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Al-Ahram Weekly 30 March - 5 April 2000 Issue No. 475 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 30 March - 5 April 2000 Issue No. 475
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Special Focus Travel Living Sports Profile People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Sinners' soup
By Injy El-KashefOh my God. Someone erect a statue in his honour in a public square; decorate him with all possible titles; bestow all the medals on him. The chef at Il Galeone should not live unnoticed, for he has the gift of making people happy. I cannot think of a more honest and genuine person, except maybe Mother Theresa.
We began this unforgettable meal with a Zuppa di Funghi and a Zuppa di Pesce "Corsaro" (with rosemary and garlic croutons). What art, what talent went into the soups, no human will ever know. The fish soup was not only excellent, but it also included several unmentioned jumbo shrimps, which added to its unequaled taste. As for the mushroom soup, it was otherworldly. There is no way any man alive can deliver such a succulent dish without the assistance of supernatural forces. It is simply the best mushroom soup I have ever tasted, not only in Cairo but anywhere else in the world. There is no point in trying to describe it, just go and taste it.
We were still recovering from the soup experience when the Ravioloni "Al Capone" arrived. I have no idea what role the Mafia played in supplying this pasta dish -- whatever they did, I hope they continue to do it, legal or otherwise. Such petty considerations vanish in thin air when the freshest and most succulent ravioli in the world is sitting on your table.
We were already a little full, but once a sinner always a sinner -- there was no stopping now. My Scaloppine Al Limone was good, although a little tough, but I'm afraid not as mind-blowing as the previous dishes. My dining partner's Pesce I Gamberetti Al Forno was baked in foil and looked like Obelix's headgear -- and had the same effect on him that stuffed boar has on the latter, judging from his expression.
There is nothing more satisfying than a dinner resonant with moans after a long and tedious working day, and that we owe to the chef. We were hoping to catch a glimpse of him, on his way in or out of somewhere, but we obviously are not worthy of so much. Since they were out of Fried Ice Cream, we shared a slice of Tiramisu. Although not entirely the real thing -- it did not include any cognac, for one thing, although alcohol is widely available at Il Galeone -- it was a perfect way to end this fantastic meal.
Our first visit to The Place, this. It is a boat, housing a handful of different restaurants, moored opposite the Gezira Sheraton in such a quiet spot on the Nile that we may have lived several more decades without ever noticing its presence -- and what a waste that would be.
Although the bill for two was LE180, it is much better value for money than may be experienced at similarly priced restaurants.
Il Galeone, The Place Boat, Montaza Al-Gezira St, next to Gezira Sheraton, Zamalek.
Tel 341 1111.
