7 - 13 March 2002
Issue No.576
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 7 - 13 March 2002 Issue No.576 |
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To your health
Injy El-Kashef presses redial
The undeniable truth about Al-Muqattam is that it is both a blessing and a curse as a residential area. I have previously expressed my frustration with some of the streets, with the life-threatening road up (and down, for that matter), on which both "lanes" share a narrow, pothole-ridden track, microbus drivers play automotive Russian roulette and immense trucks lumber along at a wheezing 20km/h. I have also said, often, that I would have appreciated some more junk food outlets on the hill. There are times when I simply crave some greasy fried chicken and the resulting heartburn. It's my health and I am free to ruin it as I please, for heaven's sake. I am in dire need of some junk food here; I need some nutritional guilt, top-shelf quality.
The best place I could find what my stomach desired was Bon Appetit, although it's still too healthy for some of my moods. Bon Appetit has done Muqattam residents the favour of opening up here on Road 9 where it can't be missed, the multi-coloured glass exterior recognisable at a distance. But I must confess that I barely ever go there; and why should I? When in need of fast food, one is usually among friends, watching a movie, playing a game or discussing such important issues that all mental energy is drained in no time. So I just pick up the phone and before I have even hung up, the Bon Appetit delivery boy is at my door with his finger on the bell. I have never dealt with such speed. And they always have change, and they can grab you a packet of cigarettes on the way: real angels.
As to Bon Appetit's quality, it is quite satisfactory in my opinion. Their sandwiches are huge, always fresh and very reasonably priced, and their fries are like homemade. They also offer a selection of sweets in the form of chocolate mousse, profiteroles, fruit salad, pastries and gateaux. My advice is to go for the tarte with caramel and walnuts, which is an absolute delight, and the famous Bon Appetit strawberry mousse cake: light, delicious, I can never get enough of it.
An interesting idea of their creation is the navette, my personal favourite, which is a collection of six small buns stuffed with cheese, smoked salmon, chicken, roast beef, shrimp cocktail and tuna. Variety is the spice of life and this navette certainly goes out of its way to illustrate that particular maxim. As for the connection between a shuttle (navette) and the sandwiches, this will apparently remain a well- hidden secret. Yet other options are equally appetising. The chicken pané, the smoked tongue, the fried brain (for others, not for me), all kinds of smoked cold cuts, fried shrimp: quite a comprehensive menu they have going there.
As for those who wish to make the journey to the Muqattam headquarters, they will find the place clean, spacious and friendly, though not entirely welcoming enough for my taste, and usually rather empty. My opinion: stay home and see how quickly some of your wishes can come true.
Bon Appetit, Road 9, overlooking Al- Nafoura Square, Muqattam.
Tel: 507 9252
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