Gamal Nkrumah stumbles on yet another Thomas that's worth getting to know You can tell how extensive property development has become on the Mediterranean coast west of Alexandria by the number of restaurants springing up along the seaside highway linking Cairo, Alexandria and the coastal resorts to the west of the city along the Mediterranean. And, it is still growing. The coast is constantly being redeveloped at an alarmingly fast rate. Still, it does have its charms. Keeping up with the breathless pace of resort development, a number of well-known Cairene restaurants and food chains have opened up outlets on the North Coast. Not only do they offer familiar food, but in many cases the new setting beats the original. Maison Thomas is no exception. Pizza is a fixture on the Thomas menu, and the options for toppings are far from being limited. You are spoilt for choice. The Margherita (the simple tomato, mozzarella and oregano) is always a winner. The Napoletana (just like the Margherita with anchovies and olives added to boot), and the Funghi with mushrooms are all-time favourites of holidaymakers. The pizza at Maison Thomas, may I remind you, is rarely greasy, and while the sandwiches might be highly calorific, the pizza by comparison with other pizza places, is relatively fat free. Except that is for the extravagant toppings such as the Fugazza Monacco (double mozzarella, ham or smoked roast beef). Or, the Thomas -- mozzarella, gouda cheese, blue cheese, coat cheese doused with a generous dose of olive oil and the whole sprinkled with oregano. The Hawaii is a bit rich -- mozzarella, ham or roast beef, syrupy sweet tinned pineapple and cloves. The Marinara is popular with seafood lovers: mozzarella, squid, prawns, anchovies and the inevitable oregano. Mind you, the Mediterranean coast of Egypt is not the place to go if you are after exceptionally exciting culinary experiences. However, with Thomas you cannot go wrong. Rest assured that you will always find a welcome respite at Maison Thomas. Travellers and holidaymakers can drop in at anytime. Thomas is open 24 hours a day and you do not have to worry about going on a monumental binge at 2am. The staff is always warm and welcoming. Remember that you can always order extra pizza toppings at Thomas -- cheeses, meats, seafood or vegetables. For the adventurous, you can go for sunny side up egg as a special pizza topping, too. The sandwiches in huge French baguettes and the most sinfully plenteous are the French, the Pigale, the Parisian and the Venezia -- the Parisian and the Venezia include ham, dollops of butter and mozzarella. Less calorific are the Scottish -- smoked salmon, lettuce, onion and capers, and the Capri -- anchovies, tomato and olives. The Royal: batarekh (the pompously christened Egyptian caviar), onions, lemon and boiled eggs is a weird combination that only appeals to a certain acquired taste. Thomas is also noted for its exotic salads and homemade desserts. For those with a sweet tooth, I am told that the French classic pâte sablée is divine -- and so is the chocolate cake for chocolate addicts. Alas, I gave both a miss. After a hectic day at the beach, it might be a tempting idea to drop in at Thomas and run riot among the wide range of Maison Thomas delights. The strategic location of this new Thomas outlet makes it a perfect stop-off point especially if you are hopping from one North Coast resort to another. It is a 20-30 minute car-ride out of any of the exclusive North Coast resorts, and while Thomas might not boast a gastronomic menu, it is a friendly family restaurant that is attractive to many holidaymakers. Local wines and beers are an integral part of the Thomas meal, but that in itself is not saying much -- this is, after all Egypt's North Coast, and not France's Côte du Rhone. Gourmets, seriously, should head elsewhere. Maison Thomas Dunes Resort, North Coast 147km west of Alexandria Tel: 017 137 6403 Dinner for three: LE200
