Jazz Mate: Live Jazz Music in Zamalek

Nightlife

Jazz Mate

- 20/09/2012

Jazz Mate: Live Jazz Music in Zamalek

6 El Gezira El Wosta St.
0227370521

reviewed by

Angie El Batrawy

rate it

review it

To get us in the mood to write this review we decided to put in our earphones and play some Louis Armstrong. To be honest though, it didn’t compare to the experience of being within a world of jazz like that of newly opened spot, Jazz Mate.

On Gezira El Wosta Street in Zamalek, Jazz Mate offers the full package. With jazz music playing throughout the day, you are welcome to feast your ears as well as your appetite on their food and beverage menu. Next to the Flamenco hotel, the place is small and is primarily adorned in deep black and brown finishes.

Welcomed with the slogan ‘Put a Little Jazz in Your Life’, the space is divided into two floors. The lower level has a few tables, a counter overlooking the street, the kitchen and a television that plays old black and white videos of old jazz musicians. A small flight of stairs takes you to the upper floor which is where live performances take place every weekend. A few tables fill the space as well as a piano, speakers, microphone and other musical equipment. This area stretches to carry some more tables as well as sofa seating. Black and white photographs cover the walls with images of famous jazz musicians to complete the overall look.

Jazz fanatic owner, Sherif Mostafa, likes to invest in businesses he has a personal interest in, hence his launch of Jazz Mate. Finding that there was no where in Cairo dedicated to this genre of music, the solution became simple. He is also the man behind Sufi Bookstore in Zamalek.

Encouraging all musicians to take part in his project, Sherif told Cairo 360, “We’ll begin by having live performances every weekend and after that we’ll try to make them daily. Every time we have musicians playing, a sign outside will indicate who and when the show will be, so that everyone can come and appreciate the music.”

The food menu at Jazz Mate offers breakfast, sandwiches, salads, soups, main course and a range of beverages, as well as sweet options such as waffles, cheesecake and brownies. We tried the country fried chicken (49LE) and deep fried fish (49LE) which come with two side dishes of your choice. We also ordered a vanilla milkshake (20LE) which came first. With the right amount of sugar, it was a little watery but good nonetheless.

The food took half an hour to arrive due to a minor mistake which we forgave; the waiters were incredibly polite and apologetic. The dishes were presented well and came in large, filling portions. The chicken came in two big pieces, cooked well with a side of puréed potatoes with coloured peppers that were the smoothest, creamiest potatoes we’ve tasted. The fried fish, with a side of rice, was equally enjoyable; the fish was tender and and full of flavour.

For dessert, we tried the cheesecake which was delicious both in taste and presentation. Our only criticism would come where we thought they should have added a flavoured topping to the cake to give it that extra punch.

Jazz Mate combines the pleasure of good music with wholesome food, not to mention a place to enjoy the company of friends and live performances. What else could one ask for?