A Glimpse Into The Past La Bodega bistro and lounge    By   Amira Salah-Ahmed

Ever wish you could go back in time, and wine and dine like they used to in the old days? See Cairo the way it used to be? An evening at La Bodega will transport you to another decade in the city’s history, a bygone era captured in the setting and decor of this restaurant, bar and lounge.

I’d heard of the unique ambiance and delicious food found at this popular venue in the heart of Cairo’s upscale neighborhood of Zamalek. I realized what all the fuss was about as soon as I arrived, walking past a stone relief by Egyptian artist Moataz Nasr and into La Bodega’s charming dining area. It was like walking into a movie set in the Roaring Twenties, with high ceilings, hardwood floors, oriental antiques, dark oak furniture, soft lighting and murals on warm-colored walls.

Silvia Dogliani/IBA La Bodega’s lounge has a more contemporary design.

There are two separate sections: a lively bar and bistro, and a lounge perfect for more intimate dinners. I was the first to arrive, and having never been there before, found myself a bit lost. Before I could even think of which way to go, a friendly host came up to me and showed me around the lounge and then the bistro.

I chose the latter. All the while I couldn’t stop looking around me, taking in the design and all the little touches that pay tribute to Cairo’s belle époque period. The French term literally translates into ‘beautiful age,’ a period that was characterized by high cultural and artistic development that greatly influenced the art and architecture of the time.

My two friends finally arrived, and we began studying the plentiful and varied bill of fare. While the setting is reminiscent of the 1920s, the cuisine is a modern fusion of culinary cultures - with meat, chicken and seafood platters as well as pastas and a choice of appetizers, soups and salads that’ll leave you wondering which part of the meal you’re looking forward to most. If, like me, you’re one of those people who have a hard time choosing, you’ll appreciate La Bodega’s set menus, which give you a choice of three- or four-course meals.

The meal I chose began with a warm, hearty sweet potato soup. I’d never tried it before, but I’m a fan of sweet potatoes and was tempted by the idea. I was not disappointed. The thickness of this inventive, satisfying soup coats your stomach, preparing it for the courses to come. Up next was another interesting dish called duck filo, one of the restaurant’s signature appetizers. If you think you don’t like duck, try this first and then decide; if you do, well I’m sure you’ve never tasted it like this before. Tiny pieces of tender duck are artfully wrapped in a crispy filo and doused in a tangy orange sauce.

By the time the main entree arrived I was already starting to feel full, but one taste of the Chinese chicken served with rice and sautéed vegetables and I was looking forward to cleaning off the plate. Then came the best part of the meal: dessert. My friend had raved about the crème brulée several times, and I’m glad I listened to her suggestion. The sweet, glazed layer hides a cool, smooth custard that is good enough to satisfy your sweet tooth and light enough so you won’t feel guilty afterwards.

While my first evening at La Bodega was spent in the restaurant, my second was a larger dinner party. For that occasion, we choose the private dining room in the lounge, which comfortably seats up to 12 people. Many restaurants have private rooms, but this one even has its own bathroom. It was more like having a wonderfully catered and elegantly served dinner at a friend’s house - a friend who also happens to be a talented decorator.

Going to La Bodega is more than dining out, it’s an experience. Its patrons are so comfortable in the setting that mingling is an unwritten rule. You can even take your drink and wander freely through the restaurant, bar and lounge, looking for familiar faces and enjoying the pieces of art, living life the way they used to in the good old days.