Give Veranda Bistro a shot

There are some must have items on the eatery’s menu.

LAHORE:

With its picturesque courtyard, Veranda Bistro, situated in the bustling Gulberg area, is no stranger to the foodies block.

Although the eatery that attracts many diners from all walks of life is largely known for its brunch and lunch buffets, there are some hidden treasures in its dinner menu that might miss one’s eye. The quality of food at the venue has raised a debate too. However, there are some must-have items that you should try on your next visit.

What excited us was goat cheese on the appetiser menu, served over dark rye with a raspberry sauce. Unfortunately, the overall taste was overwhelming and overcompensating. The robust flavour of the goat cheese paired with the sturdy rye flavours created a harsh taste. Even though the raspberry sauce mellowed down the flavours, the sheer frugality of its use doesn’t quite hit the spot.

Calamari has become a common feature on most menus across the city — whether it is grilled or deep fried. While the calamari itself could use an extra crunch, the tomato salsa served with it here is delicious. The tanginess of the tomatoes meets the spice from the chillies, while the mint adds a refreshing touch to the sauce.

The Lebanese platter is by far one of the best items on their menu. The spinach empanadas on the platter are crunchy and flavourful, while the hummus and baba ganoush are fresh and capture that Middle Eastern tradition in them. However, the falafel could do with less sesame seeds as they over power the flavours. It is important for a restaurant to really master its main dishes, as they are usually the most sold items.

Veranda prides itself on having an extensive entrée menu and here are some of the items that popped out: the mushroom risotto is one of those items that can be either delicious or can ruin one’s appetite when over or undercooked.

Veranda is proud if its risotto making skills; the deep rooted mushroom flavour tantalises your taste buds and for a second, one can forgo that the texture of the risotto could be slightly frothier. Embedded with shiitake mushrooms, the entrée is wholesome and fulfilling.

Moving on to the crustacean corner, the spicy garlic jumbo prawns could possibly make your evening. Jumbo prawns tossed in subtle spices sprinkled with some fresh lemon juice to bring the dish alive are a real treat, with cilantro leaves complementing the flavours. The tangy risotto pairs well together and brings the whole dish to a tantalising close.

On a starry night, given the right ingredients, the courtyard at Veranda can set a beautiful mood for almost any kind of evening.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31^st, 2012.

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