The Edward’s

The Edward’s is a great breakfast place in New Cairo and brunch is always a good idea too!

Concept: Homely homage to a father whose passion was, ‘great food and better company.’

There is no better way to start the day than indulging yourself in breakfast – whether you are alone or accompanied by friends or family. Nothing beats a good breakfast to start your day. And to our delight Cairo is waking up to the breakfast/brunch trend that has been gaining ground lately – leaving us more alternatives. The Edward’s is the latest restaurant to join this seemly growing trend. We went to check it out, on a mid-week day, when they offer the Open Buffet option.

The breakfast/brunch menu: The Open Buffet option resembles that of a Continental breakfast served in hotels – nicely displayed in hot and cold sections. The Buffet consists of a selection of in-house baked bread (special mention to their Olive Bread), assorted bakery basket filled with miniatures of croissants, donuts, muffins and buns (check out their healthy beetroot ones); followed by a cheese platter, fresh oriental salad ingredients, yogurt, cereal, honey and jam duo, and seasonal fruit salad. The hot section adds an oriental mix of ful and falafel to the more traditional breakfast items of eggs, sausages, tomatoes with cheese and roasted potatoes wedges. The restaurant offers the option of customizing your own omelet. We ended our breakfast enjoying a warm shareya with milk.

Other menu options that appealed: The Edward’s has two breakfast/brunch options: Open Buffet during weekdays (from Sunday to Thursday) and a special Pre-set Menu for the weekend.

We would love to come back during the weekend to enjoy one of the pre-set menus and listen to live music, which is offered on weekends only.

Décor: The Edward’s stays true to its concept of a homely place. Its elegant and cozy interior is filled with nice personal touches and objects belonging to the owner, giving it the warmth of a family longue – with a certain  “Martha Stewart” feeling. The restaurant offers both indoors and outdoors seating areas.

Clientele mix: mall-goers, young professionals, groups of moms and friends.

Price range: very reasonably priced, good value for money. The open buffet costs EGP60 per person (taxes apply).

Opening hours: Every day from 9am to 1am

Address: The Village, Cairo Festival City Mall

Tel: +2 01299887000

Facebook page: The Edwards Eg

Instagram: The Edwards Eg

7 Fine Dining Spots in Cairo

Pier 88

Type of Cuisine

Contemporary European

Address: Imperial Boat, Zamalek

Tel: 012 0811 1140

FB: Pier 88 – Restaurant and Lounge

Izakaya

Type of Cuisine

Peruvian – Japanese Fusion

Address: Al Guezira Plaza, Sheikh Zayed

Tel: 012 7111 6223

FB: Izakaya Cairo

Kazoku

Type of Cuisine

Contemporary Japanese

Address: Swan Lake Compound, 1st Settlement, New Cairo

Tel: 012 7000 4877

FB: Kazoku

Mezcal

Type of Cuisine

Latin American

Address: 20 Taha Hussein St. Zamalek

Tel: 012 7111 3764 / 65

FB: Mezcal Cairo

Sachi

Type of Cuisine

Japanese and Mediterranean

Address: 3 Cleopatra Street, Heliopolis

Tel: 012 8090 2028

FB: Sachi Restaurant

UBistro & Bar

Type of Cuisine

International

Address: 157, 26th of July Street, Zamalek

Tel: 010 0720 4094

FB: U Bisto & Bar

Loft 21

Type of Cuisine

American, Grills

Address: 9 Rostom Street, Garden City

Tel: 010 0498 6811

FB: Loft21

Bogali – Closed

Bogali is one of the best Fine Dining spots in Zamalek, à la Club Vibe on Nile Maxim.

Cuisine: Eclectic, with a Mediterranean vibe.

Décor: Cutting-edge contemporary styling, with an ice-toned palette of silver, heavy glass, and black napkins, all set off by mustard-toned high seating. The layout is conducive to mixing and mingling, a large oval central bar takes pride of place over the slightly lower level, and the DJ station is central to the action. High seating predominates, with lower seating kept to the area overlooking the Nile, allowing guests to ease back and enjoy an intimate dining experience.

Ambience: Trendy, relaxed, sophisticated. The stylish interior is enhanced by an impressive high quality sound system, with speakers discretely arranged throughout the whole area. The sound distribution is expertly managed, as is the music selection, and can be adjusted in each area to suit the diners’ moods and preferences. Now, that is taking attention to detail to a totally new level…

Signature dishes: The menu is well thought out, and does not fall into the trap of offering countless similar items to confuse diners. Popular dishes are the flavour-packed Sliced Beef Rib-Eye, the Seafood Spaghetti and the Steak Tartare, prepared to taste at the table. There is already a strong fan base building for the Moules et Frites menu on Sunday evenings, something to note.

Dishes sampled: As soon as we had snuggled into the blissfully comfortable silver chairs at our Nile-side table we were given a serving of green olives and mini- bruschetta to nibble on while we browsed through the menu. A nice touch, it set the tone for what was to be an exceptional dining experience.

We opted to share plates in order to enjoy a variety of dishes, a good decision. We kicked off with a generous serving of deep-fried breaded goat cheese on a bed of fresh salad, then followed with a platter of beer-battered prawns with tartare sauce. Big juicy prawns encased in a light batter that will be a ‘must have’ on any future visit for us. We followed with a steaming bowl of Moules à la Marseillaise, tender mussels swimming in a drool-worthy sauce, with depths of flavor. The moules were succulent, and the sauce simply begged to be mopped up with crusty bread.

The Steak Tartare that followed was expertly blended with just the right amount of seasoning, a carnivore’s delight, and was melt-in-the-mouth tender. Never mind you vegans out there; there are plenty of scrumptious salads to choose from as well!

Following the Mediterranean mood, we dug into a creamy asparagus risotto, and a pan-steamed seafood pasta crammed full of mussels, prawns, clams and other goodies. We couldn’t miss out of the highly recommended Sliced Rib Eye beef, cooked exactly to taste, with a rucola salad, liberally sprinkled with pine nuts, on the side. The beef was every bit as tender as we had been promised, it well deserves a try.

To be honest, we had eaten so well that we hadn’t even considered dessert, but when a substantial serving of tiramisu miraculously appeared on the table it really was ‘no holds barred’ as the spoons got into action. The textures and flavours were memorable; it was a perfect way to wind up a great meal, in stimulating company.

Beverages: As can be expected, Bogali has a full bar, with a comprehensive range of drinks. We couldn’t resist the signature retro-style cocktail shaker, loaded with a potent mix of vodka, passion fruit and pineapple juice. Served ice cold in shot glasses, it was a great way to get an evening with friends under way. There is no shortage of soft options for non-imbibers as well.

Worth a mention: Rather than attracting one particular age group, Bogali has thoughtfully planned that each evening follows a ‘theme’ or specialty, encompassing different age groups  and tastes. Sunday is totally ‘Gallic’, offering Moules et Frites, baked camembert, and suitably nostalgic music for a mature set. Johnny Hallyday would feel right at home.

Tuesday focuses on fondues, both savory and sweet, and Thursday evenings see a packed hip-hop clique clubbing the night away to non-stop music spinning from top DJ’s. Fridays also bring more music, with a surprise DJ each weekend. Summer plans include opening up the terrace overlooking the Nile, to take advantage of the stunning setting.

Clientele mix: Urbane, trendy, couples and groups of friends. Perfect for a quick drink and early dinner straight from the office as well.

Price range: Quite reasonable, while in line with the standards.

Address:  Nile Maxim, Saray El Gezira – by Cairo Marriott Hotel in Zamalek.

Opening hours: 5 pm till 1.30 am.

Tel:  0100 663 5529 / 0110 0051 098

Reservations recommended.

Love in a Mug

Heartwarming Hot Chocolate

Recipe By: CRAVE

 

Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or not, here’s a mouthwatering hot chocolate recipe that will shoot straight to your heart! Nothing says, “I love you” like chocolate, so cozy up to a warm mug or two of this month’s special Valentine’s drink!

 

First and foremost, the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate is major. Hot cocoa is mama’s good old spoonful of cocoa powder in either a cold or warm cup of milk. Hot chocolate is significantly different. It is pure chocolate that is melted at home from scratch, with milk added to it to become a liquid heartwarming potion that will keep your soul smiling for the rest of the cold month.

Before you start worrying about calorie count, note this:

  1. Hot chocolate helps your body process nitric oxide, which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure; meaning, it is good for your heart!
  2. It was believed, from the 16th to 19th century, that chocolate helped treat fever and liver diseases along with stomach disorders.
  3. Cornell University conducted a study that proved that dark chocolate plays a role in reducing heart disease because of its high antioxidant levels.
  4. Chocolate has a national day! 31st of January is National Hot Chocolate Day.

 

This recipe makes four 3/4-cup servings

 

Ingredients
For the whipped cream:
1 cup heavy cream, chilled

For the hot chocolate:
2 cups whole milk*
50g (about 1/2 cup) milk powder
3g (about 1 teaspoon) cornstarch
150g (about 1 cup) 60% dark chocolate, in disks or coarsely chopped

*Note: This hot chocolate is very rich. If you like it slightly thinner, use 3 cups of milk.

 

Preparation:
For the whipped cream:
Pour the heavy cream into a medium mixing bowl and put it in the freezer for 5 minutes (If you don’t have room for the bowl, just put the heavy cream in the freezer.)

Take the mixing bowl of whipped cream out of the freezer and whisk with a large whisk until soft peaks form.

For the hot chocolate:
Bring milk to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Lower the heat to medium then add the chocolate, whisking vigorously until the chocolate is completely melted. Add the milk powder and cornstarch, still whisking, until everything is dissolved and the mixture is smooth and thick.

To serve, divide the hot chocolate among four mugs or glasses, and then garnish each with a large dollop of whipped cream.

 

 

2017 Gift Guide

7 GIFTS FOR HIM

Aeroccino by Nespresso

GoPro’s

Bracelet-Beads-M-COLLECTION

Prynt iPhone case

Bracelet Beads - ORO BEADS

Home + Wireless,Transmitter & Receiver

Cross - Khodeir

7 GIFTS FOR HER

Necklaces - M COLLECTION

Urban Rebel Collection - JUDE BENHALIM

Necklace - DINA MAGHAWRY

Bag -SAMI AMIN

Purse - PALMA

Necklace - MOUSHA’S JEWELRY

Ring - DINA MAGHAWRY

Necklace -TIFFANY

7FASHION TRENDS

Colorful Prints Chanel SS17

Jumpsuits Louis Vuitton AW16

Satin Dresses Alberta Ferretti AW16

Stripes Stella McCartney SS17

The 80s Shoulder Saint Laurent SS17

Crop Tops Etro SS17

White T-Shirt Under Evening Dress Wanda Nylon FW16

7 Beauty Trends 2017

Shimmer and Glitter lips Fendi

Lips & Boys collection Tom Ford

 

Polished back swept hair  Stella Mccartney

Embellished metallic nails Mei Kawajiri

Cobalt blue eye shadow Victoria Beckham

 

bright eye makeup Max Mara

 

Curly Wet Look Altuzarra

Stars Feb 2017

Romantic Stars – 2017

By Maeri Frances

We can never have too much love, and now that February has rolled around, it’s time to take a peek at romance prospects for the coming months of 2017. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Don’t forget, your rising sign plays a big role, so check that out as well if you know it.

February Birthdays: Ahmed Hossam, known as Mido (Footballer) – 23rd of February, Asser Yassin (Actor) 25th of February, Cristiano Ronaldo (Footballer) – 5th of February, Tom Hiddleston  (Actor) – 9th of February, Paris Hilton (Celebrity) – 17th of February, Emad Moteab (Footballer)  – 20th of February, Mahmoud Fathalla (Footballer) – 12th of February

Aries:

All that fire energy makes you ardent and adventurous, ready to fall in love at first sight. You can be fiercely loyal once you commit, but need a partner who can keep you interested. Sometimes you can be attracted to someone with a totally different type of personality, to balance your frenetic lifestyle.

Your Romantic Year Ahead:

With Uranus still sitting in your birth sign you could be feeling a tad restless. Keep romance alive by seeking out new activities you can enjoy together. Jupiter in your 7th house of partnerships is giving all the support you could wish for throughout most of the year.

Taurus: Taurus has good taste and an eye for quality, so if you have been chosen by one, take it as a compliment. But, be warned, sensual Taurus doesn’t like to share and so can be very possessive. Stability means a lot to this earth -ruled sign, and they can be creatures of habit. Just keep them warm, comfortable, well-clothed and well-fed, and they could be yours for life.

Your Romantic Year Ahead:

Singles should be ready for a great period ahead. Jupiter is currently boosting your working life, relationships with colleagues should be excellent, and your health robust. By the time Jupiter swings into your 7th house of partnerships later this year you should have your life nicely in order. Then you can enjoy a new closeness with a special someone.

Gemini:

Flirty Gemini loves variety, and singles are usually never short of admirers. The catch comes when commitment is looming, because Gemini has a low boredom threshold, and needs someone who can keep them on their toes. That someone should also be able to cope with a personality verging on bi-polar, with mood swings and personality changes that come out of the blue. Never a dull moment though, so it is worth it.

Your Romantic Year Ahead:

Saturn is bringing relationships that come with responsibilities of some sort. Long term relationships may enter a new phase, one with a more mature, enduring understanding. With Jupiter sailing through your fifth house of kids and all that stuff, you may even be adding to your family. Singles may be attracted to partnership possibilities with someone older, so why not give it a try?

Cancer:

Sensitive, emotional, caring, and also sometimes downright moody to the point of sulking, Cancer can be the most tender and affectionate partner around. Just take care not to hurt their feelings, they will crawl away into their shell and let you jump hoops to find out what you have done to offend them. Love for Cancer often involves creating a wonderful home, and making sure that great food is always on offer – top tip for single guys.

Your Romantic Year Ahead:

Pluto still urges you to seek truth in your closest relationships. Any partnership that is merely surviving by force of habit will be put to the test, again and again. Try to avoid power plays and manipulative ploys; there is more to be gained from transparent soul searching and meaningful conversations. Relationships can be transforming this year.

Leo:

Your average Leo is nothing if not passionate, loyal and big-hearted. Sometimes generous to a fault, they enjoy pampering the object of their affections. They do expect to be worshipped, idolized and revered in return for all that though. Particular about their own appearance and domestic scene, dignified Leo expects his or her mate to keep to the same standards. Social life appeals to this popular party-animal, so if you fall for a Leo, be prepared to join the throngs.

Your Romantic Year Ahead:

You are supported by Saturn and Uranus in fellow fire signs, and with Jupiter helping your communication skills in Libra, it could be a pivotal year for making a key decision or taking an existing relationship to a new level. For some it could even mean travelling abroad together, for others it could be setting a long-term plan in place for the whole family. In spite of the more serious tone there will be no shortage of good times, so make the most of the coming months.

Virgo:

Often labelled as cool, reserved and slightly prudish, earthy Virgo has a hidden side that can surprise anyone they choose to lavish their attentions on. A relationship must have a strong mental compatibility to work for long though, a casual flirtation will be treated as just that, and no more. Virgo has an innate need to be of help and service, team that up with a critical nature and a love of healthy eating, and any romantic prospect will have their own life coach/ nutritionist/ personal assistant available 24/7.

Your Romantic Year Ahead:

Although you are usually grounded and very down-to-earth, the presence of dreamy and rather flaky Neptune in Pisces, your sector of partnerships, can attract you to soulful types who have trouble keeping their act, and lives, together. Let them spin their tales of woe, or plan amazing but unrealistic plans for a fantastic future together, but keep a tight rein on the credit card while doing so.

Libra:

Libra is the sign that symbolizes partnership more than any other. Is that what drives Libra to keep searching for the ideal mate? Can Libra ever find that perfect one who meets all of their expectations? It never seems to be an easy task. Romantic, artistic and a stickler for protocol and good manners, the typical Libra would be a great catch for any single out there.

Your Romantic Year Ahead:

With Jupiter coursing his way through your birth sign this is the year to make good things happen in your life. Things may get a bit topsy-turvy at times, with wild-card Uranus throwing a few unexpected changes your way just when you thought a relationship was humming along. It is a year to forge new bonds, or to find freedom from those that shackle you.

Scorpio:

As in everything, you like to keep your cards well hidden when it comes to your love life. Friends may be astounded when you finally decide to announce a relationship, they may never have suspected. When you commit, it is with an intensity that few can match. You can be jealous, possessive and control freaks at times, but anyone who has been loved by you will say it is worth the agony!

Your Romantic Year Ahead:

Since dreamy Neptune entered water sign Pisces your approach to romance has taken on a new quality. This year sees you seeking someone who can appreciate your vision and inner musings, as well as being able to kick back and enjoy a good movie, or throw themselves into high energy water sports. When Jupiter enters your birth sign later in the year you may feel a new sense of freedom and optimism, maybe from a deeper understanding of yourself.

Sagittarius:

Free spirit that you are, you should give your heart to someone who shares your love of adventure in life. You can be a bit of a risk-taker, and not the most reliable person at times, but anyone who enjoys a bit of crazy fun should find you addictive.  There are moments when your philosophical side comes to the fore, then you can show surprising depths.

Your Romantic Year Ahead:

Expand your horizons by enjoying social life to the max. That means getting together with kindred spirits, people on your wavelength. Whether you are single, or in a committed relationship, you will enrich the enjoyment of every day by feeling connected and part of a group. Your new level of maturity will see others coming to you for romantic advice.

Capricorn:

Long-term strategist, Capricorn isn’t one to jump into relationships without careful consideration. When they do choose, it is with both their hearts and their minds. Practical and career minded; any mate should be willing to accept their workaholic attitude, and support their climb up the corporate ladder.

Your Romantic Year Ahead:

There may be a few situations to cope with this year. Pluto in your birth sign squares off against change-bringer Uranus, so you may be faced with changes in your domestic sphere. It’s up to you to maintain the right balance between love, family and career, don’t sacrifice the important things just to get ahead.

Aquarius:

It takes a very special kind of person to make an Aquarian happy, someone who can accept the quirky brand of individuality. In spite of their need to feel independent, Aquarians can be immensely loyal to those they love, so long as they are not lied to, or treated unfairly. Friendships are important, so any long-term commitment should always have that buddy factor as well as romance.

Your Romantic Year Ahead:

With the major planets generally in harmonious aspect to your birth sign there should be plenty of good times ahead. The unattached can look forward to meeting interesting people with different perspectives, and couples will benefit by finding new interests to share together. Travel could be especially enjoyable this year, so get your bags ready.

Pisces:

Possibly the most romantic of all signs, water babes are loving, emotional and kind. They need to choose wisely when giving their affections; those tender, trusting hearts are so easily broken. It’s important to feel secure in any relationship, and have their sensitive feelings appreciated. The dreamers of the world, Pisces can turn a romance into a near-mystical experience.

Your Romantic Year Ahead:

When part of your life isn’t going so well it tends to color your mood in general. Career issues have been a bit of a battle, and money supply is fluctuating as well. How can you be your most loving when the nasty realities of life start biting? By the end of the year you should see an improvement, so stay on track and have faith.

TV

The Good Fight

 

Season 1. Ep.1

19 February 2017

The series is a spin-off of The Good Wife which was created by Robert King and Michelle King.

A year after the finale of The Good Wife, an enormous financial scam destroys the reputation of young lawyer Maia and wipes out the savings of her mentor Diane Lockhart. The two are forced out of Lockhart, Decker, Gussman, Lee, Lyman, Gilbert-Lurie, Kagan, Tannebaum, & Associates and join Lucca Quinn at one of Chicago’s pre-eminent law firms.

Legion

Season 1. Ep.1

8 February 2017

David Haller is a haunted man with power beyond comprehension. Plagued by numerous split personalities, each commanding a different aspect of his power. David is trying to find his way back to sanity.

Reign

Season 4. Ep.1

10 February 2017

Queen Mary, unsure who to trust, tests her brother James to ensure his loyalty after hearing of his meeting with John Knox. Queen Elizabeth agrees to help Lord Darnley, in an attempt to sabotage the powerful suitor’s relationship with Mary.

The Walking Dead

Season 7. Ep.9

12 February 2017

Sheriff Deputy Rick and Jesus leads the group to the Kingdom, to convince King Ezekiel to help them and the Hilltop against the Saviors.

Big Little Lies

Season 1. Ep.1

19 February 2017

Tells the tale of three mothers of first graders, whose apparently perfect lives unravel to the point of murder.

Bates Motel

Season 5. Ep.1

20 February 2017

Centers on a mother and son who come to a new town so that they can start over and set up a new business, but a lot of mysterious incidents happen, including the unanswered and horrible acts of the son.

The Blacklist: Redemption

Season 1. Ep.1

23 February 2017

Covert operative Tom Keen joins forces with Susan “Scottie” Hargrave. Tom is introduced to the brilliant and cunning chief of a covert mercenary organization that solves problems that are too dangerous for the government.