The ‘desi’ hangout

Who doesn’t like to dine out with friends? Going out for dinner is something that we all enjoy as it gives us the much desired change we need. However, with so many options of restaurants and cafes available, it’s truly difficult to choose where to go. It’s during times like these that everyone tends to pick a place that has a good decor as well as amazing food.

Amongst other places that have a beautiful interior design as well as tasty food is DesiX2 restaurant in Lahore, and an addition to the X2 compound. The place located in Gulberg, has a roof top outdoor space and an exquisite indoor sitting area that makes it a worthwhile experience.

Within just three years, the complex has been extended - starting with X2 Pan Asian a multi-levelled classy fine dining restaurant and, a year later, saw the opening of Cafe X2. The restaurant boasts of huge projector screens and beautiful prints on the walls, while the cafe has a modern club like feel to it with charcoal and purple colour scheme with silver grey chairs.

The winding stairway leads up to the outdoor patio with a huge installation at the front and a seating area. The most coveted spots are around the French windows and terraces facing the main restaurant where there is ample seating space. On the chilly nights, heaters will be provided for the guests, while those who avoid the outdoors can make way to the inside of the restaurant.

The interior has an industrial look mostly made in charcoal steel grey, adorned with beautiful rustic gold wrought iron chandeliers and candelabras adding glamour and contrast to the space. The interior is basically a reflection of the outdoor space; the focal point is the 10 ft by 10 ft magnificent wrought iron gold light fixture that is the highlight of the room.

The effect of the place is classy with charcoal grey suede upholstery and wall paper. Here, the wooden panelling breaks the monotony while the big mirrors add to the richness of the area. The restaurant is designed by the original founders of the legendary Xinhua restaurant of the 90’s who have been the design force behind X2 as well. The three forces managing the operations include visionary restaurateur Zaeem ul Haq, designer Mahreen Haq and city builder/architect Ayub Munir.

Enriched with pictorial particulars, the created atmosphere is of classiness, cosiness and comfort. Mahreen Haq, one of the owners and interior designer of the X2 complex said, “We have successfully been able to build a solid brand by creating restaurants that have their own identity but there is a common theme which flows through out all the spaces in the compound. Our focus has always been to provide high quality food served amazingly in a squeaky clean environment.”

Since its opening, the eatery has always had an open kitchen policy and the guests are encouraged to request for kitchen tours to see where their food is being cooked.

This hip indoor/outdoor eatery very much intends to live up to its name and boasts of equally tempting menu. The restaurant’s menu features cocktail shooters, grilled delicacies, salads, sides and appetizers, along with a wide selection of sea food options.

[image]The culinary sophistication and high standards make the restaurant a must visit, while the modern layout envisions the mindset of the owners who are passionate about their design philosophy. The recent expansion is a tale of many contributions made possible with the input of creative minds.

“I love the inspired minimalism of this place. Its architectural beauty draws its strength from its simplicity. I see Frank Lloyd Wright influencing the property’s original owner Najm-ul Haq’s aesthetics, who built this as a single family home in what was a sought after enclave in the posh Gulberg III district. To his credit, urban thinker/architect Ayub Munir has remained loyal to the building’s modernist contours and has upgraded it into perhaps Lahore’s premier medium scale public space,” concluded Mahreen Haq.