An inked thumb and full stomach — eateries get patriotic!

Restaurants across the city are giving away free goodies along with discounted dinners.

KARACHI:

If willingness to change the country’s fate isn’t enough to make you leave your bed this Saturday and cast a vote, then maybe a free coffee or a sorbet will do the trick. If you need some calorie-loaded motivation, you’ll be pleased to know that there are restaurants in town offering yummy incentives! All you need to do is show your inked thumb and the delectable goodies are all yours.

If you’re interested in coffee, wake up early, cast your vote and head to Espresso or Chatterbox and grab yourself a cup on the house! Espresso manager Obaiduddin says a valid inked thumb is a prerequisite and this offer will be valid at all three Espresso outlets. At Chatterbox, manager Ali Shah says that avid and patriotic customers will be offered free cold coffee 8 am onwards.

But if coffee isn’t your “cup of tea” and it’s really just a cup of tea you crave, then make a stop at Chai Master. They say: show us the ink on your thumb (proof of vote) and enjoy a free doodh patti. This offer is only valid from 8 am to 1 pm.



And then there’s the Cakery which is all set to spoil its customers with a new green cake pop. “We are trying to make it fun so that people are encouraged to vote — we really want them [the youth] to vote,” says owner Aamina Jahangir. She is aware that the small shop will be overflowing with enthusiastic voters and has decided to set up a small table inside the shop. “Whoever comes and shows their thumb and we will give them a green cake pop to take away,” she reveals.

“People say their votes won’t make a difference but at the end of the day, every vote counts and that’s what we want — people to get up, vote and have something to look forward to at day end.”

Lal’s Patisserie also has something in store for patriots. An exclusive sorbet in three flavours — green apple, strawberry and raspberry — will be served from 11 am till 1 am on Saturday. “We are offering this deal because we really want to encourage Pakistanis to vote,” says CEO Madiha Sultan-Tai, adding that they will also be using the take away option in order to control the heavy turnout which is expected.

In the summer heat, something chilled and cold might be what the crowd really wants. If you are in the mood for some malt kulfi after your trip to the ballot box, then don’t think twice and head straight to the Patio. But of course, after you have voted! The eatery is located near various consulates so that might be a little tricky, says owner Saima Achria. However, if you are looking for a traditional thirst quencher get your hands on some refreshing mint lemonade and fries at Café 76.

If you want to continue snacking your way through the day, then there are tons of other places to raid. Go to Neenis in Khadda Market to grab some chocolate chip cookies. “We’ll bake them every 15 minutes so everyone will get some,” says owner Adya Amjad.



But maybe you want to unwind over some dinner and not fill your stomach with sweet delicacies? If that’s the case, Ginsoy is where you might want to be. “We’ll be open from five in the evening till two in the morning and we’ll be offering a 25% discount on delivery, take away and for those dining in,” says manager Shahnawaz Saleem. “This is our way of serving the nation. We want people to vote and in turn, avail this discount.” Forty4 also plans to give a 15% discount to all those who have voted.

“Urbanite.pk is offering free delivery from any restaurant but only those residing in Defence and Clifton — these are the only safe areas,” says operations manager Wajih Farooqui. “We have a large force on the field and we’ll be able to handle it [the deliveries] — we want to change Pakistan because of your votes!”

May 11, is not just about bringing change in the country — it’s also about treating your palate!

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2013.                    

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