? For years and years, Blaze has been a sure-fire option for Cairenes on the hunt for a comfortable, low-stakes dining experience where good food and endless conversation are guaranteed. Earlier this year, Blaze decided to light a bigger fire, introducing a brand new concept in New Cairo — one that comes with an expanded international menu and an all-new shiny design.

Olive greens and brick reds. Located front and center at New Cairo’s KOV Mall, Blaze is hard to miss. The outdoor seating area is expansive, and features several patio sofas perfect for large gatherings, as well as comfortable, cozy set-ups for small ones. Should you choose to stay outdoors, you’ll be in for plenty of shade and breeze with an unobstructed view of the quiet city. But it’s the indoors that steal the spotlight. Swathed in olive greens and a soothing shade of burgundy, the design is one meant to be savored alongside your meal. The space is decorated with minimalist wall features, including theatre masks and cutlery.

The new aesthetic carries over to the menu. The new branch proudly boasts an upgraded menu — which, aside from having a shiny new design, also includes new appetite-whetting selections. For our latest visit, we decided to kick off our day with a calm breakfast. The menu has a little bit of everything, including English trays, oriental trays, benedicts, a curated selection of light breakfast dishes, and the restaurant’s new signature: the avocado and cherry tostada.

A few moments of deliberation later, we put in an order for the tostada, a traditional omelet, the mini pancake medley, and a cup of coffee — a flat white, to be precise. Unfortunately, we were awakened from our sweet dreams after finding out the pancakes were unavailable at the time. Still, we braved the devastation with hope in our hearts. Service was quick, and the coffee and both dishes soon materialized.

The tostada was definitely worthy of signature status, and the avocado, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese combo proved a mighty union. The dish also came with a side of sweet potato fries drizzled in honey, which quickly made up for the pancakes that remained MIA. The omelet, on the other hand, wasn’t anything special, but remains a solid option for those who prefer avoiding adventure when it comes to breakfast. The coffee was surprisingly strong and flavorful, giving us a much needed boost.

The meal proved delicious and the service swift, but we couldn’t help but feel a certain je-ne-sais-quoi was missing. That said, the new Blaze succeeds at offering a comfortable and visually-engaging experience, and for that alone, we’d recommend paying it a visit. If early mornings aren’t your cup of tea, you’ll be glad to hear that the restaurant offers a very promising (and affordable) all-day menu, with everything from smoked salmon bowls and truffle risottos to classic burgers and steaks — we’ll definitely be passing by for dinner on our next visit.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can find Blaze’s new concept at New Cairo’s KOV Mall.

? Per person: EGP 400-500

? Outdoor seating: Yes

? Alcohol: No

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

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