"Taste of Egypt"

Taste of Egypt

With Chef Gary W. Irvin II Date: Tuesday, August 17, 2025
Guarantee your seat at: "Taste of Egypt" | Wednesdays Angels

Please remember it's BYOB for adult beverages. Below are some wine suggestions if you wish to bring a wine to enjoy with dinner.

The Menu
### Course 1: Appetizer

• Dish: Miniature Hawawshi Bites
• Small, flavorful pockets of spiced minced beef baked inside dough, a beloved Egyptian street food.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Crisp Dry Rosé (e.g., a Grenache or Cinsault-based rosé)
• Why: Its freshness and red fruit notes will cut through the richness of the meat and complement the spices without overpowering.
• Garnish: A delicate sprig of fresh parsley and a tiny dollop of tahini sauce.

### Course 2: Soup

• Dish: Molokhia Soup with Toasted Baladi Bread Croutons
• A rich, earthy green soup made from jute mallow leaves, often cooked with chicken broth, and served with a vibrant garlic and coriander "ta'leya" sizzle.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Light-Bodied, Aromatic White (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Chenin Blanc)
• Why: The herbaceous notes of the wine will echo the molokhia, and its acidity will balance the soup's texture.
• Garnish: A swirl of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, and a small wedge of lemon.

### Course 3: Salad

• Dish: Salatet Fattoush with Sumac-Marinated Halloumi
• A vibrant mixed green salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, radishes, and toasted pita bread pieces, dressed with a zesty sumac-lemon vinaigrette, elevated with grilled halloumi cheese.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Dry Riesling or Grüner Veltliner
• Why: Their bright acidity and mineral notes will complement the tangy dressing and the freshness of the vegetables, while standing up to the salty halloumi.
• Garnish: Fresh mint leaves, pomegranate arils (if in season), and a dusting of sumac.

### Course 4: Main Course

• Dish: Koshary with Duqqa Spice Blend and Shatta Chili Sauce & Chef's surprise Amuse Bouche
• Egypt's national dish: a hearty and satisfying combination of rice, macaroni, and lentils, topped with a zesty tomato sauce, chickpeas, and crispy fried onions. Served with a side of pungent garlic vinegar and spicy shatta.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Medium-Bodied Red with Soft Tannins (e.g., a light Zinfandel or a supple Merlot)
• Why: The fruitiness and gentle spice of these reds will complement the robust flavors of the koshary and the slight heat of the shatta without clashing.
• Garnish: A generous scattering of crispy fried onions, a drizzle of the tomato sauce, and a small bowl of fresh duqqa spice for guests to sprinkle themselves.

### Course 5: Dessert

• Dish: Om Ali (Egyptian Bread Pudding) with Pistachios and Coconut
• A warm, comforting Egyptian bread pudding made with puff pastry, milk, sugar, nuts (raisins, pistachios, coconut flakes), and cream, baked until golden.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Sweet Dessert Wine (e.g., a Moscato d'Asti or a light, late-harvest Riesling)
• Why: The sweet, often effervescent, notes of these wines will harmonize beautifully with the creamy, sweet richness of the Om Ali.
• Garnish: A sprinkle of crushed pistachios, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a single candied orange peel curl.

Secure Your Seat for an Unforgettable Culinary Experience!

Join Wednesdays Angels & Chef Gary W. Irvin II for An Evening Celebrating Egyptian Cuisine—a night of exquisite flavors, masterfully paired wines, and warm hospitality.

Ticket Options:

• Prepay & Save: Secure your ticket in advance for $39.95 per person.
• Dinner Night Ticket: If paying the night of the event, tickets are $49.95 per person.
• RSVP Option: Prefer to hold your spot? You can RSVP to reserve your seat.

Important Reservation Policy:

• Non-Attendance Fee: If you RSVP but do not attend, a $100.00 reservation absentee fee will apply, which must be paid before attending any future events.
• Changes & Cancellations: You may adjust your RSVP up to 48 hours prior to the event. After this window, your reservation is locked to ensure fairness in seating availability.

We look forward to hosting you for an incredible evening of fine dining and great company! 🍷✨