By Katrina Morsi

On the ground floor, within touching distance of the water, tastefully decorated in muted colours and furnished with low sofas and comfortable chairs, with mirror ceilings and an almost panoramic view of the Nile and all its comings and goings.

We arrived early on a Friday morning, and were delightfully surprised to find numerous patrons sitting back and enjoying, what was obviously, their second cup of coffee, while catching up on  the weeks events with their friends.

The menu offers all the Trianon staples that we’ve come to know and love: wraps,  focaccia sandwiches, filled croissants and they’re famous bread basket salads (EXPLAIN). I ordered the double cheese grilled sandwich, the feta cheese sandwich and a bear-shaped pizza for my toddler, along with the wonderfully impressive looking French cappuccino. All were delightful, with the pizza being an outstanding hit with my 3 year-old. Baby seats are available for those with smaller children; the menu have an ideal selection of items for kids of all ages.

An impressive range of hot main courses are on offer, including chicken dishes such as Asian Chicken Teriyaki and Chicken Curry Maharaja. Grilled steak is also on offer in a range of mouth-watering sauces including mushroom, black pepper, Dijon mustard and blue cheese, all served with your choice of fries, rice or creamy potatoes. An impressive 400g ‘mega’ T-bone steak is also available.

Those who wish to partake in the wonderful selection of desserts and pastries could do no better that to try one of the cheesecakes or éclairs, the Mille feuille Ice Cream or the Nougat Deluxe; a wonderfully sticky concoction of nougat, meringue, cream, nuts and cherries. Personally, I opted for the kids-friendly banana split; 2 refreshing scoops of sorbet, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, cherries and nuts, I certainly wasn’t complaining!

Virgin mocktails and juice cocktails are a satisfying substitute for those who simply don’t have room for dessert. Peach or strawberry Margaritas, Daiquiris and Pina Colada are on offer plus inventive juice combinations including the Roseana Banana; a heavenly blend of banana, strawberry, lime, milk, coconut milk, cream and cherries.

Lattes, cappuccinos and exotic coffers finish your meal including a French cappuccino with whipped cream and chocolate shavings and Espresso Chocolate Flakes with whipped cream, wafer stick and chocolate or vanilla ice cream.

Friday mornings are the domain of young families and old friend enjoying the tranquil ambience but early to late evening are a more upbeat affair for both young and old.

Service is reliable and unobtrusive, and prices are reasonable.