Le Bistro: Expanding the elegance of downtown

Dining in Cairo has taken on a new sense of urgency in the revolutionary age. In the spirit of abiding by the curfew, last orders at many of Cairo’s dining establishments until recently were not much later than 10:30. This was a bit of a shock to diners and restaurants alike. 10:30 BR (before the revolution, that is) would often find restaurants still awaiting their first guests. Restaurants would often be packed the rest of the evening, with several rounds of diners seated into the wee hours of the morning.

While the expansion of the curfew to a more locally-appropriate time (2 am) has improved things, it continues to impact Cairo’s restaurants. During a recent foray downtown, when the curfew was still set at midnight and restaurants had to make do with only a single seating, we arrived at Le Bistro, a relatively new arrival on the downtown dining scene, at 10:30 to find the place bursting with activity, and hardly able to accommodate our (admittedly large and rather boisterous) group.

Accommodate us they did though, and the experience was a delightful surprise. Downtown has long been known for its fine local establishments (Gad, Abu Tarek, Felfela) as well as its faded, fusty, gloriously Cairo-ancien options (Estoril, Café Riche, the Greek and Italian clubs). But it’s hardly been the center for gastronomical innovation, at least up until now.

Le Bistro is tucked away on a quiet corner of Hoda Sharawy Street just off of Falaky Square. It therefore perfectly suggests itself for an evening that includes a stop by the cafe and bar Horreya. An ornate ironwork sign outside establishes Le Bistro’s elegantly retro credentials. It consists of two sides, a pub and a restaurant. Both are stylishly designed; the pub plush and warm with deep reds and cozy tables; the restaurant more modern and sparse, adorned in elegant soft blue décor.

The service and menu are appealing. The menu replicates a French bistro experience: salads to start, fish, chicken or steak to follow, crepes, mousse, crèmes or profiteroles to finish. We brought with us an army of hungry diners and sampled widely off the menu. The salads are excellent; the hearty mains are not to be outdone. I particularly enjoyed my steak medallions served with sautéed vegetables, French fries and garlic butter. The cuts of meat are among the best available from local sources in town. I’ve never been much of a fan of those overly-elegant establishments that resort to imported beef. Le Bistro’s steaks confirm there’s no reason why local supplies can’t be excellent.

Le Bistro provides yet another attractive alternative for the burgeoning downtown dining scene. One of our guests that evening has made it his business to try to usher in the renaissance of downtown Cairo. It’s a compelling vision. Imagine wandering the gloriously designed and constructed streets of Ismail’s European downtown elegantly restored and upgraded: passing galleries, offices, residences, cafes and restaurants as you go, unimpeded by the crush of cars along pedestrianized alleys. While this might appear a far-off vision, with the ongoing arrival of elegant establishments like Le Bistro, it’s a vision that could easily be attained.

Details: 8 Hoda Sharawy St., Downtown. Open from 11 am daily. Tel: 2392 7694. Dinner for two: under LE300.

PLANET AFRICA

One of the most rewarding things you can do as a food addict is eat at a new restaurant and find a real gem, particularly one that hasn’t reached household name status – rather like Marco polo going to off the beaten tracks to discover new countries and cultures, and when the rest of the world catches on, boasting to anyone who will listen, how you ‘discovered’ them first.We visited on a Sunday afternoon, when Planet Africa has that laid back feel, prior to students going out time and those who haven’t finished work yet, which all makes it perfectly suited to a relaxed meal. The menu has oodles of appeal: it doesn’t try to be too fancy or cleaver, but packs in favorites that make choosing so difficult. It’s altogether an inviting place, even if you’re not hungry. I had the grilled streak with salad and fries, always a popular choice; steak always cooked to order and big enough to feed two.

Of particular note are their stuffed potato wedges – golden fried potatoes stuffed with seafood and served with roasted marinara sauce. Since we’re in planet Africa, the tribal bread (crusty ciabbatta bread topped with tomatoes, olive oil, basil and garlic in balsamic vinegar) is an excellent way to start off our meal.

With items on the menu like “Savannah Veggie Salad’, “Jungle Sunshine Salad”, “Kwazulu Chicken” (flame grilled chicken breasts marinated with special herbs, topped with vegetables, roast beef and melted mozzarella and served with a loaded baked potato); dinner becomes a real treat at Planet Africa.

Sometimes it can take a while for the food to arrive but it’s never really a struggle as you can see both chefs and staff consistently working hard to please everyone.

Bull’s Eye Pub – Mohandessin

A typical English pub set in the middle of Cairo.

Different entertainment every night and an international kitchen with great pub Grub, English breakfast served every Friday and Saturday, fantastic value for money.

Jazz cafe with good piped, and sometimes live, music.

Open from 6 PM – 2 AM
32 Jeddah St.
Mohandessin

376 16888 – 0101390735

 

Villa 55 – Maadi

Just as pleasing as the food at Villa 55 is the atmosphere. Tucked away on Road 9 in Maadi, across from the popular American home-style eatery Lucille’s, this garden restaurant is a great place to take a break from the city Read more