? ON THE TUBE TONIGHT-
(all times CLT)

Almost a decade after the original live-action, Netflix has another go atAvatar:The Last Airbender. Fans of the Japanese cartoon eagerly anticipated Netflix’s eight-episode series, which is a live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, a beloved Nickelodeon series that captivated audiences with its rich mythology and compelling characters.

Set in a world divided into elemental kingdoms — Fire, Air, Earth, and Water — the narrative follows Avatar Aang (Gordon Cormier), the last bender of all elements, who was discovered in an iceberg by Katara (Kiawentiio Tarbell) and Sokka (Ian Ousley), members of the Southern Water Tribe. With the world on the brink of war due to the tyrannical Fire Nation’s quest for domination, Aang embarks on a quest to master the elements and bring balance to the world.

But he’s not alone: In his quest to conquer, he’s joined by Katara and Sokka and they go on a journey across the globe with Aang learning to master the elements and confront the oppressive Fire Nation, especially Prince Zuko (Dallas James Liu). As Aang grapples with his destiny, he encounters tough decisions and stronger enemies, including Zuko’s sister, Azula (Elizabeth Yu).

The show’s creators attempted to honor the source material but there were some hiccups. The adaptation remains faithful to the original’s spirit, with nods to beloved characters and memorable moments. In its attempt to reintroduce fans to the captivating world of bending and elemental mastery, it fell short of capturing the essence and charm that made the animated series a beloved cultural phenomenon.

Unfortunately, many news outlets picked up on that hiccup, calling it “ a failure in everyway,” “ a beautifully crafted disappointment,” and “ falls short of the original.” But there is light at the end of every tunnel, and we did find a few who argued in favor of the series saying “ a sparkling return for one of the greatest fantasy series of all time,” and “ much better than you thought it would be.”

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch the series on Netflix.

⚽ The curtain falls on the Champions League round of 16 today, with Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid. The teams will be facing off at 10pm tonight in the second leg of their match, after the first ending with a clean Nerazzurri victory of 1-0.

Borussia Dortmund and PSV Eindhoven are also reuniting on the pitch at 10pm for the second leg of their match, the first of which ended with a 1-1 score.

Gameweek 28 of the English Premier League is capping off tonight, with Bournemouth and Luton going head-to-head at 9:30pm.

?EAT THIS TONIGHT-

Shajarat Al Durr is a well-known Saudi Arabian restaurant that opened in Egypt.Located in Point 90, New Cairo, and Sheikh Zayed they offer Egyptian cuisine that is delivered hot and fresh. The venue is also vast, with an indoor and outdoor setup that caters to large groups. Their menu includes soups, salads, chicken and meat grills, special plates, sandwiches, pasta, and tajins.

If you’re heading over for iftar this Ramadan, expect to work with set menus: Items such as duck with keshk, fettah with neefa, lamb ribs, shish taouk, and many more can be found on menus ranging from EGP 420-750. There are also two meals for four people that will set you back either EGP 1.4 k for the fettah to EGP 1.5 k for the meat selection. They also have appetizer options: The medium selection is for EGP 225 and for a crowd it will cost EGP 450. Keep in mind that each set menu meal comes with juice, orzo soup, green salad, Egyptian rice, and an assortment of sweets.

Their suhoor menu isn’t set yet, but they do have some classics on offer: Think ful, falafel, potatoes, eggs, cheese, liver, sausage, and side salads/mezze.

WHAT YOU SHOULDN’T MISS:

If you can, order the pigeon soup to warm your appetite after a day of fasting. This soup is a treat as it offers nearly half the bird in the delicious broth. They also offer other soups such as knuckle, lentil, and freek.

The meat grills outplay the chicken. The kebab and kofta mix is a solid choice in terms of tenderness and marination. The grilled ribs and steak are good as well, but they don’t offer anything different from their competition.

Don’t miss the moussaka. Served piping hot, the slices of hot fried aubergine and tomatoes are cooked just as our Teta makes it, topped with a layer of melted cheese and rich bechamel. Another clean plate club member is the moamar rice tajin which is a creamy treat that would pair nicely with any other dishes.

NOTE- To reserve for iftar, make your reservations a day in advance, or do it early in the day at the latest. It can also get crowded quickly and become rather noisy, so brace yourself for the high decibel levels.

? OUT AND ABOUT-
(all times CLT)

MUSIC-

Witness some of the last remaining Zar practitioners in Egypt tonight. The Mazaher ensemble shares their tradition with audiences with two concerts every Wednesday at Makan. Reach out by the email or Whatsapp number provided on the page to experience the spiritual poly-rhythmic drumming and vocals practiced in Upper Egypt. Note that taking photos and/or videos is prohibited during the performance.

SPORTS-

Get ready for The TriFactory’s Ramadan Relay Run tonight. Athletes will compete at the Palm HillsClub from 9-11pm. Teams of four runners will be taking part in this signature race to complete as many laps as possible within the two-hour timeframe.

RAMADANIYAT-

The iconic Taghmisa experience is back up and running starting tonight. If you missed it last year (or the last eight years), there’s no reason to worry. This unconventional Ramadan tent features experimental Middle Eastern cuisine (we’ve been craving their sobya latte since last year) and continuous live performances that will keep you entertained all night long. You can reserve a table here, picking between suhoor from 10:30pm-1am if you’re an early bird or 1-3am if you intend to head home at dawn.

Have iftar and suhoor beneath the night sky at the Citadel of Salah El Din.Sawa is curating a must-try experience at this historic site with culinary expertise from Carlo’s and Le Pacha. You can choose between having iftar from 5:30-8:30pm and suhoor from 10pm-2am starting tomorrow night. Tickets are selling out fast despite the steep price of EGP 2.4k per person (excluding taxes), so grab yours while you can.

Qahwet WOC is back this year for your Ramadan nights out starting tomorrow.Walk ofCairo is collaborating with Topaz Restaurant to fill every night with live performances throughout the Holy Month, including a Mawlaweya show, a tanoura show, board games, and a traveling Mesaharaty. You can head down there any time during Ramadan from 8pm to 2am.

Layalina is launching tomorrow at Zed Park, with Nouran AbuTaleb providing her mellow sounds for company, and again on Friday, 15 March with Hana Yousy’s vocal talents. Their extensive menu, which includes drinks, cold and hot mezzahs, and mini sandwiches, is going to make sure you’re ready for your fast. You can snag spots for two, four, five, or eight people. Like any authentic Suhoor experience, Layalina expects you there well into the night, opening its doors at 11:30pm.

Layalina is also going to East Cairo. Layalina has extended their stay at El Baron Palace adding four additional dates to choose from. The Sharmoofers will be bringing you a night of tradition and entertainment under the stars on the opening night. The menu will be the same as our West-siders, but those attending at El Baron have a larger selection of seating. You can choose between lounges, tables, and high table seats here.

Can’t keep track of which suhoor tent is up when? Layaly HydeOut is making it easy for you — they’re open all month. HekaytnaHelwa is launching on Saturday, March 16 at Hyde Park, opening its doors at 10pm. In addition to a set Suhoor menu, weekdays feature oud and takht sharqi music, and weekends will host superstar performers who are yet to be identified. Tickets from 16-20 March are available now, retailing for EGP 800 per seat.

ENTERTAINMENT-

Konafa Comedy Night at ROOM GardenCity’s is giving you some comic relief tomorrow. With a lineup of eight comedians, you’re in for a night of laughs, with doors opening at 7:30pm. You can purchase your tickets in person at the branch or via this link.

Comedy Stuff is taking the stage at ROOM New Cairo on Sunday, 17 March. Five comedians are armed with their best material for a hilarious night that starts at 8:30pm. You can snag tickets here for EGP 200. That doesn’t include the minimum order — but why not treat yourself to some suhoor while you’re there?

Missed it? No problem, there’s no shortage of comedy at ROOM. Six more comedians are laying it all on the table on Thursday, 21 March at the space’s Garden City branch for The Mad Day. Like the previous event, doors also open at 8:30pm, and the same ticket and minimum order regulations apply.

Drop the sobia and face your phobias at Rawabet Arts Space’s Mesh Mawgood LivePodcast: Fobia Elsobia event. On Tuesday, 19 March from 9pm the event will help you confront and understand your fears, or phobias, such as potatoes, car headlights resembling human faces, associating even numbers with good and odd numbers with evil, having a fear of cheese, or feeling uneasy about the Ring Road. Get your tickets here.

EVENTS-

Nurture your connection with our cultural heritage with Megawra. Their three-day Spendthe Day in Khalifa event is on its eleventh edition, taking place this year on Friday and Saturday, 22-23 March, and Friday, 29 March. The event focuses on connecting space, place, and people at al-Khalifa Park and al-Khalifa Community Center.

The first day will build your connection to this space through fun experiences and activities, like board games, puzzles, craft activities, trivia, and a live performance. The second day is focused on important discussions about public spaces led by Yasmine El Dorghamy, founder of Rawi, Egypt’s Heritage Review. This will be accompanied by a walkthrough exhibition at the park. The third day will see food archaeologist Mennat Allah El Dorry lead a panel discussing food, heritage, and community that will culminate in communal suhoor.

Attendance is without charge, but registration is required.

? UNDER THE LAMPLIGHT-

River East, River West is a fictional take on China’s early modernization and its impact on social dynamics. In Aube Rey Lescure’s debut novel she tells the complex story of identity, culture, and societal change in contemporary China. At the heart of the story is 14-year-old Alva Collins, a young girl born and raised in Shanghai in 2007 to her free-spirited American mother, Sloan, and an absent Chinese father.

Alva’s dual identity as a bi-cultural individual growing up betweenEast and West is one of the focal points.It dives into her struggle with questions of belonging and cultural heritage, all while navigating the complexities of her mother’s unconventional lifestyle. The novel also jumps back in time, to 1985 to be exact, to share the root of Alva’s diversity beginning with the relationship that flowered between her mother and her father, Lu Fang.

There are points where the novel extends beyond Alva’s journey and explores themes of societal change and historical context. Set against the backdrop of China’s rapid modernization and globalization in the mid-2000s, Rey Lescure paints a vivid portrait of a nation in flux, where traditional values clash with the allure of Western influence and economic prosperity.

You can get your copy onAmazon.