Mariolino Sahel promises to bring an authentic Italian al fresco feel to the shores of Egypt. How do you intend to do that?
Sahel, the ultimate summer destination for the elite Egyptian crowd, is widely recognized for its outdoor dining experience and all-around fun atmosphere.
Mariolino aims to fuse its casual menu with a refined dining experience in a trendy atmosphere.
The kitchen will serve the same variety of dishes as in our Batroun branch: wood-fired pizzas, salads, grills and a new antipasti selection. Everything in the restaurant has been produced locally, including the crockery, lighting, tables and chairs, giving the look and feel of boho chic while retaining a Mediterranean identity.
You are an avid traveler. How is your personality reflected in your restaurants?
As a passionate traveler and gastronomy lover, I am known for the soulfulness of the dishes I serve. At Mariolino, presentation and conviviality are primordial. We serve big sharable portions to convey a homey feel, keeping the whole experience grounded and real.
After the success of your concepts in Lebanon, why did you choose Egypt as your next destination?
I didn’t choose Egypt; Egypt chose me. The Lebanese and the Egyptians are very much alike, so I immediately felt welcome and at home. I quickly decided that this is where our upcoming new experiences are to be explored.
Will you be opening any additional concepts in Egypt, or will you be expanding to other Middle Eastern countries?
We have three ongoing projects in Cairo at various stages of development: a sushi restaurant; an Asian street food joint both in Tagammoo and a new Al Falamanki in 6th of October.
About author
Rita Ghantous
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
