Egypt’s history,
culture and heritage are re-imagined in this most cutting edge of settings; a
luxurious and lavish restaurant in the heart of Cairo. The main concept was to
create a space where the magic and mystery of the ancients in Egypt are made
modern. The primary goal was to gently coax Egypt’ pharaonic heritage into the
21st century to create a space that is undeniably of its time.
Each design
element was especially commissioned and exclusively crafted. The temples of the
pharaohs are reborn in soaring pillars molded from amber-colored granite and
marble, while the rough-stone walls are imprinted with drawings of temple
plans. The textures and colors of the ancients envelop the space. Lush
hand-made linens lined with gold tumble down the floor-to-ceiling windows,
covering chairs and lining tables, guests dine from plates of terracotta and
alabaster, while a rich palette of
black, white, turquoise, red copper and burgundy draws on the wonders of
Tutankhamen’s treasures.
The formal and
the informal blend seamlessly in 400 square metres of fluid space, with fine dining
areas up to 250 guests curving around the lounge area and the sensual spots
in-between where drinks are sipped and tales are spun. The floor rises and
falls, the carefully created levels ensuring guests never loose sight of the
Nile beating beneath.
The pièce de
resistance is the pharaonic sun-boat that seemingly floats at the very heart of
the Tamarai. Made of shimmering wood, it houses the restaurant’s main bar and
forms a fantastical focal point. From the moment guests step out of Tamarai’s
private elevator, the design adventure begins, with the iridescent curves of
the boat stretching up to the ceiling and out to the reception area, creating a
map in the sky to draw you into the space.
And beyond it
all, past the panoramic walls of glass, another world awaits, right beneath the
stars. 500 square metres of outdoor space evoke silent Nile-side dreams of
swaying palm trees and balmy evenings. The shades and textures of papyrus
dominate the space, with olive trees and mute greens creating a lush landscape
in which to lounge. Three private bars
for up to ten people pepper this tantalising outdoor terrace, with beautiful
built-in lounge areas making for lush languid summer nights.