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BIG 5
Summer hideaways
that are just a stone's throw away For caffeine junkies: Espresso…
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The
joy of stepping into the cold interior of any of the two independent
Espresso cafes (on Zamzama and Shahbaz) is enough to bring the heat
down a few notches. And even if you're at The Forum, the small Espresso
bar is good enough to refresh your miserable heat ridden senses.
In fact Espresso has been so good in maintaining the standard and
temperature (while most places are cutting down on overhead budgets)
that one actually has to request the air conditioning to be turned
down. It is the best place to hang out with friends over a refreshing
tall glass of Frozen Cappuccino or Ice Mocha. The salads aren't
good enough to die for but their grilled chicken wings are. And
it's sweet tooth galore if you have no concerns of fitting into
your swimsuit. The fruit juices - especially the seasonal Falsa
Juice - can be a bit of a dampener - so our advice is to stick to
either the coffees or the ice teas. But it's the overall 'coolness'
of the place that makes it a summer hangout straight from heaven!
For health freaks: CafŽ Fresh by Juice Zone If you feel that
the caffeine kick at Espresso is too hot too handle and the inevitable
gush of nicotine makes you claustrophobic, then head out to the
new Cafe Fresh (Juice Zone) that has opened on Zamzama. Smoking
is allowed and coffee is available, but this is generally a place
where you go to feel healthy, thanks to the long menu of smoothies
and blended 'health' drinks. You'd go there to order an energizing
glass of carrot, orange and beet or various other seemingly unappetizingly
concoctions that cleanse, cool or detoxify your system. But if you're
a committed 'healthophobic' (people who have a phobia of eating
healthy) then opt for the sugary delights or the Paninis. The Philly
Steak and Cheese Panini are highly recommended. The only thing to
watch out for is your bill because the prices at CafŽ Fresh
aren't very friendly and have a tendency to rise as high as the
mercury! That's not something that would cool you down. |
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bookworms: Liberty Books or The Last Word With many
branches all over the city and the best titles to read, this
is another kind of indulgence but certainly not one you should
stay away from. Liberty Books and the little book lounges they
have created are a good place to spend your mornings or lazy
afternoons. One does feel that though this popular bookstore
has diversified, it should branch out further and create a bit
of in-house cafŽ too. Perhaps like Table Talk in Islamabad,
where you can pick up your favourite books or even magazines
and skim through them over refreshments - though Liberty has
started stocking selected titles at Espresso in Lahore. However,
even that option is available in all three cities - Lahore,
Islamabad and Karachi - at Hot Spot where Ayesha Raja's The
Last Word offers a brilliant selection of new and classic titles.
Food for thought over the iciest, creamiest ice creams and frozen
yogurts: what more could one ask for? |
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For
daredevils: The Arena
All those people with kids - who have been driving
them up the wall ever since summer vacations began - can now
drive out to The Arena in Karsaz for a busy day out. The Arena
is packed with various activities, from bowling to rock climbing
as well as ice-skating and water sports. It's especially fascinating
because of the PAF Museum that has an interesting display of
old artillery and even ships. Back to the Arena, there is an
in house restaurant/cafŽ as well as various tuckshops all
over the place. The kids will stay out of your hairÉthat's
incentive enough to head out right now. |
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For
couch potatoes: Universe Cineplex
The cinema experience certainly has improved in Pakistan,
thanks to the various multiplexes that have risen in all three
major cities of the country. But for Karachiites who have a
fetish for films, the Universal Cineplex on Sea View is a must-go
to. Movies currently playing are Star Wars, Fast and the Furious
4 and the kiddie animation flick Monsters vs Aliens. Apparently
Kismat Konnection is also making a comeback for all those who
missed it the first time. And one can be confident that as soon
as Bollywood frees itself from the clutches of the strike, new
releases will also make their way to our cinemas. So for a good
two to three hours of popcorn thrills, the Cineplex is the place
to go. Ñ Aamna Haider Isani |
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