New York Coffee, Zamzama, DHA 5

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـانِ الرَّحِيمِ

Apologies to my readers and subscribers for the year-long hiatus in updating this blog. We had not stopped eating out, though, in case you were wondering. Its just that I got tired of waiting for photos to upload here on blogger. :)

In the meantime, though, I was actively uploading photos (and the occasional video) of my foodie experiences on instagram. 

New York Coffee has been around for quite some time now, located on Zamzama boulevard just opposite the prominent building of Pizza Hut. It is a stone's throw away from Bella Vita. 

The cafe is quite spacious and has an open-plan kind of design. 

The seating arrangement includes wooden chairs and soft couches, both. High chairs are available for babies.
That's not a window in the photo above; the walls are all adorned with life-size mural-like pictures of scenes in New York. 

The bar: where the beverage-concocting magic takes place at the hands of the baristas. 

Muffins, chocolate fondue, lava cakes, cheesecakes, chocolate chip cookies, and other delectable baked goodies are on display near the coffee and drinks bar.

The cafe has several savories on offer to go along with coffee and desserts. Prices on the menu are quoted exclusive of taxes.

I spotted their 9-inch, thin crust pizza ordered by diners on an adjoining table. 

Coffees and teas. I have only tried their cappuccino and it was very good! 

Sorry about the blurred shots of the menu. 

I've heard their lava cake called Molten Rock Chocolate is tops! Here is what it purportedly looks like.
I haven't tried it yet, though, much as I love lava cakes. 

They also have special tables for pairs and couples. 

Mix Berries Delight Waffles- Rs 425

This is our favorite item on the menu, for which we keep going back. Few places in Karachi serve fresh, hot waffles straight off the griddle, and New York Coffee is one of them. 

They also serve waffles with plain maple syrup or Nutella. However, their "multi-berry" waffles come with tinned (and frozen) strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, dollops of whipped cream, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, in addition to maple syrup. 

Enough calories for two people! Or, as in our case, 3 children. :)

Fried Eggs With Beef Bacon - Rs 460

We had to ask for more bread, but otherwise, this dish left no room for complains. The egg portion was massive! I can't eat three eggs like this, so we shared (we do that a lot). 

Vegetarian Crepe - Rs 395

This crepe arrives hot, with a sumptuous center filled with mushrooms, melted cheese, and black olives. The crepes are large and soft.

The style of folding the crepes changed on a subsequent visit. And where were the Heinz baked beans? Forget much? :P

Nutella Pancake - Rs 375

The pancakes have Nutella in the batter too. You can see chocolate spots dotting the core of the cooked pancake when you dig in and break them apart to eat. 

Ready to dig in: drizzled with maple syrup and dotted with butter.

One of the best pancakes I have had in K-town: hot, light and fluffy. Much better than the overrated ones I have ordered at Espresso, The Pantry, or Marigold and Honey Cafe.

I don't like how they serve the butter though. Lurpak butter sachets?! Really? 

For a picture of what their "multi-berry" pancakes and a cup of cappuccino looks like, check out this instagram shot that I took: 

Four Cheese Omelet - Rs 450

The omelet was huge and stuffed and topped with melted cheeses! The hash brown was crisp and hot.

They accommodate customers' choice of either bran or white bread with the egg dishes on offer. The portion size of the eggs was once again more than enough for two adults. 

I like my omelets nicely golden browned, so I shall probably pass this in the future, and just stick to fried eggs.

Besides the food, New York Coffee cafe sure knows how to whip up a great cup of coffee! I sprinkled brown sugar on the creamy froth atop my 'small' cappuccino (yes, they serve large-sized caffeine portions too) and stirred it for your viewing pleasure. 

***

Verdict: Portion sizes of the dishes are great. You should go really hungry, if you want to finish your main entree dish and sample some of the great desserts on the menu as well. 

As for the ambiance, it's all good, except for the loud music and cigarette smoke, both of which are a real turn-off when its crowded! Since the cafe is open-plan and allows customers to smoke, you can end up inhaling some of the toxic vapors whilst dining. And who enjoys that?! 

Also, if the table next to you becomes occupied with boisterous youngsters, you probably won't enjoy your meal due to the added louse noise and lack of privacy. So go at a down time. 

The staff is courteous, welcoming, and friendly. The coffee and desserts won't disappoint!

If you like coffee, lava cakes, pancakes, and waffles, this is the place for you to visit next time.

Cold Stone Creamery, The Place, Defence Phase 8

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Summer heat in Karachi is at it's peak already, now that sweltering May is here. And perspiring people love to devour cold drinks and ice cream.

Some months ago, the American ice cream chain Cold Stone Creamery opened it's doors in the city at The Place in DHA phase 8.

This is their whole ice cream menu, at a glance. Basically, you can decide on one of their signature creations (a pre-set combination of ice cream flavors and added ingredients, such as cookies or fruit), and then pay according to the portion size of that combo that you'd like to eat. 

The smallest cup is called "Like it", the medium one is called "Love it", and the largest one is called "Gotta Have it!" .

This is the Pakistani website of Cold Stone Creamery, which is located on the rooftop of The Place, offering indoor and outdoor seating with nice views of southern Karachi through glass windows.

They also do cupcakes and ice cream cakes, and have an in-house cafe menu too, which includes the standard appetizer, sandwich, coffee and dessert fare.
Click here for more details about their cafe.

The above counter is a bit threadbare because this picture was taken too soon after the launch of Cold Stone. Currently, it showcases their ice cream cakes. 

Their ice cream is smooth and "creamy" - living up to it's name.

A close-up shot of the "Like It"-sized cup of the flavor, Chocolate Devotion.

Like I said, you can enjoy some views. 

This is a shot taken from the outdoor seating area. 

The outdoor veranda-like structure leading up to the entrance of Cold Stone Creamery.

Here is a short video of how the ice creams at Cold Stone Creamery are put together by their staff once you have placed your order. Cake, cookies, fruit or other ingredients are tossed around on a cold slab of stone with scoops of ice cream, mixing them all together to form a delectable goop that is then placed into a paper or waffle cup (which costs extra) for you to devour.

The high temperatures and humidity of Karachi can make us really savor over-priced ice creams like Cold Stone Creamery, as the occasional summer treat.

The quality of the ice cream is really quite good - although not as good as the awesome gelato offered at Lal's Chocolates, in my opinion (whose future review is due).

Kolachi, Beach Avenue (Do Darya), DHA phase 8

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Who hasn't heard of Kolachi, the Spirit of Karachi, a seafront restaurant located at the Do Darya strip of eateries in Defence phase 8? Apparently no one, or so it seems. 

 Do Darya can be reached by going along Beach Avenue or Seaview Road, the main road in front of Clifton beach.

It can also be reached by going straight along Khayaban-e-Shaheen, passing by Creek Vista apartments.

Kolachi is the second restaurant in line when arriving at Do Darya via this route. The roads along this way are quite dark and desolate, mind you, but don't let that deter you. :)

Above is a shot of the main foyer area of Kolachi.

There is a prayer place (musalla) for men and a jumping castle for the little ones on site.

All restaurants on Do Darya are dimly lit and open-air: exclusively alfresco dining.

The lighting and decor is unique at every restaurant, with ample use of wood and cobblestones.

Kolachi has both wooden chairs and couches for dining.

Restaurants at Do Darya all look out over the sea, very close to the water. The above photograph just doesn't do justice to the actual experience of looking out over the water and clear skies at night from the wooden balconies.

Crabs, small shoals of fish, seagulls, trawlers, the moon and stars - all can be spotted easily from any restaurant at Do Darya, which can allow diners to relax by getting temporarily away from the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan, traffic-smog-ridden city life and enjoy the scenic outdoors in peace - a rarity in this sprawling seaport city.

Once again, the photograph doesn't do the full moon justice.
But hey, I tried to capture a nice moment. :)

 

First off, Kolachi is not a cheap place to dine. The prices shown in the menu are exclusive of 17% tax. 

 Their main specialties are barbecue, kababs, karahi's and handi's.

The portion/serving size of handi's, kababs, and karahi's at Kolachi is more than enough for two hungry adults.

Pastas and seafood.

Almost every food item is cooked to perfection and served neatly/impeccably.

In fact, dining at Kolachi reminds me a lot of BBQ Tonite: the prices, food quality, focus on desi food/meaty BBQ fare, housekeeping/hygiene standards, and service excellence, all are at par at both restaurants,-- at least in my opinion. 

 

However, even though meat is clearly their specialty, they also have Chinese and Thai food on offer.

Steaks and Lebanese entrees as well.

Expect to easily pay Rs 1100 per head when you dine at Kolachi, especially if you intend to have their ice creams as well.

Their focus on serving only hot flatbreads is commendable. A waiter (or two, in case of larger groups) is always around to make sure your breads are replenished with hot ones.

Chicken White Karahi (half) - Rs 900

Well-marinated and tender chicken pieces sauteed in a creamy white sauce, accentuated by the aromatic dash of color and spices brought by the sliced large green chillies.

How was it? Well, let's just say the wok was wiped clean with the flatbreads and not a morsel was left over. :)

Kolachi House Pasta -Rs 600

The tagliatelle pasta strips were floating in a rich, creamy, and fresh Alfredo sauce.
The serving size was enough for one very hungry adult, or two moderately hungry ones.
Thumbs up!

Speaking as a major pasta aficionado, I loved this dish, especially the grilled chicken julienne on top.

Plain Kulfi - Rs 180

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream -Rs 180

Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream -Rs 180

I know it's obvious that we all were in the mood for ice creams the night we went this month (in November, when it was still hot).

Once again, two adults can easily share one of these ice creams. The strawberry cheesecake flavor was especially good.

Verdict: At Kolachi, the high quality of service is their distinguishing quality, which keeps customers coming back again and again. The whole experience will make you feel cared for and respected, from the time you enter the premises, till you leave. They highly value your feedback about their service and food.

I can explain it better this way: after moving out from home, to attend college or to start married life, when you visit your parents' home for the first time and sit down for a meal, how are you treated? Can you relate? Well, that is how they treat you at Kolachi, especially if you visit on a weeknight, and arrive early, before the maddening crowds start thronging the place.

I always used to prefer going to the buffet restaurant that is located right next to Kolachi, called Mirage (dinner buffet there is Rs 1300+tax), because I value privacy, peace and quiet instead of crowdedness and noise.

Here are a couple of photos of Mirage restaurant below:

Main ground floor of Mirage Restaurant.

Mirage buffet serves over 50 unique dishes, including soups, salads, snacks, and desserts.

I would wonder each time why there were such incessant crowds and long waiting queues next door at Kolachi. Now I know. It's how customers are treated there, because at first visit, you will probably think that there is nothing different or out-of-this-world about the food they offer.

But when you leave, the way the managers will come to ask you how your experience was, if you have any complains, and the way they'll listen to your feedback, will make you feel valued as a customer more than at any other restaurant.

Kolachi is like BBQ Tonite all the way, in my opinion. Succulent and expertly-cooked meat served impeccably at its desi best!

Kolachi contact numbers: 021-32003628 , 03032766571 (reservations are highly recommended).

Note: Dining at Do Daryai is especially enjoyable during the winter months, since there is no air conditioning in all the open-air restaurants there, so alfresco dining next to the sea is amplified in experience due to the (fleeting) wind chill factor.

Usmania Restaurant, Block 2, Clifton

The term "Usmania Restaurant" brings back many childhood memories for me.

This restaurant has been around since the 1980's, when its only branch operated from Gulshan-e-Iqbal. We used to go out to eat there with extended family once every few years.

Now it has a prominent branch in Clifton, in the area opposite Bilawal House, en route to the Aga Khan Clifton Medical Services Center. 

Steamed Roast is a much-touted speciality.
They claim to be the largest Pakistani restaurant chain. For that, credit is surely due, because they have certainly not gone out of business, despite the increasingly stiff international competition.

As the menu shows, the dominant items Usmania offers are Pakistani and Barbecue dishes.

They have added a sprinkling of continental cuisines as well, such as burgers, sandwiches, steaks and a few other "gora" (English) food items .

Another aerial shot of the Pakistani main course menu.

The prices are not economical, but so what else is new? You can expect to spend the same here as other restaurants of the city, albeit less than the overpriced ones offering gourmet fare. 

The prices shown in the menu are inclusive of all taxes.

There are 2 floors, the upper one for families. Flanking the main eating areas on both, are huge air conditioners. The restaurant sports full glass walls on three sides, and a very clean washroom (always a plus point for our family!).

High chairs are available for the infants. 

All in all, a favorable ambience.

The restaurant decor is old-school Pakistani, well-lit and spacious. 

Every time we have eaten at Usmania, we happened to order barbecue items. 

So this time we decided to try their Chinese menu. 

Chicken Chilli Vegetable - Rs 475 (price inclusive of tax).

The quantity was abundant and the chicken chunks were huge, but the taste was definitely the typical Pakistani-Chinese that you find in every other local Chinese restaurant operated by Pakistani's employing local chefs.

Egg Fried Rice - Rs 250

Ample quantity and very satisfactory. The rice grains were not sticking together, indicating a perfect stir-fry, and tasted awesome (viz. authentic Chinese flavor). 

Brain Masala (a family favorite) - Rs 470

Dense, rich and super-soft -- need I say more? I have had brain masala in many local eateries, and have been disappointed when most serve it floating in limpid, tomato-based, watery curries. 

This kind of perfectly-fried brain masala is getting rarer at restaurants, which is why, in addition to barbecue items and steam roast, brain is what I like ordering most at Usmania. 

Puri Paratha - Rs 30 (each)

This was huge in size (one was enough, as we were having rice as well) and perfectly done - piping hot and crisp, yet light and fluffy; easy to break off from, yet not flaky and brittle.

Now for the desserts. :) 

Kheer - Rs 150

Don't know if the photograph does justice to it, but this single bowl was quite large for one person to polish off after dinner. We usually share desserts together. 

The kheer was great! Rich, dense and traditionally made to the core. The kind your Ammi makes at home when special guests are coming over. :) 

Tutti Fruiti ice cream cup- Rs 150

Once again, the quantity was more than enough to be desired. In most dessert eateries and bakeries nowadays, you get just one cupcake at this price.

The ice cream flavor and texture was decidedly vintage -- you could tell that it was made from pure, "desi" organic milk, and not the pasteurized, packaged kind (think Baloch ice cream of Boat Basin).

Strawberry and Vanilla 'mix' ice cream cup - Rs 130

The vanilla tasted like the popular desi version - called "Peshawari" ice cream - which is so quintessentially Pakistani, yet getting rarer by the decade. I loved it! The quantity was once again difficult to polish off, even with the children tucking in. 

By the way, we made this restaurant visit over a year ago. I just found time to fish out the draft of this old post to finally finish it off and publish it, so the prices might be higher by now, although I hope not.

Verdict: The authentic barbecue and Pakistani menu at Usmania still retains its taste and quality, which is why this vintage restaurant is still in business. I would highly recommend the tikka, kababs, brain, steam roast (we've had it before) and other local cuisine items at Usmania. The quantities of all items are more than enough for two people (i.e. the dishes at the prices quoted in the menu comprise of double-servings à la carte). 

However, you can find better Chinese at Yuan Tung, so you can easily give that a miss here.