toffee sauce and ice cream).

Dishes Sampled

Being a crisp winter evening, our thoughts went straight to comfort food, otherwise known as ‘carb overload’. The Butcher Sampler seemed a good choice, as it offered a selection of top favorite appetizer items. Everything lived up to our expectations, freshly cooked, hot, tasty and thankfully not greasy at all. The honey mustard, blue cheese and ranch dips were the perfect accompaniment, the potato skins had a generous dollop of chili con carne and the cheesy bites were addictive. We could have happily polished off a second round, but by then a huge platter of BBQ Ribs Nachos had arrived. The combination of succulent pulled beef, crisp nachos, oozing melted cheese and jalapenos, served with sour cream and pico de gallo was heaven on a plate and we made short work of it. The same went for the BB Buffalo Wings, another crowd pleaser. The strawberry milkshake we washed it all down with was a refreshing contrast, loaded with small pieces of fresh fruit, which gave it an extra edge.

A few minutes later our burgers arrived. Massive, tucked into homemade buns, accompanied by a large serving of fries and coleslaw salad. The Juicy Lucy took serious tackling, but as light plastic gloves come with each burger, the best approach is to just pick it up and go for it. The patties are made with coarsely ground high quality sirloin steak, chuck beef and brisket to get the maximum amount of flavor, and are cooked to your taste. The Portobello Mushroom Burger was mouth-watering as well. The burgers come in so many variations with optional add-ons that there will be something for everyone, and kids can enjoy ordering from the special Kids’ Menu.

We were left wondering how anyone can step up to the plate and take on The Mighty Bastard Challenge, a full 1kg burger with all the trimmings. That means loaded with cheese, caramelized onions, chili con carne, crispy onion and tortilla strips, lettuce, pickles and a special sauce. The challenge is to wipe your plate clean in less than 30 minutes and be posted on the Wall of Fame. Any takers?

As for dessert, we had been hoping to find space for the Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake that we had heard great things about, but seriously, there was absolutely no way we could cram in another mouthful. Another day, we hope.

Beverage Options

Superb milkshakes, smoothies, juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea.

The Décor & Ambience

Simple wooden tables, brick walls and cheerful red seating. Friendly and casual with efficient service and a good mix of relaxing background music.

Clientele Mix & Price Range

From tots to nonagenarians. C’mon, who doesn’t love a good burger? The price range is really affordable, with great sized portions.

Contact Information

Opening hours: 10 am to 12 am.

Address: Korba, Heliopolis for East & Atrium Plaza in Sheikh Zayed for West.

Tel: 012 1111 3300 (Sheikh Zayed)

Delivery and takeaway: Takeaway available, delivery coming soon.

Facebook page: ButchersBurgerEgypt

Instagram: butchersburger

Copenhagen Café in Dandy Mall

What could be better on a lovely winter morning than to bask in the sun with a long cappuccino and a plate of freshly baked croissants? Not much, we say. Copenhagen is one of the best breakfast options in Dandy Mall. It sits handily beside the main doors of Dandy Mall on the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, giving it prime position to watch the constant flow of visitors to this popular location.

Type of Cuisine & Signature Dishes Super breakfasts, bakery products, fresh salads, pasta, pizza, soup, main dishes and a wide range of sandwiches made with home-baked bread. Signature dishes are the Eggs Benedict, Oven-baked Pasta Negresco, Fillet of Beef, Smoked Salmon Citrus Salad.

Dishes Sampled

This was planned to be a quick cappuccino before heading to the office, but turned out to be a lot more of an indulgence. We shared a selection of fresh croissants to wash down with our coffee, each with its own distinctive character. The plain croissant was just the right texture, perfectly golden brown and buttery. The cheese version was a more-ish mix of cheddar and Emmental, the chocolate croissant was light, chocolate-filled and not too sweet, and the almond croissant was a sugary, powdery, almond cream-filled delight. Our savory taste buds also loved the white cheese and olive croissant, with its sprinkling of black sesame seed. The display of sandwiches and gateaux was so tempting we couldn’t leave without trying a selection, so we departed with beautifully packaged mini-baguettes crammed with tuna salad, slices of roast turkey, smoked salmon, cheese salad and roast beef, along with a yummy selection of gateaux soirée. The presentation of the take-away items is impeccable, so we would happily offer them on social occasions.

Other Options that Appealed & Beverage Options

We would love to have a more leisurely breakfast and try the Eggs Benedict, and the Smoked Salmon Citrus Salad, a combination of smoked salmon, fresh orange, grapefruit, lettuce and avocado that looks perfect for a light lunch. Beverage options include plenty of juices, as well as a selection of teas and coffee in all their variations.

The Décor & Ambience

Keeping true to its characteristic fresh, vibrant ambience, the tables are white with delicate dark grey lacy runners and colorful flower-pots, the seats are in clear Perspex, and the whole feel is bright, light and airy. Seating is both indoor and outdoor, with sheltered awnings for winter. Shisha is available, as are TV screens for catching the match. Cheerful, with courteous serving staff and a relaxed feel.

 

Clientele Mix & Price Range

Anyone who likes to breakfast, brunch, lunch, dine and snack, as well as an evening clientele who come to have a bite and enjoy the night air.

Price range is moderate.

Contact Information

Opening hours: 8 am to 1 am

Address: Dandy Mall, KM 28 Cairo Alexandria Desert Road

Tel: 0101 302 6374

Facebook page: copenhagenegypt

Instagram: copenhagenegypt

8 Hotels Offering a Memorable Valentine’s Day

Our Pick of Romantic Venues

Indulge in a truly charming experience with your loved one with a Romantic Delights special package offer, which will sweep anyone off their feet.

During your stay, spoil your special someone with breakfast served in your room and a romantic aroma bath, specially tailored for utmost relaxation. Create a memory that will last for a lifetime with a private dinner by the beach, by the pool or in your comfortable suite. Your choice of luxury accommodation includes limousine transfers to and from Hurghada Airport, a bed of roses upon arrival, a strawberry cake and a romantic dinner.

Express your affection this Valentine’s and dine with your sweetheart at OPIA Lounge & Bar and enjoy a fabulous panoramic view of the Nile from the 36th floor. For gastronomic indulgence, treat yourself to a romantic candlelit dinner with a sumptuous four-course set menu and much more.
You will be greeted with a signature Valentine’s drink and personalized flower upon arrival, and will receive two glasses of wine or two nonalcoholic drinks and a special homemade chocolate giveaway box.

Love is definitely in the air at Semiramis InterContinental Cairo this Valentine’s Day.

Teeba Ballroom celebrates with an exclusive fun-filled night of romance with Cairo’s premier crooner Ahmed Harfoush. Signature resto-bar and lounge, India along the Nile, brings you an unmatched romantic experience in a contemporary and modern setting.  The Grill features a fabulous five-course Valentine’s Gala dinner.

At Birdcage, creative Thai chefs bring out a special ambience this Valentine’s Day. You can also experience authentic Lebanese hospitality as Chef Baz arranges à-la-carte menus at Sabaya.

Enjoy an Italian Valentine’s set dinner at Pane Vino, or relish in the piano tunes of Omneya at the Ambassador Club, as she plays your favorite classic love songs of all time.  Sit back, relax and enjoy a scrumptious dinner.

Get the romantic getaway you need in the heart of the city at Sheraton Cairo hotel with a Valentine’s package for couples that includes a BB room, romantic dinner at Giannini’s and a gift box. At Giannini’s, couples coming to celebrate can also enjoy a romantic dinner with a five-course set menu and two glasses of sparkling wine.

 Sheraton Montazah Hotel offers a Valentine’s gala party and dinner at the Caesar Bar where romance begins with the love songs of Trio Band, Alexandrian Singer Samir Elal and a belly dancer. There will be a tempting menu and a heart shaped Valentine cake for you and your sweetheart at La Mamma Restaurant. Or, pamper yourself with an energizing experience at the Fitness Center with a rejuvenating sauna or a relaxing massage using premium oils.

Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year for most people, and Sheraton Sharm will ensure that its guests will enjoy a perfect and dream-like Valentine. Enjoy a Romance package that includes an upgrade to a Corner Suite, VIP amenities, candlelit dinner with set menu Portofino Italian restaurant on Valentine’s day. Couples will be served breakfast in their rooms on the following day, in addition to early check-in and late check-out.
On Valentine’s Day, guests will be welcomed with love tunes and indulge in a romantic candlelit dinner with set menu at Romeo & Juliet.

Enjoy magical moments during Valentine’s Day at Sofitel El Gezirah. Delight in the luminous glow of Le Duplex bar and Manipuri Indian restaurant, explore the Moroccan delights at La Palmeraie or relax with a soothing Jacuzzi and a one-hour massage for 2 at SO SPA. Discover the Valentine’s packages at Le Deck or Casa Mia Italian restaurant and experience perfect settings for romantic memories that will last forever.

The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo is offering packages that will help you create lasting memories with your loved one.

Vivo, the Italian gastronomic restaurant offers a prix fixe five-course dinner with romantic views on the Nile. Couples will dine and dance 1940s style.

At Nox, DJ Sam will be spinning the best soul and Motown love songs inspired by the 80s. The night will be filled with nostalgic music, dancing, bar bites, hot cocktails, and a surprise performance. Overlooking the most romantic view of the Nile River and Cairo skyline, an exclusive rooftop dinner is also an option. The private dining rooftop venue has been transformed into a breathtaking romantic wonderland. Couples can treat themselves to exclusive access of the terrace space, with only 10 tables. The experience begins with a bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne, followed by an exquisite five-course dinner.
Or choose one of the luxurious spa experiences, each includes champagne and strawberries.

For more information, please call +202 25778899 Ext: 2002, or email rc.cairz.reservations@ritzcarlton.com.

Self’s Strawberry + Banana Blend

Self's Strawberry + Banana Blend

In the mood for a sweet treat that is dairy-free and not full of artificial sugar? Self Juicery has shared a delicious blend recipe made with their coconut milk! Self sells their coconut, almond and pistachio milks in store – so pop in, stock up and make this blend at home. 

Ingredients:
6 strawberries
1 banana
100ml Self coconut milk
Tsp chia seeds
70g honey
A dash of vanilla essence
Method:
Blend for 3 minutes and serve!

Tamara Elna’s Kunafa bel Jebn

In every Lebanese restaurant there is a famous dessert with the chef’s own twist, so Tamara Elna has provided what they do best – Kunafa the Tamara Elna way! Want to give it a try? Here are all the details!

Recipe serves 10
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 20 – 25 minutes

Ingredients for the Kunafa:
250 grams of Kunafa dough
½ cup of melted butter
500 grams of fresh mozzarella, cut in half and frozen
100ml of milk
A pinch of salt

For the syrup:
2 cups of sugar
1 cup of water
A few drops of lemon juice
1 tsp orange blossom water
2 tsp rosewater

For garnish:
Crushed Aleppo pistachios
Damask roses or any edible flower.

To make the syrup:

Bring the sugar and water to boil

Add a few drops of lemon juice and let the mixture simmer on a low heat for about 20 minutes

Add the orange blossom and rosewater. Strain and set aside to cool.

To make the Kunafa:

Preheat the oven to 200C.

Mix the milk, butter and a pinch of salt. Smooth the kunafa strands out and cut to lengths of about 13 cm.

Brush the kunafa with butter and milk. Bake the kunafa for about 20 minutes until lightly golden in color.

Remove from oven and pour the cold syrup over the hot kunafa. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Serve hot with the garnish of pistachios and edible flowers.