The InterContinental Cairo Citystars offers luxury amid lush gardens in the buzzing hub of Citystars Heliopolis, next to the Stars Centre Mall. It was in the hotel’s Al Saraya Ballroom that 165 members and guests gathered to celebrate Christmas with a Gala Dinner.

Following the cocktail reception in an adjacent foyer, we were led to a “Christmas magic” decorated ballroom that left us all speechless.

Swiss-born Executive Chef Remo Berdux and his brigade then regaled us with seven courses in the spirit of the Festive season. Wines produced in Egypt partnered the food.

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Apple wood smoked beef tongue
fresh horseradish cream, salsa verde, pickles, micro greens
Leila Rosé White

Festive apple consommé
turkey dumplings and caramelized salted apple strudel

Seafood sausage
truffled wild rice risotto, duo of butter caviar cream, squid ink sauce
Ayam White

Spiced mulled wine sherbet
Orange kiwi marmalade

“Christmas Beef Wellington”
lobster and Black Angus beef tenderloin wrapped in a dough crust
reduced cranberry jus, foie gras filled morel mushrooms
sweet potato purée, butter sautéed Brussels sprouts
stewed red cabbage, forest mushrooms
Chateau de Granville Red

Grape jelly and soft cheese ravioli
White honey, red currants, caramelised hazelnuts
Cape Bay Red

Dessert
“A Christmas symphony”
Caramel snow egg on gingerbread, raspberry chocolate mousse, eggnog sauce
Valmont Sparkling White

Coffee and Tea
Selection of Christmas goodies

The decorum of the tables, the food and wines, the live band that drew many of us to the dance floor, a draw with three prizes graciously offered by the hotel, all contributed to make for a very festive occasion. However topping it all was the arrival of Santa Claus with a gift for everyone!

Yves Pharès
Bailli Délégué