Magnum Relaunch

(To view more photos, click here)

A few days ago I received an invitation card titled 'The Hunt For Pleasure is On', I was intrigued. A few days later, upon receiving a package containing a small box of Lal's chocolate, I was delighted to find out  it was an invite for the Magnum launch, a one of a kind invite for a blogger's meet-up. Was looking forward to it. YUM. Belgian chocolate. 

The meet-up was quite a grand affair, dark ambiance, lit up with spotlights and with Magnum boards all around. The event started off with a presentation, with a couple of video clips regarding the basic idea behind Magnum. It was all done in a very grand manner,and various food critics/bloggers were present. The quality of the ice cream was impeccable - creamy vanilla ice-cream, and a bitter-sweet coat of yummy melt-in-the-mouth chocolate. Loved how we were served different snacks and drinks before the event started, and how, in the end we got to make our own Magnums by dipping 'em in melted chocolate and other goodies. I chose sprinkles  with freshly sliced strawberries and kiwi fruit. The ice-cream indeed is a quality product as the vanilla ice-cream was perfectly creamy, and the chocolate had a fine taste to it with a smooth, silky texture.

 The team also said that they have plans of opening up a Magnum Cafe. This sounds yummylicious and reminds me of Dip Shop. I'd definitely go to the Magnum cafe if I get to eat my Magnum with fruits and yummy chocolate. I loved the combination!

The only thing which I found hard to believe and which made me uncomfortable, was linking Magnum to  pleasures in a highly exaggerated manner. The video clip implied that indulging in Magnum is equal to "certain other kind of pleasures". Frankly, it's a food product, an ice-cream, nothing else.


All in all, it was a good event; different from other blogger meet-ups I've been too. And I wish them luck with their future endeavors.

Baking/Desserts Classes' Details

A good friend of mine, Daniya Ahmed, who is also a certified baker from Pakistan Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management is conducting a 10-day baking/desserts' course. Following are the details:


The classes will begin from 5th of June, 2012 and will be held twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday, timings: 4-6pm. Venue is Clifton, Karachi. Following recipes will be taught:


First class: Ice cream Swiss roll and Candi ice cake.

Second class: Chocolate cake and Strawberry cake.

Third class: Mango ice-cream and cookie treats.

Fourth class: Beef Burger and Club Sandwich

Fifth class: Brownies and cupcakes

Sixth class: Caramel crunch cake and Chocolate Fudge cake

Seventh class: Naan khatai and short crust biscuits

Eigth class: Bakery biscuits and chocolate/plain biscuits

Ninth class: Puff pastries (variations in Chicken and Mince)

Tenth class: Jalebi and shakes.

Please call 0336-3795335 or email at daniyaahmed904@gmail.com for details. Make sure you book yourself for your choice of class well in advance. Seats are limited. 



*Classes are only for girls/women in Karachi.

Rendezvous at Gloria Jeans

Gloria Jeans, famous for it's coffee and breakfast, has now opened up a branch in Dolmen Mall, Clifton. A bloggers meet-up before it's official launch was organized by Food Connection Pakistan.The place offers a comfortable ambiance, a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea, and delicious food. Azfer Asharay, Business Director at Gloria Jeans Coffee, a foodie like many other cafe owners, says "Gloria Jeans here (Karachi) has done phenomenally well, with great results from all the coffee lovers". Azfer also said that "it was the view which was perfect for a lounge I wanted to create as Gloria Jeans, a comfortable place with outdoor dining and the view of the sea."

As grand as the place looked, I expected the food to be as good. Even though I am not a great fan of beef, but I tried the fillet mignon, which was moist and cooked just right, served with a perfect pepper sauce. The Chicken Piquant was a bit too sweet for my taste-buds, but it was well cooked and had an excellent smoky flavor to it -- succulent and juicy. The Beef Burgers, were average, the burger buns being a bit dry (maybe because the time taken to photograph the dishes made it cold) and not to forget the yummylicious baked Potato Skins with cheese and sour cream -- mouthwatering! I loved the concept of the menu, in the form of  a newspaper. I liked the fact that Gloria Jeans had a couple of bookshelves filled with amazing books, something very attractive for a bibliophile like me. The coffee, Cappuccino was amazing -- coffee and books, the two things which would definitely make me return. Hoping Gloria Jeans does well and serves scrumptious food as good as their coffees.

For coffee and dessert, minimum amount required would be Rs.500. For breakfast/lunch/dinner, minimum would be Rs.600-800 (of course, depending on what you order).

Quality of food: 7.5/10
Service: 8/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Value for money: 8/10



Have you been to Gloria Jeans Coffee? How was your experience? Feedback is always welcome! Let us know by commenting below! :) The Crazy Chef now does restaurant reviews. If you want your food/restaurant/cafe/new menu reviewed or blogged, please contact me at tennythecrazychef@gmail.com or drop me a post on my facebook page.