Pane & Amore, Zamzama 5th Lane

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ

There was a time when gourmet cupcakes were a thing synonymous with The Cakery.

However, despite the efforts of many local eateries, home-based businesses, and international food chains such as Cinnabon, to take over the cupcake domain, I think that it currently remains conquered hook, line and sinker by Pane & Amore, a bakery and cafe that has recently relocated from it's previous location on Seher Commercial, to Zamzama's 5th commercial lane.

As you enter Pane & Amore, an indoor staircase takes you upstairs to the first floor, where the main dine-in area is located.

Indoor plants can never go wrong in my book!

The interior of the bakery cum cafe is dimly lit.

Blue-colored glass panes, a cobbled floor and more leafy indoor plants keep the atmosphere homely and cozy.

There are no sofas or couches, only white-colored tables and chairs.

We deliberately chose to sit on the balcony, which is what had attracted us to the bakery in the first place. Besides the famous cupcakes of course.



The potted-plant-skirted verandah of Pane & Amore is visible from main Zamzama boulevard.
Though there are pedestal fans kept on the sides to keep the verandah cool and airy, I think the best time to really enjoy sitting and dining here is during the (coming) winter and spring months, when an air-conditioner is not needed to keep the excessive heat at bay.

We chose to sit on this corner table. The sounds of the Zamzama traffic from below were more than clearly audible, though. It was definitely not quiet.

Stitches clothing store is right opposite Pane & Amore.

The view from the balcony when looking out over main Zamzama.

The menu was not even clear enough to read with the naked eye, let alone through a camera lens!

I hope you can still read some of the items, though.
Standard cafe fare is available: soups, salads, sandwiches, coffees, and the icing on the cake that we went for: cupcakes! Pun unintended. :)

The coffee menu is a bit more elaborate than that at most of the other other cafes.
E.g. I have no idea what a "shakerato" is. Heh!

 

 

All day breakfast - the new rage everywhere - is on offer here too. All prices in the menu are exclusive of taxes.
You can avail their deal and have a hot coffee with a cupcake for ~Rs 450.

The specials of the day were written on a blackboard in the balcony. We went on a Saturday evening, which I wouldn't recommend, as the traffic noise from down below was too deafening!

The indoor dessert counter had many sweet delights on display. I have no idea what these were. Your guess is as good as mine.

The specialty of Pane & Amore: Cupcakes!

Chocolate Ganache, Red Velvet, Vanilla, Coffee/Mocha, and Caramel flavors are on offer.
Priced at Rs 160 + tax each.

Does this French Toast with Banana Compote look delectable to you?

Well, looks are deceiving, because it wasn't.



The toasts were totally bland and dry inside i.e. they hadn't soaked the milk and egg mixture enough before being fried. And the banana compote topping them was bitter.

Next time we'll probably not be adventurous and stick to just the cupcakes, like the kids did.

Caramel cupcake upfront, and Double Chocolate cupcake in the background.

The winner, hands down: Chocolate Ganache.
Everyone thought this was the best one.
The Red Velvet was quite okay too. It's inside was chewy and rich, and the white cream cheese frosting on top of it was extremely light and fluffy.

Tea to go with the cupcake, for Rs 90

Verdict: Our little tea-and-cupcake family party ended up being a bit too noisy because of the time that we chose to visit Pane & Amore (Saturday evenings are peak business hours at Zamzama), but their cupcakes are surely not-to-be-missed as an occasional treat, especially if you have children.

The indoor dining area was too dimly lit for our taste, so I'd recommend visiting Pane & Amore just to have a cupcake with tea or coffee on their picturesque balcony. The staff at the bakery was nothing but polite and quick to serve.

Judging by the French Toast, though, I'd avoid the other dessert items on their menu. Let's hope they improve the quality of all the other items that they are offering on their menu over time, because they sure seem to have mastered the cupcake domain!

Chai Master, Shahbaz Commercial, Defence Phase 5

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Do you like having spiced chai? And are paratha's of different kinds (including the Arabic stuffed and fried flatbread called fateera) something you like to have with your chai?

If your answer is yes, then you have to give Chai Master a visit.

Chai Master is located in Shahbaz commercial area (or is it Seher commercial?) in the same vicinity as a handful of other new cafes, such as Cafe Pink Cadillac and Cafe Riverwood.
It is located in the lane that starts right opposite the centrally located Imam bargah - a landmark hard to miss. 

It is a small eatery. Keep a lookout for it when you pass by, else you'll miss it.
It's size is clearly it's biggest 'shortcoming', if I might call it that.

Inside, there is just enough seating capacity for 6 people, max. 

If you like Arab-style teas, though, then you'll like eating here, even if it means doing so whilst sitting in your car.

The menu is not very elaborate, which is good, in my opinion.
Less is more. :)

We ordered the Disco Chai, but sadly I forgot to photograph it.

It came in small, concave glass cups (the kind in which Arabs drink their coffee/tea) with metallic handles. Something like this, but much less ornate.

The chai was alright; a bit small in portion for the price of Rs 60 per cup.

Plus, I don't like tea that has a thick film of cream on top.

The decor of the small outlet is very simple. 

Plain Paratha: Rs 30 each

I prefer whole wheat paratha's (thanks to my Ammi, who always made fresh ones for us for lunch after school), but these piping hot, white-flour ones that were served to us right off the stove fared very well as breakfast on a Sunday morning. 

Desi Omelet with Cheese - Rs 110

In the background in the photo above, you can also see a plain whole wheat paratha (already torn from all sides by us) that the management asked us to try because they are thinking of introducing it into the menu.

I loved this omelet!

A total hit, it was packed with veggies such as onions, green chillies, and tomatoes, with melted cheddar in its folded midst. It was evenly well-browned throughout- just the way I like it. Every bite was a joy.

"Half-fry" (this is what a 'sunny side up' fried egg is called in our local lingo): Rs 50

This was nothing to write home about.
It was also a rather small egg, as you can see. :P We had to order another. Heh!

Plain Pizza Paratha: Rs 100

This is basically a paratha that is topped midway through being prepared with plain beaten egg.
This was a hit with the children, for whom we especially ordered it plain (sans any spices or veggies). 

Arabic Paratha with Egg - Rs 130

We ordered this for takeaway on another day. It is a paratha that is stuffed with vegetables and beaten egg (omelet) inside. 

If you like stuffed paratha's, you'll love having this.

The only other eateries that I know of where I can get good whole-wheat tawa paratha's are: the rather over-priced Neco's, and Chatkharay.

If you know of any other eatery that offers tawa paratha's on it's menu (especially whole wheat ones), please let me know. 

Verdict: The chai was alright, but I am a fan of Chai Master already because of their paratha's! Perhaps they should rename themselves: Paratha Master? :) 

We also tried their Nutella Paratha, priced at Rs 130 (sorry, once again I forgot to photograph it) and it was quite awesome! If you like paratha's with sweet stuffing (like my husband and kids do), then you'll probably love their Nutella paratha as well. 

Chai Master is open early on Sundays for breakfast. On the rest of the days of the week, they open after 2 p.m. 

So give their breakfast a try on a Sunday, but remember to arrive early, because as I said, there is limited sitting space. You'll actually have to sit outside on plastic tables and chairs to eat. 

But if the food is good, who's complaining? :)

Garden Terrace Restaurant, Beach Luxury Hotel, M.T Khan Road, Lalazar

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Last year, our family discovered one of the better-kept dining secrets of Karachi.

But first, let me ask you one thing: how many places are there in the city, where you can enjoy a quiet atmosphere; stroll outdoors on lush green grass under tall coconut-palm trees; feel strong gusts of sea breeze without the pinch of sand in the eyes; sit next to a large natural-water body and enjoy the sound of lapping water, as well as eat a clean, tasty meal without being overwhelmed by boisterous crowds, urban city noise, and traffic smog?

True, there are no such places in the city where you can get all of these pleasures simultaneously, unless you count exclusive private clubs such as Defence Authority Golf and Country Club, or the Airmen Golf Course.

However, there is one such comparatively peaceful and undiscovered place where you can find a natural body of water, lush green lawns, sea breeze, cooing seagulls, and good food, all in one place - and that is the Garden Terrace Restaurant at Beach Luxury Hotel - the 'secret' that we discovered by chance.

Pictured in the above shot are the tall coconut palms on the lawns of the hotel, which are almost constantly encircled by birds, which are a joy to behold at any time of day.

At one the edge of these sprawling lawns, at the end of a floating jetty, is located another restaurant called "Seafront BBQ/Rendezvous", the review of which will be the topic of a separate blog post, insha'Allah.

The coconut palms look especially majestic when the sun is high.

We love sitting on these benches to enjoy moments of peace and quiet away from Karachi's fast-paced urban living.
We also get to watch speedboats with passengers that come from the nearby Port Grand, and rarer still, kayaks with rowers, whizzing by on the water surface.
The best part is that, most of the time, the lawns of Beach Luxury Hotel are not crowded with visitors. A welcome break!

The water is not clean, but it still offers a pretty good view, especially when the sun is setting.
And at least it doesn't stink like the notorious "Nehr-e-Khayam" in Clifton (gag). :P



As you enter the hotel lobby, the first thing you come across is the verandah housing the Garden Terrace Restaurant.
You can see the entrance of the other restaurant that lies right adjacent to it, called Casbah. It is an open-air seafood joint.

On the right side of the restaurant is located the kiosk where coffees, tea, juices and milkshakes are prepared.

A closeup shot of the juice/chai/coffee kiosk.

You can see the outdoor tables of Casbah Restaurant behind the wooden lattice.

The Garden Terrace Restaurant has big, comfy, cushioned chairs situated around smaller tables.

There are a few sofas thrown in for good measure as well.

One side of Garden Terrace Restaurant paves the way towards the lawns and outer halls of Beach Luxury Hotel.

There is plenty of space and fresh air.
The good news: Wifi is also available for free, and it works really well throughout the hotel, half way across the lawns as well!

Behind this comfy couch, on the far right side of the restaurant, in front of the juice kiosk, a doorway opens on to the path leading to the swimming pools:



That is the pool area you can see in the distance. The pools are partially covered and very clean:



This is the adults' pool, in which anyone can swim from 8:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m for charges of ~Rs 1100 per person per day (for the full day).
The children's pool is located right next to it (not pictured).

The lawns begin before one enters the pool area.
I always love the sight of this lush green grass and shady trees.

Now on to the menu:

Garden Terrace Restaurant's food service can also be availed at the tables by the poolside, i.e. the waiters will serve you there as well.
However, I must warn you, that the crows in the overhead trees will make your life miserable as soon as your food arrives on the table near the pools. They are not scared of humans at all, and try to grab at the food in your plates even if you are seated right there shooing them away.
So eat next to the pool at your own risk - you have been forewarned!

The back of the menu lists all the four restaurants that are in business at Beach Luxury Hotel.

The prices are the same as those at any other high-end restaurants of the city.
They are quoted here exclusive of 17% tax.

Eggs are served all day, and are quite good! Especially the omelets.

The best part about ordering "2 Eggs any Style" (besides their economical rates) is that you can have them customized to your preference e.g. plain cheese omelets with no spices work well as a meal for kids at any time of the day.

A shot of "2 Eggs, Any Style" - Pakistani Omelet with Cheese
It comes with 3 toasted slices of bread.



A closeup shot of the omelet. The chef clearly does it to perfection.
Oodles of melted cheddar ooze out as you eat this omelet!

The menu offers a pretty eclectic, although limited, range of continental and local dishes. 

Apple Pie with ice cream - Rs 235

This one is our favorite! We consider it to be the best, most authentic apple pie we have had in Karachi so far.
They serve the pie slice warmed in the microwave, without request.
You must try it, if you like apple pie! But eat fast during summer, as the ice cream melts like there's no tomorrow.

Creme Caramel - Rs 160
Again, not from a packet! You can taste and smell the eggs in this pudding, which is evidence that it is made from scratch. 

A shot of both desserts. 

A picture that truly tantalizes the taste buds, eh?

Mango Milkshake - Rs 160

Strawberry Milkshake - Rs 160

This was awesome! It carried the zest and crunch of pureed strawberries in every thick slurp. 

Vegetable Spring Rolls - Rs 195, and French Fries - Rs 100

The spring rolls were freshly fried and very crunchy, and the way their vegetable contents had been sliced thinly, in long strands, gave away the professionalism of the chef who prepared them.
They weren't frozen rolls taken out of a boxed packet, that's for sure. 

Chai (tea) - Rs 90
The tea is made with teabags in a traditional teapot, served with hot liquid milk in a milk dispenser.
Brings back memories of the 80's, when my grandmother had her daily evening chai this way. The only thing missing is the "tea cosy". :) 

Mulligatawny Soup, with accompaniments of buns, bread-sticks and butter - Rs 160

I love this soup! Shredded chicken and rice abound in every spoon of the steaming concoction.
Whenever I have had this soup, the buns and bread sticks that come with it (consumed eagerly by all my 3 children) have been fresh.

Fish Finger - Rs 360
The fish is so fresh, it flakes easily. Although the outside of the fried finger fish is crispy, its insides are soft and tender. 
We almost always have this whenever we dine here.



A portion of tartar sauce accompanies the Fish Finger.

Chicken Chow Mien - Rs 300

I am sure you can see the way the vegetables have been sliced, like I mentioned above?
The noodles, veggies and shredded chicken are clearly fried separately for this Chow Mien and tossed together by the chef at the end, that much is obvious. And that is the way Chow Mien should be made!
So yes, this Chow Mien gets a big thumbs up from me!

Crispy Chicken Burger - Rs 300, with cheese - Rs 60

The burger patty was a normal chicken patty, not crispy.
Nevertheless, this is the way the burger was served to us on its plate, like an open-faced sandwich.
The taste was a bit old school, like Mr Burger. 

Another glass of Mango Milkshake, from another visit - notice the straw standing in the middle because of the thickness of the shake? :)
No complains.

A view of the lawns and palm trees at night. Warning: if you sit under these trees after sunset, you stand at risk of being pelted by bird droppings. :P
I am pretty sure that any average Karachi dweller has attended at least one wedding on these lawns.

The lights of Port Grand are clearly visible in the horizon at a distance after nightfall.

It is wonderful to spot the full moon at night under the open sky, flanked by the leaves of the palm trees.

The lawns are well-lit by garden lights.

The rooms in the hotel building are visible from the gardens.

Verdict: Need I say more? A must visit, please do go to this restaurant at Beach Luxury Hotel even if it is just to have your evening chai, then take a stroll along the lawns, and enjoy the sea breeze under the stars. The food is clearly professionally prepared and served, and always very fresh!

Note: there is a masjid in a spacious room outside the hotel where men can pray in congregation, and for ladies, they willingly open one of their conference rooms and provide a prayer rug as well (even though I have prayed more than once on the grass in the lawns too, without any issues). The washrooms of the hotel are always very clean (otherwise I wouldn't be returning here for repeated visits, that's for sure!)

The staff of the hotel is very courteous, helpful and polite. No one will ask you what you are doing there (either with their facial expression or with their tone of voice), even if you come just to hang out by sitting on the benches next to the creek overlooking the mangroves.