Côte Rôtie

TABLE TO BOOK
  • 28 Sep - 04 Oct, 2019
  • Attiya Abbass
  • High Life


Nestled inside the Alliance Française de Karachi in a quaint setting is Cotie Rote; flanked by potted plants which impart seclusion to the rustic café. Muted lightening inundate the interior, bouncing off quirky artworks and a bicycle, which hung – appearing to be airborne – over our heads. The enticing aroma of freshly baked bread was overwhelming to the senses. My friend and I were handed crisp sheets of paper, freshly printed with their menu of the day, since the restaurant improvises their menu, adding new items every day. We dug into the basket brimming with soft, artisanal breads dunked into house-made sauces as the server took our order. Côte Rôtie’s menu is extensive – featuring a whole array of hot and cold salads to choose from, seafood specials, meat and house-made shakes and ice-cream. Our cold salad, Apple Walnut and Brie was first to arrive on the table. It is true that you feed with your eyes first, and our perfectly curated dish of salad was a visual feast, which won us over on first bite. Finely-sliced apples, drizzled with a sweet and tangy dressing melded well with roasted walnuts, with fried sesame-encrusted brie cheese added an unexpected crisp to it. Our next starter turned out to be a full meal in itself – Karachi Style Shrimp Tacos, made for a dish that appeared simple yet was bursting with flavours. As opposed to hardened and crispy tacos, these were thin and light and full to the brim with spicy shrimps, fried and tossed in scrumptious dressing of tomatoes and herb. Before our main courses could arrive, we already felt full. Steaming platters of Tiger Prawns and beef steak were next to arrive. The giant pieces of tiger prawns were roasted, and slightly charred on the sides, immersed in generous servings of beurre blanc. As I dug into the dish further, the slightly off-putting char of the prawns were overpowered by the yummy dressing of emulsified butter. My friend’s beef steak – done in medium rare – was perfectly seasoned with blended herbs, a tang of lemon and slight dash of spice, the resulting concoction of flavours working well with our taste buds. At this point, we were full but our server requested us to try their desserts. I really liked their New York Cheese Cake, but my friend and I unanimously agreed that it wasn’t the best we had in town. But we were rendered speechless by the heavenly flavour of our Salted Caramel Icecream served with toasted peaches, a dessert new to both of us and which made us diehard fans of Côte Rôtie.

Location: Alliance Francaise, Plot/St-1, Block 8, Kehkashan, Clifton
Average cost for 2: Rs 2500 to 3000


TASTE

Taste is Côte Rôtie forte. Every item on their menu is a carefully-curated culinary masterpiece. Even the most uncomplicated dishes promise you a roller coaster of flavours. Special mentions to their Karachi style Shrimp Tacos, which is an unmissable treat. 

SERVICE

Raza, my server was extremely courteous and very receptive of what we wanted to try. Their entire staff is very affable.

AMBIENCE

Undoubtedly the most beautiful and ambient places to dine at. The interiors blends the best of rustic and modern décor, stirring an air of romanticism in the air. A place to whisk your beau to in the evening!

PRESENTATION

Hitting the ball out of the park with this one too!

VALUE FOR MONEY

For an upscale eatery promising a gastronomically rich and ambient experience, it is definitely worth the splurge.

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