By Viviane Levy-Acker
I am sorry for the long delay in writing this newsletter, but “Better late than never”.
AAHA – La Grosse Pomme – has met for Brunch/Lunch on Sunday October 3rd, 2010, at a new Lebanese restaurant called “Al Bustan” whose gracious host is Elias.
We started with all sorts of “Mazzas” (falafels, babaghanoush, cigars, etc…) followed by mixed grilled meats, “roz we bamia”, and “Molokheya” for the “gourmet” palates ! The meal was crowned by a tasty trio of desserts and tea “naynay” or “Ahwah”.
We were around 30 guests, including 4 new comers: Alisa Douer (who is doing research on “The Jews from Egypt in the 20th Century” towards a doctoral thesis in Vienna), Arlette Klein (L.F., Cairo), Arlette Klein-Haim (L.F., Cairo) and Joyce Zonana (author of the newly published book “Dream Homes: from Cairo to Katrina).
The atmosphere in this elegant restaurant was quite congenial; the two guest writers presented their respective project and book; also, Vera Goiricelaya-Amram gave us an exciting overview about her eminent trip to Egypt with Monique Eid, AAHA from Geneva; she will show us pictures at our next luncheon. Pictures taken at el Bustan can be found at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/aaha.newyork/AAHANewYorkElBustanOct32010#
I would like to announce that our AAHA group has started a blog which appears at the top of this newsletter; it is under the direction of our technical expert, Sarine Niewenhuis-Israel. I hope that you will consult it, will send comments, and will enrich it with your contributions. Thank you, Sarine, for undertaking this project and for taking photos at our reunions.
Our next luncheon will take place in May June 2011, Inch’Allah – May 22nd or June 5th, 2011 – Mark your calendars, please. Also spread the word to your friends, including the ones from Cairo, and the Cairo Lycee Francais group. May I add, that I try to organize these get-togethers on a Sunday because there are no parking regulations in Manhattan on that day.
Furthermore, if you wish to receive the “bulletins AAHA”, do not hesitate to contact Sandro Manzoni, 31, Chemin de Planta, 1223 Cologny, Switzerland, and include $30.00 cash in the envelope. His email is smanzoni@aaha.ch; the general website if www.aaha.ch where all kinds of old and new pictures and other pertinent information can be found.
Hope all is well by you and yours. Speedy recovery to Ildo Pensa and Andrew ElDib.
Best Wishes for the holidays and Happy New Year.
Very cordially yours,
P.S. I just have one sad news to report. Francois Derderian (St.Marc) has suddenly passed away in early December, at the age of 67. Sincere condolences to Viviane and her family
