A Cairo carnivore’s sanctuary

I’m a carnivore, and I’m not ashamed — I love meat, and I revere a tender and juicy medium-well steak.

Charwood's has always been my destination whenever my cannibalistic craving kicks in. I recently moved to the suburbs — Sheikh Zayed — and decided to give the new suburban branch a try.   

After a recent trip to South Africa, I realized that what we call steak in Egypt is more like plastic or cardboard by South African measures. So when I returned I decided to make a list of good steak in town, and Charwood's topped the list. 

The new sister restaurant in Sheikh Zayed is spacious. High ceilings give off a breezy and radiant first impression, as opposed to the gloominess of the original Mohandiseen eatery. The Arkan branch’s open-air area offers what would have been a nightmare amidst the craziness of Gamat al-Dowal Street. The place possesses the same retro ambiance of the original restaurant, only newer, and this time well executed. The white walls are adorned with old framed advertisements from the 40s and 50s, and the wooden tables and chairs give a laid back, yet tidy feel to the place. The suburban branch also offers pizzas from the master of all, Maison Thomas, for diners who are not in a meaty mood.

We are welcomed by the maitre d'hotel, who in seconds places a fresh, mouth-watering bowl of salad on our table. The watery iceberg lettuce bathes in an abundance of dijonaise dressing that’s pungent, rich and savory. A basket arrives with a selection of breads, including Charwood's renowned thin bread with a hint of basil-tomato sauce.

A well-done tenderloin steak (LE105) is my plate of choice out of the 11 cuts of meat on the menu. However, my knowledgeable waiter suggests a filet mignon (LE98), as the first would stiffen when overcooked, and I acquiesce. My mignon is a little hard, but still tasty, and the pepper sauce juices it up a little.

While I did regret my change of heart, the meat still did not disappoint me. The homemade French fries are as impeccable as ever — chunky, crispy and flavorsome. The baked potato is heavenly, as always, served with a generous pad of herby butter to tenderize the potato flesh and infuse it with aroma.  And you can’t down your filet without a glass of wine — Charwood's fully fledged bar is also available in Zayed, with a fair selection of local and imported wines.    

Aside from my slightly overcooked filet, Charwood's is still my place of choice when it comes to meaty treats; I would only suggest adding mushroom to the list of sauces. The Zayed branch definitely looks sharper than the original, and still maintains its high quality.

Charwood's: Arkan Mall, Sheikh Zayed/6 of October 
Opening hours: 11 am to 1 am