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    Food Review: 'Dessert Directory'

    Written by: Minahil Gillani
    Posted on: June 14, 2016 |

    Dessert Directory, Y-Block DHA, Lahore

    A street away from the busy commercial Y-Block market of DHA, tucked behind a children’s park is the new go-to spot for anyone with a serious sweet tooth in Lahore. The quaint outlet houses Lahore’s first luxury patisserie stocking items from several home-based chefs, and after hearing rave reviews, I knew I just had to experience it for myself. I went in with two of my closest girlfriends as we decided to turn a Friday into our little ladies day out (which obviously entailed a food adventure). Armed with the GPS in our cell phones, half of our allowances, and big food dreams, we made our way to street 14, Y-Block.

    Dessert Directory, Lahore
     
    Dessert Directory, Lahore
     

    Everything from the exterior and layout to the interior, the display and the business idea itself is one of a kind, and any foodie’s dream come true. I was at once mesmerized by the displays: racks and racks of glorious desserts lined in front of me with cake holders and cookie jars atop the display case. From the quirky walls and furniture to the brilliantly shaded cupcakes and marshmallows, it almost reminded me of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Dessert items on the menu range from the routine to things that cater to the most adventurous gastronaut, thereby providing a wholesome experience.

    Upon entering, you are greeted by the warm and cheerful Moniba Javaid and Khadija Shafqat, who along with their partner Amir Javaid, own the patisserie. The trio started out with their venture ‘Prime Edibles’ back in 2012, and having established a name for themselves through their attention to quality and presentation, have now founded this one stop shop for all your sweet tooth cravings. Khadija handles the culinary angle while her accomplices Moniba and Amir manage the financial and business side of things. The endeavor empowers local bakers and home cooks who work from their own kitchens, yet are able to present their creations at a commercial level and reach out to a wider market.

    Dessert Directory, Lahore

    Cupcakes by 'The Mad Chef'

    Dessert Directory is, as of now, stocking ten home-based suppliers who can make three items in amounts of six each on a regular basis. The lineup includes desserts from Chef for the Weekend, Spoonful, Lahorelicious, The Mad Chef, Bano, Scrumptious, The Little Cake Company, The Pink Kitchen, Cake Couture and Cakery Bakery. More power to these wonderful entrepreneurs.

    Everything at the shop ranges from Rs. 150 to 500 at present, including in-house treats like waffles and milkshakes. My friends and I spent a good 15 minutes drooling over the display cases trying to decide what to order, because everything looked so scrumptious. Amongst the three of us, we managed to decide on an absolutely divine Lindt Belgian Tart by Chef for the Weekend, the tiramisu with just the right amount of bitterness, the heavenly homemade chocolate ice cream from Lahorelicious that was oh so decadent, the moistest Twix caramel cupcakes by The Mad Chef, and Cakery Bakery’s cookie dough cheesecake which was right on the money. I could go on and on with individual reviews for each item, but I mustn’t digress. All three of us were ever so grateful that this didn’t put a dent on our student budgets. By the end of it we basically waddled out of the candy floss-colored door, clutching the food babies in our stomach with Cheshire cat grins on our faces.

    Dessert Directory, Lahore

    Strawberry Cheesecake cups

    One thing that definitely stands out about this place is its warm atmosphere, which I would attribute to the two wonderful ladies behind the counter. They practically ooze hospitality and were keen on making our experience a great one by genuinely asking for feedback with the intent of catering to customer requests and suggestions. Furthermore, the ambience of the place is warm and inviting, and provides a welcome change of pace from the abundance of eateries that seem to have popped up in Lahore overnight. I would recommend Dessert Directory as a must-visit for anyone in Lahore who takes their dessert as seriously as I do (and I definitely do).

     

    All images have been taken from the ‘Dessert Directory’ Facebook page.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021