eklego design

November 5, 2016

Occupying one of the most beautiful historic small villas in Zamalek, Marakez Office and Sales Center has been giving new life by Eklego Design. The weight and beauty of the original building has been preserved and restored and all additions have been treated like super imposed elements or installations within the classic core.

The dynamic new team has progressive ideas about the way their team should operate and is passionate about ensuring the same experience upon their prospective clients. In their new real estate development sales center guests are received in very hip lounges and interactive spaces. Through the inviting spaces, warm materials, and casual furniture, Marakez hopes to appeal to the client by selling them a lifestyle that is more in tune with their nature. As a continuation of the unique offices, the work areas are all open plan with alternative forms of seating and meeting areas.

Home Security Systems

November 5, 2016

Home Security Systems

More Advanced, More Accessible, More Options

Lifestyles change, and so do our living requirements. Inner city dwellers are now spreading out to the leafy green suburbs. More space, healthier environment, cleaner air – what’s not to love about moving to a new home? Especially if you have a summer pad as well, so you can enjoy the North Coast scene. More mobile lifestyles mean a greater need for home security: peace of mind should be top of your list.

Cairo West Magazine caught up with two leading suppliers of hi-tech security systems and equipment to see what is available, and how it can be installed.

We first spoke with Maged Abdel Wadood, CEO of IntelliTECH:

CWM: What are the latest innovations in systems for home and property security?

MA: Systems for home security have pretty much remained the same over the past decade or so, but with enhancements in quality, sensitivity, reliability and intelligence. The basic structure of a system is a number of detection devices connected to a central processing unit, which then triggers various types of alerts/alarms. With the pervasiveness of communications technology, these modern day systems communicate remotely with monitoring stations and are capable of being controlled and polled remotely for ease of use, safety and convenience.

Home security and property security systems are used for detection of intrusion or attempts at intrusion. Security systems can be single layered or multilayered depending on the “Threat Assessment” conducted by the security professional. Layering is the implementation of multiple levels of security in an installation so that the aggressor has to bypass multiple barriers prior to gaining egress into the location. As an example, in a home we could install perimeter beams to detected any movement across them triggering a preliminary alert and possibly switching on garden lights to scare away intruders, the second level could be a CCTV system to track and record video, a third and final layer would be the motion detectors inside the home, which would set off the alarm and dial out to the Central Monitoring Station and the Quick Response Security Team.

How can they be installed?

It is generally best to always hire a professional company to do the assessment and installation for you. Do-it-yourself systems work but are never as reliable or safe as a professionally designed and installed system. Installation of the actual components and programming of the system shouldn’t take more than a day’s work if all goes well.

How can we monitor our homes through CCTV or video connections when we are out of town?

With the modern day CCTV systems available in abundance everywhere you can monitor your home or place of business from anywhere in the world as long as you have an Internet connection. There are systems that will stream full HD video directly to your smart phone / tablet or PC. The installer will setup the software and configure it for you.

Capabilities such as selecting which camera to view and control of the camera features such as zoom in and out are built into this software. This technology lends itself to a plethora of utilizations such as viewing the kids at home with the nanny or checking that employees are doing what they’re supposed to be doing.

There is a wide range of pricing and it usually reflects the quality, reliability and transmission speed of the images.

Are wireless security systems available?

Wireless systems are available and are very useful in places where it is difficult to pull wire. In most cases in Egypt, however, a couple of wire runs will need to be made to install boosters to overcome the attenuation effects of the concrete walls.

The down side of wireless is that it requires changing of batteries in the detectors from time to time and limitations in range. Usually wired systems are more reliable and quicker to maintain.

Can systems be installed in existing properties without a need to break surfaces or damage existing construction?

Yes they can. This is where wireless security systems come into play. However to do wireless CCTV systems would be extremely costly as a video transmitter/receiver pair would be required for each camera and range concerns would come into play.

What systems are available for apartments, and which for villas?

The systems for both are identical in theory. The differences would be in the number and type of detectors and/or cameras used. It is always best to speak to a professional company with a good reputation to get a proper assessment of your needs.

Tech Hauz expert, Islam Nasr Addin also shared information on available products:

IN: The new technology to watch is IOT connected home security systems. This year has witnessed an unprecedented number of smart technologies showcased as the ‘Internet of things’ revolution gathers pace. And the security industry, whose presence in the residential market was hitherto focused around alarms, gates and locks, is at the forefront of the trend in smart technologies, building advanced video surveillance and biometric security capabilities into everyday objects.

In order to make things less complicated for customers, manufacturers are making sure to keep the setup steps simple by enabling purchasers to plug the smart hub to a router, download its mobile app and run a few steps to connect any new or existing sensors in the home.

What is new in garden lighting using solar powered systems that come on at sunset?

Smarter than ever! We now have smart color LED solar garden lights to add special lighting effects to home gardens. Known as RGB color LED garden lighting, with a mobile app it is possible change the lighting tone of your garden with the tap of one finger. They are purely driven by solar power and therefore they are just as green as your garden. With added intelligence and a built-in light sensor, it can detect the lighting conditions and automatically turn on or off accordingly.

How can we monitor our homes through CCTV or video connections when we are out of town?

Home Automation widened home security boundaries to the max, connected cameras/sensors/relays/devices have become so smart, you can build scenarios and actions based on triggers and conditions and get notified instantly with what’s happening via your mobile phone.

What about installing systems in existing properties without a need to break surfaces or damage existing construction?

Yes, most of new the sensors/relays are wireless and can be pasted on the walls or doors or any surface using a double sided tape.

What systems are available for apartments, and which for villas?

Home Automation Hubs are the same for both; the only difference is the amount of sensors/security devices. There are many wireless technology systems used in the world for security and automation, such as Z-Wave, Zigbee, Bluetooth, WiFi etc, they vary by the nature of the automation or security system you would like to use and how manufacturers build their own products. Some automation and security hubs support their own brand and frequency, other hubs support all wireless technologies, which is a plus point as it will support a wider range of IOT and security devices.

Contact Info:

http://www.2intellitech.com/
https://www.techhauz.com/

Mo Bistro

November 5, 2016

Authentic European Style in the Heart of Mohandessin which easily puts it on the map of the best restaurants in Mohandessin.

Mantra: “We’re all about the food”

There was a time when taking a quick jaunt to Europe if we craved traditional Gallic food was relatively simple. However, moving swiftly on… let’s celebrate the arrival of Mo Bistro to help us assuage those pangs of nostalgia. Transitioning from popular café to a full- fledged bistro, this stylish bijou eatery captures the mood and cuisine with the right élan.

Type of cuisine:

In the time-honoured tradition of any self-respecting neighbourhood bistro, the emphasis is on slow-cooked fare, using local seasonal produce. Embracing advances in technology, this is now done using a sous-vide method, supported by blast chillers to ensure ready availability of dishes as required. The comprehensive menu offers everything from starters, salads, soups, poultry, fish, meat, pizza and pastas, something to please all tastes. A word of caution, many dishes are rich and substantial, so come armed with a healthy appetite.

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Signature dishes:

Mo Abdel Hak, (the man behind Mo Bistro), stresses that equal love and care goes into everything they prepare, so all dishes bear their signature.

Dishes sampled

While we were settling in at our table a wooden bruschetta platter with freshly baked bread and two ceramic pots bearing herbed tomato and equally delicious eggplant miraculously appeared. Two artistically arranged bowls of salad came next, one starring beetroot, with arugula, goat cheese and avocado and a dressing that had us salivating for more. The other salad combined palm heart, bresaola, goat cheese and pear. Again, a fresh and innovative mix. That kept us happily entertained until our starters arrived. Our shrimp came stuffed with raisins and Gorgonzola, all wrapped in beef bacon, an intriguing combination. The other platter was Honey Slow Glazed Lamb Ribs, with the glaze unashamedly being mopped up with that crusty bread. Both starters went down in a flash.

A huge plate of homemade fettuccine with caramelized onion came alongside a creamy mushroom risotto. Both were delicious, and we will definitely try them again, but we needed to conserve our strength for what was to follow. Our main dishes were Slow Cooked Short Beef Ribs, with meat that simply fell off the bone. The side of creamed potatoes was just right as well.

The good thing about being in a group is that you get to taste a bit of everyone’s dish, so we descended upon the Wild Berry Glazed Duck with abandon. Tender, with a sweet yet piquant sauce, it was a winner. There was barely space for the Red Mullet, which came stuffed with shrimp and mushroom, resting on a bed of mashed green peas.

Other menu options that appealed:

The menu is lengthy, so we earmarked dishes to try on our next visit. The honey-glazed flank steak, served with teriyaki sauce is a ‘must try’, as is the oxtail with spicy frekah.

The dessert menu is still being finalised, so that will be something worth waiting for, based on our experience.

Décor and ambiance:

Design house Alchemy, headed by Karim Mekhtigan has morphed the previous café into a two-level space with an interesting fusion of traditional bistro elements with a contemporary twist. The entrance area is dominated by a massive marble bar, holding all you need to create a perfect coffee. The upper level has been created as both an eatery and shisha zone, with special air circulation to reduce any smoke, may we add. The main level is dedicated to food, from breakfast, through lunch, dinner and supper. Vintage-style tiled floors, demure café curtains on rods, heavy Carrara marble tables and black retro wooden chairs team up with a predominately grey palette and modern lighting to create a relaxed yet animated space.

Beverages available: All soft options, with plenty of fresh juices, frappés, coffee and tea. No alcohol is served.

Clientele mix:

In the short time it has been open it appears that Mo Bistro has attracted quite a few regular customers. We saw groups of friends, couples, with a range of ages. As it opens from early morning to the wee small hours, it is a perfect spot for a fortifying breakfast, business lunch or after work meet-up.

Take-away and home delivery:

Future plans include delivery of sandwiches, pizza and lighter items.

Price range: Moderate.

Address: 14 Midan Aswan, off Gameat El Dowal Al Arabia Street.

Opening hours: 9am to 1am, and 2am on weekends.

Tel: 0122 722 3366

Facebook page: Mo Bistro

Instagram: Mo_Bistro

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Carrot Soup

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter or extra-virgin coconut oil

1 onion, chopped

About 1 tablespoon red curry paste, or to taste

2 pounds carrots, peeled and chopped – 1/2-inch chunks
1 14-ounce can full-fat coconut milk
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, or to taste
1 1/2 cups / 360 ml of water, or to cover
1 lemon or lime

To serve (topping ideas): micro greens/cilantro, chopped, toasted almonds, chili oil

Preparation Method

Add butter and onion to a large soup pan over medium-high heat, stir until the onions are well coated. Stir in the curry paste, and then the carrots. Let it cook another minute or two, and then add coconut milk, salt, and water, adding more water to cover if needed. Leave to simmer until the carrots are tender, 10 – 15 minutes, and then puree using a blender or hand blender until the soup is completely smooth. Add more water if the consistency needs to be thinned out a bit, or depending on the consistency you like your soup to have. Make sure to squeeze lemon juice. Serve topped with whatever you have on hand – we like it with a little something crunchy (croutons or almonds), and a lot of something green (micro greens or cilantro).

Mezcal

November 5, 2016

Fusion Peruvian- Mexican Cuisine at The New President in Zamalek

Following close on the heels of their madly successful Nikkei restaurant Izakaya in Sheikh Zayed, food guru brothers Tamer and Taymour Erian have just rolled out another not-to-be-missed eatery, this time in the heart of Zamalek aiming to be one of the best restaurnats in Zamalek. Even better news, fans of Izakaya will find some of their favorite dishes included in the menu at Mezcal.

Concept: Just in case you were wondering, last year Peru was voted “The World’s Leading Culinary Destination” at the World Travel Awards. Over the passage of time, immigrants came to Peru, bringing with them diverse cuisines with a tantalizing range of flavors and textures. Spanish, indigenous, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, African, Creole and Amazonian cultural trends became the roots of Peruvian dishes that are gaining such popularity worldwide. Today, Peruvian cuisine has distinctive elements that can stand proudly alone, or merge equally well with other cuisines to form great fusion menus.

Type of Cuisine: Upscale authentic Latino cuisine in a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. Mezcal excels in delivering taste sensations in bite-sized portions, beautifully presented in shareable plates. Peruvian chef, Lan, has obviously coached his team well. Lime-seared salmon and fish are skillfully blended with exotic fruits like mango and pineapple, or accented with more piquant sauces and seasoning. Traditional Peruvian elements like the famed sweet potato, lime, corn and aji pepper bring total authenticity to every mouthful. The added twist comes in the range of Mexican specialties, again in easy to manage mouthfuls. Forget about your old Tex-Mex. This is the real thing, where the gastronomic legacy of Mexico can really shine.

Décor: The clue comes as you wind your way up the curving staircase, with perfectly preserved marble steps contrasting with the midnight hue of the walls and ceiling. Upon entering the bar and restaurant itself, the inky indigo interior of Mezcal sets the mood. Think jacquard embossed walls, retro art deco furniture, with a sense of ‘now’ through the use of lush velvet and luxurious leather. Lighting continues the art deco theme, and is subtle and discreet. Once again, Greek interior designer Aphrodite has worked her magic to get a stunning result. The space is shared by two distinct yet complementary areas, the well-stocked bar with high seating around handy tables, and the restaurant with more formal seating, lending itself to relaxed, but sophisticated dining.

Ambiance: There is a definite mystique, an aura of sultry entitlement. A place to charm and be charmed; where secrets are shared; where history could be made. The mood is enhanced by background music streamed directly from c-burn music consultancy in London, the go-to people for the right sounds.

Dishes Sampled: Comfortably ensconced at our table, we kicked off with signature spoons of sea bass and salmon ceviche. Flavors were fresh, tangy, fruity and complex, with high notes coming from the distinctive aji peppers, and Leche di tigre dressing. To follow up we nibbled on tiraditos, perfectly balanced mouthfuls of the freshest of fish and spices in combined textures. Plate after plate, we happily indulged to the max on quinoa salad, with punches of olive and fresh grapefruit, a trio of guacamole dips, served with fresh nachos. Then came tostadas of slow-braised beef, served on fried corn tortillas, and a variation with shrimp, chili-mayo, mango, and a palate-teasing garnish of dehydrated pickled ginger. Quite apart from the amazing range and subtlety of the favors, we reveled in the visual artistry of each dish as it arrived.

We couldn’t skip tacos, soft wheat tortillas stuffed with all sorts of delectable surprises. Salmon tartare teamed up superbly with guacamole and mango, and chicken with the Mexican answer to baladi salad hit the spot perfectly. Munching on beef and chicken empanadas with their crunchy sambousek-like casing, we wondered how we could have unashamedly worked our way through so many dishes. The trick it seems lies in the variety, and the steady flow of new offerings at just the right moment.

Dessert was a deceptively healthy-sounding quinoa and chia seed pudding, lethally laced with a massive shot of Baileys. The rich chocolate flavor was set off by a sharp raspberry coulis, dainty meringues and a scoop of ice cream. While we are sure that the booze-free option would be great as well, this was a dream combination for us.

Thumbs up: At a time when a slight edge of panic is setting-in regarding availability of foreign produce in the market, Mezcal actually uses 80% local ingredients to create its world-class dishes. Chef Lan is impressed by the quality of locally grown quinoa, and other items like legumes which are a shared staple in both Peruvian and Egyptian cuisines. The stylish interior was decorated and furnished by local craftsmen, creating both original and reproduction designs, and the crockery is proudly made in Egypt.

Beverages: There is a fully stocked bar, in addition to great fresh juice. Look out for signature cocktails, perfect to help whet an appetite for the amazing food.

Address: New President Hotel, 20 Taha Hussein Street, Zamalek

Clientele mix: The cognoscenti of the food world, and anyone who appreciates exceptional food and drink, served with panache in a great atmosphere.

Opening hours: 7 pm to 1 am daily. Last orders at 1.00 am.

Reservations: 0127 111 3764 and 0127 111 3765

Facebook and Instagram: MezcalCairo

Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

40g red quinoa, cooked

40g white quinoa, cooked

40g sweet corn kernels

40g asparagus

30g palm hearts

20ml extra virgin olive oil

40g cherry Tomatoes

40g Iceberg lettuce

6g pickled red onions

120g Kalamata olives

200g mayonnaise

50g aji amarillo chili paste

Lime

250ml grapefruit juice

125g sugar

Chives (for garnish)

Preparation:

Kalamata Mayo: Blend the mayonnaise, Kalamata olives and aji amarilo paste for 15 seconds until smooth. Refrigerate.

Grapefruit dressing: Blend the grapefruit juice and sugar until completely dissolved

Quinoa Salad: Cook the quinoa as per packaging instructions or until the preferred texture is reached (soft or with a slight bite). Hand mix quinoa with all remaining ingredients, and add dressing to taste and Kalamata mayo droplets to decorate the top of the salad. Garnish with roughly chopped chives.

Man Made Fire… and then Man Grilled

November 5, 2016

Outdoor BBQing brings out the primal in men; think of a Neanderthal bellowing, “Me man! Man make fire!” (The jury is still out on whether Neanderthals actually spoke English). What do fire, smoke and raw meat have to do with men remains a mystery. However, if you think that grilling is as easy as putting raw meat on a lit up Weber Grill, then you are in need of Grill 101. If you want to throw the best BBQ in your neighborhood, you will have to do a lot of prepping beforehand.

First off, you need to start with the kind of meat. Make sure that the meat is not more than 100 gm and not thicker than 2 cm.

Now comes the most important part that will place you on the grill-map: the marinade. Whether you grill a steak perfectly or not, the marinade will always sway the verdict. People will leave your place thinking you made the best steak only because of its flavor. In order to make the perfect marinade, mix lots of different spices and sauces.

Directions:

Place soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, basil, parsley, and pepper in a blender. Add hot pepper sauce and garlic, if desired. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds until thoroughly mixed. Pour your marinade on the meat and make sure you leave the meat soaked in it for not less than 8 hours.

According to your preference of doneness, leave the meat on the grill for a certain amount of time. If you like it rare, then leave it for a minute or two; for medium doneness, leave it for two to three minutes; for a well done piece, leave it for approximately four minutes.

Made to Measure

November 5, 2016

Nothing could be better than a shirt and suit that fit. Really fit, in all the right places. Life just got better…

BALTAGÀ

Specializing in custom-made bespoke shirts.

Fabrics are woven in Italy by Albini Group, the world leader in shirting fabrics, using the finest Egyptian cotton yarn.

Gentlemen, look your sartorial best with a made-to-measure suit from Hoxton House.

LO FASHION

It’s all in the cut, the choice of fabric – and of course, the way you wear it!

Make your personal statement stylish.

Men’s Trends

November 5, 2016

Mens grooming 8 Tips tweaked

November 5, 2016

We at Cairo West Magazine decided to put together a list of the 8 ways a man can take things up a notch in the world of grooming without looking too “done”.

Trim the nose hairs.

This is something very basic that makes a world of difference. Believe me when I tell you this is something that people do notice.

Clean the hair off your ears and neck.

This is something your barber can do for you monthly that gives the appearance of good grooming. The sight of long ear hairs, or neck hair going into the collar of your shirt, is never very attractive.

Keep your nails short and clean.

Dirty, long fingernails require no explanation as to why they don’t work. Why not try a monthly manicure/pedicure to have someone take care of this for you.

Have your clothes tailored to fit your body.

No matter what shape you are, the right fit makes everything look so much better.

Cleanse your face on a regular basis with a facial soap.

So many men use the same soap on their face that they use on their body. Most body soaps are too strong for the face. You must invest in a cleanser that is just for the face, as the facial skin is much more sensitive than the skin on the body.

Remember, less is more when it comes to fragrance.

It’s great to smell good, but everyone doesn’t have to smell it. Fragrance is such a personal preference, and you really must find the one that works best for you. Just remember not to bathe in it.

Match your belt to your shoes.

This is really simple and makes a world of difference. If you are wearing black shoes, you don’t wear a brown belt. This basic tip makes everything you wear look that much better.

Diwan’s Fall Reading List

November 5, 2016

Getting (More Of) What You Want: How The Secrets Of Economics & Psychology Can Help You Negotiate Anything In Business & Life

Margaret A. Neale & Thomas Z. Lys.

Most of us worry that we’re not very good negotiators – too quick to concede or too abrupt in our approach. But negotiation is present in almost every social interaction – we cannot avoid it. Neale and Lys present a practical new approach that will help you master this crucial everyday skill in every situation.

The Only Way To Stop Smoking – Allen Carr

Allen Carr will help you break addiction forever in this fully updated edition of The Only Way to Stop Smoking Permanently.

Otared – Mohammad Rabie

Mohammad Rabie’s Otared, or Mercury, begins with a murder so horrific that it shocks the reader to attention. Rabie’s third novel, shortlisted for the 2016 International Prize for Arabic Fiction, doesn’t return to that murder. Yet the deaths remain at the center of the mystery. We know who committed the nightmarish crime. What we don’t understand is what it means for Egypt.

Friendship: Day Planner 2017 – Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho has inspired millions with bestselling classics like The Alchemist and Aleph. Now, with this 2017 daily planner, the same wisdom that draws readers to his books can serve as a source of daily inspiration year round.

It Gets Worse: A Collection Of Essays – Shane Dawson

New York Times bestselling author Shane Dawson returns with another highly entertaining and uproariously funny essay collection, chronicling a mix of real life moments both extraordinary and mortifying, yet always full of heart.

The Buried Giant – Kazuo Ishiguro

The Buried Giant is a luminous meditation on the act of forgetting and the power of memory, an extraordinary tale of love, vengeance, and war.

Shoe Dog: A Memoir By The Creator Of Nike – Phil Knight

In this candid and riveting memoir, for the first time ever, Nike founder and board chairman Phil Knight shares the inside story of the company’s early days as an intrepid start-up and its evolution into one of the world’s most iconic, game-changing, and profitable brands.

Reflections Of A Man – Amari Soul

Reflections Of A Man is a book designed for both men and women to enhance the quality of their personal relationships. For the men, this book will not only encourage you to learn more about the emotional needs of a woman, but it will provide you with clear insight into what a woman truly needs from you, emotionally, to be happy.

The Art Of War – Sun Tzu

This classic Chinese text, the earliest known treatise on war, offers strategy and tactics that can be applied to every type of human conflict. Central to Sun Tzu’s philosophy is the concept of using deception and superior intelligence to minimize risk, which has made his book required reading at military, business, and law schools around the world.

It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want To Be – Paul Arden

It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be is a handbook of how to succeed in the world – a pocket ‘bible’ for the talented and timid to make the unthinkable thinkable and the impossible possible.