📺 ON THE TUBE TONIGHT-
(all times CLT)

Palm Royale: A tale of money, greed, power, and competition in high society. Adapted from Juliet McDaniel’s novel, Mr. & Mrs. American Pie, the new vibrant series on Apple TV+ produced by Abe Sylvia takes us deep into the lavish world of Palm Beach c. 1969.

It kicks off in the sweltering summer of 1969 at the illustrious Palm Royale country club,where Maxine (Kristen Wiig), lacking an invitation and funds, refuses to be deterred. Dressed to impress and armed with relentless optimism, she jumps over the club’s wall, determined to claim her slice of luxury. However, the club’s elite, led by the formidable Evelyn Rollins (Allison Janney), waste no time in making it clear that Maxine is unwelcome.

Navigating Palm Beach’s intricate social hierarchy proves to be no easy feat for Maxine, who finds herself entangled in a web of secrets, blackmail, and even a strategically timed fender bender. Yet, undeterred by mean stares and humiliation, she sets her sights on the ultimate prize: Hosting her bedridden mother-in-law’s legendary Beach Ball — an event that could cement her status in the town’s inner circle.

As Maxine maneuvers through Palm Beach’s absurdly lavish world, she finds unexpected allies in Linda Shaw (Laura Dern), a feminist activist, and Robert (Ricky Martin), an observant waiter with a knack for gossip. The series is filled to the brim with pastel-infused satire, featuring absurd charity events, pill parties, and a never-ending cycle of Nixon’s Vietnam War speeches on televisions in the background.

The series cleverly navigates the treacherous waters of social climbing, before social media, gossip magazines, and TV served as portals to the lives of the wealthy and glamorous. In a world where exclusivity and glamor often mask hidden flaws, the series serves as a reminder that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch the series on AppleTV+ and catch the trailer here(runtime: trailer 2:49).

⚽Sorry folks, no matches today.

🥐EAT THIS TONIGHT-

“What’s for dessert?” must be the most resounding question asked during Ramadan. There’s a wealth of sweet innovations out there this season, and we’re here to help you pick the next party favorite. Today’s dessert dispensary is TBS.

Five years ago, TBS gave us El Basmoolah, and this year, they came up with El Basmoolah El Ma3koosa. ICYMI, El Basmoolah is the mix between a basbousa and a maamoul. It came with topping options of cream and ground pistachio, Nutella, and Lotus. This year’s update of the Basmoolah comes in layers of Basmoolah chunks and whipped cream, and three different toppings: Yameesh (mix of dried apricots, figs, and dates), strawberries, and mango.

To Ma3koosa or not to Ma3koosa? The OG Basmoolah’s composition had more of the pastry and less of the whipped cream, while the Basmoolah Ma3koosa is heavier on the cream and toppings than it is on the Basmoolah itself. As TBS puts it, the regular Basmoolah is eaten with a fork, and the Basmoolah Ma3koosa is eaten with a spoon.

All cravings and no big iftar plans?No problem. TBS offers single servings of both desserts. The Basmoolah butler box comes with 15 bite-sized Basmoolahs in different flavors. You can order Basmoolah Ma3koosa cups in two additional flavors than the shareable plates: Nutella and Lotus.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can find these desserts at any TBS branch, or order it online through the TBS website. Grab them while you can — they tend to sell out quickly.

🎤 OUT AND ABOUT-
(all times CLT)

TODAY-

Fancy yourself an art connoisseur?CLEG Art Gallery is holding its annual Ramadan charity exhibition, Changing Lives. This year, in collaboration with Nour ‘Ala Nour, 40 artists are displaying their artwork for purchase to support the education of underprivileged children in Egypt. Proceeds from their annual exhibitions contribute to the education of over 1k children, and help support a special needs center. The exhibition runs everyday until 9 April, operating from 11am-4pm during Ramadan.

THIS WEEK-

Vibe with the Egyptian Mavlavie group tomorrow. The group will be performing their signature ballads and traditional dances at AUC Tahrir’s Ewart Hall starting 9pm. Tickets are available here. Keep in mind that children under the age of six are not allowed to attend. Seats are not assigned, so get there early to nab the best ones.

Roof 14 is debuting at Rawabet Art Space. The troupe are launching their “Kayf Bada2…” series this Thursday, 28 March with their first show, Kayf Bada2at Al Bakasa. The socially relevant play will be told from the point of view of two characters — a social researcher and her subject. Curtains open at 9:30pm, and latecomers will not be allowed in. Grab your tickets here.

THIS WEEKEND-

Missed Roof 14’s opening night? Don’t worry about it. You can catch two more showings ofKayf Bada2at Al Bakasa at Rawabet, where they explore the origins of stinginess from a funny and socially relevant angle. You can find tickets for Friday, 29 March here, and Saturday, 30 March here.

Enjoy suhoor with Hisham Abbas at Galleria40. The 3al Tawla suhoor tent is hosting the superstar this Friday, 29 March. You can find booking information on their Facebook page here.

Warm up for Cairo Runners’ Women Night Race. Cairo Runners is celebrating Women’s History Month at Promenade on Thursday, 28 March. You can join the 5 km Women Race for EGP 250 or the 1 km Family Run for EGP 150 per person. Registration for the event ends at noon on Wednesday, 27 March. Registration information is available on Cairo Runners’ Facebook page. If you’re a Cairo Runners veteran, you can sign up directly from your account.

💡 UNDER THE LAMPLIGHT-

You Dreamed of Empires is an ode to Mexico’s beginnings by Álvaro Enrigue. Set in 1519 Tenochtitlan (aka Mexico City), this historical novel takes us back to when the Spanish colonists clash with the Aztecs.

Picture this: Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés arrives at the Aztec capital with his troops, accompanied by several followers. Expecting to encounter the fearsome yet melancholic Aztec emperor Moctezuma, Cortés finds himself navigating a world of ancient rituals and human sacrifice.

The novel paints a vivid picture of the brutal reality of life in this era, where priests wear human skin as veils and hearts are ripped out as offerings to fickle gods. The narrative delves into Moctezuma’s introspective moments and his increasing reliance on hallucinogens to pass his days or look for a sign — all the while Cortés is sharpening his sword for the impending conflict to come.

It promises to leave readers spellbound until the final page, with its blend of historical accuracy and imaginative storytelling — especially since we know the outcome of the conflict.

You can get your copy on Amazon.