CAIRO: The recently opened Left Bank is a new-concept space located next to the popular Cairo restaurant Sequoia. It enjoys a privileged view over the Nile River, emphasized by the retractable ceiling and its large windows, letting light inside the place all day. Greatly inspired by the city of Cairo, the floor of the restaurant draws a detailed map of “Wust el-balad,” or downtown Cairo, with Tahrir square and the streets downtown. In sum, Left Bank is a delightful cultural space that aims to combine high-end cuisine with interesting events. This week Bikyamasr.com had the pleasure to sit with its owner, Islam Mahdy, and the exceptional chef, Benoit Laboreux. “The nostalgic feeling of the cultural salons in Downtown Cairo like Groppi and Café Riche inspired the conception of the place”, says Mahdy, “we aimed to create a space were people could gather and interact with each other. We think about Left Bank as a meeting point that actually encourages intellectual and political discussion in a relaxed atmosphere.” The name Left Bank comes from the translation of “Rive Gauche,” which refers to the area in Paris known for being the gathering point for intellectuals who lived the renaissance and the Bohemian movement after the revolution. “With the all the changes currently emerging in Egypt it would be a pity not to exploit this moment, in terms of culture and social interaction”, says Mahdy. The communal table is designed to host a large number of people with the same purpose of getting people together to talk and meet each other, a new concept in Cairo; “however, if you want to sit alone to work or read you can also do it in the couches area,” comments Mahdy. The menu is mostly French inspired – salads, patisserie, bakery and luscious desserts – but it also has an Italian touch – pizzas, pasta and Italian bread. Benoi Laboreaux is a highly experienced chef who has worked with prominent restaurant owners all over the world to finally come to Cairo, “first I like to know what are the preferences of my customers and then, I can adapt my menu to them,” confirms Laboreux. In addition to the menu and a large selection of books, magazines and newspapers, Left Bank offers a monthly calendar of events of all sorts; from music to art, from flower arrangement courses to cooking classes with Chef Benoix. The activities will start on January 30, with the open mic event Mashrou3 El-Mareekh. For more information: Left Bank, 53 Aboul Feda St., Zamalek, Cairo. Tel: (02) 2735 0014 BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/A25rX Tags: Cafe, Left Bank, Nile Section: Egypt, Food, Latest News
