Kuch Khaas Cafe: A cornucopia at The Lime Tree

White and green rule the decor, lending a summery and almost botanical feel to the place

ISLAMABAD:

Adding to Islamabad’s burgeoning cafe scene, The Lime Tree at Kuch Khaas recently opened its doors to the public. Although Kuch Khaas has had a cafe since it launched last year, The Lime Tree is its revamped version with a whole new look. It announced its soft launch July 15.

The Express Tribune met up with Kuch Khaas Cafe and Events Manager Jasmine Arandia for an exclusive sampling inside Lime Tree’s artful confines.

White and green rule the decor here, lending a summery and almost botanical feel to the place — further accentuated by wax imitations of limes and apples held in glass jars and decanters. The effect is both soothing and refreshing. This is a place that prioritises comfort and ease: Visitors can enjoy the eclectic menu at their individual tables or unwind in the lounge at the far back of the cafe with a cup of java from the drinks bar tended by a trained barista. Loaves of fresh baked bread rest on a table near the entrance.

Said Arandia, while ordering a selection of fare from the menu for the sampling, “We’re going to introduce deli variety of food soon so that people can take away if they’re in a rush.” This is especially appealing to working types, who may not have the time or the luxury to idle in a cafe during their short lunch-breaks. Plus, it makes the cafe and its services all the more dynamic.

However, those who’ve come to enjoy their lunch will find the place has an intimate, ‘lived in’ feeling; the hiss of lime slush being churned and bluesy tunes in the background. The Kuch Khaas staff wanders in and out, keeping the cafe lively and bustling.

“You know we’ve got vegetarian options too,” said Nabeela Ijaz, Kuch Khaas Director of Programs and explained these are just as popular as Kuch Khaas’ trademark paninis, burgers and salads, ‘light on the dressing’. “Take a loaf home with you,” added Ijaz, pointing to the display of bread made by the in-house baker. The particular loaf I walked away with was brown walnut, fragrant and powdered lightly — excellent with butter or on its own.

The sample platter didn’t fail to disappoint either: A cornucopia of wholesome chicken paninis made with freshly baked panini-bread, thin-crust pepperoni pizza, Thai Beef Salad and chicken-tikka rolls appeared on the table within twenty minutes — a testament to the menu’s diverse scope. To top it all off, rich mango ice cream to rejuvenate the palate.

“This is what we’re about: Quick, healthy and quality food that’s also affordable. Nothing above Rs500. That’s our target,” explained Arandia.

But Lime Tree’s not just about the grub. The lounge out back stocks books and journals, on sale, that aren’t easily found elsewhere in Islamabad. “We were approached by The Last Word Press — Aisha Raja from Lahore — to open a book-store here,” said Tania Arandia, Manager Programs. It’s a good move and businesses like Kohsar Market’s Riff’s Cafe have merged dining and reading successfully before.

The cafe’s off to a strong start already, even without incessant marketing. “We’re building towards increased marketing and a bigger launch by the end of the month,” informed Jasmine. “We’ve been working on this for 10 to11 months now and are glad it’s ready,” she said.

The hard work paid off. Neighbouring tables had not a bad word for the food or the ambiance; lucky for Kuch Khaas, the customer is always right. “I’ve changed my BlackBerry messenger status to how much I love this place. My friends and I are going to live here now,” said Maha Khan, 25, over a plate of leafy greens.



Published in The Express Tribune, July 21^st, 2011.