Andiamo in Heliopolis

Andiamo is one of the best places to serve pizza in Heliopolis with an authentic Italian accent.

Concept:  Pizza garden & bar

Type of cuisine:  Italian Pizzeria

Beverages:  A buzzing bar with house signature drinks

Signature dishes: Pizza Andiamo, made of smoked salmon, red caviar, finely chopped onions and capers on a base of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The pizza bar also offers a house specialty pizza – Merguez, which is French Moroccan lamb sausage, a real ingredient delicacy.

Menu overview: Andiamo’s menu offers three options of light salads; ruccola, mushroom and Caprese and a handful of appetizers; mix bruschetta, cheese platter, bar dips and house invention Roulades. It offers 17 types of pizza, including their dessert one.

Dishes sampled: We started with an assorted mix of Roulades – filled with pizza ingredients; blue cheese, mozzarella, pepperoni and mushroom. The appetizers were served warm, straight from the oven, with melt-in-your-mouth cheese in each bite. To make the most of our experience, we were served a combination of pizzas in one. The first pizza was a combination of their signature Andiamo, and house specialty Merguez.  Andiamo offers one size of pizza and all pizzas displayed in the menu have the same tomato sauce/mozzarella cheese base. Their pizza is the authentic Italian thin-crust, crispy dough that you will find in Rome. The Smoked salmon red caviar was a first timer. The red, thin, spicy harissa taste of the Merguez sausage adds a very special aroma to the pizza, making it a must try. Our second pizza was a combination of salami and spicy green chilli – Diavoletto, which was definitely the winner. And the other half a succulent Quattro Fromagio – parmesan, goat cheese, blue cheese and cheddar. Two of our pizzas Merguez and Quattro Fromaggio received a final touch of ruccola on the top and a duo of spiced truffle and olive oils are served on the side. A little reminder on the menu wall says that “All Pizzas contain Mozzarella except Nutella”. As our mission is not fully accomplished without trying the dessert we had to experiment with the Nutella option, which can come topped with marshmallows, strawberry or bananas. As true Nutella lovers, we opted for a simple, straightforward, Nutella only pizza. It was a heavenly end to our lovely afternoon. Andiamo’s positive impression left us spreading the word around and we look forward to going back soon.

Other menu options that appealed: Napolitana and Buffalo pizza are our next picks.

Décor: Andiamo is set up in a cozy and inviting garden, completely outdoors, sheltered with a canopy for the rainy days. The restaurant’s capacity is 40 people. You can sit on the bar or on any of 5 high tables spread along the green garden fence. The focal point is the bar counter, displaying a range of house-dried fruits nibbles, two side columns carrying the menus on their walls – birdcage lighting fixtures and vintage Mediterranean posters bring even more character and charm to the place. An authentic Italian oven is placed just at the corner where you can sit and watch your pizza in the making. Staff is friendly and service is efficient.

Clientele mix: Heliopolis crowd and pizza lovers.

Price range:   Expect to pay 3 digits for your pizza

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 1pm to 3am
Address:  66 Omar  Ibn  El Khattab Street – Heliopolis
Tel:   +01005509948   (weekend reservation is advised)
Facebook page:  Andiamo Pizza Garden Bar
Instagram: AndiamoCairo

Winners of the Sawiris Foundation Cultural Prize

The Sawiris Foundation for Social Development announced the winners of its eleventh session of the cultural prize awards. The names of the winners were announced in its annual ceremony at the Cairo Opera House. Each winner was awarded their prize on stage in the presence of the Minister of Culture.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the foundation Mr Mohamed Shaker as well as Dr Abul Ghar, Member of the Board gave a speech affirming the role of the foundation in supporting literature, creativity and freedom of expression. This year 476 literary projects applied for the award. The winners are as follows:

Best Novel:

Novelist Reda El Bahat for his book Saa Ramleya Taamal Bel Kahrobaa along with novelist Wahid Taweela for his book Bab El Leil.

Short Stories:

El Beit El Awalany by novelist Amal Radwan along with Hekayet Youssef Idris by Amr Aly El Adly.

 

Young Writers Awards:

Ahmed Abdellatif for his book Ketab El Nahat.

Khaled Ahmed for his book Share El Daery.

Other prizes were given to scriptwriters and critics. All of the above work was assessed by a committee consisting of the best senior writers, filmmakers, critics and drama professors in Egypt.

February Reading List is More Exciting than a Rise in Temperatures!

Better Than Before By Gretchen Rubin

Most of us have a habit we’d like to change, and there’s no shortage of expert advice. But as we all know from tough experience, no magic, one-size-fits-all solution exists. In Better Than Before, Gretchen Rubin answers the most perplexing questions about habits with her signature mix of rigorous research and engaging storytelling.

Atlantia By Ally Condie

For as long as she can remember, Rio has dreamt of the sand and sky above, of life beyond her underwater city of Atlantia. But in a single moment, all her plans for the future are thwarted when her twin sister, Bay, makes an unexpected decision, stranding Rio below. Alone, ripped away from the last person who knew Rio’s true self, and the powerful siren voice she has long hidden, she has nothing left to lose. Her life and her city depend on Rio to listen to the voices of the past and to speak long-hidden truths.

Rose Society By Marie Lu

Adelina Amouteru’s heart is set on revenge. Now known and feared as the White Wolf, she and her sister flee Kenettra to find other Young Elites in the hopes of building her own army. Her goal: to strike down the Inquisition Axis, the white-cloaked soldiers who nearly killed her. But Adelina is no heroine. Teren Santoro, leader of the Inquisition, wants her dead. And her former friends at the Dagger Society want to stop her thirst for vengeance. Adelina struggles to cling to the good within her. But how can someone be good, when her very existence depends on darkness?

Liars, Inc. By Paula Stokes

A dark and twisted psychological tale, which Kirkus Reviews called, “captivating to the very end” in a starred review, perfect for fans of I Hunt Killers and Gone Girl.

Max Cantrell has never been a big fan of the truth, so when the opportunity arises to sell forged permission slips and cover stories to his classmates, it sounds like a good way to make a little money. So with the help of his friend Preston and his girlfriend, Parvati, Max starts Liars, Inc. Suddenly everybody needs something, and the cash starts pouring in. Who knew lying could be so lucrative?

When Preston wants his own cover story to go visit a girl he met online, Max doesn’t think twice about it. But then Preston never comes home. And the evidence starts to pile up—terrifying clues that lead to Preston’s body.

Confidence Game By Maria Konnikova

“Think you can’t get conned? Think again. The New York Times bestselling author of Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes explains how to spot the con before they spot you.

A compelling investigation into the minds, motives, and methods of con artists, and the people who fall for their cons over and over again.While cheats and swindlers may be a dime a dozen, true conmen, the Bernie Madoffs, the Jim Bakkers, the Lance Armstrongs, are elegant, outsized personalities, artists of persuasion and exploiters of trust. How do they do it? Why are they successful? And what keeps us falling for it, over and over again? These are the questions that journalist and psychologist Maria Konnikova tackles in her mesmerizing new book.

 

Art Scene

for February 2016

Alkahila Art Gallery

Exhibition: Art Bazaar

Artist: Group

Address:15 El Batal Ahmed Abdel  Aziz St., Mohandessin

 

Details: Search for your favourite pieces among our small and medium size paintings and sculptures, by some of the best artists in town at reasonable prices.

Al Masar Gallery

Exhibition: ABSTRACT PRACTICES | from the 40’s until today

Artist: Group Exhibition

When: 24th January – 21st February

Address: 8, Champollion St.Downtown

 

Details: Al Masar Gallery for Contemporary Art is pleased to announce the opening of its first Exhibition in 2016, Abstract Practices, which sheds the light on the long path that the Egyptian Art Movement has taken in abstract art Art from the 40’s until today. Abstract Practices will showcase paintings, sculptures and silk screen graphic art, which  will provide viewers with a lively walk through the close cultural interpretations and visions of many eminent Egyptian artists practiced abstract art from the 40’s until today.

SAFARKHAN Gallery

Exhibition: Soul

Artist: Karim Abdel Malak

When: 15th February – 9th March, 2016

Address: 6, Brazil St., Zamalek

 

DETAILS: Safarkhan is happy to introduce to you the young talented artist Karim Abdel Malak in his first exhibition.Abdel Malak textured oils are a celebration of the female identity in every sense of the word. His beautiful faces and suave figures grace the canvases together embracing our Egyptian architectural monuments creating a powerful dialogue between women’s identity, her rights, her suffering and our heritage and what it holds in its historical meanings and the deteriorating state.

 

 

 

COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

Villa For Sale in Garrana Compound:

Built area 380 sq mt. One floor, 2 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, utility room, staff room. Generator. Land 1680  sq m. with swimming pool. Ready to move in.

Tel: 012 2246 9444

Land For Sale:

Opportunity for developers and real estate companies.

Prime location on Cairo Alex Desert Road near Oasis Hotel

Size: 4800 sq mt

Tel: 012 7246 9777

 

Tired of the old boring and unappealing uniforms, choose your own colors with our variety of styles.

‪Tel: 010 6524 4517

Facebook: Maids in style

Menna Shalaby

Fresh from the Dubai International Film Festival win, opens up about Nawara & the ideal romantic evening

By Shorouk Abbas

Egypt has every reason to feel proud of its recent stockpile of awards at the Dubai International Film Festival. A lot of credit must go to Menna Shalaby, for her moving and incredibly authentic portrayal of a house-maid in Nawara. Cairo East Magazine caught up with her to learn more about the role, her life, and what she has in the pipeline.

 

CEM: Tell us about when Nawara first came into your life?
MS: I accepted the role the minute I read the script. When Hala Khalil sent me the script, I started reading it and could not put it down until I finished it. I knew then that this was the perfect role for me. This always happens when the script is good. I know it the minute I finish reading it and it’s usually read in one shot. Although it was a bit scary as the whole story is told through my character. I felt the responsibility of delivering the message Hala wanted to convey.

What are your thoughts on your character’s personality, her strengths and weaknesses? What do you admire about her?
Nawara is a person who is content and has inner peace, no matter what the circumstances are.  She is a housemaid who could have chosen to take advantage of the house when the owners left. She chose to remain loyal and honest. She chose to be a giving person and help everybody around her, although she was in need of help herself. She always wore a smile showing everything is ok. I admire her loyalty and selflessness. She found her strength through helping others. She is a unique person, I felt there are many people around us just like her but we never notice them.

Can you talk about some of the challenges in filming? Are there any behind-the-scenes anecdotes you can share?
This role was physically tiring! Nawara is moving all the time. She is doing housework, laundry and errands until she falls asleep. She never sits down. It made me realize what a tough job our staff at home has. Another incident was when she was almost bitten by a dog. This was a tough scene too.

Any personal ambitions yet unattained? Directing? Producing? Writing?
I dream of directing documentaries. I am not ready for that yet, but this is on my list. I want to do a film about the crew working behind the scenes in the movie industry. They are a big factor in the success of any movie. We owe them a tribute. I would love to do a documentary about the history of belly dancing. It is a great art and unfortunately our culture has made it seem poor.
“I learned a lot of good things from Nawara. Multi-tasking is one of them.”

Are there any new projects you’re working on that you can talk about?
I am shooting a movie now called Al Wagh Al Hassan directed by Youssry Nasrallah. Actually, this one is also physically challenging. I had to be in the water in this freezing weather! I got to know how people actually die because of hypothermia.

Looking back on your journey so far, what have been the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned?
I learn a lot from each character.  As a matter of fact, Nawara taught me multi-tasking. One of the challenges I find is that I go through these phases in my life when I am not motivated at all. Because of Nawara, I am on a roll, knowing I can accomplish many tasks just like her. In general, I learnt that one should work even when you feel down. You should not stop functioning. Sometimes dealing with negative emotions gives you great insight. Fear is a poison. So is anger and self- criticism. Be stronger than your negative thoughts. Don’t give them power over you.

What advice do you live by?
Be yourself! Don’t do anything because of what other people expect of you. Do what inspires you. It’s your journey, so live it the way you want.

With Valentine’s coming up, what is your idea of a romantic evening?
Movie night and dinner. An ideal place would be in a rooftop restaurant in Rome.

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
Flowers. I just received some when I won the award in Dubai Film Festival

What is your beauty secret?
I like taking care of my skin. Every morning and evening I use a scrub, rose water, serum then moisturizer.

Favorite App?
Facebook! Although I feel it’s wasting my time and depleting my energy. I see a lot of negativity and conflict. Friends are arguing over their political opinions. It’s a pity.

What are your favorite book and movie? Or the most recent book you read and film you watched?
Book: Wahet El Ghoroub by Bahaa Taher
Movie: The Holiday starring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz and Jude Law

 

Chocolate Truffles

A Little Story About Those Delicious Delicacies & How To Make Them

It’s the season of chocolate, love and warmth and what could be better than making your own chocolate truffles at home? First, let’s take a trip down memory lane to look at where chocolate truffles originated and why they’re called truffles in the first place.

History

The word ‘truffle’ is Latin for lump/swelling. It was originally used to describe the savory, delicious, and expensive food item used in cooking. Later the term came to describe the dessert for its’ similarity in shape; hence the chocolate ‘truffle’.

In 1920 France, an apprentice of culinary giant Auguste Escoffier was attempting to make pastry cream, and accidentally poured hot cream into a bowl of chocolate chunks rather than the bowl of sugared egg, he was aiming for. As the chocolate and cream mixture hardened, he found he could work the chocolate paste with his hands to form a bumpy ball. He rolled it into cocoa powder, and found that it is very similar in shape and color to the luxurious truffles from the French and Italian regions.

As the concept developed, different truffle textures were created by rolling the center chocolate ganache/balls in powdered sugar or finely chopped nuts, and ganache was flavored with champagne and liqueurs.

Truffles Vs Non Truffles

As time passed, the term ‘truffles’ was applied to everything that is round, chocolate centered and covered. But there is a difference between both, that is to be noted.

A truffle applies to balls of chocolate ganache, coated in a classic-style, or covered in chocolate. Modern truffles can be coated in peppercorns, sweet curry and paprika. But they still have a commonality: balls, squares or other shapes, filled with ganache.

Non Truffle

Anything else, including fruit creams centers, whipped cream-filled chocolates, and any filled chocolate that isn’t filled with ganache.

Homemade Chocolate Truffles

170 grams semisweet baking chocolate, chopped

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

¼ cup whipping (heavy) cream

1 tablespoon shortening

1 cup semisweet or milk chocolate chips or white baking chips

Finely chopped nuts or candy decorations (optional)

  • Cover cookie tray with aluminum foil. Melt baking chocolate in saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly; remove from heat.
  • Stir in butter until melted; stir in whipping cream. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently, just until thick enough to hold a shape.
  • Drop mixture by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet. Shape into balls. (If mixture is too sticky, refrigerate until firm enough to shape.) Freeze 30 minutes.
  • Heat shortening and chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth; remove from heat.
  • Dip truffles, one at a time, into chocolate. Place on aluminum foil-covered cookie sheet. Immediately sprinkle some of the truffles with finely chopped nuts or decorating candies.
  • Refrigerate truffles about 10 minutes or until coating is set.
  • Drizzle some of the truffles with mixture of 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon milk. Refrigerate just until set. Serve at room temperature. Store in airtight container.

Your February STARS

By Maeri Frances

Let’s celebrate love; after all, it is Valentine’s Day. Whether you are a die-hard romantic, an elusive solo traveller, or happily ensconced in marital bliss, love has to be part of your life, it gives purpose to your very being. How will this month play out for you?

 

 

Our Birthday Sign

Aquarius

21 January –19 February

Reputed at times to be cool, aloof and a little too independent. It’s true, you can be all of these, but those who know you will attest to your warm heart and genuine friendship. Venus will be transiting your solar 12th house during the first half of the month, meaning that while romance may certainly be on your agenda, you will not be going around wearing your heart on your sleeve. The action is all discreetly behind the scenes until after the 17th. Key dates for making the most of precious moments with someone special are the 10th, and the 14th.

Aries

21 March –20 April

Aries doesn’t waste time getting down to business, in love or war. You are not shy when it comes to either, and this month is no exception. In fact, you often have trouble keeping the two apart. However, this February sees your mind strongly on career progress, and joint finances rather than the sentimental side of life. Days that promise some romance are the 7th, when a lover’s tiff could end up in an affectionate reconciliation, and the 10th, when Venus and Jupiter align rather nicely. Valentine’s Day itself looks better for a night out with a loved one and a bunch of friends.

Taurus

21 April –21 May

Venus-ruled Taurus just laps up everything that Valentine’s Day stands for, so we hope you are showered in chocolates, roses and just enough shiny baubles to keep you happy. Venus cruises through Capricorn in the first half of the month, not its most comfortable placement, but luckily it harmonizes with your practical nature. Unattached Taureans may find romance while travelling, or receive interest from someone outside of their usual milieu. The exotic will appeal more than the homegrown variety. Best days look to be the 6th, 7th and 10th.

Gemini

 22 May –21 June

There may be too much water and earth activity with the planets this month for airy Gemini to feel comfortable. That is at least until around mid-month, when Mercury and Venus enter your fellow air sign Aquarius. If you have an Aquarian in your life seize the opportunity to share ideas, shoot the breeze, have light-hearted fun and escape the more materialistic and emotionally torrid side of the traditional month for love. Stellar days for you should be from the 14th to 17th.

Cancer

22 June –22 July

Security and expressions of affection mean a lot to emotional and tradition-loving Cancer. Heaven help any spouse or suitor that does not pay due respect on Valentine’s Day, it will not be forgotten easily. Luckily the planets are giving you support, Venus spends time in your house of relationships: in good aspect with Mars in your house of romance as Valentine’s Day draws near. Make the most of good aspects around the 6th and 10th, and the 14th when energy and emotions run high.

Leo

23 July –22 August

Ah, Leo. With the biggest heart you can find. If you are someone’s Valentine they must surely feel the luckiest person in the world. February starts with enough action on the work front to keep you bogged down with routine matters, unless of course single lions and lionesses are warming up to an office flirtation. Love is definitely in the air during the second half of the month. Marriages should benefit from tenderness and improved communication. Singles should be on the lookout for air signs, Aquarius and Gemini, to keep them on their toes.

Virgo

23 August –23 September

Jupiter’s presence in your birth sign may have been easing you into a state of complacency; things really have been opening up for you these days. Now that planets are firing up your areas of communication, sports, recreation and amour, you have no excuse not to kick up your heels and join in the general mood. Plan a short trip, or at least a date somewhere interesting with a person who appreciates your love of nature and culture. Most compatible signs for you this month are Scorpio and Capricorn, and days that shine are the 6th and the 10th.

 

Libra

24 September – 23 October

Family and home matters still take up a lot of time and attention during the first half of February, possible with some renovations or new decor. It may see your hard earned cash being stretched to the limit, so budget carefully. After that you can catch up on parties, hobbies, fun with your kids, or simply set your own inner-child free. Partnership issues may still feel a bit like a rollercoaster at times, days to tread carefully are the 1st and the 7th. Your best days could be around the 10th of the month.

Scorpio

22 December –20 January

Energy levels are still likely to be good for you, so long as you don’t try to overdo things. Watch out for fevers, especially flu-related around the 7th and 8th. In spite of that you look set for a great Valentine’s month. Communication will play a vital role in this, so be open about expressing your feelings. Your most romantic out-on-the-town days are around the 10th and 11th, after that it seems that you will be happier to spend time at home.

Sagittarius

23 November –21 December

A lot of your plans depend on having ready cash, so finances could preoccupy you to some extent these days. Be prepared for changes to plans, unexpected news, and chance meetings this February. The 6th of February has helpful aspects, so could be good for any important meetings and negotiations. Mars lurking in your 12th house might indicate a need to attend to a health issue, as well as someone stirring things up behind the scenes. Be on guard!

Capricorn

22 December –20 January

It’s your month to sparkle. Venus and Mercury in your birth sign in the first two weeks will give you an unmistakable charisma, as well as the gift of the gab. This will probably be followed up by an improvement in income, so seize the moment and don’t let opportunities go to waste. The first ten days of February are great for putting plans into action, try to get Virgos and Scorpios on your side, they could be very supportive.

 

Pisces

20 February –20 March

You are blessed with some wonderful friends, and this Valentine’s month will let you appreciate them to the full. Your social calendar should be heavily booked, and you need to be fit and healthy to keep up with the pace. A lot of your dreams seem to becoming reality these days, largely through the goodwill of people close to you. Days to make the most of include the 6th, 10th and 14th, after that you may be looking for some peace and quiet!

 

What Women Like in a Man What Men Like in a Woman

The Girls Say:

  1. Affection – A good old-fashioned cuddle, a kiss goodbye in the morning, and another when he gets home.
  2. Little gestures that show that he cares – Like popping a bar of your favorite chocolate into your bag for you to find when you get to the office.
  3. Unexpected compliments – Noticing a new hairstyle, or the hard-earned loss of a kilo or two.
  4. Helping out around the house – Who says real men don’t wash up after a meal? It’s acts like this that cement a relationship.
  5. Chivalry – Yes, even grown up modern ladies love small gestures like having the door opened for them, and someone to help them put on their coat.
  6. Appreciation – A little ‘Thank you’ goes a long way. Even if you are happy to shoulder most of the domestic workload, it’s great when someone notices.
  7. Honest criticism – When delivered with love it means that he just wants you to become the very best version of yourself.
  8. Be my hero – OK, so ladies can cut a mean deal in business and drive like a pro, but we still need to feel cherished and protected. Nothing beats being taken care of by a man who steps in and does what is needed when it is needed. When he takes care of you, and allows you to be a woman in his presence.

The Guys Say:

  1. Unconditional support – We do our best, we want to be the best guy in the world for our lady. Be there, cheering us on, even if we fall flat on our faces occasionally.
  2. Be truthful – Relationships are built on trust. Nothing is so scary that it can’t be worked through… together.
  3. Be real – Sure, we love it when you dress up and knock our socks off. But true beauty shines through when you go natural, and kick back.
  4. Remember to communicate – Not just yada yada yada. Say what you mean, share your thoughts, your ideas, your fears and triumphs.
  5. Be emotionally mature – Sulking and tantrums are for kids. And we are grown up now. Differences can be worked out and make us stronger.
  6. Affection – Simple gestures, a peck on the cheek, a caress or hug. Best of all when we aren’t expecting it.
  7. Confidence – Nothing makes a woman shine more than believing in herself.
  8. Independence – You know we are there to be your rock and protector if things get tough. But we really get a buzz out of watching the lady we love carve out her niche in the world.
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