Latest news with #Amphora
The Age
6 days ago
- The Age
Meltdowns and stares: What I learnt taking kids on a luxury cruise
It's December 25 in Livorno and, like our fellow passengers in Amphora – the a la carte restaurant onboard Windstar Cruises' Star Legend – our family of four is settling in for a fancy Christmas dinner. Dressed in our festive finest, my husband and I sip champagne while our nine- and seven-year-old daughters draw as we wait for our starters to be served. So far, so good on our decision to swap Christmas at home in France for a small-ship Mediterranean cruise. We're on day three of our seven-night sailing from Rome to Barcelona and we have all adapted to the luxuries of life onboard with alarming speed. I wish I could ask Father Christmas for this evermore. That is, until my youngest takes offence when I stop her from taking her cardigan off. In protest, she slams her forehead into her fine-china place setting in front of her, before starting to wail at her usual high volume. The commotion stops conversations around us. A crew member swiftly comes to her side, removing the tableware from her reach. I don't need to look up to see the knowing glances passing between people nearby. My smugness has evaporated, replaced by a blush that quickly deepens: Windstar's minimum age is eight years old, and we've been granted an exception to bring her on the cruise. She is, right now, demonstrating exactly why that limit has been set. While few cruise lines explicitly ban children (Viking and Virgin Voyages being the most notable examples), not all of them offer Disney and Royal Caribbean-style bells and whistles. At the smaller end of the cruise ship scale, Windstar and its like among other premium and luxury lines welcome younger guests (the age limit varies per line) but they don't have any dedicated kids programming as such.
Sydney Morning Herald
6 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Meltdowns and stares: What I learnt taking kids on a luxury cruise
It's December 25 in Livorno and, like our fellow passengers in Amphora – the a la carte restaurant onboard Windstar Cruises' Star Legend – our family of four is settling in for a fancy Christmas dinner. Dressed in our festive finest, my husband and I sip champagne while our nine- and seven-year-old daughters draw as we wait for our starters to be served. So far, so good on our decision to swap Christmas at home in France for a small-ship Mediterranean cruise. We're on day three of our seven-night sailing from Rome to Barcelona and we have all adapted to the luxuries of life onboard with alarming speed. I wish I could ask Father Christmas for this evermore. That is, until my youngest takes offence when I stop her from taking her cardigan off. In protest, she slams her forehead into her fine-china place setting in front of her, before starting to wail at her usual high volume. The commotion stops conversations around us. A crew member swiftly comes to her side, removing the tableware from her reach. I don't need to look up to see the knowing glances passing between people nearby. My smugness has evaporated, replaced by a blush that quickly deepens: Windstar's minimum age is eight years old, and we've been granted an exception to bring her on the cruise. She is, right now, demonstrating exactly why that limit has been set. While few cruise lines explicitly ban children (Viking and Virgin Voyages being the most notable examples), not all of them offer Disney and Royal Caribbean-style bells and whistles. At the smaller end of the cruise ship scale, Windstar and its like among other premium and luxury lines welcome younger guests (the age limit varies per line) but they don't have any dedicated kids programming as such.
American Military News
17-07-2025
- Business
- American Military News
New defense tech company reveals major power development
Chariot Defense confirmed on Wednesday that the defense technology company has raised $8 million in seed funding to address a 'crucial problem' by providing better 'battlefield power infrastructure.' According to PR Newswire, Chariot Defense is a company founded in 2024 that is developing advanced power distribution systems to provide power for military drones, sensors, radios, and directed energy systems. In a statement to Axios, Chariot Defense CEO Adam Warmoth said, 'Power is this underappreciated problem that's now becoming apparent. We're solving it by actually getting on the ground, in the field with users, and not just burying ourselves in a lab for years.' Warmoth explained that the defense technology company is providing a 'solution' to a 'crucial problem,' as 'battlefield power infrastructure is not keeping pace with the speed of threats and development of new systems.' 'We are bringing the high-voltage commercial power revolution to defense, enabling operators to sustain everything from radios and drones to electronic warfare, directed energy, and edge AI compute infrastructure; quietly, reliably, anywhere, anytime,' Warmoth stated. READ MORE: Pentagon awards major contracts to artificial intelligence companies According to PR Newswire, Chariot Defense has already raised $8 million in seed funding from multiple defense technology investors, including XYZ, General Catalyst, Brave Capital, New Vista, D3, Cubit Capital, Pax, Ravelin, and Forward Deployed VC. Paul Kwan, who serves as the managing director of General Catalyst, explained that the defense technology company is working to develop a 'critical infrastructure layer that directly strengthens national security.' Kwan described the company's ability to develop fielded systems in less than six months and provide solutions to 'real-world challenges' as 'remarkable.' According to Axios, the first product Chariot Defense has developed is called Amphora, which Warmoth described as a 'power lake' that allows users to 'put any power in and you can pull any power out.' Chariot Defense's website states that Amphora is a 'family of transportable power systems for sustained power.' 'This allows people to operate for longer periods in contested, denied environments, because they're able to reduce their signature, they're able to much more flexibly pull power from the sources they have,' the Chariot Defense CEO added. Ross Fubini, a managing partner at XYZ, told Axios that while other companies concentrate on developing more advanced weapons, Chariot Defense is working to develop the 'intelligent power systems' needed to power the weapons. 'This isn't just better batteries or quieter generators — it's positioning to become the power prime contractor for modern warfare,' Fubini said.
Axios
16-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Exclusive: Military energy upstart Chariot Defense emerges with millions in hand
Chariot Defense emerged from stealth Wednesday with $8 million in seed funding and a stated goal of energizing militaries. Why it matters: Defense technologies of today and tomorrow — drones, sensors, jammers, mobile command posts — are power-hungry. They chew through fuel and batteries, forcing risky resupply runs. The Russia-Ukraine war exemplifies the challenges of keeping frontline units topped off. Wrecked logistics lines litter the battlefield. Meanwhile, worsening weather jeopardizes established bases and their power grids. What they're saying: "Power is this underappreciated problem that's now becoming apparent," Chariot CEO Adam Warmoth told Axios. "We're solving it by actually getting on the ground, in the field with users, and not just burying ourselves in a lab for years." Catch up quick: Chariot supported the U.S. Army's transforming in contact initiative as well as the Defense Innovation Unit's Artemis drone project. Its initial offering is known as Amphora, a "power lake, where, basically, you put any power in and you can pull any power out," Warmoth said. "This allows people to operate for longer periods in contested, denied environments," he added, "because they're able to reduce their signature, they're able to much more flexibly pull power from the sources they have." Zoom in: The company, founded late last year, is based in south San Francisco. Its leadership team has ties to Anduril Industries, Apple, Archer Aviation, Tesla and Uber. Follow the money: The seed round was led by General Catalyst and XYZ Venture Capital. Other backers include Cubit Capital, Forward Deployed VC and Pax. The bottom line: "While everyone focuses on building smarter weapons, Chariot is building the intelligent power systems that makes them all work," Ross Fubini, managing partner at XYZ, told Axios.
CairoScene
09-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
The Ultimate Ramadan Guide to Hotel Iftars & Suhoors in Egypt
Because sometimes, the best way to survive Ramadan is unlimited buffets and zero unsolicited life advice. Mar 09, 2025 Ramadan is here, and with it comes The Great Iftar Debate—where to go, what to eat, and most importantly, how to make it out of the month without being emotionally blackmailed into 17 different home iftars that end in 'enty ma'kalteesh haga, hatza'leeny'. If you've ever endured a family gathering where your first bite is interrupted by a debate over which cousin is next to get married, only for post-Iftar talk to spiral into a heated discussion on real estate investments—you know the struggle. Fortunately, there are options—five-star hotel Iftars and Suhoors that offer great food without the family interrogation. Across Egypt, hotels are serving up lavish buffets, curated set menus, and late-night Suhoors in open-air settings. Whether you're here for a long, indulgent meal, a quiet Suhoor, or just a place where no one insists you have 'just one more bite' (we see you, Teta)—this is your guide to Ramadan dining without the hassle. Crowne Plaza West Cairo - Arkan Iftar Open Buffet at Amphora 🍽️ International Cuisine EGP 1,800 Per Person 🕒 6PM If your idea of a perfect iftar is an all-you-can-eat adventure, welcome to your personal buffet kingdom. Amphora brings international cuisine done right—so whether you're in the mood for fattah, sushi, or a plate stacked so high it defies physics, this is the place. 🍽️ Armenian Cuisine EGP 900 Per Person Suhoor but make it Armenian. Think warm, spice-filled dishes that will have you questioning why you don't eat Armenian food daily. Order one dish, and suddenly the table is overflowing with dips, bread, and meats—it's basically Armenian hospitality at its finest. The Westin Cairo Gold Resort & Spa Iftar Open Buffet at Paloma 📍 The Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa, Katameya Dunes 🍽️ International & Egyptian Cuisine EGP 2,250 Per Person 🕒 6PM Golf course views, A+ vibes, and an iftar that makes you feel like you belong in a fancy Ramadan AD. The mix of Egyptian and international dishes means you can go from stuffing your face with koshary to delicately twirling pasta—all in one plate. Suhoor at Dunes Bar 📍 The Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa, Katameya Dunes 🍽️ International & Egyptian Cuisine EGP 1,500 Per Person 🕒 8PM-1:30AM A suhoor experience so effortlessly chic, you'll pretend you don't see the clock hitting 1 AM. Expect a curated menu that keeps things elegant but filling—because no one wants to leave a suhoor still hungry. JW Marriott Hotel Iftar Open Buffet at Mirage Café 📍 JW Marriott Hotel 🍽️ International Cuisine EGP 2,900 Per Person 🕒 6PM An international buffet so massive, you'll need a strategy. It's fancy, it's decadent, and it's where you'll see someone's dad attempting to 'sample everything' and regretting it 20 minutes later. Suhoor at Plateau Outdoor Terrace 📍 JW Marriott Hotel 🍽️ International Cuisine (Set Menu) EGP 1,200 Per Person 🕒 10PM This is the ultimate chill suhoor—outdoor seating, soft lighting, and the perfect mix of 'I came for food but stayed for the vibes.' Kempinski Nile Hotel Iftar Open Buffet at The Blue 📍 Kempinski Nile Hotel 🍽️ International Cuisine EGP 1,300 Per Person 🕒 6PM This classy, elegant iftar spot will make your sambousek look like it belongs in a Michelin-starred restaurant. Suhoor at Rooftop 📍 Kempinski Nile Hotel 🍽️ Egyptian Cuisine (Set Menu) EGP 1,300 Per Person 🕒 10PM Egyptian food + a rooftop view = a suhoor that tastes like a good life decision. Pair your foul and ta'meya with some fresh air, and suddenly, staying out past 2 AM doesn't seem like a bad idea. Iftar at Othmany 📍 Kempinski Nile Hotel 🍽️ Turkish Cuisine (Set Menu) EGP 1,350 Per Person 🕒 6PM Turkish cuisine that will make you momentarily consider booking a flight to Istanbul. Kebabs? Immaculate. The bread? Endless. The regret after overeating? Worth it. The Nile Ritz Carlton Iftar Open Buffet at Bab El Sharq 📍 The Nile Ritz Carlton 🍽️ Middle Eastern Cuisine EGP 3,100 Per Person 🕒 6PM If Ramadan had a VIP section, Bab El Sharq would be it. This is where you go when you want your iftar to feel like an event. Suhoor at Bab El Sharq 📍 The Nile Ritz Carlton 🍽️ Middle Eastern Cuisine (A la Carte) EGP 2,000 Per Person 🕒 10PM Bab El Sharq at The Ritz-Carlton takes late-night dining to another level with live music, endless mezzes, and an ambiance that makes you feel like you should be making life-altering decisions over a cup of mint tea. Le Meridien Cairo Airport Hotel Iftar at Mezzeh 📍 Le Meridien Cairo Airport Hotel 🍽️ Lebanese Cuisine EGP 1,550 Per Person 🕒 6PM A Lebanese Iftar that makes every other meal feel like a placeholder. Suhoor at Mezzeh 📍 Le Meridien Cairo Airport Hotel 🍽️ Lebanese Cuisine EGP 1,100 Per Person 🕒 11PM-3:30AM Midnight manoushe cravings? Covered. Iftar Open Buffet at Evoo 📍 Le Meridien Cairo Airport Hotel 🍽️ International Cuisine EGP 1,550 Per Person 🕒 6PM An international buffet where pacing yourself isn't an option. Four Seasons Hotel First Residence Iftar Open Buffet at La Gourmandise 📍 Four Seasons Hotel First Residence 🍽️ Egyptian Cuisine EGP 2,500 Per Person 🕒 6PM (Starting March 13 th ) Egyptian comfort food, plated like it belongs in a museum. Suhoor at Aura 📍 Four Seasons Hotel First Residence 🍽️ Lebanese Cuisine (Private Cabanas – A La Carte) EGP 3,500 – EGP 4,000 🕒 10PM-2AM Because nothing says I'm living my best Ramadan life like a private cabana suhoor, where you could invite all the people you love (or don't, it's up to you). Iftar at Zoe 📍 Four Seasons Hotel First Residence 🍽️ Mediterranean Cuisine (A La Carte Individually) EGP 2,500 Per Group 🕒 10PM-2AM Late-night Mediterranean dining that makes you feel like you should be sipping mocktails on a Greek island—except it's Ramadan, so you settle for qamar el deen. Suhoor at Nairu 📍 Four Seasons Hotel First Residence 🍽️ Asian Cuisine (A La Carte) 🕒 10PM If sushi at Suhoor sounds like a questionable life choice, consider this your wake-up call. Here, dim sum, noodles, and Nile views make a strong case for rethinking late-night cravings. Suhoor at Riva 📍 Four Seasons Hotel First Residence 🍽️ Lebanese Cuisine (Set Menu) EGP 2,500 Per Person 🕒 10PM A Suhoor that feels like it should come with a contract to sign. Endless Lebanese flavours, a setting that outshines your deadlines, and just enough indulgence to make tomorrow someone else's problem. St. Regis Cairo Hotel Iftar Open Buffet at La Zisa 📍 St. Regis Cairo Hotel 🍽️ International Cuisine EGP 3,000 Per Person 🕒 6PM An international buffet that demands at least three return trips—because when St. Regis does Iftar, they do Iftar. Come hungry, leave questioning your life choices. Suhoor at Sirocco 📍 St. Regis Cairo Hotel 🍽️ Egyptian Cuisine EGP 1,250 (Set Menu #1) & EGP 2,000 (Set Menu #2) 🕒 10PM If Suhoor for you means flame-kissed meats, warm baladi bread, and a setting that whispers 'soft life', Sirocco has your table ready. Egyptian staples, plated like a five-star affair. Four Seasons San Stefano Alexandria Iftar Open Buffet at Kala 📍 Four Seasons San Stefano Alexandria 🍽️ Mediterranean Cuisine EGP 2,495 Per Person 🕒 6PM An iftar experience where the real competition isn't fasting—it's who gets the best seat overlooking the Mediterranean. Nothing hits quite like breaking your fast with a sea breeze and a ridiculous amount of mezzes. Mariott Mena House Hotel Iftar Open Buffet at 139 Pavilion 📍 Marriott Mena House Hotel 🍽️ International Cuisine Price Upon Request 🕒 6PM Iftar at the foot of the pyramids? Say less. Whether you're here for the view, the food, or just to flex on Instagram, 139 Pavilion is serving up a buffet as grand as the location itself. Suhoor at 139 Pavilion 📍 Marriott Mena House Hotel 🍽️ International Cuisine Price Upon Request 🕒 11:30PM-3:30AM Imagine stuffing your face with the best late-night bites while the pyramids casually sit in the background like it's no big deal. Fairmont Nile City Iftar Open Buffet at L'Uliveto 📍 Fairmont Nile City 🍽️ Oriental Cuisine Price Upon Request 🕒 6PM An Iftar that marries tradition with Fairmont-level indulgence—because why stop at good when you can have extra?Golden sambousek, fragrant grills, and a buffet so stacked it almost makes you forget the hunger struggle. Almost. Iftar at Bab Elnil 📍 Fairmont Nile City 🍽️ Oriental Cuisine Price Upon Request 🕒 6PM This is where you go for a classic Egyptian Iftar with a side of live entertainment and just the right amount of VIP flex. Lantern-lit tables, endless comfort food, and a setting so good you'll act like you didn't just over-order. Suhoor at Bab Elnil 📍 Fairmont Nile City 🍽️ Oriental Cuisine Price Upon Request If suhoor is your favorite meal of the day, Bab Elnil gets you. The kind of place where you start with ta'meya and foul and somehow end up in an emotional debate over the best kunafa flavour by the end of the night. 📍 Fairmont Nile City 🍽️ French Cuisine Price Upon Request 🕒 6PM Because sometimes, you want to break your fast like a Parisian—with elegant plating, buttery pastries, and the kind of menu that makes you say "ooh la la' before digging in. Waldorf Astoria Hotel Iftar at Brasserie Ayda 📍 Waldorf Astoria Hotel 🍽️ Mediterranean Cuisine EGP 2,100 Per Person 🕒 6PM An iftar so fancy, you'll feel like you should be making very important financial decisions over your stuffed vine leaves. Expect luxury on every plate, because Waldorf Astoria doesn't do casual. Suhoor at Brasserie Ayda 📍 Fairmont Nile City 🍽️ Mediterranean Cuisine EGP 1,500 Per Person 🕒 3AM-5AM The perfect option for night owls who want to enjoy a boujee suhoor before passing out till noon. If you're the type who needs elegance with your late-night meal, this one's for you. InterContinental Citystars Iftar at Esplanade 📍 InterContinental Citystars 🍽️ International Cuisine EGP 1,500 Per Person 🕒 6PM An Iftar spread so stacked, you'll need a game plan. Global flavours, unapologetic indulgence, and just the right amount of luxury to make the fast feel worth it. Suhoor Buffet at Fayruz 📍 InterContinental Citystars 🍽️ International Cuisine EGP 1,050 Per Person 🕒 Information Upon Request A suhoor that feels like a celebration of Lebanese flavours, with every bite more addicting than the last. Come hungry, leave rethinking all your life choices (mainly why you didn't stuff your plate more). Iftar at Fayruz 📍 InterContinental Citystars 🍽️ Lebanese Cuisine EGP 1,650 Per Person 🕒 6PM If you like your iftar with a side of flavour-packed goodness, this one's for you. Lebanese mezze, grilled meats, and enough bread to make you forget about carbs until tomorrow. Iftar at Al Khal 📍 InterContinental Citystars 🍽️ Egyptian Cuisine EGP 1,650 Per Person 🕒 6PM An Egyptian feast that makes you feel like you're at a family gathering—but without the aunties questioning your life choices. Expect all the classics, just fancier. Outdoor Suhoor at Breeze Café 📍 InterContinental Citystars 🍽️ International Cuisine Price Upon Request 🕒 Information Upon Request A suhoor under the stars with good food and even better vibes. Ideal for those nights when you swear you'll sleep early but end up eating your way until sunrise. Holiday Inn Citystars Iftar Buffet at Windows 📍 Holiday Inn Citystars 🍽️ International & Local Dishes EGP 1,200 Per Person 🕒 6PM A spread that jumps between international flavours and Egyptian comfort food—because some nights, you need both. Suhoor Buffet at Windows 📍 Holiday Inn Citystars 🍽️ International & Local Dishes EGP 650 Per Person A casual suhoor option that gets the job done—flavourful, filling, and a solid spot to keep the night going. Bonus points for anyone who manages to leave without at least one extra plate.
