10 Places to Buy Holiday Treats

Everybody needs treats to end the year in the right mood! Close your eyes, ignore the calories, and indulge in anything your heart desires from these 10 shops guaranteed to satisfy your every craving. Post your photos and tag @cairowest.east.central on Instagram with the hashtag #LookWhatYouMadeMeDoCairoCentral

The Batter Half & Co.

Instagram/Facebook: The Batter Half & Co.
Tel: 02 27370036

Nola Cupcakes

Instagram/Facebook: NOLA Cupcakes
Tel: 02 33336860

Carousel

Instagram: carouselpastries
Facebook: Carousel
Tel: 01141046666

 

Dukes

Instagram/Facebook: Dukes
Tel: 16340

The Cake Studio

Instagram: the_cake_studio_egypt
Facebook: thecakestudio.egypt
Tel: 01064122322

 

Devour

Instagram: Devourcupcakes
Facebook: Devour – Cupcakes
Tel: 01019333398

Moushy’s

Instagram/Facebook: moushyscandytables
Tel: 01272777774

Four Fat Ladies

Instagram/Facebook: four fat ladies
Tel: 01270011701

Creamy Creations

Instagram/Facebook: Creamy Creations
Tel: 01003902220

Tortalicious

Instagram/Facebook: tortalicious.egypt
Tel: 01155077773

Christmas Bazaars Around Town 2017

Christmas Bazaars West Side

The British International School (BISC) - Beverly Hills

Date: Saturday, December 16th

Time: 11 am – 7 pm

Join us for a fabulous start to the festive season! We’ll be getting into the Christmas spirit with a host of activities and fun for the whole family!

The British School of Egypt (BSE)

Date: Friday, December 1st

Time: From 1 pm till late

Bring the whole family along and join us for some festive fun at the BSE Winter Festival for a day filled with: activities, food, shopping, live carol singing and lots of Christmas magic.

Clubliko (Karma 3 Compound) - Sheikh Zayed

Date: Friday, December 22nd

Time: 4 pm

This year we want to get you into the spirit of the season as much as possible. That is why we prepared a set of special festive activities for everyone. The magic of the season starts off with warm chocolate that you can savor in our delightful Clubliko Restaurant atmosphere. We will fill the air with the special taste of cinnamon, ginger, sugar and spice that always make Christmas a little extra nice, with our traditional Clubliko cooking sessions for the little elves. Our bells are jingling as well this year on the 22nd of December with our annual Little Ones’ Clubliko Christmas Choir.

Dandy Mega Mall

Date: Saturday, December 9th

Time: From 1 pm onwards.

The theme this year is ‘Christmas Around the World’. Visitors can enjoy a Santa Corner, an Arts & Crafts Christmas Activities area for children, a Ladies’ Christmas Pampering Zone and a fabulous Christmas Bazaar. There will also be beautiful Christmas carols from the band Fabrica.

Skills British International School

Date: Saturday, December 16th

Time: From 10 am to 5 pm.

SKILLS British International School’s Annual Christmas Carnival invites you to come to mix, mingle and enjoy the singing of SKILLS Choir, along with great performances from the talented students. Little ones will have lots of fun in the Kids’ Activities Area, while parents enjoy a lovely shopping experience at the Bazaar Area. Yummy treats and beverages have been carefully picked for the Food Court.

Westown Hub - Sheikh Zayed

Date: Friday, December 8th

Time: 12 pm

Come and share the wonderful spirit of the season with your family and friends at our upcoming Westown Hub Winter Festival for some holiday cheer; we’ll have sweets and treats and celebrate the year. Visit the biggest Santa’s Grotto in town and have your little ones meet Santa and take a picture with him. Don’t miss out on the ice skating at our Ice Rink, as you browse our Christmas market, taste yummy treats and see all the exciting surprises we have in store for you.

Christmas Bazaars East Side

Patio - New Cairo

Date: December 14th, 15th & 16th

Time: 2 pm – 12 am all 3 days

Fairy Christmas Land Bazaar will offer three days full of entertainment with plenty of activities for kids, teens and adults. In addition, there will be a wide variety of trendy designs, fashion and handmade crafts within a unique Christmas atmosphere.

Community Services Association (CSA) - Maadi

Address: Villa 4 Road 21, Maadi

Date: Thursday, December 14th

Time: 9.00 am to 4.00pm

Shop our Christmas Bazaar, just in time to pick up perfect gifts for your loved ones!

Cairo Festival City - The Playground

Date: Friday, December 22nd

Time: 11 am – 10pm

Jingle Jam Carnival introduces a totally new experience for a joyful Christmas spirit. It is a festive, entertaining event that brings all family members, students, and community groups into one spirit, accompanied by many joyful activities. It includes a drum line parade, carnival games, a yummy food court, and the lighting up of the Christmas Tree.

Malvern College

Date: Saturday, December 16th

Time: 11 am to 1 pm

Malvern College Egypt would be delighted to welcome you for a guided Christmas Tour with a present from Santa. The Guided Tours are designed to give you the opportunity to meet members of the College management team, explore the school campus and learn more about what an MCE education is all about, from both pupils and staff. For more information, visit www.malverncollege.edu.eg

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Ralph’s German Bakery in Maadi

When we heard our favorite Dahab coffee house was opening in Maadi, we could not wait to dig into their amazing fresh baked goodies right here at home, rather than patiently wait for our next Sinai visit! We visited for brunch and left fully satisfied.

Signature drinks and dishes: Full English Breakfast, Sausage or Spinach Quiche, Cinnamon Roll, Cherry Puff Pastry.

Dishes and drinks sampled: After satisfying our caffeine cravings with a cappuccino and a caramel latté, both of which perfectly hit the spot, we opted to begin with a Full English Breakfast and a Bacon Breakfast. The Full English was served with the chosen scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, baked beans, and fried mushroom and onion slices along with a basket of freshly baked bread. The Bacon Breakfast was very similar, but without the sausages and heavier on the bacon. Both breakfasts were hearty and generous, but the real prize in this venue is the large selection of fresh savory and sweet pastries and cakes.

As you step into the coffee and cashier area, you are greeted by a long and enticing display of goodies. We chose a selection of their bestsellers, even though the selection process was a difficult one with so many options to consider. Choosing an even number of sweet and savory, we went for the Sausage Quiche, Laugen Hawaii, Nutty Twister, Cinnamon Roll, and Cherry Cream Puff.

The Sausage Quiche was delicious, a perfect sized snack to accompany coffee, stuffed with a creamy mushroom and sausage filling, this pastry tasted incredible. The Laugen Hawaii was also yummy, a flat baked pizza with crispy melted cheese and turkey ham topped with pineapple slices. For dessert, we tucked into the warm Nutty Twister which was fresh out of the oven – a soft, flat pretzel filled with crushed nuts and cinnamon and the massive Cinnamon Roll stuffed with cinnamon, custard, and raisins – to die for! Finally, although we barely had any stomach space to spare, we sampled the Cherry Cream Puff, which was divine. A soft and airy puff pastry rolled in sugar, with a warm and gooey filling of cherry compote and cream. Tasted just as good as it sounds!

Other menu options that appealed: Ralph’s offers a wide variety of breakfast platters and sandwiches – we earmarked the Big Vienna Breakfast, Ralph’s Special Baguette, and Schwarzwalder Art Sandwich for the future.

Beverage options: Full array of hot and cold coffee options and fresh juices, as well as soft drinks.

Décor: Offering all outdoor seating on the terrace, the décor is simple but comfortable. A lovely cherry blossom tree adorns the street sign, which sets the tone for the establishment. Wooden tables and picnic style seating, for those who like outdoor cafés, this is the ticket.

Ambience: Very laid-back coffee house vibe. This is a good spot for catching up on some work or socializing with small groups of friends. The din of busy Road 9 is inescapable. Quite a popular spot already, you may have to wait for seating.

Clientele mix: Maadi locals and expats searching for a taste of home.

Price range: Affordable.

Opening hours: 9 am – 10 pm

Address: 24 Road 9, Maadi

Judo Training with Hatem Abdelakher

Co-founder and Head Coach of Ippon Judo Academy & Train with the Champions Hatem Abdelahker has been living and breathing Judo since the age of three. A champion athlete who spent 9 years as the African and Arab Champion, Abdelakher won the Silver medal 3 times and the Bronze twice. He also proudly ranked in the Top 10 World Ranking Judo Athletes from 2009 to 2015. Abdelakher believes Judo has taught him a lot of values and ethics and helped him achieve countless goals. Along with his partner Hussein Hafiz, the duo decided to deliver their message of mental and physical fitness to the public through Judo. Through Ippon Judo Academy, the duo trains kids in 4 schools with a main center at the LakeHouse Club in LakeView Cairo. This month, Abdelakher shares some Judo basics with Cairo West Magazine.

 

Judo Salute

As the match begins, a player gets on the mat and must salute the coach and his opponent as a symbol of respect to the game.

Rubber Resistant Utchkomi

This band is designed to improve the technical ability of any Judoka. It builds resistance, which if used in exercise regimens improves the ability to throw more opponents for Ippon. It also improves your grip strength and fitness level.

Judogi Pull-ups

Judo is all about the strength of your grip, either from the sleeve or collar. Pull-ups while practicing Judo must be done with Judogis (thick jackets) with 2 different gripping techniques, one from the collar and the other from the sleeves.

Tire Flip

Tire training is intense core training, one of the best total body strength and conditioning workouts a person can do. You use all your body’s muscles when you flip the tire, and by varying the distance and number of times you flip the tire, you can get a great workout, which keeps your fitness and stamina up.

Flipping a Sandbag

An overhead flip with swing improves posture and mobility, as well as building strength, endurance, and overall conditioning. This exercise targets all the muscles of the back of the body and improves shoulder range of motion. It can also be used as a corrective exercise for those who work many hours at a desk or drive for long hours.

Ippon Sionagi

This wrestling technique involves lifting the opponent up and throwing or slamming them down. It is meant to emphasize a wrestler’s strength. These moves are used by wrestlers as ‘finishers’.

Uchi Mata

Classified as a foot technique, this move has consistently been one of the highest scoring techniques in competition.

Kata Guruma

This dramatic judo throw was popular during international competition until recent rule changes prohibited grabbing the leg. Modified versions can still earn a score in competition, but more commonly the technique used is a hand throw (tewaza), practiced as part of the nage-no-kata.

Child Pose

This is a beginner yoga pose that stretches the muscles of the low back, as well as the inner thighs. For tight back and hip muscles, this deeply relaxing pose will feel like work. It promotes flexibility, stress relief, and helps circulation to the muscles, joints, and disks of the back.

Hamstring Stretch

Bend one of your legs so that your knee is pointing outside and your foot is resting on the inside of your other leg. You should find that bending one of your legs makes it easier for you to stretch forward. Be mindful to keep your back flat and resist straining or bouncing. Try to grab your foot. Hold this position for 20 seconds then switch legs.

Cooling Down

This process of moving air into and out of the lungs facilitates gas exchange by bringing in oxygen and flushing out carbon dioxide, which cools the body down.

Nine63 at Guezira Plaza: A Tribute to the Cuisine of Aleppo

This ancient city in the fertile heartland of Syria’s north has been famed since ancienttimes for offering the best dishes in the Middle East. For centuries, gastronomes from far and wide have placed Aleppo firmly on the map for its rich and varied culinary gems. The influence of travelers from the days of the Silk Route and spice traders can be seen in many favorites that have stood the test of time.  So how could Cairo West Magazine resist visiting Nine63 to enjoy the delights first-hand?

Type of cuisine: Authentic Syrian, at its shining best, with most dishes on offer drawing on the distinctive cuisine of Aleppo.

Signature dishes: Tarator Round Veal, Tabbouleh with Lebneh, Soujouk Rolls, Sendmanat, Majouka Burger, Kebab Izmirly, Hetalieh.

Dishes sampled: Menus with tempting images are such a trap and we fell into this one willingly. The dishes had familiar names, but the Syrian twist took them to new heights. Our fatouch had the addition of fine tendrils of Syrian cheese as a topping, the baba ghanouje was a palate-pleasing mix of grilled eggplant, tomato, mint, parsley and green pepper, served with pomegranate seeds and pomegranate molasses. The handcrafted ceramic platter of Yalangi Vine Leaves and Yalangi Eggplant with its stuffing of bulgur, walnuts, tomato, peppers, parsley and pomegranate molasses was exceptional, as was the dish of hummus and muhamara. The creaminess of the hummus combined well with the rich spiciness of the walnut-laden muhamara, the freshly baked Syrian bread with its sprinkling of black and white sesame seeds mopped it up quickly.

We had added the Chicken Tarator to our starters, simply because the idea of freshly boiled chicken breast bathed in tahini with garlic, lemon, walnut and parsley was too good to miss out on. It was everything we had hoped for. After washing our starters down with Almond Syrup, a milky drink with a delightful marzipan flavor, we pushed on with our main dishes.

The Kebab KheshKhash was grilled to perfection, and came with Syrian flatbread crammed with garlic, parsley and pine nuts. Our second dish, the Maajouka Burger came stuffed with cheese, mushrooms and peppers, all neatly sandwiched in Syrian bread with a side of chunky fries and a creamy dip. This left dessert; dainty cubes of Helawet Jebnah made from semolina and creamy cheese with a topping of rose-petal jam and chopped pistachios. A fitting end to a great meal, as pistachios from Aleppo are ranked amongst the finest in the world. With a few sips of ‘white coffee’, a traditional flower water digestive brew, we were ready to head reluctantly for home.

Other menu options that appealed: With winter coming on we would go for the Nine 63 Soup, a blend of lentils, spinach, hummus, onion and tomato paste. The Thyme Grilled Chicken would be a ‘must try’ as well. The desserts would be high on our list, too.

Beverage options: Juices, a wide range of both hot and cold traditional Syrian drinks like sahlab, jalab and flower essence favorites, in addition to coffee, tea and soft drinks. Wine and beer should be available in the not too distant future. Shisha fans are well catered for as well.

Décor: Comfortable and contemporary, with ornamentation based on the Syrian Star, which is subtly worked as a motif into lighting fixtures and place mats. A large oil painting of the iconic Aleppo Citadel dominates one wall, adding to the mood. Seating options range between high and low tables, all with very comfortable chairs and high stools, generously proportioned for larger guests we thankfully noted.

Ambience: Warm and welcoming, with friendly, professional staff who know the menu and dishes well. Background music is pleasant and low-key, and never overwhelms the conversation. Flat screen TV’s are discreetly placed, so you needn’t miss the latest match.

Clientele mix: Everyone would feel welcome, but to us it seems the perfect place for families and groups of friends. Food as good as this is made to be shared in convivial company.

Price range: Very affordable, so great value in terms of the generous portions and food quality.

Opening hours: Starting with breakfast from 9 am, going through to 1 am in winter, with summer hours expected to extend a little later.

Address: Guezira Plaza

Tel: 0120 796 3963

Facebook/Instagram: infonine63

OPIA at Ramses Hilton

 

On the 36th floor, encased in a cozy glass enclave with a triumphant view, sits OPIA – Ramses Hilton’s decadent lounge and bar. We enjoyed a memorable evening with friends, tucking into both savory and sweet bites and delicious cocktails.

Signature drinks and dishes: The Basil Bee’s Knees cocktail, Beef Tartar and Beef Fillet bites are all standout favorites.

Dishes and drinks sampled: We began the evening with an introduction to the menu by our server. He informed us that a variety of cocktails prepared on the premises are homemade infusions devised by the brains behind the bar, spirits mixed with herbal undertones come together in a unique combination and twist resulting in really flavorful pairings. For starters, we tried the Chunky Summer, a vodka-based zesty peach ice tea beverage with a kick of lemon and mint. It’s refreshing, fruity, and the perfect sundowner beverage to banish the weariness of a long day. My friend opted for the Cure For Scurvy, a delicious creamy Orange Rum cocktail mixed with Bailey’s, Chocolate, and Strawberry flavors, while another friend went for the Ramses Garden, a gin cocktail with apple juice, cucumber, mint, and tonic. A fresh bread basket with a delightful dipping sauce of olive oil, pomegranate syrup laced with an amazing smoky flavor was also on hand to whet the appetite, alongside succulent chicken bites on a bed of light fluffy garlic dip – tomeya.

We delved into the savory bites menu, opting for the Sea Scallops, resting on a bed of creamy artichoke puree and served with a tart and delicious lemon dip. Next came the Chicken Gyros, open style gyros filled with tender chicken slices and yogurt sauce, accompanied by a pot of perfectly crisped potato wedges and fluffy tomeya sauce. We also sampled the Duck Breast, served on a bed of sweet potato puree with alfalfa sprouts and mushroom sauce – generous, and the sauce complimented the duck wonderfully. We rounded off the savory selection with perfectly chargrilled bites of Beef Fillet topped with a scrumptious jus – simply delicious and tender.

To round off the evening, we indulged in some sweet bites to satisfy the sugar cravings. Crispy squares of Baklava paired with cinnamon ice cream, a Raspberry Log served with creamy vanilla ice cream, and a unique Thyme Parfait with delicate lemon foam and meringue sheets. We capped the evening with another round of beverages – The Moscow Hinney, a sweet vodka cocktail paired with ginger for a kicky undertone. The Hidden Valley featured rum, cranberry juice and rosemary syrup blended really nicely in a light and fresh finish, and their signature drink the Basil Bee’s Knees combined gin, basil and honey in an unbelievably tasty combination that made it clear why it is a favorite.

The menu at Opia is creative, bursting with flavor, and the presentation and combination of unusual tastes that leave you wanting to come back for more.

Décor: Glitzy and glamorous setting, the massive chandelier in the center of the space sets the tone for where you are. Massive floor to ceiling windows offer an impressive view of Cairo from above, with stunning views that captivate your attention throughout the visit. A touch of millennial is still present, with the rather large lit up #OpiaInTheSky dominating presence and reminding visitors to plug in on social media. Menus are also presented on iPads.

Ambiance: This is the perfect place for a sunset meal to impress a date or out-of-town guests. The servers genuinely seem happy and proud to be serving you, and know each dish and drink inside out. DJs spin tracks from 9 pm and music gets louder after 11 pm.

Clientele mix: Couples take in the view and enjoy intimate dinners in the early evening, with a younger crowd expected on the weekend and in the later hours of the night.

Price range: Above average, but more affordable than expected – well worth the money spent in any case.

Contact information

Opening hours: 5 pm – 2 am. Reservations required through Facebook

Address: 1115 Corniche El Nile, Cairo

Tel: 012 2933 3287

Facebook/Instagram: OpiaCairo

Pool Lounge and Grill at Holiday Inn Maadi

Type of cuisine: The menu is a mix of Middle Eastern specialties and international flavors. With high quality ingredients and an experienced head chef, the cuisine can rank with some of the best the city has to offer.

Signature dishes: The succulent slow-cooked lamb we sampled for dinner is the star dish of the new and improved menu.

Dishes sampled: To start we chose the Mezze Platter with an extensive selection of dips: a perfect way to start our evening. Garden Salad was followed by hummus, tahini, labneh, baba ghanoush and baladi bread. The portions were large and tasty, and prepared our palates for more of what the restaurant had to offer. After meeting the chef, he surprised us with a specially prepared Rack of Herb-Crusted Lamb on a bed of vegetables with a side of potato. It would not be an understatement to say that it was the best lamb we have ever had. Mouth-watering, juicy, cooked perfectly, and paired perfectly with its sides. It was almost tear-jerking when it was over. While nothing could compare to dinner, dessert was a delicious Mango and Pomegranate Flan.

Other menu options that appealed: The menu is being re-done as the restaurant is still in its soft-opening phase. The Executive Chef promised a new menu offering creative and fun dishes. The end goal being a rooftop bar and grill serving as a go-to spot for trendsetting Cairenes in Maadi.

Décor: The décor is very simple with dual-use seating that allows guest to enjoy their food and drinks indoor and outdoor. Oversized black lanterns, clean and crisp colors, umbrellas, lounge chairs, mood lighting, and soft jazz give a vacation vibe to the restaurant. The décor inspires a ‘stay-cation’ feel.

Ambience: The ambience is relaxing and laid back. The hotel pool and Nile create the perfect backdrop for an evening out on the town that is relaxing and stress free. The food is upscale, but the ambience is very chill and unpretentious.

Beverages available: Beverages cover a full bar with an extensive wine and cocktail list, in addition to many soft options.

Top Tip: The restaurant is located on the top floor of the Holiday Inn Hotel. The view from the restaurant is breathtaking with a sightline to the Nile and Giza Pyramids in the distance. Timing your visit to the restaurant would allow you to watch the sunset and enjoy some cocktails and appetizers before dinner. Plan to stay a while, have an after dinner shisha overlooking Cairo.

Clientele mix: Hotel guests and local clientele.

Price range: Above average, but the quality and food and menu selection reflects this, so it is well worth parting with the extra money.

 Address: 29 Corniche El Nil, Maadi, Cairo

Opening Hours: 10 am -12 am  

Tel:  02 25260601

 Facebook: Holiday Inn Cairo Maadi

Youssra … A Tour de Force in Cinema

By Zainab AbdulAziz

She’s enigmatic, gifted, and a steady force in our canon of Egyptian screen legends. When it comes to modern film sirens, there are few that have made an impact quite like Yousra. For many of us, she has always been there – her image changing often since her emergence in the 1980s, but nevertheless, Yousra is simply Yousra. She doesn’t even need a last name to be known. She has played over 70 different characters on the small and big screen, including some singing roles, and also mentored up-and-comers. She does it all, and effortlessly. With over three decades of work neatly tucked under her glamorous belt, Yousra isn’t slowing down at all. Hot off the heels of her smash-hit duet Talat Da’at with singer-songwriter Abu, she is considering more recording offers and filming projects due in 2018. Cairo West Magazine sat down with the superstar for a wide-ranging chat about past, present, and future.

CWM: Were you expecting the enormous reaction to Talat Da’at?

Y: Singing on Talat Da’at wasn’t even part of my plans or on my schedule! It just came out of nowhere and ignited something beautiful. Its success, its impact on people, and how it soared has resulted in a very different kind of success I haven’t tasted before.

Are you fielding a lot of offers based on the massive success of Talat Da’at?

Yes, all of a sudden everyone wants to give me a new song – which is nice! It’s a challenge. I wouldn’t consider a whole album, because it is a huge time commitment. But I would consider a song if it speaks to me the way Talat Da’at did.

We hear you have something coming up for next Ramadan season; can you give us a hint about it?

I have a multi-episode arc on an upcoming series directed by Mohamed Ali. The writer is Amin Gamal, a colleague of dearly departed Abdullah Hassan, who wrote the 2016 Ramadan series Fo2 Mostawa el Shobo7at for me.

What are your thoughts on some of the scripts and characters being writing by new scriptwriters?

I think we have a problem in scriptwriting today; you have to always be alert and aware to what you receive and take a stand in what you believe in. When I add my own expertise to the role, or asked an expert like Medhat El Adly for help in development, all of these steps make the process better and better. However, it’s become more difficult to receive a character or role that needs little to no work at all. The only people I don’t need to put any input at all with are Wahid Hamid or Tamer Habib – I have a high level of trust with their approach, well-thought out work, integrity and I know they put their blood into the work.

Can you give us an example of the complexities of working with emerging talent?

Sure. On Fo2 Mostawa el Shobo7at, I worked with an entirely new team, but I always put my own input into the process along with Medhat El Adly. On El 7esab Yegma3, we also included our own expertise with a fresh young team. Medhat El Adly has been alongside me on many projects for over ten years. I take his advice on many matters and ask for his assistance navigating many obstacles. I cannot tell you how important his opinion or advice is to me.

Are there are directors or screenwriters you would like to work with in the future?

I love new blood. New blood has a different perspective, a different vision. Of course, I would love to work with new directors; I would love to work with people who push to get the best out of me. Perhaps established players in film see me in a certain light, image or only see one aspect of my work, but new blood see my work in a multi-faceted way. They may see something in me that I don’t even realize is there. By working with fresh faces, you can discover things about yourself you did not even expect.

What would you say was the highlight of your career?

No, no, this is an impossible question! I’ve been fortunate enough to have many. Youssef Chahine, Adel Imam, Badrakhan… so many greats. I’ve had phases of my lifethat were so important to me. I can’t choose one.

Who would you consider your favorite screen partner?

Adel, Adel, Adel! We have a natural chemistry on the screen that you can see in any of our movies. And Ahmed Zaki, also, of course.

 Who influenced you the most when you were coming up in show business?

I was lucky enough to meet a lot of icons at the beginning of my career. I sat in on many gatherings and meetings with elders in the business – actors, writers, directors, cinema experts – discussing what is cinema, what is craft, what inspires and influences us. I learned a lot from these people. I took it all in and stored it, and I brought it out when I needed it. Each of these people left a mark on the blueprint of who I am today. Each person left an anecdote, a small story… that is what made me who I am today, Yousra.

Quickfire Round

 Most valued quality in a friend?

Loyalty.

Strongest mentor(s) in your life?

My husband and my mom.

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl!

 Comfort food?

Molokheya.

Dream lunch date companion?

My husband… lunch with my husband is something special and important to me.

Book you have enjoyed reading recently?

The 40 Rules of Love by Elif Şafak. I fell in love with it. I finished it so quickly, because I couldn’t stop!

Romantic or realist?

Both. I am both. I can be extremely romantic to a silly degree, and then all of a sudden, I find my mind popping in.

Favorite country visited – so far?

Bali, Indonesia. Love it!

========

Yousra Images:

Photographer: Ahmed Mobarez
Stylist: Youmna Mostafa
Make Up Artist: Dina Dimitry
Hair Stylist: Karim Ashour
Jewellery: Botros Jewellery
Wardrobe: Maison 69

Abu & Yousra Image – A Carousel Production:

Fashion Director: Gehad Abdalla
Fashion Coordinator: Omar Fadda
Photographer: Batool Al Daawi
Gaffers: Kamal Tarek | Mohamed safwat
MUA: Sherif Helaly
Hair Stylist: Taha Abd El Wahab
Wardrobe: Maison 69 Store | Kojakstudio | Baraka Optics
Jewellery: Dima Jewellery
Shot on location at La Maison Bleue, El Gouna

Bistro du Coin at Seasons Country Club

You can’t beat a leisurely dinner with an old friend, and Bistro du Coin is exactly that. Just re-opened after a trend-setting facelift and with a new menu, this cozy favorite has lost none of its charm.

Type of cuisine: A compact and thoughtfully compiled menu of International dishes, some classic and some innovative – there is something to tempt everyone.

Signature dishes: Fillet steaks, both imported beef and top-of-the-range local cuts, served with a variety of sauce options and excellent sides. Imported Rib Eye Steak, Fried Greek Feta cheese with a Lime-Honey dressing, Chicken Liver Pâté, Popcorn Shrimp and their ‘must-try’ dessert selection.

Dishes sampled: We didn’t rush into ordering, it was good to have a few minutes to immerse ourselves in the new menu, kick back and let the day’s stress waft away. The bread selection with its dainty dish of herbed butter kept hunger pangs at bay while we decided what was to follow. My dining companion’s choice of Salmon Ceviche as a starter met with both our votes. Generous chunks of lemon-marinated salmon resting on a bed of de-constructed guacamole and shredded lettuce, the dish was fresh, tangy, and a spot-on way to wake up our taste buds.

Our other appetizers came in equally substantial portions. The Duck Confit Spring Rolls were tightly packed with shredded duck, with an accompanying Hoisin Peanut sauce adding to the texture and interesting balance of flavors. The Chicken Liver Pâté was served warm, on croutons with two garnishes to set off the rich flavor of the livers. The creamy tarragon sauce was delicate, while the caramelized onion was sweet, sticky and a perfect match for the pâté.  The signature dish of Popcorn Shrimp, a large serving of pan-fried tender shrimp in a sweet, spicy glaze with a sprinkling of sesame seeds was more than we could do full justice to. We enjoyed the subtle kick of chili that followed the initial sweetness, but wish that maybe there could have been a little more of the promised ginger. Be advised – servings are generous and can easily be shared.

We both headed for the fillet steak as our main dish, expressing a preference for local beef. The large tender steaks were cooked exactly as requested and the accompanying sauces, both pepper and mushroom, were top-notch. Our sides of garlic-laden mashed potato, chunky fries, creamed spinach and char-grilled mixed seasonal vegetables were worthy of being a meal in themselves.

Dessert time rolled around, and even though we had dined extremely well, we let our sugar cravings win and ordered our favorites: Crème Brûlée and Apple Tarte Tatin with Vanilla Ice Cream. No regrets at all. The full range of desserts is available throughout Seasons in all dining venues and now we know why.

Other menu options that appealed: There were quite a few of the new menu items that looked intriguing, including a Rocket Salad with Blue Cheese and the Fresh House-made Burgers.

Beverage options: Seasons Country Club serves wine, beer and local spirits, along with softer options. The fresh juices are great.

Décor: Great handmade tiles are a key element in the new decor. Displaying rich warm colors with a true artisan feel, the tiles draw on the traditional designs that are totally ‘now’ again. Combine the rich, dark wood furnishings and low-key lighting, the choice of indoor and outdoor seating and the true ‘bistro’ feel is very much in evidence.

 

Ambience: Background music was a mix that could appeal to most age groups. Add in the comfortable seating and friendly staff and you can quickly feel right at home.

Clientele mix: Club members and groups of friends from the neighboring community along the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road.

Price range: Mid-range. Club members benefit from a 20% discount. Considering the portion sizes, it is great value.

Top tips: The Bistro menu can also be ordered if you prefer to sit in the garden area. Takeaway and delivery are available for many items. Non-members are welcome to dine at Bistro du Coin.

Opening hours: From 6 pm daily.

Address: Seasons Country Club and Resort -Cairo Alexandria Desert Road

Tel: 0100 3424226

Website: www.seasonscountryclub.com

Facebook/Instagram: seasonscc

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