Known for burgers and coffee, Roasters opens its doors to Islamabad

The cafe can accomm­odate up to 120 people at a time.

ISLAMABAD:

Nestled in the heart of Islamabad, Karachi-based Roasters Coffee House and Grill opened its doors to the delight of coffee connoisseurs and foodies here on Tuesday night.

The restaurant debuted in the city by the sea in 1992 as a simple coffee bar but has, over time, made its mark as the go-to place for savoury and affordable steaks and burgers.

The decor follows a now standardised theme for the Roasters chain -- dark brown hues and dim lighting, with the addition of a menu mural on a wall. Though this outlet shares a theme with others, a little more lighting would have helped give the atmosphere a brighter and warmer appeal.

Guests at the opening were treated to crisp scallops with tangy sauce, coupled with slices of beef and wild mushroom chicken steaks as starters. Second and third helpings disappeared just as quickly as the first. Waiters scuttled to and from the packed corners of the restaurant with trays of colourised lemonade to help water everything down.

“I am glad [Roasters] finally opened here. Islamabad lacks good quality food in an affordable price range,” exclaimed a guest at the event.

The outlet comes to Islamabad after a decade of success in Karachi and Lahore. Owner Farhan Malik told The Express Tribune that the decision was a mixture of being at the right place at the right time. “We struck a good deal and decided to grab the opportunity and go ahead,” he said.

Though the 120 seating arrangement seemed small, but considering that it was the opening event, the number is expected to settle down once the place opens up officially.

The menu remains quintessential Roasters with a platter for starters and their jalapeno beef burger as their best selling items, and the molten lava cake and caramel latte star dessert and coffee respectively.

All menu items are priced in the Rs400 to Rs600 range.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2012.