5 El Gouna Must-Dos for This Spring

April 20, 2016

By Alyaa Sadek Gouna

You’ve probably done the walk by the marina and beach chilling every time you’ve been to Gouna. So how about going out of your way to try something completely different this spring break with these 5 fun activities.

Kite Surfing

Kite surfing is by far the closest thing to flying; this time of year is perfect for learning this type of surfing in a dynamic environment. Head to Mangroovy beach, embrace the sun, warm water and let go. After, you can sunbathe undisturbed along the beach in a quiet area, with a perfect view of the kiting beach.

Stand-up Paddling

If you’re looking for a more relaxed water activity, you can try stand-up paddling. Don’t worry, all you’ll need is a paddle and board; from any of the beaches. It’s a fun way to start cruising along the smooth waters of the lagoons, and explore the beauty of these shores.

Sliders Cable Park

Another great place to take on some of the unique water sports is at Sliders Cable Park. They make it possible to wakeboard and waterski without the need for parachutes or sails. The cables pull you along the water and give you the balance you need as a beginner.

Spa Treatments

After all these upbeat activities, you’ll need to have some time on your own to relax and ease your mind. Gouna has a world-class spa, that’s why a visit to a spa is highly recommended. Go ahead and treat yourself with an Angsana or Bamboo massage, you’ll definitely end up feeling refreshed.

Have the Best Burger in Egypt

If you go to Gouna, you can’t miss the best gourmet burger in town at Le Garage. They offer a wide range of mouthwatering, juicy burgers, as well as fish and veggie burgers. The burgers are made using high-end ingredients such as, intensive-aged cheddar cheese, cranberries, pineapple and Camembert, which makes this restaurant a great experience for a sinfully indulgent meal.

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12 Honeymoon Destinations for Each Month

April 20, 2016

By Alyaa Sadek

When it comes to choosing your honeymoon destination, picking a memorable place for the rest of your life could be a difficult decision. No matter what time of year your wedding is, there’s always a perfect honeymoon destination for you. We summed up the best month-by-month destination, so you can have the most memorable romantic time on your first vacation together as a married couple.

January: Sydney, Australia

During this time of year, it’s best to celebrate New Year’s Eve in a warmer location. Trading snow with sun might not be a very bad idea, so you could spend your honeymoon watching fireworks explode over the Harbour Bridge. Stay a while to attend the Sydney Festival concerts, entertaining events and plays that take place from January 8^th till the 26^th.

February: Negril, Jamaica

Escape the winter and fly to Jamaica for sunshine over the seven-mile beach at sandals Negril. Not only will you enjoy white-sand beaches on shallow bays with calm, clear waters, but you’ll also get to attend the annual Bob Marley birthday bash, which takes place at the first week of February. You can enjoy your nights at surfside clubs and restaurants where reggae and dancehall music are played.

March: Buenos Aries, Argentina

Argentina’s obsessions are romance, food, dance, and fashion. From the romantic atmosphere of dancing tango, to the legendary steaks and even the fashion week which takes place on the first week of March. Check in at Alvear Palace Hotel for the best experience as a couple.

April: Hawaii Islands

Spend your time at the isle, aka the big island, hosting the largest hula gathering, called the Merrie Monarch Festival. It will take place on the 5^th till the 11^th of April. Even if the only thing is to spend time on the beach sipping your mai-tais, Mauna Kea’s tropical beaches and rich culture makes it an ideal honeymoon destination.

May: St. Lucia

At St. Lucia you can spend your time together at a chic resort, savoring different foods and flavors, you can go dance at the disco by the beach, while enjoying the sublime weather, and sweet music. There is a St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival from April 30 to May 10.

June: Iceberg Alley, Newfoundland

At the beginning of summer, spend your honeymoon at the 29-room Fogo Island Inn, where all the furniture is handcrafted by one of the eponymous isle’s artists. During your stay at the hotel you will experience the 10,000-year-old icebergs drifting though the Canadian province’s coast.

July: Provence, France

Provence is irresistible during this time of year, because of the sunny weather and smell of the Mediterranean vegetation. It hosts Europe’s greatest ravine, the Gorges du Verdon. After, discover the ancient monuments, countless villages on hilltops, and amazing cities like Aix, Arles and Avignon, which are full of cultural splendors.

August: Vancouver, British Columbia

This seaside location has its reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with its nature, nightlife, and outstanding farm-to-table food section. You may pamper yourself at the mod Opus Hotel, where many celebrities like Justin Timberlake have spent their vacations. There will also be the Honda celebration of light event, a fireworks competition and music festival.

September: Santorini, Greece

Santorini in September is slightly quieter than in July and August, so is perfect for you to amble through harvested grapes in the vineyards, hike ancient ruins, and go for the International Music Festival. It’s also the perfect temperature for all sorts of water sports, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and water sports.

October: The Serengeti, Tanzania

By this month, the Great Migration of lions, elephants, wildebeests that travel back and forth across eastern Africa will have shifted south from the Mara to the Serengeti. This would be a great chance to see those beautiful creatures move in herds. After that, you can wind down at your own pace on a tropical beach for the flawless ending to your African honeymoon.

November: Marrakech, Morocco

This is the best time to visit Morocco; it's cool at night but sunny and pleasant during the day. You can visit the souks to buy a djellaba. Hear the call of the muezzin, have some Marrakech tea in the courtyard, and learn how to make an epic tajine. For your honeymoon finale, you can go through the Sahara for a camel ride across the beautiful dunes.

December: Lapland, Finland

For a room with the best view ever, spend your winter nights in a chic glass igloo 155 miles above the Arctic Circle. You can space out the northern lights via your see-through roof, do a reindeer or husky-driven sleigh ride through the snowy woods, or simply ski, ice fish, or sauna your days away.

6 Quick Weight Loss Tips for Your Beach Body

April 19, 2016

By Alyaa Sadek

Lying snug under our blankets, watching movies, with a cup of hot chocolate in one hand and a bowl of popcorn in the other. These are some of the reasons why we fall in love with winter’s coziness. But then, spring comes along; we start dreading trying to lose the weight that we’ve accumulated. So here are five ways to start getting your beach body ready for summer.

Eggs for Breakfast

Research has shown that having eggs for breakfast not only makes you eat fewer calories throughout the day, but also helps you lose a significant amount of body fat. They will also provide you with all the nutrients that you need for a good exercise

5 to 6 Meals a Day

It’s been confirmed that having five to six meals a day, helps in burning more calories than if they had been eaten over the course of three meals. So plan ahead, and distribute your calories wisely along the day. Eat what you crave every now and then, but with caution.

Resist Junk Food

Junk food is always tempting when rushing and wanting something quick and tasty, but definitely a set back to achieving the best body form. We crave what we eat, so if you start eating healthy, you’ll start craving good food. Silencing the mind is key, until your body can adopt the new healthy life style.

Fat Burning Intervals

Whether you want to get fit in a short period of time or to squeeze a workout during a busy day, high intensity interval training is the perfect workout for a tight schedule. It will not only help in burning calories, but it will shock your body into a hyper drive state. This means you will be burning more fat and calories for the next day rather than working out at a steady pace.

Healthy Fats

Fats are an important component of a complete healthy diet; although they take longer to break down in the stomach, they do control blood-sugar levels, keep the skin soft, deliver fat-soluble vitamins, and are an essential source of energy. They're good for cravings, but you will want to eat healthy fats such as nuts, avocados, olives, and salmon. These foods are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants.

Mix up Your Workout

Most of us do the same mistake of getting into a weight-loss phase, which means your body gets used to a certain workout and becomes inefficient to burning calories. That’s why the more we become persistent to loosing fat without changing our mindset, the more stubborn our body fat becomes. If you mix up your exercise routine, it will surely give you a quick boost to getting the perfect beach body.

4 Ways to Wear Boyfriend Jeans

April 19, 2016

By Alyaa Sadek

Boyfriend jeans are a rising trend in the fashion industry; and are a total must-have for this spring. If you are searching for something other than skinny or normal jeans, and you’re into fashion styles, look no further. A pair of boyfriend jeans will set you off for the long run, not only for their casual and unique look, but also for their comfy and easy-to-match styling. Here are 4 different ways to wear your boyfriend jeans.

1- Off-Duty Model Look

The vibe of looking like an off-duty model never gets old.

Try to get the desired look by matching your favorite boyfriend jeans with a comfy over sized T-shirt, and low-heeled sandal,

and finally hang a jacket over your shoulders to have the 'professional model' look.

2- Business Casual Look

A great way to have the casual-professional look is to balance your business appeal with the casual outing style. On that note, try to dress up a classic pair of boyfriend jeans with a colorful business blazer on top. It's okay to have this approach at the office, no one can say you are too casual if you’re wearing a super-sleek blazer.

3- Tomboy Look

Most of us know that boyfriend jeans are considered a masculine-inspired style. That’s why they are named after your loved one. So, let’s take this approach to a whole new level by pairing them with white sneakers, and a letterman sweater for a unique look.

4- Hippie Style Look

Live out the hippie lifestyle in flair. Today’s fashion lines offer an update on the popular 70’s cultural fad; they combine the best between old and gold. Consider wearing boyfriend jeans paired with an over-sized cardigan for the perfect hippie look.

5 Quick Meals for Every Occasion

April 19, 2016

By Alyaa Sadek

Most of us remember the film “Ratatouille”, about the rat that cooks in one of France’s top gourmet restaurants. And one of its quotes was:

" In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for chef Gusteau’s famous motto, “Anyone can cook.” But I realize only now do I truly understand what he meant. Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere."

This quote is straight to the point, you don’t need to dine in a fancy five star hotel or have your everyday whims catered to by a chef. Sometimes, the best work comes from within. Unfortunately, our hectic lifestyles have kept our inner chef and creativity largely at bay. Explore your options and try different creations. Here are five quick meals for different occasions.

1- Mozzarella, Walnut and Blue Cheese Bites (Approximately 10 Minutes)

Do you have friends coming over? Maybe a movie night? This meal makes for the perfect conversation finger food starter for such an occasion. Be sure to try it.

Ingredients:

1 shami bread per serving
Mozzarella cheese
Blue cheese
6 walnuts (roughly chopped)
Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions:

Place grill tray in the center of the oven, and then lightly toast the shami bread on one side.
On the untoasted side sprinkle shredded mozzarella, finely crumbled blue cheese and the chopped walnuts.
Place it under the grill and cook until the shami bread is lightly brown around the edges, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Halfway through grilling, a leaf or two of fresh basil can be torn and thrown on, for an extra bit of color and flavor. For the final touch, cut it into triangles and enjoy.

2- Quick Stir Fry Chicken Noodles (Approximately 15 Minutes)

Quality time with your loved ones never gets old. A great way to spend time together is to have a casual dinner while watching a movie or revisiting old family videos and albums. This meal would be a great option for a family night.

Ingredients:

2 finely sliced chicken breasts
1/2 packet Chinese egg noodles
3 large cups sliced broccoli
1 cup sliced spring onions
2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger root
2 teaspoons finely chopped red pepper
3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce (or soya sauce)
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1/2 cup of water

Instructions:

Prepare your chicken and sautéed vegetables in sesame oil in a deep-bottomed frying pan or wok.
Add ginger, spring onions and red pepper, then the broccoli with a little water when half ready.
Continue to fry, while stirring lightly a couple of times to ensure even cooking.
Add the teriyaki sauce and mix through just before you finish cooking. Turn off the heat. Don't overcook, as the vegetables should still be crunchy to bite into.
Drop the egg noodles into lightly salted boiling water. They cook al dente. Toss the drained noodles in with the vegetables and chicken and serve immediately.quickly, and drain when nearly

3- Cheesy Egg Tacos (Approximately 10 Minutes)

Egg Tacos make a quick and easy meal for breakfast. They are also healthy and a great energy source for a strong morning boost or a post-workout snack.

Ingredients:

2 white corn tortillas
2 table spoon tomato salsa
1 table spoon semi-skimmed mozzarella
2 eggs
½ table spoon olive oil

Instructions:

Prepare your pan by adding the white corn tortillas, salsa and the semi-skimmed mozzarella.
Then, microwave for 30 seconds until the mozzarella cheese is melted.
Lightly mist a skillet with olive oil spray and heat over high.
Add 2 beaten eggs to the pan and scramble, once cooked as desired, divide between tacos.

4- Shrimp Cocktail (Approximately 5 Minutes)

You don’t have to take your partner to a fancy restaurant; you can change the game by having a cozy meal, starting with a shrimp cocktail, topped with a special sauce by following these easy steps.

Ingredients:

1 lemon (halved)
1 onion (quartered)
10 whole black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 pounds large uncooked, (unpeeled) shrimp

Instructions:

Fill a large pot three-quarters full with water; squeeze juice from lemon halves into pot and add lemon halves.
Add onion, whole black pepper, bay leaf, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium; simmer for 5 minutes for flavors to blend.
Add shrimp; cook until just opaque in center, 2-3 minutes. Drain and transfer shrimp to a large bowl of ice water; let cool. Drain again. Peel; devein, leaving tails intact.
Arrange shrimp over a bed of ice. Serve with Thousand Island dressing and lemon-tarragon vinaigrette.

Thousand Island Dressing

Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup ketchup

1 pinch salt

1 pinch black pepper

Instructions

Mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, salt and pepper in a small bowl until thoroughly combined, and drizzle on top of your shrimp cocktail.

5- Zucchini Pasta

This easy-to -make quick meal is a must try for your taste buds. Zucchini Pasta is the perfect choice for something fresh and different.

Ingredients:

4 medium sized zucchini, finely diced.
3 large cups uncooked penne
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup cooking cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Start with dropping the penne in boiling salted water and cook until al dente.
While the penne is cooking, finely dice the washed zucchini and sauté in the olive oil until it is slightly soft.
Add cream, add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and reduce quickly.
Drain the penne well when ready, and toss in with the zucchini mix. Serve hot with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese.

What’s New April 2016

April 18, 2016

NOW OPEN @ The curve

Arrab Shoof

Give your eyes a treat at The Curve Promenade’s newest addition Arrab Shoof, featuring an art and home accessories collection that focuses on authentic Egyptian crafts.

Tel: 0122 272 2241

Cheristo

The Greek-themed famous Cheristo has arrived in Sheikh Zayed. Serving quality Greek style seafood since 1930, Cheristo offers a wide selection of salads, seafood pasta and cooked to order seafood.

Tel: 011 1111 5492

Jadara

Come explore Gadara where Eastern and Western cuisines meet. With every dish you select you experience the unique taste of a different cuisine and culture.

Tel: 011 2300 0889

NOW OPEN @ Legenda mall

Mazaya for Perfumes & Gifts Co.

Now open in El Sheikh Zayed at Legenda mall

Facebook: mazayastores

NOW OPEN @ Smart Village

Tech Hauz

We offer DIY expandable solutions for both inside and outside the home, tailored to automate and ease your daily challenges.

Partnering with worldwide class brands, we offer and guarantee the best quality with the latest secure technology ever known to this planet. At Tech Hauz we are committed to non-stop improvement and finding ways to serve our customers better.

Tel: 010 2000 4447

Website: www.techhauz.com

NOW OPEN @ Dandy Mega mall

Remember the old grocery stores? You would find the grocer standing there, serving the best cheese and cold cut sandwiches. We are here to revive this experience. We are “B2alet elSa3ada”

Shop number: F 11

Tel: 010 140 77778

Website: www.b2aletelsa3ada.com

NOW Online

My Joules is the realization of a dream to eat anything you like with no constraints and without any later regrets. My Joules offers a variety of menus, programs, and packages to make your life easier and healthier with delicious meals delivered to your doorstep every day.

Tel: 012 7839 3880

Facebook: myjoules

Website: www.myjoules.com

Fresh Food Market An Eating-Shopping Experience in Zayed

April 18, 2016

With the flagship branch already open in the 5^th Settlement, Fresh Food Market just inaugurated its second addition for fresh food in Sheikh Zayed, across from the Greens Compound. An enjoyable new food shopping experience that has become quite a hot spot among Zayed residents.

Mantra: The Destination for Everything Fresh

Opening Hours: 8 am – 12 am, delivery 9 am – 11 pm

Concept: Owned and operated by Al Mansour Holding, this market-style grocer’s offers an eat-in experience with several counters offering freshly made food. The supermarket section is stacked with imported products as well as the best of the local market.

The Shopping-Eating Experience: The sushi counter where freshly made sushi can be found on a daily basis, offers house originals like the Nigri Special made of shrimp and tobiko (red caviar). Pull up a stool at the sushi bar or make a take-away order, prepared while you peruse the spacious isles stacked with all kinds of imported and local goodies. Shoppers can also enjoy one of many coffee and smoothie selections at the café corner, and nibble on house-baked cupcakes or craquelins. The Lychee Power smoothie and Italian Caramel Latté come highly recommended by the barista.

If by that point the smell of freshly baked bread has infiltrated your senses, then hop over to the bakery where a spread of hot-out-of-the-oven breads lays before you. Try the house Gluten-Free bread, or if gluten is not an issue, then the Sundried Tomato bread, Zaatar bread or Olive bread are all must-tries! The bakery also offers a colorful array of their own macarons, as well as tarts, eclairs, and all kinds of mouthwatering gateaux. At the bakery you can also order freshly baked oven pizza, choose from Pizza Margherita, Four-Cheese, Chicken-Caesar, or Pepperoni, all come in a single size. Freshly baked bread also includes Vienna bread, as well as white and brown baguettes.

Once you’ve made your bread selection, head over to the Italian Deli counter and try some Eggplant Makdous or any of the fresh house salads to accompany your bread. The Italian Deli also offers house-cooked roast beef, roast turkey and roast chicken which you can ask to be made into a sandwich of your choice, or wrapped up to take home instead of factory-made cold-cuts. The green olive stuffed with Roquefort cheese are exquisite; you can sample any of their house salads before making your own or buying any of the ready-made ones. The Italian Deli also offers the juiciest roasted organic baby chickens, drenched in French butter and a mélange of delectable herbs.

The shopping experience is easy and inviting, with products neatly stacked and the floor-plan conducive to a slow and relaxed stroll. The sea-food counter offers fresh seafood from the Red Sea, the Mediterranean and well as from the Suez. For now fish is purchased raw, soon the sea-food counter offers various choices for marinating and in the future will offer cooking your selections as well for those big family brunches you can now plan with ease. Try the Nagel, a black-spotted red fish native to the Red Sea, cooked several different ways. The fish-mongers are there to give you tips on what to cook how. For a fancy dinner, go for the imported lobster and oyster.

The meat shop is manned by Butcher House, famous for their unconventional cuts like Ossobucco and T-bone steak. Their veal already has a tremendous following, with their highest sales coming from the Filetto cut. Meat cuts undergo a process called “Eejing” where the meat spends a week in a special refrigerator in temperatures between 0 and 2 degrees. This process drastically decrease the formation of bacteria, drains blood, as well as tenderizing the meat. Customers can choose from several marinating options, or buy the read-packed marinated meat selections. Ready-marinated chicken packs are also on hand, choose from pistachio, peanuts, herbs, or Greek marinating, and cook any way you like. The whole chicken is organic, so not only can do you feel good buying, but you feel good eating as well!

Once you’ve made your way through the rest of the supermarket, and lost a few battles against resisting some of the best imported and local products on offer, head over to the ice-cream counter and indulge yourself in one of the light and airy house ice-creams churned before your eyes! Personal recommendation: a scoop of the mixed berries with a scoop of the chocolate… heaven!!! Other flavors to choose from are mocha, yoghurt, strawberry and vanilla.

Coming Up: A branch in Palm Hills, Sheikh Zayed as well as one in San Stefano, Alexandria.

Fresh Food Market

5^th Settlement,

Point 90 Mall, New Cairo

Across AUC Gate 5

Delivery: 01206222215 – 01000340709

Sheikh Zayed,

Plaza 34 Building,

Across Greens Compound

Delivery: 0238517109 – 0238517110

Facebook: www.facebook.com/freshfoodmarketegypt/

Instagram: Freshfoodmarket

Twitter: Freshfoodmarket

4 of the Best Spring Break Spots

April 12, 2016

If you’re too busy to plan for a trip abroad this spring break, don’t feel bad, because Egypt has the most beautiful white sandy beaches alongside the stunning turquoise vista of our blue seas. So, here are some of the top locations in Egypt for this spring break.

By Alyaa Sadek

El Gouna

El Gouna is an ideal spring break destination, with its luxury yachts, palatial villas. This village-resort is a bit pricey, but if you are looking for a luxurious holiday with plenty of activities to keep your kids busy, it’s definitely worth it. Parents can enjoy the stunning marine life, sports, and outdoor activities, such as chilling by the sandy beaches, going for kite surfing or calming down with a massage at Gouna’s finest hotels.

Marsa Allam

A change from the hectic resorts and crowded beaches around Egypt, Marsa Alam is the perfect getaway to spend a peaceful and calm time with family and friends. It’s the perfect destination for people who seek something different; from spotting turtles, crocodile-fish, and octopuses to discovering the Emerald mines and exploring the ancient history of the Temple of Seti I at Khanais.

Dahab

You can get the best of both worlds at Dahab, located on one of Egypt’s most sacred locations, Sinai. Dahab is also considered to be one of the Sinai's most treasured diving destinations. It’s also a low-key spot where you can enjoy the simplicity of life and the beauty of nature. To spice things up, activities range from kite surfing to diving in the depths of the Blue Hole.

Ras Sedr

If you’re searching for some waves, kite surfing at Ras Sedr is perfect during this time of year because of its shallow waters and steady wind. La Hacienda beach resort is suitable for beginners since the wind carries the kite boarders towards the beach, not away from it. It’s also a great spot for tranquility and peace of mind. The area is famous for different species of migrating birds, perfect for bird watchers.

Izakaya Fusion Peruvian

April 5, 2016

Great Japanese Nikkei Cuisine in Sheikh Zayed Comes to Izakaya in Al Guezira Plaza.

Cairenes are now able to experience first-hand the much anticipated culinary hit that has been taking the world by storm. The dream team of brothers Tamer and Taymour Erian and fellow restaurateur Fabio Donato just launched Izakaya, to showcase Nikkei cuisine at its scintillating, gastronomic best.

Concept: The Japanese first began to immigrate to Peru in the late 19th century and the mouth-watering impact of their influence is Nikkei, the Japanese-Peruvian fusion food. The roots of this fusion lie in the significance both cultures give to fresh fish, as Japanese sushi and sashimi, buoyed by Peru’s thriving fishing industry, mix perfectly with the ceviche, a mainstay of Peruvian cuisine.

Type of Cuisine: By incorporating the Japanese passion for the freshest possible fish and raw vegetables in exquisitely presented morsels with the added punch of traditional Peruvian elements like the famed sweet potato, lime, corn and aji pepper, Izkaya delivers one taste sensation after another. Sashimi aficionados will be in their element, and even novices to the world of raw fish should be won over by the skillfully balanced flavors, and the knowledge that the fish slivers have been quickly seared in a lime marinade.

Décor: Neutral, natural, shades of cream and taupe with natural wood and black as an accent color. The overall effect is chic, relaxed and cosmopolitan, with a Japanese flavor being added by carefully selected artwork and table settings. The international vibe can be attributed to the touch of Greek interior designer Aphrodite. Background music playing is streamed directly from c-burn music consultancy in London, the ultimate source for the latest in sounds tailored to create a mood.

Ambiance: Relaxing, with discreet, courteous, professional service that seems to flow effortlessly. Everything seems in balance; the music, the arrival of each dish, the low buzz of conversation from other diners in this already popular restaurant.

Dishes Sampled: The nice touch of a small plate of complimentary amuse-bouche arrived at the table as we settled in; seared tuna with corn and chili whet our appetite for things to come. Then no question at all, we had to try the tiraditos, beautifully constructed mouthfuls of the freshest of fish and exotic ingredients. We shared platters of Maracuya tiraditos, delicate rolls of salmon and mango in a passion-fruit and coconut dressing, and Classico tiraditos, wafer thin slices of sea-bass, accented with passion-fruit and lightly cured in Leche de tigre, or tiger’s milk, a Peruvian citrus-based marinade. Flavors were fresh and fragrant, and were complemented by the cocktail created by bar maestro Achilles. The ginger, basil and elderflower base worked well with the food combination, and delivered a definite punch.

New plates arrived, this time Abura maki rolls, white fish and avocado with a distinctive abura dressing, along with Niku maki, beef tenderloin neatly wrapped around sweet potato, accompanied by yakiniku sauce. We opted for beef tenderloin again as a main dish, a great choice, as the Wafu tenderloin that came with an accompaniment of sesame puréed potato was as tender as we had ever come across, truly a melt-in-the-mouth experience. Once again, the presentation was a work of art; consistent with everything else we had tried.

There was absolutely no thought of tackling any of the several desserts, although they looked tempting, that can wait for one of many planned visits in the weeks to come.

Other dishes that appealed: To be honest, just about everything. The Parmesan maki, with prawn, scallop, avocado and scorched Parmesan sounds intriguing, as do the Maracuya prawns, skewer-grilled, served with a passion-fruit and peanut sauce. And that is just the tip of the iceberg!

Thumbs up: Menu items are labeled to indicate ingredients that people could be sensitive to or wish to avoid, be it nuts, seafood, dairy or alcohol. Vegan-friendly dishes are similarly marked.

Beverages: Although there is a fully stocked bar, in addition to great fresh juices; the perfect marriage with the food has to be one (or two) of Achilles’ cocktails. Ingredients would thrill any health addict – think along the lines of cucumber, wasabi, basil, ginger, nutmeg, passion-fruit, lime, elderflower and you have a hint of the alchemy involved. They come with either a spirit base or as a soft version, both equally memorable.

Address: Al Guezira Plaza, Sheikh Zayed

Clientele mix: The fashionable set, couples, groups of friends, and everyone who considers themselves a budding or serious gourmand.

Price range: Surprisingly moderate, given the overall quality.

Opening hours: 7 pm to 1 am daily. Last orders at 12.30 am.

Tel: 02 38513251

Facebook page: IzakayaCairo

Instagram: hashtag izakayacairo

Cocktail recipe – Izakaya Sour

Presented by Izakaya’s international bartender Achilles, the fresh citrus-y base of this simple cocktail makes it a perfect accompaniment for summer dishes. The addition of Peychaud’s Bitters, a gentian-based bitters comparable to Angostura bitters, but with a lighter body and sweeter taste, gives the drink a floral aroma. Peychaud’s Bitters were created around 1830 by Antoine Amédée Peychaud, a Creole apothecary from the French colony of Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) who settled in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1795.

Ingredients:

Juice of one large lemon

Dash of Peychaud’s Bitters

Small pinch of salt

Maraschino cherry for garnish

Method:

Shake ingredients and strain over ice cubes in an old-fashioned glass.

Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

(Optional – the original version calls for the addition of a shot of bourbon or whisky – it’s your choice).