The "Kolachi" Experience

When getting together with friends after a long time, a place where one can "catch up" for old times' sake (well not that old) , enjoying the ambiance and of course the food is of importance as well. So, yesterday we did just that when after a long drive we ended up at a restaurant at the "Du Dariya" area.

Let me give a briefer first, I hadn't met my friend Krum* for a while now and so it was decided that Kay*, him and I would meet for dinner. Now Kay, my very particular foodie friend, had told us that food at "Kolachi" was apparently really good and worth the experience (compared to the one we had at Sajjad's). So she was kind enough to get the reservations and that's where we ended up last night.

Now Kolachi in itself is very well managed. The ambiance, the soft music that would  have sudden bursts of loudness, the nice cool air, the soft hum of the sea all added up to make it a pleasant experience for anyone. When we reached there, at the entrance we were asked if we had a reservation and as we did,  were within guided over a small mini bridge, to the main reception area where white comfortable sofas were kept,  for our table. Guided to the 2nd floor we reached our table and settled down, taking in our surroundings overlooking the sea to one side with its green and blue hues of color, and the main reception to the other, but more so the presentation of our table. My friend and I were glad to notice that a proper hand sanitizer was provided ("Dettol" a brand that is well known and reputable in the market), along with cloth napkins and cutlery.

The waiter came immediately to take our orders and upon mutual decision we ordered Lahori Fried Fish as the appetizer, Seekh Kabab and Paneer Reshmi Kabab in a handi for the main course along with garlic and regular Nan.  Krum ordered a chilled Pepsi and low and behold within 10 minutes of being seated we were served with the fish and his chilled Pepsi. Personally I am not a big fan of fish unless its fried, and well, this one was really good, the fish was nice and crunchy on the outside (thanks to the batter) and soft and melts in your mouth on the inside. It didn't take us long to eat all the pieces of the plate along with the fries that they were served with.

Once done with the Fish, the waiter bought in the main course with the nans all the while removing our soiled plates and bringing in new and clean ones. Now THIS Paneer was a different story all together. Unlike the pasta sauce I had earlier, this has the zing of cheese, nice smooth sauce and a light amount masalas (so to speak) that gave a burst of taste in your mouth. The chicken pieces were well cooked not over nor under making them juicy when you bit into them with Garlic Nan. The Seekh Kababs were nicely wrapped in a foil so as keep them fresh and that they wouldn't lose their moisture (apologies not a seekh kabab fan so didn't have them).

The waiter kept coming and going, asking if we needed anything, to the point when even one of the floor managers came by to ask if we were enjoying our food and whether all had been up to the mark or not. For a change, yes for us it was. When we were done with our dinner the waiter even asked us if we wanted dessert or "sheesha" (Hookah), which we politely refused.

The thing about this place is that it allows you to relax and enjoy yourself. To the point that even the chairs are comfortable, allowing you to sit for more than a while to actually like the company your with and the surroundings you are in. We were done within an hour with our dinner, but the atmosphere along with our own jovial moods allowed us to sit on (even though we had paid the bill) order tea and have that as well.

Now the tea wasn't that that great, agreed, but the serving manner, their cups and the unique style of providing the sugar in separate bowls was a different, did make me appreciate the service if not the taste of the tea.

For us (Kay and I that is) we found it worth the wait to actually get a reservation and go in to eat at a place where yes the clients are treated specially, with delicious food and a relaxing atmosphere!

*Names have been changed.