Despite the popularity of Lebanese cuisine in Egypt, very few high-end good quality outlets are available. Enter the Four Seasons Hotel at the First Residence, which redefines the standards of Lebanese food at its new trendy restaurant Aura. Although the name Aura doesn't immediately conjure up Middle Eastern images, the name perfectly matches the venue. The word has its roots in Latin and Greek, meaning a gentle breeze and is commonly used today to denote the positive energy emanating from people. Located near the pool of the hotel on the fourth floor, the chic venue shares the same great view of the canopy of the ancient Zoological and Botanical Gardens with impressive views of the Nile from some angles. The glass doors of the restaurant are opened up in good weather to let in the breeze, and closed at dusk to block out the night winter chill. The glass walls are an ideal design in Cairo, as you can enjoy the sunlight all year round while you're sitting indoors so the temperature can be adjusted accordingly. Hence the atmosphere is warm and cheerful, highlighted with earth tones, happy yellows and bamboo designs that make the place light up in a welcoming manner. The walls are decorated with light brick and off-white canvas patterns next to tan oak tables set with yellow flowers to match. The background music is fun as well, featuring Lebanese hits by pop divas like Elissa. Chef Shady is the lead culinary master who has been sampling recipes and experimenting with ingredients to bring a menu combining traditional dishes with a contemporary twist in order to create the perfect aura. You can choose from a menu of hot and cold mezzas like homus, baba ganouge, taboula, soujouk, vine leaves, fried haloomy cheese or exquisite chicken liver for connoisseurs. Also available are manakeesh, the oriental version of pizza, baked in a wood oven, with either cheese or meat. The oriental grills consist of meat kebabs, chops, chicken kebabs, shrimps, sea bass and salmon. Another delicious specialty is the shishbarak (meat pastries in yogurt), which is something like Italian ravioli or Chinese dumplings, but more zesty. A modern touch is the different glasses set on the table which are designed to look like they are titled over to one side, as if the tableware is melting into the table. The dessert menu is a combination of east meets west in taste and concept with Arab delights like ros bi laban (rice pudding) and international classics like tiramisu and lemon meringue. The cheese konafa is the height of contemporary cuisine, tasting a lot like cheesecake, with caramelized pistachios and figs on the side. As for the beverages, a selection of fresh juices is available depending on the season. Also provided is a selection of regional and imported wines including a few from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. You can wrap up your meal with a shisha in the designated smoking section of the cosy venue, while sipping on fresh peppermint tea. When the summer sets in, Aura plans to offer oriental entertainment like live takht music and a belly dancer. The whole experience is soothing and pleasant, but as the bill arrives you remember that great experiences come at an equally high price. In this case, well worth it. Reservations in advance are recommended as the place has limited seats. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First ResidenceTel: (202) 3573 1212
