Sequoia is an old favorite, but change isn't always for the better CAIRO: In a month when Ramadan tents fill the night, it's hard to know where to start. Last night I decided to visit Sequoia, firstly because last year it was a lot of fun and, secondly, it is very nicely located at the tip of Zamalek, almost like a semi-peninsula into the Nile. From the crowded entrance it was clear that the venue would be swarming with people. After leaving my car with the valet, I was greeted with a couple of bouncers at the door that try to give you the impression that it is an exclusive club in Miami. If you have a reservation, you're in; if not, you're out. If you're expecting the beautiful palatial motif with the white flowing curtains of years past, you're in for a surprise. This year Sequoia is thinking black: black furniture, black curtains and even a black tent. Even the waiters are dressed in black gowns. To some, the all black décor is sophisticated, while others might just find it plain depressing. One good thing about the black is it doesn't show the dirt that anything white collects from Cairo's pollution mixed with morning dew. The lighting is a little strange. You have two options; either you sit in the darkness seeing merely the shadows of your companions, or have a spotlight trained in your eyes so you can't see them at all. Seating is available both inside the tent and out. The tent sports many tables in the large space, but even though the place is spacious it still gets very crowded in some places, so you lose privacy. Outside is a lot more laid back and private. Tables are well distanced from each other and you can escape the loud music inside the tent. Good luck, though, trying to get the waiters' attention. Inside the tent the service is good. Each table has a waiter who takes the orders for food and beverages and another specialized in shisha, who is very attentive and changes your coal constantly. Unfortunately, the outside doesn't share equal service, as the waiters are too busy serving the people inside the tent. But to be fair I was sitting outside before 9:00 p.m. when that area apparently starts to work, so the negligence can be forgiven. As a Ramadan pastime Sequoia is still on my list of favorites, even though in my opinion it was a bit disappointing in comparison to the last two years. Yet the prime location, the good quality and variety of shisha and the lively atmosphere are still and always will be a delight.
