#zamalek residents

[tour-guide-in-egypt]

Unique Experiences on Cairo Day Tours

Cairo, the vibrant heart of Egypt, offers a treasure trove of experiences for travelers eager to explore its rich tapestry of history, culture, and modernity. From the grandeur of ancient pyramids to the bustling streets of the modern city, Cairo day tours promise a captivating blend of old and new. This article delves into unique experiences that cater to different types of travelers, whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culinary adventurer, an art lover, or traveling with family. Each curated experience is designed to make your visit unforgettable, showcasing why Cairo remains a top destination for those exploring Egypt.

Exploring the Old Kingdom: A Must-Do for Egypt Day Tours

A Cairo day tour is incomplete without a journey into the Old Kingdom of Egypt. The Giza Pyramid Complex, with its iconic Sphinx and the majestic pyramids, stands as a testament to Egypt’s ancient architectural prowess and cultural depth. Beyond Giza, Saqqara and Dahshur offer a quieter, more introspective look at pyramid evolution, where the Step Pyramid of Djoser and the Bent Pyramid provide insight into the architectural experiments that shaped ancient Egyptian civilization. These sites not only reflect historical and engineering marvels but also offer a palpable sense of history that connects visitors to the past rulers and their eternal quest for immortality.

The Hidden Corners of Cairo: Unique Stops in Private Day Tours Egypt

Private day tours in Cairo allow for a deeper exploration of the city’s lesser-known gems. The Coptic Quarter, with its winding alleys and historic churches, tells the story of a different Cairo, dating back to the early days of Christianity. The Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum are highlights, offering unique insights and artifacts. Another hidden gem is the City of the Dead, a vast Islamic necropolis that functions as both a cemetery and a residential area. Here, guided tours can uncover beautifully detailed mausoleums and the daily lives of people residing among centuries-old tombs, providing a truly unique perspective of Cairo.

Culinary Delights: Gastronomic Adventures on Cairo Day Tours

Cairo’s culinary scene is a vibrant mix of flavors that tells the story of Egypt’s complex history. A culinary tour can start in the bustling lanes of Khan El Khalili, where traditional coffee shops and shisha bars offer a taste of local life. Sampling street food like koshari, a mix of pasta, rice, lentils, and fried onions, or savory snacks such as falafel and shawarma, introduces the basic staples of the Egyptian diet. For the more adventurous, upscale dining experiences that fuse modern cooking techniques with traditional flavors can be found in Zamalek and Downtown Cairo, showcasing how the city’s food scene is as dynamic as its history.

Art and Culture in the Capital: Diverse Attractions in Egypt Private Tours

Cairo is not just about ancient Egypt; the city’s vibrant contemporary art scene is an essential part of any cultural tour. The Townhouse Gallery and Darb 1718 feature works by modern Egyptian and international artists, providing insight into the current socio-political landscape through visual arts. Private tours can also include visits to the Cairo Opera House or a traditional music and dance performance at the Makan Egyptian Center for Culture and Arts. These experiences offer a deeper understanding of Egypt’s rich artistic heritage and its thriving modern cultural expressions.

Family Adventures in Cairo: Engaging Activities for Egypt Family Tours

For families traveling with children, Cairo offers exciting and educational experiences that engage young minds and provide fun for the whole family. The Pharaonic Village offers a hands-on historical experience where families can learn about ancient Egyptian life through interactive exhibits and live demonstrations. The Cairo Zoo and the Aquarium Grotto Garden provide a more relaxed atmosphere where kids can learn about local and exotic wildlife. Additionally, many family tours include felucca rides on the Nile, which can be a delightful way for the whole family to see the city from a different perspective.

Cairo offers an array of experiences that can satisfy every type of traveler. From its historical pathways that take you back in time to its culinary delights that excite your taste buds, from its hidden corners that reveal lesser-known stories to its vibrant art scene that pulses with contemporary life, Cairo is a city that never ceases to amaze. The experiences highlighted here provide just a glimpse of what Cairo has to offer.

Ready to explore the wonders of Cairo with experiences tailored just for you? Book your daily tours in Egypt with Love Egypt Tours agency today and discover the rich tapestry of Cairo’s cultural, historical, and culinary delights. Whether you are looking for a private, personalized tour or an engaging family adventure, Love Egypt Tours offers the expertise and local knowledge to make your trip unforgettable. Don’t wait, book now and take the first step on an incredible journey through Cairo!

[egyptplanners]

Where to Stay in Cairo: A Comprehensive Guide

Cairo, the vibrant capital of Egypt, is a city that seamlessly blends history and modernity. Whether you're a history enthusiast exploring the pyramids or a foodie savoring the local cuisine, Cairo has something for everyone. But before you embark on your journey, the crucial question arises: What're the best hotels to stay in Cairo? In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top neighborhoods and accommodations, ensuring you have an unforgettable stay in this magnificent city.

Where to Stay in Cairo

Zamalek: A Riverside Retreat

Nestled on Gezira Island in the Nile River, Zamalek is a leafy oasis in the heart of Cairo. The district boasts upscale hotels like the Marriott Cairo Hotel, offering stunning Nile views and easy access to downtown attractions. With its tree-lined streets and eclectic dining scene, Zamalek is perfect for those seeking a tranquil yet central location.

Downtown Cairo: The Urban Hub

Downtown Cairo, also known as Midan Tahrir, is the bustling heart of the city. Here, you'll find iconic landmarks like Tahrir Square and the Egyptian Museum. Accommodation options range from boutique hotels to budget-friendly hostels, making it an ideal choice for travelers of all budgets.

Giza: Pyramids at Your Doorstep

If witnessing the majesty of the Pyramids of Giza is a top priority, consider staying in Giza. The Mena House Hotel, located just steps from the pyramids, offers a luxurious experience with a historic touch. Wake up to the sight of these ancient wonders and explore them before the crowds arrive.

Maadi: Suburban Serenity

For a more residential vibe, Maadi is an excellent choice. Situated along the Nile's eastern bank, this leafy suburb provides a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. Hotels and apartments in Maadi offer a tranquil escape while keeping you close to attractions like the Cairo Opera House.

Heliopolis: Modern Comfort

Heliopolis, known for its wide boulevards and green spaces, is a modern district offering a range of accommodations. Stay at the Baron Hotel, an elegant establishment with a rich history. Heliopolis is also home to high-end shopping malls and international dining options.

Garden City: Old World Charm

Nestled on the banks of the Nile, Garden City exudes old-world charm. It's a district that showcases Cairo's colonial history and elegant architecture. Consider booking a stay at the Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah for a taste of luxury in a historic setting.

Islamic Cairo: Immersed in History

Immerse yourself in Cairo's rich history by staying in Islamic Cairo. Explore narrow alleyways, historic mosques, and vibrant bazaars. The Moudira Hotel offers an authentic experience, and you'll be within walking distance of attractions like the Khan El Khalili market.

Mohandiseen: Shopping and Dining

Mohandiseen is a lively district known for its shopping opportunities and culinary delights. Stay at the Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences and explore nearby shopping streets. This area is perfect for those who want to experience Cairo's contemporary lifestyle.

Dokki: Budget-Friendly Options

Traveling on a budget? Dokki has a variety of wallet-friendly accommodations. The Happy City Hotel offers comfort without breaking the bank. Plus, you'll have easy access to public transportation for exploring the city.

Agouza: A Mix of Old and New

Agouza, located along the Nile, offers a mix of modern and traditional Cairo. The Grand Nile Tower Hotel provides stunning river views and proximity to both historic sites and contemporary attractions.

Choosing where to stay in Cairo can greatly influence your overall travel experience. Each neighborhood offers a unique perspective on this fascinating city, whether it's the historic charm of Garden City or the modern comforts of Heliopolis. With this guide, you're now well-equipped to make an informed decision and embark on a memorable journey through Cairo. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the wonders of this ancient metropolis.

[ir-egipto-travel]

At the entrance of the Cairo tower, the National Tree of India salutes you, the tree celebrated by the Indian Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. It is one of the oldest banyan trees in Cairo, planted in 1868 - the same year poet Laureate Ahmed Shawqi was born. The Indian banyan with its poetic, propagating, dangling aerial roots is reminiscent of Ahmed Shawki's poetry. In this tour we seek to find trees that mirror the nature of the residents of Zamalek. Shakespeare was right: our life finds tongues in trees. I dare say that a man is known by the trees he keeps. #iregipto #egyptpassion #discoveregypt #thisisegypt #CAIRO (at Cairo, Egypt) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-iY3J2HX9Q/?igshid=17szhpb0a6gru

[checkoutafrica]

Cairo is Fighting to Preserve Heritage Buildings

Cairo is fighting to preserve its old European-style buildings, statues and avenues, as governmental authorities look to build a new face for the desert capital.

While residents are fighting to preserve the cities global heritage in districts such as the one commonly known as Khedivial Cario. They are also expressing their concern and disappointment in the Egyptian government’s unwillingness to preserve this important part of the nation’s history. Kheddivial Cario is named after an Ottoman ruler named Khedive Ismail Pasha, who governed Egypt in the mid 19th century, and was inspired to transform the capital into a modern metropolis after a trip to Paris.

While others remain optimistic, residents and historians such as Ahmed El Bindari living in the district fear the heritage of the capital will be stripped away in the name of the development by the current government, stating that ” The main reason for the preservation of old buildings in areas such as Garden City and Zamalek is the presence of embassies there. If these embassies were transferred to the new administrative capital, what will be the fate of those buildings.”

Would do you think, do historic cities need to be developed, or should they just be left alone? Let us know below:

The post Cairo is Fighting to Preserve Heritage Buildings appeared first on CheckoutAfrica.

from WordPress http://www.checkoutafrica.com/cairo-fighting-preserve-heritage-buildings/

[sounmashnews]

[ad_1] The USD 675 million stadium that Qatar will use for this 12 months's World Cup closing was put by way of its first sellout take a look at Friday with a match between the Egyptian and Saudi champions. Seventy-two days from the beginning of the match, organisers mentioned the 80,000 capability Lusail Iconic Stadium was full for the pre-match live performance by Egyptian celebrity Amr Diab and the sport by which Al Hilal beat Egyptians Zamalek on penalties after a 1-1 draw.Lusail was the final stadium to be formally inaugurated and Hassan Al-Thawadi, head of the Qatari organising committee, mentioned it was "an emotional moment"."It is the culmination of a 13-year journey," he advised beIN Sports.The stadium, formed like a conventional Arabic bowl, is on the coronary heart of a brand new metropolis being constructed north of the tiny Gulf state's capital. It will host 10 World Cup matches, together with the December 18 closing.No extra video games are deliberate earlier than the match begins on November 20 nevertheless.The recreation was a take a look at run for safety, the border immigration system and the multi-billion greenback driverless practice metro that may take the pressure, ferrying a couple of million followers round Doha throughout the World Cup.To take stress off the principle worldwide airport, Qatar this week reopened an outdated airport that had been stored to be used by the ruling household and different VIPs.Hundreds of Saudi and Egyptian followers crossed the Abu Samra frontier in buses, after leaving their vehicles on the Saudi aspect.All needed to apply for a particular fan ID, the Hayya card, that every one supporters might want to enter Qatar throughout the World Cup.The processing system in a tent at Abu Samra was getting used for the primary time. Qatari authorities predict 1000's of Saudis to help their nationwide staff throughout the match."We entered with just our passport and the Hayya card," mentioned Muhammad Mujahid, an Egyptian residing in Saudi Arabia. "It was simple and well-organised.""We hope that this is a promising start for a good World Cup for all the Arab world," mentioned one other Zamalek supporter Ahmed Mohi El-Din Othman.FIFA's determination in 2010 to award the World Cup to Qatar has been criticised due to the mega-rich nation's therapy of international staff and the LGBTQ group.But FIFA president Gianni Infantino has mentioned it is going to be the "best-ever" World Cup and that international followers can have an expertise like a "child going to Disneyland for the first time and seeing the attractions and the toys".PromotedFIFA says that 2.45 million of the three million tickets have been offered and that a closing spherical of on-line gross sales can be held later this month.(This story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Topics talked about on this article [ad_2] Source link

[flairmagazineblog]

The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Ramadan Picnic

No one can deny that the best thing about spring is its breezy weather that encourages going back to nature and take in all the freshness. And since Ramadan is aligned with Sham El Nessim, we got you the full guide on planning a picnic after Iftar, so you don’t miss this day that comes once a year. The following lines will help you list your essentials, find markets that sell them and explore picnic destinations.

What to pack?

Blanket (large and lightweight)

Lightweight plastic containers 

mini jars 

Cutlery and stackable cups 

Sturdy forks 

Small knife 

Tongs 

Ice packs keep food cool 

Tissues/ towels and a pack of wipes

Large plastic bag for used containers and forks

Rubbish bag for leftovers

Chopping board

Where to get the picnic essentials?

Ikea

Ikea got a bunch of cute stuff for this spring, such as FLÅDIS Basket for EGP 299, KORKEN Bottle with stopper for EGP 49, TOPPING Lantern for block candle for EGP 349, VÅGSJÖN Bath towel for EGP 179 and TÅNUM Rug, flatwoven for EGP 249. All are available for purchase on the Ikea Egypt website.

Jumia

Jumia also got a collection of outdoor furniture and picnics at a wide price range. The collection includes Hammocks that range from EGP 169 to over EGP 983 and Grills that range between EGP 126 and EGP 950.

Carrefour

Carrefour got the most inclusive collection of them all. You just need to look for the item that particularly suits your needs. It has picnic baskets, containers, chopping boards, and many more.

Where to spend your picnic?

Al-Azhar Park

Although it’s located inside the capital Cairo, in Salah Salem St., it’s quiet and peaceful. You’ll enjoy a day in the middle of nature with all its green plants and breathtaking view. It’s a public place, so the ticket is cheap. However, it may be a little crowded in Sham El Nessem. Still, it’s pretty big, so this shouldn’t be a problem for you.

Aquarium Grotto Garden

Located in El-Zamalek, Aquarium Grotto Garden is the best destination for a family day out. It has a kids’ area so you can let your children play there while sitting by the Nile river view yourself.

Maadi Island

Since Maadi is already a quiet area, imagine how relaxing Maadi Island is. Besides being in the middle of the Nile, it also has artificial lakes, a kids’ area, and plenty of green spaces.

Family Park

It’s not only a park. It includes a zoo, cinema, museum, restaurants, and a dancing fountain. Unlike the other mentioned parks, it’s inside El Rehab, so it’s suitable for the residents who no longer have to commute to enjoy the Spring vacation. 

Eventually, planning a picnic is a long process, but it worth it. Picnics are not only about food and parks; they do strengthen the bond among family members. A one-day picnic could do magic in bringing the whole family together. Hence, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity and spend an unforgettable day with your loved ones.

By: Monica Mamdouh

The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Ramadan Picnic was originally published on FLAIR MAGAZINE

[ir-egipto-travel]

THE EGYPTIAN ARTIST WHO RETURNS TO HIS HOMETOWN TO LEAVE MASTERPIECES BEHIND 

When we think about the Egyptian art scene we think about the countless galleries in Alexandria, the graffiti scenes in Dahab or the art school in Zamalek, but this artist is putting Kafr EL Sheikh right up there on that list. Art is about creating and sharing to make the world a more beautiful place. The sad reality, however, is that the importance of art is neglected in many Egyptian communities. Artistic expression is generally extremely underestimated in our culture. Fortunately however, Egyptian artist Abdelwahab Abdelmohsen knows the importance of having beauty in everyday life and has been bringing that to his hometown in Kafr El Sheikh. Abdelwahab Abdelmohsen, born and raised in Kafr el Sheikh, is one of the leaders of the Egyptian art movement. Abdelmohsen’s romantic view of the Nile Delta is extremely prominent in his work and is what makes him so iconic in Egypt’s art scene. His organisation, a non-profit that bears his name, is dedicated to sharing culture and creativity through art to show how beauty and aesthetic can battle extreme hatred and intolerance. As part of their initiative to develop rural areas, they have been organising an annual festival known as the ‘Borollos Symposium for Drawing on Walls and Boats.’ This festival aims to decorate the artist’s hometown with huge murals and vibrant colours. Before the festival started, Borollos was completely unexposed to and cut from humanly interactions; there was no presence of joy.  The festival emphasises that art is capable of changing societies for the better and spreading happiness in the hearts of its residents. The festival aims to help the people of Borollos, especially the children, express themselves through art and colours, though the locals weren’t accepting in the beginning. During the first festival, the children were very aggressive and unwilling to participate but as the festival grew and evolved over the years, they became more and more excited and have been drawing and painting on their own to show off their work to the artists. The Abdelwahab Abdelmohsen foundation has been gathering artists since the beginning of the festival from all over the world in order to teach the townspeople and children acceptance towards those who are different and to teach them communication. Every year artists are invited from all over the world to paint on the red and grey walls and leave beautiful masterpieces. The festival has seen artists from Egypt and all over the world, including ones from North Korea, India, Macedonia, Tunisia, Iran, Sudan and Bahrain. This collection of cultures has truly made the pieces in the town diverse and unique and are part of what the festival is all about.

[checkoutafrica]

Cairo is fighting to preserve its old European-style buildings, statues and avenues, as governmental authorities look to build a new face for the desert capital. While residents are fighting to preserve the cities global heritage in districts such as the one commonly known as Khedivial Cario. They are also expressing their concern and disappointment in the Egyptian government’s unwillingness to preserve this important part of the nation’s history. Kheddivial Cario is named after an Ottoman ruler named Khedive Ismail Pasha, who governed Egypt in the mid 19th century, and was inspired to transform the capital into a modern metropolis after a trip to Paris. While others remain optimistic, residents and historians such as Ahmed El Bindari living in the district fear the heritage of the capital will be stripped away in the name of the development by the current government, stating that ” The main reason for the preservation of old buildings in areas such as Garden City and Zamalek is the presence of embassies there. If these embassies were transferred to the new administrative capital, what will be the fate of those buildings.” do you think, do historic cities need to be developed, or should they just be left alone? Let us know below. . . . #Checkoutafrica #Africa #African #Africanpeople #Africanlifestyle #Africanculture #Africanhistory #Africanplaces #TravelAfrica #SeeAfrica #TalentedAfricans #EverythingAfrican — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/38cIZvh

[shevoamr]

I don’t know what I want. I just know what I don’t want. (at Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_9HtyMFbxZ/?igshid=88dybflbl7ta

[afroinsider]

Moderate turnout at Zamalek, Downtown polling stations - Daily News Egypt

Moderate turnout at Zamalek, Downtown polling stations – Daily News Egypt

Egyptian voters started on Saturday to cast their ballots in a three-day national referendum on constitutional amendments which were approved by the parliament only a few days ago. The voting was carried amid heavy security and army presence across the country. The changes may allow President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to stay in power until 2030.

Residents of Zamalek and Downtown Cairo queued…

[mypralaya]

@theprofesscr There was great loveliness in the city of Cairo. The Church of St. George within the ancient Babylon Fortress on the Nile Delta where felucca boats drifted past, the great Giza Pyramids on the outskirts, the art galleries and embassies of the Zamalek neighborhood, the charming and peaceful Wust El Balad where the Talat Harb Square and Abdeen Palace could be found, the Khan El Khalili street market bursting with s, perfume oils, gold artifacts, spices, silver, glass-stained lamps to beautiful handmade rugs like something out of Arabian Nights. It was the wealthiest city in Egypt, and it showed... ...but not in places like this. Much like Mumbai, the wealthiest city in India, where Haven had been born to one of the richest of rich families, the have-nots mirrored the haves in abundance and then some. As much as there was wealth, there was poverty, deep and putrid and brutal. For every upscale neighborhood or beautiful ancient architecture maintained into the modern era, there were a dozen crumbling slums where people lived like rats in the dark, packed tightly in unclean nests and scavenging to survive. Indeed, a nest was what this slum was called---the Sudan Nest, so-named because its first residents were Sudanese refugees, though it was now quite inclusive and cosmopolitan. Poverty was not half so discriminatory as its upper-class opposite. Its proper name was Deir El Nahya, found near the al-Dokki neighborhood, a district of Giza in the southwest of central Cairo. Amidst the shoddy and substandard shanties that passed themselves off as buildings, was one actual house, recently constructed and clean. In that house was the woman who had paid for its creation, alongside a great many of the Nest's most ailing residents, the elderly and the disabled and even a few lepers who had been coaxed from Cairo's Abu Zaabal colony to come here for care. And of course, children. So many children. So few parents. The baby that Haven had on her knee, thankfully, did have a mother, but she was in the hospital right now. Haven was taking care of that. She was also taking care of this little one, Nabila, for the time being. But it was not Nabila that she was discussing now with this fellow foreigner, an American called Charles Xavier. It was children that were, for the moment, entirely out of her reach, an evasive little gang dedicated to thievery and petty crime. "I believe they're reporting to someone, " she said, bouncing Nabila with ever-so-gentle care, "An adult. It's hardly an uncommon phenomena, for an adult to take leadership over a group of orphans. And sadly, sometimes it's in fact the best thing for them, compared to the available alternatives, or lack thereof. Sometimes. But I don't believe it is in this case. I believe they're being exploited, perhaps even abused. That is...also not uncommon. Have you any idea who this might lead back to?" She didn't expect him to have any more idea than her. Both of them were strangers in this land, and secrets were not given up easily here, let alone to well-meaning outsiders who would just make trouble. She had no idea how much trouble this man had already made.

[degnmose91-blog]

Different Small Kitchen Designs

The Lobby: Blackstone Bistro Replacement on its Way to Becoming Zamalek Favourite has actually risen every year however one given that 1983. Sugar is entering into your system at a disconcerting rate. Sugar and sugarcoated are the major gas of the American public! Inning accordance with U.S. Americans reside on sugar. I imply that literally when I claim it. It’& rsquo; s in your veggies, fruits, refined foods, treats, spices, drinks, breads, as well as flour. Division of Agriculture (USDA) information, sugar consumption in 1999 was 158 pounds per individual! As well as sugar usage is on the increase. In 1983, each of us consumed 113 pounds of right stuff. The USDA surveys show that the 158 pound figure amounts about 50 tsps of sugar daily!

When you transform your consuming habits you will find that your fridges as well as cabinets will certainly be mostly vacant. Throw out all refined as well as fine-tuned foods, canned foods and also soups, soft beverages, icy foods. Begin clearing out your refrigerators, freezers and also cupboards. If you cannot articulate the ingredients on package most likely it not something you intend to consume. The initial active ingredients provided on the container are the primary components. Fresh foods should be acquired a lot more often so you will not have a lot of a stock heap in your kitchen area. Keep foods like entire grains, vegetables like peas, beans, lentils and also fresh vegetables and fruits.

Exactly what is similarly important is to recognize just how food store attract you to acquire groceries. The most reliable means to save money on groceries is to hold the supermarket promo code until it takes place sale. Discovering vouchers online is the easiest means to reduce grocery stores. It will certainly provide you the most effective discount rate on the item. Great Salad Recipes understands and also provides the typical guidance of discount coupon cuttings and also buying generic brand names of grocery store items. As soon as on sale, combine the supermarket discount coupon with the current sale item. Or, you can discover a website that exclusively deals with promo codes. The vouchers are usually discovered on the makes internet site. These sites will either notify you through email or publish the current grocery store vouchers they discover on their website. To keep your spending plan down, it is also crucial to recognize exactly how grocery store shops lure you to purchase more compared to just what you need.

Many bakers still cook with lard to save loan. The exterior section of the supermarket is where you intend to go shopping; the fruit and vegetables, fresh fish meat and dairy divisions. These can be a few of the most detrimental parts of the food store. Ask inquiries as well as check out tags very carefully. The delicatessens includes processed meats cold cuts like pastrami, bologna, and also salami, pepperoni consisting of pepperoni pizza, corned beef, bacon, hotdogs and also healed pork. Nitrates in the body are exchanged health hazards or cancer cells creating representatives. You have no suggestion what components have actually been taken into that bagel, doughnut or cookies that they market. Take care buying stove all set prepared foods because many meats are softened with MSG which is a nerve toxin. These foods are commonly pink in shade and they are packed with nitrates which are utilized as a chemical. A lot of shops today have the bakeshop as well as deli in the outside of the shop. Bear in mind even if you patronize natural food stores doesn't mean you have a healthy and balanced diet regimen.

[shevoamr]

Felaket olduğumu biliyordum kimse de içinde bir felaket taşıyamaz. 🔥 (at Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6VmCJ2jXjU/?igshid=1qls499q0xhb

[flairmagazineblog]

Summer Hotspots to Hit; Baky Hospitality

When it comes to summer brunches, beach parties and fancy dining, we all know Baky Hospitality never disappoints. Here is a rundown of our favorite spots that we don’t want you to miss. While so many restaurants and bars are finally reopening, some of us are still quarantined at home. If that’s you, fear not. There are delivery and take-out options just for you. More than that, we also talked to the founder, Ayman Baky, for an exclusive on the behind-the-scenes and the creative mindset that goes into running this business.

Tell us a bit about yourself, for those who don’t know you. How did Baky Hospitality come about?

I came to Egypt when I was sixteen years old. I used to live abroad with my parents. I studied Mass Communications at the American University in Cairo and minored in Economics, graduating in 1996. I started my first job in Orascom. In 2001, I became a marketing manager for Sony Music International, when they opened new headquarters in the Middle East. While working for both Orascom and Sony, I was also an event organizer. Around the age of 27, I decided I don’t want to do events anymore and I was hesitant about how to go about my future. I wanted to own my own bar. I had the opportunity to partner with Nicha Sursock, who was actually a legendary chef in the food & beverage industry. He called me up, told me he’s opening a small bar in Zamalek and asked me to be a part of it. I said I’d love to and I decided to leave Sony to focus on that new project. It was called White and was established in 2003. I worked there for a year but things didn’t work out with the other partners, then I decided to partner again with Nicha in his original restaurant, L’Aubergine. It was a small, old-style, scruffy bar and we took it to the next level and turned it into a French bistro concept. After that, I got married and got my first daughter in 2007. Then, I got offered a marketing director job at Virgin Megastore and I decided to take it alongside L’Aubergine. I stayed with them for two years and then I met Ahmed Beltagy and we ended up opening Tamarai at Nile City Towers. The revolution hit us pretty hard in 2011 and we had to really think outside the box to make this place work. Tamarai was a big name in the market back then and I definitely learned a lot from this experience, not to mention that it helped me build a name in the industry.

In 2013, I decided I didn’t want to work in the nightlife industry anymore. I wanted to drift more towards food and beverage. I felt like I could do it on my own, as well, so I left and set up Baky Hospitality. The revolution had hit me hard personally and I had made some bad investments in Dubai and Greece, and lost a lot of money, so I wanted a fresh start, from the ground up. I think I was 38 at the time. I saw how the nightlife industry wasn’t very sustainable. Its life cycle is short because it depends on a temporary trend. The F&B industry is more creative in terms of dishes. It was also hectic working till 4 or 5 in the morning, while dealing with people who are only drinking the whole time; no one wanted to eat. I was also very religious then and I felt my calling was to do something more laidback, which better reflected my character, my beliefs and my family’s image. So, I took a small bank loan and we took on Sachi in Heliopolis. It was actually a small storage area that we revamped and licensed. The name Sachi is a merge between my children’s names – Sasha and Chris. It means ‘child of joy’ in Japanese and so it suited me because they are my joy in life. I put a great amount of effort into it and I was only targeting Heliopolis residents at the time; I never thought in a million years that we’ll find people coming from all over Cairo to dine in Heliopolis. It certainly took us to another level and opportunities began opening up. I was talking to a university buddy, Mohamed Allam, and he had Swan Lake in New Cairo, where he wanted to open a clubhouse. I told him I actually wanted to do something more upscale and exotic – something that the market needs. I suggested we go for something like the Japanese restaurant, Nobu in Mykonos, and that’s how we now have Kazuko. We got fully booked the second day after launching and we’ve been fully booked ever since. Because of this sudden success, I was approached by Hacienda in the North Coast to take over Omar Rateb’s beach bar. I had looked up to him since I was a kid because he had a knack for selection, quality of guests and mood. I signed off on Sachi by the Sea with Hacienda in 2016. After that, we were inspired to make use of a lounge area in front of Kazoku, and we turned into a sophisticated, upscale bar – known as Shinko. After that, I was approached by Emad El Hazek to do a concept in LakeHouse. I recommended we should go for a proper Italian restaurant and that’s how Lexie’s came about.

How do you create a work culture that drives success in this field?

The most important part of my career journey was creating a team that carried the culture of a real family. It’s a corporate structure but the way we treat each other is very much like a family. A lot of employees at our headquarters are very loyal and have been with me since my days at Tamarai, and even at L’Aubergine and White. There’s no secret formula that drives success. It really comes from the heart. It’s the character and the charisma. It’s the experience and the decisions to remain humble, avoid being greedy and being wise in taking baby steps towards growth. It’s also the genuine love you treat people with and making them see their part in this success story because it’s definitely not just mine. The new employees who come in notice the loyalty and the vision in our work culture and it becomes contagious because they start envisioning themselves growing as well. Of course, the financial aspect is very important but the human development within the organization is very important to me.

What are the biggest challenges people face in the hospitality industry?

Definitely, the supply chain – trying to get good quality raw material in this country is pretty difficult. Staffing is also difficult – we have stopped hiring top-tier managers. Our new staff start at the bottom and work their way up in order to learn our culture. They get promoted as they grow, and they begin taking on other restaurants, the more we expand.

Do you have any plans to expand further?

The only thing I can reveal currently is that we’re opening the biggest restaurant in Baky Hospitality history soon – Sachi Park St. We’re very excited about it, and we’ve combined everything we’ve gained from seven years of experience and effort and invested it into this project – in terms of food, drinks, design, music, and quality of speakers, furniture and lighting. We have consultants working with us from Lebanon, Dubai and Singapore, so we have big expectations for it.

How do you manage quality maintenance across each restaurant and bar?

We work with a lot of consultants from abroad to give us advice on how to keep moving forward. We also have an F&B department and the members are responsible for every brand under Baky Hospitality. Our managers and chefs are also on top of everything all the time. They’ve been in the company for years and they have developed in their style of cooking, in paperwork and their discipline towards company rules. In the beginning, there were hiccups, of course, but we learn and it works through a lot of organization and trust.

What are the keys that you believe attract young people?

I think going out in Egypt has changed so much over the years, especially since ten years ago. The crowd that we have now has travelled a lot; they’ve seen the standards at other restaurants abroad and they compare the quality. Back in the day, people accepted whatever they had but the young generation of today is analytical and understands exactly what they want. We try our best to meet their expectations in terms of service, food, setup and music. The hospitality element we bring is also about the experience you get when you walk into our restaurants, not just the food. That includes the entrance, how you’re greeted and welcomed, how you’re seated and how we serve you. Like I said, we also depend on our consultants from abroad to help us upgrade everything we do.

Sachi Restaurant, Heliopolis

If you’re staying in the city this season, this is possibly one of the best places to go with family or friends for a memorable, fancy meal. Following strict precautionary measures to ensure guest safety, the restaurant remains spirited, offering you its usual jovial vibe. On another happy note, you can also look forward to the launch of their brand new branch in the heart of Sheikh Zayed.

Sachi by the Sea

We thought this Sachi branch deserved its own slot on the list because it is way too special. This is hands-down among the first-rate nightspots you’ll come across in the North Coast. Providing seasonal fine dining and bar service, Sachi by the Sea is where you want to be if you’re looking for elegant parties and one of the best experiences Sahel has to offer. Make sure to keep tabs on their social media to find out the musicians and singers they will be featuring every week.

Lexie’s

Most of us have tried several Italian places in Egypt but if you haven’t been to Lexie’s, you haven’t tried real Italian. It’s on a whole new level. At the risk of sounding cheesy, it is the type of food that will hug your soul. You can enjoy a beautiful view from their terrace or a romantic, cultural ambience indoors. With that said, we would definitely recommend it for two main scenarios – date night and brunch with friends.

Kazoku

Kazuko is for those who are willing to try something new. For the sake of the slightest hint of adventure in 2020, we encourage you to try out their delectable Japanese cuisine. The dining experience is unrivaled – not only because of the cultured DJs that keep showing up, but also because you can’t deny the contemporary, exotic edge that makes this place stand out glamorously in the hospitality scene in Egypt.

Summer Hotspots to Hit; Baky Hospitality was originally published on FLAIR MAGAZINE