VERANDA BISTRO ---- Ultimate Mediterranean Food

Well it is long time since I am in search of new and tasty in eatery options. Little fed up from some typical options.

A phone call from my friend gave me choice to fulfill this when he asked venue for today lunch. I took no time to mention “Veranda Bistro”, it is an upscale Mediterranean restaurant.

And my friends agreed on this luckily. Veranda Bistro is located in Gulberg 2 ,right behind the famous “Maria B” boutique. Entrance of  eatery is very impressive, nice and clean and well dressed management.

The simplistic, yet warm and charming decor create the perfect atmosphere for a pleasant meal with friends and family.

My friends were sitting in round shape table that was only option to sit more than 4 people together. Small tables were arranged. After initially discussion we ordered soup.

Whenever we come such places soup choice is very tricky. Normally our expectation about soup is very traditional. Three varieties were available for soup. I can recall following two names only right now.

These soups were served with very tasty garlic breads.

Wild Mushroom Soup

French Escargot Burgundy

After some time we moved towards buffet, I was almost surprised to see that Varity, fresh Organic Salads , baby lamb , steaks and lot more. It was totally different buffet menu.

Started with organic salad with butter and olives….i can feel the great taste. I missed one option only, the Pink Smoked Salmon. That was out class option in my last visit here. But this time fish was there but it was different. The food was great and the desserts (Chocolate fudge cake) were even greater.

Soft Drinks

Overall I was not very impressed with juice served. L

Price

Price of the buffet is on higher side. It would cost you Rs. 1400 per person (including TAX, cold drink).

Over All Rating

Food                      9.9/10

Service                 8/10

Ambience           9/10

Value                    9/10

Problems / Issues

only  thing i slightly disliked was the mutton steak, It was not very well cooked. 2^nd big issue was payment , they put us on hold due to credit card unavailability. Finally we have to bring cash from near ATM. That was not usual but unfortunately happened today. Though they served complimentary green tea for this, nice gesture I should day.

Final word of advice--do NOT eat off the al a carte menu. eat only from the lunch buffet spread and you just might enjoy your experience.

Al Nakhal - Allure Your Taste Buds With Arabic Cuisine

Whenever we talk about eatery options in Lahore, mostly you will not find Al-Nahal in the list or you can say most discussed list. Mostly due to miss conception of its rate probably. But after couple of visits first with my family and now with my friends ,I believe this is the best indoor cabin environment with nitty curtains, Arabic food restaurant which serves best for your money.

We ,G7’s, after less discussion that is not tradition of our group decided to go for Al-Nakhal to celebrate the “Hushee” of our friend ,ZJ the man who initiated this blog. We reached there around 9pm. My friends were already occupied a cabin that was right in front of the main entrance of Al-Nakhal. This gave good idea of customers of eatery later on J.Our host gave order as he was honorable host for this beautiful night. He ordered following items.

1.       Al Nakhal special soup..it was 93-b soup mostly present in menus @ 430

2.       Grilled Lamb Legg (Served with rice)….it was good for two persons @ 1495Rs

3.       Mutton Kabhul Handi (Served with white sauce)@ 570

4.       Lebanese Tikka @ 495

5.       White wine (Pine Apple with white grapes) @ 170

6.       Blue Logon (Blue berries with Pine Apple) @ 170

Order was served in good spirit and we were impressed with the service. Soup was fantastic. At first look I was on doubt about the quality but it was great .I can’t write a lot about the quality and taste about roasted Lamb Legg. Simply outstanding. Taste of Handi’s were great too. Lubnani Tikka’s, ZJ liked that very much but others including me were looking merely satisfied with them. May be we were new to this Arabic taste. The way everyone got share of lamb Legg reminded me the marriages in my village. It forced to order once more J.

In last I can’t forget to mention the great taste of drinks. White wine and Blue Logon were awesome Especially blue Logon.

Over All Rating

Food                      9.3/10

Service                 9/10

Ambience           9/10

Value                    9/10

Problems / Issue

One thing that I can mention in first try the video display of nice Arabic songs was missing. May it is not worth to mention but one of our friend was crying for video of “Belly Dance” J

It is little congested, I mean I am not very fond of  small cabin sitting especially with my friends. We were laughing and chatting. People in other cabin may feel uncomfortable.

In short it is good option especially if you are looking for change. Prices are not on very high side especially if we talk other than roasted Legg.