Butler's Chocolate Cafe, Dolmen Mall, Clifton

For the authentic chocolate flavor and quite a wide array of breakfast and savory items, Butlers Chocolate Cafe has definitely made its mark in Karachi.

Their first outlet still operates successfully on main Zamzama boulevard, but they are now also doing business in full swing at their new outlet which is on the ground floor of the burgeoning business center, Dolmen Mall Clifton.

Sadly, the outlet resembles more an airport 'thoroughfare' waiting lounge than a cafe, as it is open on 3 sides, with the constant heavy traffic of shoppers and passers-by having a look at what you're eating. Hardly any privacy. 

A furniture store flanks its back side. I must admit that this adds to the overall aesthetics of the ambience. :) 

Ouch. The tables are a bit too close together for comfort. Plus, I am not a big fan of the stiff, uncomfortable chairs in this cafe (which are the same in design as those in the Dolmen Mall Food Court up on the 3rd floor).

This outlet of Butler's is right opposite the debut branch of UK's Debenhams.

For hot chocolate, nothing beats this: Butler's Famous Hot Chocolate - Rs 290

Interestingly, the waiter at this outlet took our order by tapping away on his smartphone! :)

The service was prompt and polite. No complains. 

As for the hot chocolate itself, I can safely say that hitherto I have not found a combination of sugar and chocolate of any kind done as well as Butler's (except perhaps the chocolate cake at Nando's!). In fact, the only reason we visited this outlet in the first place was because of my sudden craving for a hot, chocolate drink (which is thankfully rather rare).

My children love this starter: Mozzarella Cheese Sticks - Rs 370

Those were some massive cheese sticks! Finger-licking good (hot and crisp). 

Although the price is steep, the quantity was worth it. We also enjoyed the sauces that accompanied them.

Chicken and Mushroom Soup - Rs 230

The bowl seems shallow in the picture, but the soup's quantity was good, as was its taste and texture. It was so hot that I had to wait a bit before tasting it. It was creamy and delicious, laced with ample, chunky mushroom slices. 

Here is the total bill of our rather eclectic snack-tryst. 

As you can see, the prices were exclusive of GST (Government Sales Tax). 

Verdict: A good place to hop into if you have a sudden craving for chocolate or coffee whilst shopping at Dolmen Mall. Don't expect any peace and quiet or privacy, though. You'll feel more like you're probably sitting on the platform of a railway/subway station. :P

Arizona Grill, Zamzama

Located on main Zamzama Boulevard in Defence Phase 5, Arizona Grill is a popular restaurant, going strong among the die-hard foodie Karachiites since a decade now. The reception has a bar and waiting area.

On a national holiday at 2 p.m, we had to wait to get a table, along with other families and groups.

Despite being housed inside a basement, and only at that underground level, its popularity has not diminished.

The restaurant is very child friendly and accommodating. That is, they won't give you dirty looks if your child climbs on the upholstery with his shoes on, or drops cutlery on the floor, making loud clanking sounds!

The food station from where the waiters get the prepared food from the kitchen.

The lighting is dim and multi-colored.

As you can see from their menu, a main course entree will cost one person between Rs 400 and Rs 500.

Burgers and sandwiches fall between Rs 300 and Rs 400.

Starter: deep-fried, crumbed Mozzarella Sticks with salsa. The hot Mozzarella cheese oozes out when these are cut open. :)

Chicken Cordon Blue Burger costs Rs 345. It is accompanied by a generous helping of piping hot French Fries and cole slaw; absolutely enough in quantity to fill up one person!

I think these burgers fare much better in comparison, both in quality of taste and quantity, to the equally-priced burger deals at some international fast food franchises.

Chicken Lasagne for ~ Rs 375. Very filling and delicious, served piping hot from the oven with oodles of melted Cheddar cheese on top!

Arizona Fire Steak - the steaks at Arizona Grill are extremely popular - offered medium-rare and well-done. Choices of potatoes to have with the steak include mashed potatoes (pictured), baked potato, or French Fries. A steak is priced on average between Rs 400 and Rs 500, as I mentioned before.

Verdict: Arizona Grill boasts high-quality dining at the same rates as other expensive restaurants. While I prefer eating in a brighter ambience with windows letting in natural light, I think the food makes up for it. They also have commendable dessert, beverage and coffee offerings on the menu.

Copper Kettle, Zamzama

UPDATE: Copper Kettle as we knew it is now no more. 

It has been revamped by its owners into Hobnob Cafe - a more casual eatery offering a menu that combines the products/edible items/dishes available at Necos, Hobnob Bakery and the old Copper Kettle. 

Please click here to visit their Facebook page.

Copper Kettle was a famous, vintage restaurant located on 3rd Commercial Lane, Zamzama, Phase 5, Defence. It needs no introduction to the socialite Karachiite.

The tree outside its entrance is permanently lit up with lights, giving the street a very festive aura.

The decor hasn't changed much over the years: quaint and rustic, with matted, tan hues.

As in all restaurants nowadays, the wall-mounted flat-screen TV is present. Makes it hard to imagine that not too long ago, people could actually eat without simultaneously watching TV. Nowadays, however, its not just little children who need the TV on whilst having a meal!

The global recession has rendered every restaurant needy of gimmicks to attract its regular customers back to its doors.

The menu shows that only the loaded ones can dine here often. Each main course entree is priced at ~ USD 6. However, the portion size is generous.

Basket of French Fries for Rs 129

Starter: Mozzarella Cheese Sticks with chilli sauce, priced between Rs 200 and Rs 300.

Thai Chicken Stir Fry

Fried rice and cole slaw accompanied the Thai Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken Burger (its name on the menu is too indecent to mention here), priced at Rs 280. I like how Copper Kettle serves chicken dishes in a rooster-shaped metal platter. Artistic and quirky!

Chicken Piccada, priced at Rs 470: sliced strips of chicken in a spicy black pepper and mushroom sauce, accompanied by fried rice and cole slaw.

Let's Salsa sandwich - Rs 349. 

This had two boneless chicken fillets smothered in red salsa sauce on wholewheat bread. Not everyone would enjoy the taste, but it was healthy eating nonetheless.

Club Sandwich - King of Clubs for Rs 299. The serving size left much to be desired, although it was tasty.

Something Fishy for Rs 469 - crispy, crunchy, and succulent fillets of fish bread-crumbed and fried; served with tartar sauce, cole slaw and French Fries. The serving size is more than ample for one person. Note the fish-shaped platter for serving the fish!

Chicken Chuck priced between Rs 500 - 600. When these crumb-fried, boneless chicken fillets are cut open, the melted cheddar cheese and mushrooms that are amply sandwiched inside between them ooze out. Basically, it is chicken stuffed with cheese and mushrooms, and is quite filling, contrary to its outer, sparse appearance.

Americano Steak, priced between Rs 600-700. This comes with steamed vegetables on the side, as well as either French Fries, mashed potatoes, or a baked potato. You can see the melted cheddar cheese and mushrooms oozing out from between the two boneless chicken fillets. It is smothered in hot, meaty gravy that makes it all the more delectable.

This steak is also accompanied by a complimentary single serving of soup. One can choose between Hot n Sour and Chicken Corn Soup.

Moroccan Chicken for Rs 529. A bed of flat noodles topped with spicy and creamy sauce with grilled chicken julienne pieces.

A scoop of Blueberry ice cream accompanied by a slice of New York style cheesecake, drizzled with blueberry sauce and cream. (For Rs 230 ~ USD 2.5)

Caked Alaska, Copper Kettle's "classic", timeless and extremely popular dessert, priced at Rs 199. It consists basically of two scoops of vanilla ice cream lodged between two generous wedges of thick, warm, and sticky/rich chocolate brownie, dripping with oodles of gooey, dark chocolate sauce.

A chocoholic's nirvana and a fitness freak's nemesis!

A smaller version of the Caked Alaska is given complimentarily after lunch on weekdays.

Verdict: The perfect place to celebrate special occasions and festive moods, even if it does dig a small hole in your wallet.