Alternative choice: Deli offers lean cuisines for healthier eating
Claims to present new culinary experience for capital’s food buffs.
The deli serves food such as gluten-free paninis, sandwiches, crêpes and wraps. PHOTO: HUMA CHOUDHARY/EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
The idea of lean cuisine is relevantly new for the capital and it is never too late to squeeze in a healthy lifestyle choice in one’s busy schedule. Along similar lines, the Corner Deli opened up in a bustling compound of the Jinnah Super market on Saturday evening.
Located next to Pappasallis, the deli is an extension of the Italian restaurant that has been around for about three decades. With its refreshingly new aura, the deli is a compact space where health buffs can take way snacks, sit in the minimalist interior or devour a healthy snack at the outdoor patio.
Brainchild of Nameera Najib, an architect, the deli serves healthy fast food such as gluten-free paninis, sandwiches, crêpes and wraps. “You don’t have on-the-go, healthy fast food in Islamabad yet. After my graduation last year, I went to San Francisco and I saw all these organic food joints such as farmers’ markets and thought I want something similar back home. So that was the main inspiration,” said Najeeb, who has also designed the interior of the place.
An indoor live cooking station and salad bar show chefs tossing the ingredients to prepare fresh food, while a dessert counter offers an assortment of desserts such as tarts, cookies and muffins. Beverages come in a range of juice blends, coffee and tea.
Some of the signature dishes include Bang Bang chicken, which comes with peanut butter sauce and the ultimate Cuban, a spicy beef delight.
The place also serves gluten-free cake and healthy breads, salads and soups. “The menu for now is very short, but it will keep on rotating on daily basis,” Najeeb added.
Amir Hassan, manager at Pappasallis, said the latest addition aims to introduce a new culinary experience to food enthusiasts of the city. “This is where the old bistro used to be. We have put up a wall and changed the ambience of the space accordingly,” he said.
“We have been doing rich Italian food and we realised the demographics of this emerging market, where people have become more health conscious and want light food,” said Zeenat Ayesha, owner of Pappassallis restaurant and Najeeb’s aunt. Ayesha added that they were planning to install wood-fire ovens for pizzas at the eatery soon.
“I love the retro feel of the interior. It’s a new cozy corner in Islamabad,” said Ilona Yusuf, guest and poet, who was accompanied by her husband at the event. An underground band, “Unplugged” also performed at the venue as guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 1st, 2015.
The idea of lean cuisine is relevantly new for the capital and it is never too late to squeeze in a healthy lifestyle choice in one’s busy schedule. Along similar lines, the Corner Deli opened up in a bustling compound of the Jinnah Super market on Saturday evening.
Located next to Pappasallis, the deli is an extension of the Italian restaurant that has been around for about three decades. With its refreshingly new aura, the deli is a compact space where health buffs can take way snacks, sit in the minimalist interior or devour a healthy snack at the outdoor patio.
Brainchild of Nameera Najib, an architect, the deli serves healthy fast food such as gluten-free paninis, sandwiches, crêpes and wraps. “You don’t have on-the-go, healthy fast food in Islamabad yet. After my graduation last year, I went to San Francisco and I saw all these organic food joints such as farmers’ markets and thought I want something similar back home. So that was the main inspiration,” said Najeeb, who has also designed the interior of the place.
An indoor live cooking station and salad bar show chefs tossing the ingredients to prepare fresh food, while a dessert counter offers an assortment of desserts such as tarts, cookies and muffins. Beverages come in a range of juice blends, coffee and tea.
Some of the signature dishes include Bang Bang chicken, which comes with peanut butter sauce and the ultimate Cuban, a spicy beef delight.
The place also serves gluten-free cake and healthy breads, salads and soups. “The menu for now is very short, but it will keep on rotating on daily basis,” Najeeb added.
Amir Hassan, manager at Pappasallis, said the latest addition aims to introduce a new culinary experience to food enthusiasts of the city. “This is where the old bistro used to be. We have put up a wall and changed the ambience of the space accordingly,” he said.
“We have been doing rich Italian food and we realised the demographics of this emerging market, where people have become more health conscious and want light food,” said Zeenat Ayesha, owner of Pappassallis restaurant and Najeeb’s aunt. Ayesha added that they were planning to install wood-fire ovens for pizzas at the eatery soon.
“I love the retro feel of the interior. It’s a new cozy corner in Islamabad,” said Ilona Yusuf, guest and poet, who was accompanied by her husband at the event. An underground band, “Unplugged” also performed at the venue as guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 1st, 2015.