Daily Times

LAHORE: ‘Brasserie’ originally stands for a fine, well-reputed French restaurant which aims to serve single dishes every day of the week and a few main courses as their specialties such as Lamb Shanks on the weekend.

Now, the signature Brasserieerie counter, the rustic French floors as well as the soothing bar with a book shelf has all made it to Mall 1. Yes! The Brasserieerie has just arrived as a neighbor to Pakistan Fashion Lounge (PFDC) at Mall 1.

At Lahore’s Brasserieiere, if the exterior doesn’t take you in, then the French influenced interior is definitely going to take your breath away. Whether it’s spring, summer, autumn or winter, it is always great to enjoy the outdoors and The Brasserieerie is the first ever restaurant in the city with a splendid spacious balcony and a removable roof top that allows you to do this. A grandiose and idle place, it is bound to catch your eye when you are driving by Mall 1. A perfect spot to solace yourself in the wintery chilled mornings and soothing evenings.

The great master minds behind this place are Danish Aslam and Afzal Khan. However, the crown indeed belongs to Fatima, the architect and designer, responsible for striking a balance between the magnanimous ambiance and mind blowing interior for the customers. The Brasserieiere exudes a strong French influence and boasts a relaxed and genial ambiance.

The premises inside are sophisticatedly designed; beautiful antique-sketched paintings on the left side of the wall at the entrance completely take one’s heart away, and a few steps ahead of the bar on the right side along with a decent bookshelf is the perfect place to sit while sipping on blue colada or mocha. This is all one needs to delve him or herself in from the daily drudgery of work.

Whether you’re craving a pizza or an appetising lunch, The Brasserieiere has lots to offer. Mains at the restaurant include Lamb Shanks, pasta favourites such as Penne Arabiata, Fettuccine Alfredo and Spaghetti Marinara among other dishes such as the Fillet of Beef with Shiitake, Jalapeno and Caramelised onions as well as Red Snapper and some Mediterranean poultry entrees.

Included in my dining experience were the Lamb Shanks which were extremely terrific and irresistibly yummy. The prawns in the pasta were crisp and tender and generously coated in a creamy and tangy sauce. While the baked potatoes filled in a nut shape not just enticed the sensory nerve-endings on my palate, they fed my visionary spirit. Though guests flock the empty tables within minutes, the service remains friendly and attentive. Portion size is larger than many other restaurants and this is a plus point.

There’s plenty of parking for The Brasserieiere on the ground floor and it’s worthy of a visit for sure.

The place remains open from 12pm to 1am, while on weekends, it remains open until 2am.

Published in Daily Times, November 13^th 2017.