Art scene

ArtTalks upcoming exhibition starts on Tuesday , April 25th and running till May 20th : 

” Wi Dart el Ayam ” , the fourth solo exhibition by Guirguis Lofty . 

ArtTalks Gallery : 8 El Kamel Mohamed street , Zamalek

 

” Born in 1955, Guirguis Lotfy lives and works in Alexandria, Egypt. After receiving a BFA from Alexandria Faculty of Fine Arts in 1980, Lotfy went on to pursue his MFA on “Coptic painting from the 4th to the 8th Century” in 1990 and his PhD on “Coptic Art and its influence on Modern Art” in 1994 from the Cairo Faculty of Fine Arts. Hamed Owais (1919-2011) and Hamed Nada (1924-1990), two of Egypt’s modern pioneer artists, were closely involved at different stages in the supervision of Guirguis Lotfy’s masters and doctorate degrees respectively.

Tirelessly, Lotfy depicts our feasts, celebrations, rituals and traditions – some still practiced today; others long forgotten. Pharaonic, Islamic or Coptic, his stunning canvases offer a personal take on these little moments of bonding and shared history or on some trivial and mundane scenes with ordinary people.
Describing his artistic process as literally looking out his window and painting what he sees,  As he captures the essence of our Egyptian-ness, he reminds us that neither religion nor ideology can tear us apart. “

 

Darb 1718 hosts the first Printemps Des Artists exhibition

 

Darb 1718 is honored to host the very first “Printemps Des Artists” / “Artists’ Spring” charitable exhibition. The exhibition is scheduled to take place from 19th to 21st of May, 2017. The official opening will be held in Darb 1718 premises on 19th of May at 7:00PM.

 

The three-day exhibition’s main goal is to financially help the House of Torah school to provide healthy meals to 400 children. The exhibition will showcase and sell artworks for 15 of Egypt’s prominent contemporary artists; 30% of the sales proceeds will be donated to the underprivileged communities of Torah.

 

“Printemps Des Artists” exhibition is organised by Caire Accueil, a long established community service group dedicated to the Francophone expatriate community and held with the support of the French embassy in Cairo. “Printemps des Artists” raised funds for underprivileged school in Torah will help prepare healthy meals as well as applying medical examination for the children.

 

 

About Darb 1718 Contemporary Art & Culture Center:

 

Founded in 2008, Darb 1718 is a contemporary visual arts centre located in the midst of historic Old Cairo. Darb 1718 organizes exhibitions, screenings, talks, workshops, music and dance performances around the year, in addition to two major projects: Off Biennale Cairo and Mawaweel Music festival.  The centre also hosts programs by local and foreign cultural organizations.

 

 

Address:

Kasr El Sham3 Street, Al Fakhareen – Old Cairo, Cairo, Egypt

Nearest Metro Station: Mary Girgis

e-mail: hadeel.hegazy@darb1718.com

Exhibition: Remnants of Enchantment

Artist: Doa Aly & Islam Zaher

Address: 5 Ibrahim Naguib, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate

When: 12th April – 13th May, 2017

Details: Gypsum is pleased to present “Remnants of Enchantment”, a two-person show of new drawings and oil paintings by Cairo-based artists Doa Aly and Islam Zaher, who is showing at the Gallery for the first time.

Exhibition: Horra

Artist: Karim Abd ElMalak

Address: 6, Brazil St., Zamalek

When: 19th April – 19th May, 2017

Details : Abdel ElMalak is an exciting homegrown talent whose artwork has been toured and celebrated both in his native Egypt and abroad in global art hubs like London, Washington and Paris, with some of his creations making their way to the Modern Art Museum after being selected by the Ministry of Culture

Exhibition: Tranquility

Artist: Rana Serag Eldin

Address: Galleria Soul, Marina, El Gouna

When: 15th April – 20th May, 2017

Lilly’s Pasta

Lilly’s Pasta

Ingredients:

  • ½ large onion, minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • Large pinch of ground basil
  • 1 tablespoon sundried tomatoes, minced
  • 2 teaspoons minced red peppers
  • 300 gm beef, cut into strips
  • ½ liter whipping cream
  • 1 cup full cream milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Your choice of pasta

Preparation:

  • Boil pasta until cooked al dente, then rinse with cold water and place aside
  • Place the butter in a large frying skillet/pan, and then add the onions and garlic and gently cook for about 2 minutes.
  • Add the beef strips and cook until golden brown.
  • Add the salt and pepper to taste, and then stir in the milk, cream, basil, red peppers and sundried tomatoes. Stir occasionally till sauce thickens.
  • Toss in pasta
  • Arrange on a plate and add the grated Parmesan cheese on top while hot.

Blueberry Cake Jar

Ingredients:

  • 150 g (⅔ cup) caster sugar
  • 1 lemon, juiced or 1/4 cup water
  • ½ vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
  • 400 g fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 10 g gelatine powder
  • 2 egg whites
  • A pinch of cream of tartar
  • 100 ml pouring (whipping) cream
  • Sponge cake, sliced
  • Fresh blueberries for garnish

Preparation:

  • Combine water (or lemon juice), caster sugar, vanilla bean, and blueberries in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat. Cook for 5 minutes, and then remove from the heat. Transfer half the cooked blueberries to a bowl to cool. Place the remaining berries in a fine sieve placed over a bowl and press down to extract as much purée as possible. Discard the solids.
  • Whisk the gelatine into the warm purée until it has all melted, then refrigerate until cool but not set.
  • Using an electric beater, whisk the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Whisk in the remaining sugar until glossy and the sugar has dissolved.
  • Next, whisk the cream until soft peaks form, then fold into the cold blueberry purée. Gently fold in the beaten egg whites. Spoon the mousse into layers and alternate with slices of sponge cake and blueberry compote and refrigerate for at least 6 hours to set.
  • Just before serving, top each mousse with whipped cream and a scattering of blueberries.

Restaurant Review May 2017

Copenhagen


Continental Goodies in Zamalek

Concept: Fresh and simple deli and bakery fare

Type of cuisine:  Danish-inspired

Ambiance: Laid-back bakery and deli that’s great for grabbing easy everyday meals on the go.

Signature dishes: For the second branch of Copenhagen, the restaurant continued to follow its Scandinavian influence with its’ use of smoked salmon, available as a sandwich or croissant with cream cheese, onions and capers.

Dishes sampled:  Copenhagen’s roast beef sandwich is made with house-roasted beef in warm, freshly baked bread topped with a slice of cheddar cheese. All that was missing for an authentic roast beef sandwich taste was an extra slather of Dijon mustard or horseradish to add some punch to the flavors.

The glistening pastries were singing to us, and we settled for a strawberry tart and sweet potato jar. The tart was delicately lined with small strawberry halves ideal for little bites and paired with a smooth custard and crisp crust. However, the sweet potato jar was the clear winner. The sweet potatoes are baked then cracked open and drizzled with honey. After puréeing them, the chef spoons them into jars and tops them with cream. The result is something close to the traditional Egyptian pumpkin dessert, ara’a a’asal.

Other menu options that appealed: The pastries and desserts were by far the most difficult to choose from – buttery croissants, Danish pastries and an array of éclairs all competed for our attention.

Beverages: Copenhagen won our hearts with their coffee, which was strong but not bitter. The macchiato was topped with a hearty dollop of foam and whole roasted coffee beans – a much-needed midday boost. The menu includes several cappuccino variations as well as freshly squeezed juices and iced teas.

Décor: The space is bright and minimal with pale grey walls, white wooden high chairs and counter tables. A bicycle mounted on the wall gives a nod to the Danish theme.

Take away/ Home delivery: Both

Clientele mix: With a grab-and-go counter filled with pre-made sandwiches, salads and juices, the café attracts a large business lunch crowd from offices around the area.

Price range: Moderate.

Top tip: The space is ideal for a quick lunch, or a light meal. Lots of light and strong coffee are a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

Opening hours: 7 am to 11 pm

Address: 118 26th of July Street, Zamalek

Tel: 02 2737 4796

Facebook page: Copenhagenegypt

Instagram: copenhagenegypt

CrimsonBar and Grill

Cosmopolitan Chic in Zamalek

Type of cuisine: International Char-Grill

Signature dishes:

Chateaubriand

Argentinean Churrasco, a mix of Greek-style marinated meats , including chicken legs, lamb chops, veal chops and strip loin.

Pineapple crème brulee

Dishes sampled: As the meal began, we were served a basket of warm bread and toasted crackers that came along with the tastiest olive paste and dips. It was a perfect start to a wonderful hearty meal. This was followed by a beautifully colorful goat cheese salad filled with an explosion of flavors, from the roasted pine nuts, to the sweet raisins, and the toasted goat cheese, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, all topped off with a rich glazed balsamic vinaigrette. The Sweet Shrimp Avocado that came afterwards was the perfect combination of sweet and savory, the textures of the crispy tempura shrimp and the creamy avocados were an outstanding marriage.

As the main courses were approaching, our taste buds had already woken up, and were ready for all the bold flavors coming ahead. The succulent and vibrant flavors of the char-grilled meats, potatoes and pineapple on skewers were as tasty as it gets. They just melted in your mouth. The dishes were all well thought out and to the point. The idea of getting your meat and vegetables served on skewers made the meal exciting as well as appealing to the eye.

The meal came to an end with the most mouth-watering and eye-catchy dessert, the Pineapple Crème Brulée was not just delicious, but it was gorgeous to look at. Served in half a pineapple, the flavors were to die for; every bite delicately melting in your mouth. By far the yummiest dessert I’ve eaten in a while.

Other menu options that appealed: Quinoa Salad, Crispy Lasagna Rolls, Fillet Mignon, Chicken Legs, Chocolate Fudge.

Décor: Located on a rooftop with a panoramic view of the Nile, mixing the elements of nature with elegance, Crimson creates an exotic yet relaxing vibe. The feeling of being outdoors while sitting inside and surrounded by open-air wooden ceilings and spacious glass windows sets the tone from the second you walk in. Bring your appetite and some friends, because this outstanding view will make you want to eat and drink all night.

Ambience: Elegant, yet casual. Cozy, relaxed and sophisticated.

From the warmth of the wooden chairs and tables to the vibrant turquoise plates and accessories, the cooling colors of the stylish interior enhance your mood,  putting you in a state of mind to enjoy a night of indulgence.

Beverages available: A variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages ranging from a great selection of both local and imported wines, beer, cocktails, aperitifs and spirits, liqueurs and shots.

Clientele mix: A perfect place to have a few drinks with a group of friends. Trendy, urbane couples or groups can go enjoy a wonderful meal with great cocktails and some chilled out background music. After 6 pm if you’re not 25 or above you most likely won’t get in.

Price range: Quite pricey but definitely worth it.

Address: 16 El Moseqar Kamal El Tawil St. (Former Montazah St.) Zamalek

Opening hours: 12pm – 2am

Tel:  0127 505 5555

Facebook page: Crimson Bar & Grill

Instagram: Crimson.cairo

Lilly's

Food for All Moods In Sheikh Zayed

Type of cuisine: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between: sandwiches, pizza, pasta, burgers and international dishes, with recently added menu items. Healthy options well covered too.

Concept: Every city has them, from Paris to Sydney, New York to Buenos Aires. Those quintessential cafés, bistros and restaurants that somehow, against the competition, draw a loyal and regular clientele and become the heart and hub of the local scene. It seems that affordable pricing, as well as tasty dishes with consistent quality and professional, friendly staff, are a common factor.

Signature dishes:

Chicken Parmigiana, Lilly’s Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Lilly’s Nachos, Crêpes Nutella

 

Dishes sampled: A great way to start any meal is with a refreshing drink to ease the transition from work mode to relaxation, and the Piña Colada mocktail (served in a trendy jar of course) did just that. Just the right slushy consistency, with a hearty coconut flavor, it was top notch.  As we watched dusk settle over the adjacent fountain and lively square we nibbled on a starter of Chicken Strips. While not particularly dainty, the strips were succulent and freshly fried in a light batter, and the accompanying ‘house’ honey mustard dip went down a treat.

Our garlic toast was served warm, with a liberal coating of grilled cheese. As garlic fans, we might have asked for a tad more of that, but it was tasty, nonetheless. Our main orders followed with just the right time spacing, so we did not feel rushed. The ‘healthy’ option of Grilled Chicken consisted of three subtly spiced grilled escalopes of chicken breast, and came with a generous portion of lightly sautéed seasonal vegetables, including mushrooms. Cooked to perfection, it was filling and guilt free.

The Pepper Sauce Burger was superb. A lean minced beef patty, lightly grilled onion, a truly ‘peppery’ sauce, arugula, and a slathering of mustard, all encased in a fresh burger bun. Served with fries, it was a substantial meal, and left us well pleased with our selection.

The dessert menu offered a multitude of ways to sabotage any half-hearted attempt to diet, so after discussing some really tempting options, we headed for the Chocolate Brownies with ice cream, a simple dish that must be done perfectly, and Lilly’s really nailed it!

Fresh, melt-in-the-mouth brownies with that straight-from-the-oven appeal and aroma slathered with a rich chocolate sauce and served with a generous scoop of vanilla ice-cream. Heaven on a plate.

 

 

Décor

We loved the retro tiled flooring, the traditional white painted café chairs and dark wooden tables. Nothing pretentious, just well-chosen, low-key contemporary chic to provide a cozy yet uncluttered venue. The addition of well-placed TV screens gave us a clue as to why Lilly’s is ‘the’ place to catch any important match, we are told you need to book at least a week ahead.

Ambience:

Authentic, friendly and welcoming, with an animated buzz of conversation. We heard everything from trans-Atlantic twangs to snippets of Russian, along with several dialects of Arabic. A really cosmopolitan clientele mix, with a very relaxed vibe. The knowledgeable and helpful service staff made the experience pleasant from the minute we walked in.

Beverages available:

A wide variety of hot and cold beverages, juices, mocktails, slushies and smoothies.

Clientele mix:  Couple and groups of friends, work colleagues, a true cross-section of a vibrant community.

Price range: Affordable enough to make this a regular haunt.

 

Address: Mall 2, Sheikh Zayed, after Legenda Compound

 

Opening hours: 10 am to 2 am. Last orders at 1.30 am.

Tel:  011 5976 0061

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lillys.eg/

Instagram: Lilly’s

Mirai

Asian Infusion On Zamalek’s Riverbank

 

Location: Zamalek is becoming more and more appealing than it already is. Recently added to its impressive roster of riverside eateries is chic and sophisticated Mirai.

 

Cuisine: Japanese, Sushi bar and Thai

 

Signature dishes:

 

Being there midday on a Saturday gave us the opportunity to choose what we wanted from the open buffet, which involved most of the menu, we had some appetizers and sushi. We then asked Thai chef, Chef Koraveet Yarangvong to select one of Mirai’s signature dishes for us.

 

We had Otsu Yama Maki, and for those of you who love sushi this is definitely one of the best you will ever try! A fresh salmon, tuna, avocado, crabstick, and cucumber roll covered with spicy salmon, oats and honey mustard sauce! Superb! That was quickly followed by the extraordinary Mirai Grilled Salmon: fresh, generous, and prepared to perfection, served sizzling in a basil teriyaki sauce for a rich sweet flavor, with a side of lemongrass potato. A good deal of desserts is available. Overall, Mirai has nailed it, a true taste of Asian food at its finest.

 

Décor: The décor is trendy and chic with an all-glass facade to provide you with a full view of the Nile, wood accents and Buddha statues complete the pleasant yet classy mood. Three different kinds of seating are available, high tables in front of the Teppanyaki chefs watching them prepare your dinner seared over an open flame, square dining tables scattered around the place, and cozy booths with beautiful accents.

 

Ambience: Being located on the Nile between Sequoia and Left Bank, Mirai’s atmosphere sets the stage for the unique experience you’re about to have, whether you go for their open buffet brunch on Saturday morning or for a more refined date at night, the lighting and the setting will surely enchant you.

 

Beverages available: Mirai’s drinks menu includes hot drinks, cold drinks, signature cocktails, different types of teas and herbal infusions, beers, wines – both local and imported, imported spirits and alcoholic cocktails.

 

 

Clientele Mix: Couples, families and groups of friends.

 

Price range: Value for money.

 

Opening hours:

Brunch on Saturdays open buffet from 12 pm to 5 pm

All week from 1 pm to 1 am

 

 

Address:

Abo El Feda Street, Zamalek

Tel: 02 27350014

Facebook.com/MiraiOnline

Instagram.com/MiraiOnline

Speakeasy

A Korba Hideaway Worth Discovering

Type of cuisine: This new ultra-hip restaurant serves Cairo residents Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with an Egyptian twist. The fusion menu was conceptualized by Speakeasy’s award-winning chef; it creatively blends Mediterranean flavors and Egyptian classics.

Mantra: “The first rule of fight club is…” the mantra of Speakeasy is just that, without the violence. Speakeasy is a fancy secret hideout for Cairo’s elite. The outside is nondescript; the entryway tangles through an Alice-in Wonderland-type maze, and guests are greeted by a large mysterious door. The concept plays on the prohibition era when the sale of alcohol was illegal and drinking was a black-market activity.

Signature dishes: Speakeasy prides itself on unique dishes that cannot be found on each and every street corner in Cairo. It has purposefully created a unique menu that is elegant and creative while staying true to its Mediterranean roots. From braised duck to foie gras this hot spot is a juggernaut for one-of-a-kind signature dishes.

Braised Duck (braised duck meat served with toasted almonds and butter baked rice), Cognac Seafood Casserole (Shrimp, Calamari, Mussels, Fresh Salmon, and Fish Fillet served with rice), and Martini Foie Gras (grilled foie gras balls served with toasted hazelnut and quinoa salad).

Dishes Sampled:

Cold Appetizers

Aged spicy cheese

Pastrami Tartare

Anchovies

Red Pepper Puree

Hot Appetizers

Chicken Liver

Cajun Shrimp

Mini Meatballs

Lamb Sausages

Coconut Chicken Wings

Other menu options that appealed: After sampling the delicious hot and cold appetizers with our drinks a quick peruse through the dinner menu left even satisfied mouths watering. Many other items on the menu appealed but two that really stood out were the Vodka Salmon and the Pigeon Roulade. With an extensive beverage menu, there are infinite combinations of food and drink to try.

Décor: The décor is 1920s prohibition-era chic with high ceilings, dark walls, bold columns, and high-end furniture setting the interior of the restaurant apart from its competition. The building itself is a historical Korba villa, but the inside has been renovated by an Italian designer to give it just the right feel. Each piece of décor has been selected to take customers from the streets of Heliopolis and transport them back to a glamorous time of exclusivity.

Ambience: The ambiance takes a few minutes to adjust to as it envelops you into a different time and place. From the darkened rooms, to the smoky air, to the majestic mixing of drinks, the restaurant is unique in all aspects. The air is filled with music, laughter, glasses clinking and the smell of food.

Beverages available: The beverage menu is a huge focus of Speakeasy. After all, the prohibition-era inspired décor wouldn’t work unless it offered some alcoholic beverages to match. In true “speakeasy” form there is a fully stocked bar in addition to many ‘soft’ options. It was hard to choose between a classic cocktail, a glass of wine or a refreshing mocktail. Our  Moscow Mule and  Whiskey Sour were bang on.

Top Tip: The restaurant is equipped with an amazing ventilation system, but this is still an indoor smoking venue and a cigar lounge, so anyone with allergies or aversions to smoke should be cautious.

Clientele mix: The clientele was high end and dressed to impress.

Price range: While relatively expensive, the menu is incredibly unique and offers an experience that is worth the splurge.

Address: 58 Beirut Street, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt

Opening hours:  Dinner only

Tel: 012 117 11046 – 012 117 11062

Email:

reservation@speakeasyegypt.com

Instagram: @speakeasycairo

Viking

Scandinavian Flavors Come to Mall of Egypt

Type of cuisine: International with a definite Scandinavian twist. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, with everything from salads, sandwiches and burgers to steaks, chicken and fish. Great desserts as well.

Signature dishes: Berry Mania Fillet Steak, Montreal Steak, Roasted Herb Chicken, Italiano Chicken, Chicken Scaloppini

Dishes sampled: This being a first visit to the recently opened Mall of Egypt, my lunch companion and I were pleasantly surprised by the airy, spacious layout, and convenient access to the well-located food court where Viking is located. The welcome was efficient and courteous, with no fierce Norse warriors lurking in the shadows. A good start.

We were rather intrigued by the concept of ‘Viking’ food so gave the comprehensive menu a thorough going-through before selecting our dishes. This called for a refreshing drink, so we opted for a light combination of orange and pineapple with a splash of grenadine. Just right for an early summer lunch, we agreed. We were quickly presented with a basket of dainty home baked rolls served with a piquant dip. Did we detect mustard, and a hint of gherkin in that creaminess?

It seemed like good sense to share a Viking sampler as a starter, a combination of deep fried chicken gougons, potato croquettes, mozzarella sticks and tender calamari rings. This came with a quartet of dipping sauces; cocktail, marinara, tangy mustard and a gherkin-packed tartare. The platter was more than enough for us to share, and luckily we had breathing space before our main dishes arrived.

The Berry Mania fillet steak delivered as promised. The traditional Scandinavian addition of fruit to meat is nothing short of sheer genius. The raspberry in the glaze was subtle, but gave an intriguing sharp sweetness that contrasted beautifully with the thick, superbly tender fillet. The accompanying huge mound of mashed potato, and al dente mixed seasonal vegetables made for a really substantial meal. The Sea Bed Cocktail with fettuccine again came in a hearty serving. The combination of shrimp, fish, and calamari was bathed in a rich, lemony dill-laden sauce, and the fettuccine had its own sauce with a good quantity of cheese. Note: calorie-conscious readers can opt out at this stage…

The dessert menu is just as rich as the delights on offer, be warned. Agreeing to share, we made short work of the New Black Forest Cake, and the totally trendy Blueberry Gateau, served in a jar. More melt-in -the-mouth mousse than heavy cake, they both went down very easily and served as a perfect end to a long, leisurely weekend lunch.

Other menu options that appealed:

With so much to choose from it would be a hard call. The burgers and sandwiches shown on the well-presented menu looked inviting, so would be high on our list.

Décor: Contemporary, with dark wood, taupe and accents of black, the overall feel is chic and practical. The rear wall has an impressive display of Viking artifacts, reproductions we suspect. As the restaurant faces floor to ceiling windows overlooking the spacious courtyard below, it avoids any feeling of gloominess.

Ambience:

The tables are well spaced, so even though the restaurant filled up quickly with families, young groups of friends and a few couples, the buzz of activity never became overpowering.

Beverages available:

A wide range of hot and cold beverages. Creative slushies, milkshakes and virgin cocktails, along with specialty teas and coffees, plus fresh juices. You are spoilt for choice.

Price range: Reasonable to moderate.

Address: Food Court, Mall of Egypt. Entry through Gate A1

Opening hours: 10 am to 1 am daily.

Tel:  010 9690 9300

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Vikingegypt/

 

Tamara Lebanese

Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

75g Butter

150g Onions

50g Minced Garlic

200g Chopped Carrots

200g Chopped Zucchini

200g Diced Potatoes

25g Chopped Celery

200g Peas

15g Tomato paste

Cinnamon

Beef stock cube

150g Peeled tomatoes Salt according to taste

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter then sautée onion until tender.
  2. Add minced garlic and keep stirring until evenly browned.
  3. Throw in chopped carrots followed by the zucchini and potatoes.
  4. Combine chopped celery and peas with the mix.
  5. Pour tomato paste onto the mix and continue stirring.

Method

  1. After that, add grounded cinnamon and beef stock cube to the mixture in the pot.
  2. Finally, add in the peeled tomatoes and leave it to simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Adjust the taste accordingly with salt.

Enjoy your very own homemade vegetable soup the Tamara style.

Tips for Hiring a Wedding Caterer

When planning a wedding, hiring a caterer can be one of the many daunting tasks you take on.

Every caterer will ask about date and time of your wedding, the number of guests, and wedding style, so have these answers prepared.

Here are some tips that can really help you when hiring a caterer.

Create a budget

Having a food budget is very important for your wedding, for both you and the caterer. It’s easier for caterers to bring together a perfect menu if they know how much you’d like to spend. Any caterer can prepare brilliant menus at all budgets, once disclosed you can let the caterer present different, fun and exciting options to choose from. 

 

Tie in a theme

Adding a theme to your wedding is what really makes it unique as you put your own individual thumbprint to the event, and having the food and catering match your vision will make your day extraordinary. Once you have a clear theme in mind, share this with your caterer so they can reflect the food to your taste.

 

Know your guests

This is undoubtedly one of the most important things to know when planning your catering; the number and the style of people attending.

Even if you don’t know exact numbers, it’s really useful for the caterers to know what size wedding you’re having. It is also quite beneficial to discuss the style of the guests, whether they are traditional or open to creative dishes.

 

Smaller weddings mean you can afford to be a bit more adventurous and extravagant with how much you’re spending per person, whereas a larger wedding often works brilliantly with delicious sharing platters or a buffet. Inviting any little ones to your wedding? Let your caterer know.

Details

Something that ties together the theme of your wedding well is the place setting; this includes plates, cutlery, and glasses, and even waiters.

Not everyone knows that the caterers are in charge of providing these, so it’s important not to overlook discussing these details with your caterer, especially if you want something extra special to fit your theme.

 

With these tips, you will definitely make your reception day one to remember.

Hiring a professional caterer can make your event stress-free; hopefully our tips can make your party planning a little easier.

 

Happy Wedding Season!

Tying the Knot

cake-topper wedding couple and a pre-nuptial agreement

The Legalities of Marriage

Before any couple sets off onto a path of wedded bliss they should avoid potential headaches and heartache by taking time to create a pre-nuptial contract that covers both bride and groom fairly, within the terms of the law. Cairo West Magazine sought advice from Moaataz El Dakar, a lawyer with ample experience in this field.

CWM: What should a young couple discuss and agree upon before marriage?

MD: They should set the terms for their life together in accordance with the provisions of the Islamic Sharia, in terms of their rights and/or obligations

Has it become more common now for the woman to claim her right for a divorce and state it in the marriage contract?

Yes, it has become more common to a certain extent. It allows the woman to go through the proceedings of a divorce without waiting for the husband’s consent. However a clause has to be mentioned in the marriage contract, more importantly stating that the wife preserves the right to a divorce, whenever she wants, however she wants. Without this clause the right to the divorce can be challenged by the husband using something called the ‘Right of Review’.

Have the laws on divorce changed in recent years?
The divorce law hasn’t changed since 1929, only bylaw No. 1 of 2000 has been added. It is about the right to divorce – Khul` (divorce based on a woman giving up her post divorce financial rights).

 

What legal advice do you offer young couples before marriage?

To legally document all financial matters. Like the dowry for example.

What are the most common legal problems that arise when a couple decides to divorce?
After divorce, disagreements usually occur concerning housing, alimony, child support, visitation rights etc.

 

What are the rights of a woman once she is divorced?

Egyptian law allows for a woman to receive three months’ alimony and two years of limited support, which is called Mutaa’. She also has the right to the delayed dowry that is stated in the initial marriage contract.

Tone up your body for summer in 12 weeks

As the summer months approach and the weather is getting warmer, special attention needs to be given to proper hydration and to the prevention of heat illnesses while doing your workout.

Water is very important in our plan and don’t ever forget to get enough dose of it   (2.5: 3 litters), because it is essential for all major bodily functions, to include:

  • Banish headaches
  • Improve your mood
  • Relieve fatigue
  • Boost your energy levels
  • Relieve constipation
  • Flush out toxins
  • Improve digestion
  • Promote weight loss
  • Prevent kidney stones
  • Boost your immune system
  • Improve your complexion
  • Prevent hangovers
  • Alleviate back pain
  • Regulate body temperature 

WEEK 5 – Upper/Lower Split + Total Body

Goal: Strength/Hypertrophy
* Complete 3-5 sets of each circuit

Day 1 – On; Day 2 – On; Day 3 – On; Day 4 – Off; Day 5 – On; Day 6 – On; Day 7 – On

Day 1 Day2 Day3
exercise rep exercise rep exercise rep
Circuit 1 Circuit 1 Circuit 1
Dumbbell Bench Press 12 Back Squat 8 Dumbbell Lunge (each) 8
Single Arm Row 12 Dumbbell Lunge (each) 10 Single Arm Back Row 12
Circuit 2 Circuit 2 Circuit 2
Barbell Overhead Press 8 Back Squat 10 Barbell Dead lift 8
Dumbbell Kickbacks (each) 12 Barbell Rollout 14 Dumbbell Bench Press 12
Circuit 3 Circuit 3 Circuit 3
Pull-ups 12 Leg Press 10 Leg Press 10
Barbell Curl 8 Dumbbell Lunge (each) 12 Barbell Shoulder Press 12
Circuit 4 Circuit 4
Fly Cable 10 Hanging Leg Raise 12
Pushups Failure Barbell Roll Out 12

 

Day 5 Day6 Day7
exercise rep exercise rep exercise rep
Circuit 1 Circuit 1 Circuit 1
Dumbbell Bench Press 8 Back Squat 10 Barbell Dead lift 10
Cable Fly 12 Hanging Leg Raise 12 Barbell Overhead Press 12
Circuit 2 Circuit 2 Circuit 2
Barbell Dead lift 8 Dumbbell Lunge (each) 8 Barbell Back Squat 12
Single Arm Row 12 Vertical Crunch w/ Medicine Ball 12 Single Arm Row 10
Circuit 3 Circuit 3 Circuit 3
Barbell Overhead Press 12 Leg Press 10 Pull-up 10
Reverse Fly 10 Barbell Roll Out 12 Hanging Leg Raise 12
Circuit 4 Circuit 4 Circuit 4
Pull-ups 12 Reverse Fly 12 Dumbbell Incline Curl 12
Front Raise w/ Plate 12 Vertical Crunch w/ Medicine Ball 10 Dumbbell Kickback 12

 

WEEK 6 – Total Body –

Goal: Power –

Day 1 – Off; Day 2 – Off; Day 3 – On; Day 4 – Off; Day 5 – On; Day 6 – Off; Day 7 – On

Day 3

(3 min. breaks between sets)

 Day 5

(3 min. breaks between sets)

 Day 7

(3 min. breaks between sets)
exercise sets rep exercise sets rep exercise sets rep
Leg Press 3 8, 6, 6 Barbell Back Squat 3 8, 6, 4 Leg Press 3 8, 6, 4
Barbell Deadlift 3 8, 6, 6 Barbell Overhead Press 3 8, 6, 4 Single Arm Row 3 8, 6, 4
Dumbbell Bench Press 3 8, 6, 6 Dumbbell Incline Curls 2 6 Barbell Curl 3 8, 6, 6
Dumbbell Kickbacks 3 8, 6, 6 Barbell Skull Crushers 2 6

 

 

WEEK 7 – Old School Bodybuilding Splits

 Goal: Strength and Hypertrophy

Day 1 – Off; Day 2 – On; Day 3 – On; Day 4 – On; Day 5 – Off; Day 6 – On; Day 7 – On

Day 2

(3 min. breaks between sets)

 Day 3

(3 min. breaks between sets)

 Day 4

(3 min. breaks between sets)
exercise sets rep exercise sets rep exercise sets rep
single Arm Row 4 10, 8, 8, 10 Dumbbell Incline Bench Press 4 10, 8, 8, 10 Leg Press 5 20, 20, 12, 10, 10
Barbell Deadlifts 4 10, 8, 8, 10 Dumbbell Bench Press 4 10, 8, 8, 10 Barbell Back Squat 4 10
Dumbbell Incline Curls 4 12, 10, 10, 12 Dumbbell Kickbacks 4 12, 8, 8, 12 Dumbbell Lunges 4 10 each leg
Barbell Curls 4 8, 6, 6, 8 Barbell Skull Crushers 5 12, 8, 8, 8, 12
Pullups 4 Failure Cable Flyes 4 12, 12, 10, 10

 

Day 6

(3 min. breaks between sets)

 Day 7

(3 min. breaks between sets)
exercise sets rep exercise sets rep
Front Raises w/ Plate 4 8-10 Russian Twist w/25-30lb Dumbbells 8 20 sec. full intensity
Barbell Overhead Press 4 8, 6, 6, 8 Vertical Crunch w/ Medicine Ball 8 10
Dumbbell Reverse Fly 4 10, 8, 8, 10
Vertical Crunch w/ Medicine Ball 4 12 (increase intensity)
Hanging Leg Raises 4 12

 

 

WEEK 8 – Old School Bodybuilding Splits

Goal: Strength and Hypertrophy

Day 1 – On; Day 2 – On; Day 3 – On; Day 4 – Off; Day 5 – On; Day 6 – On; Day 7 – On

Day 1 (60 sec. break b/w sets)  Day 2  Day 3 (60 sec. rest b/w sets)
Exercise Sets Reps exercise Reps exercise sets rep
Barbell Deadlift 5 10, 10, 8, 8, 8 Jog (Warm up) 5 min. Dumbbell Chest Press 5 10, 10, 8, 8, 8
Single Arm Dumbbell Row 4 10, 10, 8, 8 Sprint 20 sec. Pushups (add weight if needed) 4 10, 10, 8, 8
Pullups 4 10, 10, 8, 8 Walk 40 sec Cable Flyes 4 10, 10, 8, 8
Barbell Curls 5 10, 10, 8, 8, 8 Repeat sprint/walk 10 times

 

 Barbell Skull Crushers 5 10, 10, 8, 8, 8
Incline Dumbbell Curls 4 10, 10, 8, 8 Dumbbell Triceps Kickbacks 4 10, 10, 8, 8
Cable Curls 4 10, 10, 8, 8 Dumbbell Reverse Grip Pushdowns 4 10, 10, 8, 8

 

Day 5 (60 sec. rest b/w sets) Day 6 (60 sec. rest b/w sets) Day 7 (complete circuit 2 times)
exercise sets rep exercise sets rep exercise rep
Barbell Back Squat 5 10, 10, 8, 8, 8 Barbell Overhead Shoulder Press 5 10, 10, 8, 8, 8 Spin Bike Reps
Leg Press 5 10, 10, 8, 8, 8 Front Raises w/ Plate 4 10, 10, 8, 8 Warm up 5 min.
Dumbbell Lunge 4 10 Dumbbell Reverse Flyes 5 15, 12, 10, 10, 10 Increase Resistance-Fast 20 sec.
Hanging Leg Raise 3 15 Slow 10 sec.
Barbell Roll Outs 3 15 Repeat 5 min.
Vertical Crunch w/ Medicine Ball 3 15 Ride Slow 2 min

Back Squat

Barbell Skull Crushers

Cable-Incline-Fly

Russian Twist w 25-30lb Dumbbells

Dumbbell-Kickback

Leg Press

Barbell Overhead Press

barbell-curl

Dumbbell Lunge (each)

Fly Cable

Pull-up

Single Arm Dumbbell Row

Barbell Rollout

barbell-deadlift

Dumbbell Reverse Grip Pushdowns

Front Raise Plate

Single Arm Row

Push-up

Barbell shoulders Press

barbell-rollout

Dumbbell-Bench-Press

Hanging Leg Raise

Reverse Fly

Vertical Crunch w Medicine Ball

Premarital Check-Up

Is Your Marriage Around the Corner? Get These Premarital Tests Done.

A premarital screening is a group of tests that offers a crucial health assessment of soon-to-be married couples in which they are tested for genetic, infectious and transmissible diseases to prevent any risk of transmitting any disease to each other and their offspring.

Getting these tests does not mean marriage is difficult, it just means that both parties can take an informed decision regarding marriage and also seek proper medical attention to avoid further complications.

If you are getting married, then these tests listed below are a must.

Blood Group Testing:

This test is easy to perform and result is usually ready within 30 minutes. There are different blood-types categorized in A, B, O along with a rhesus (RH) factor that can either be positive or negative. Women with RH negative blood group married to RH positive husbands have a greater chance of RH incompatibility where the mother produces antibodies (body defense system) to target the red blood cells of the growing fetus (RH positive fetus) leading to intrauterine death and miscarriages.

To prevent such a scenario, knowing your spouse’s blood group is a must, so that your doctor can take preventive measures to avoid RH incompatibility issues during pregnancy.

HIV & STD Test:

With the current prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), it is important that spouses request their partners to be screened for these diseases before marriage. HIV, hepatitis B and C are lifelong conditions that if not properly managed can put serious strain on the marriage. The knowledge of your partner’s status helps you protect yourself and seek adequate medical care if your partner tests positive and the marriage is still going ahead. Lifelong care and support is needed for partners who are infected. Other STDs e.g. gonorrhea, syphilis, bacterial vaginosis and warts can be treated with proper medical care. This reduces the risk of infertility and miscarriages during marriage.

 

 

 

Fertility Test:

This is important because fertility issues can be addressed as early as possible without the unnecessary biological, psychological, social and emotional trauma associated with barrenness. Fertility tests typically include: seminal analysis to assess male fertility; hormonal assay for both couples e.g. FSH, LH, prolactin, testosterone, estrogen and progesterone; ovulation test for women, a pelvic ultrasound scan may also be needed to assess the internal reproductive organs for any congenital or acquired abnormalities.

Testing for possible genetic /chronic medical conditions:

Genetic tests are done by analyzing small samples of blood or body tissue. This testing checks for hereditary diseases which helps both partners be prepared for any issues they may face later. It is especially referred in consanguineous marriages (relative couples) where the closer the relationship, the greater the risk.

This test should also include screening for diabetes, test for hypertension, certain cancers, kidney disease and test for thalassemia.

 

Getting a premarital checkup is important, however, not doing so before marriage doesn’t mean you can’t get it done later. The idea is to know your partner and his or her health status to be prepared for any complications that may crop up later in life.

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