LAHORE: It's that time of the year again, when most of the people are jaded by all the sacrificial meat; they would rather head out and indulge in something other than chicken, fish or meat.

Pastas or veggie pizzas would definitely be their go to. Having said that, in Lahore, many are spoilt for choice, with a litany of restaurants and fine-dining eateries offering the best of that! Italian coffee house Café Barbera offers not just coffee and shakes and a decent breakfast, but a delectable menu as well, that ranges from thin crust salmon, veggies and pepperoni pizzas, Barbera Special Pastas, Lasagne Al Forno served in chicken and beef both, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Fettucine Alfredo
and the Arrabbiata.

The Fettucine Alfredo cooked in white sauce and served with toasted bread and chicken slices is any foodie's dream! It is not just filling and appetising but the softness of the perfectly cooked pasta's taste, coupled with the taste of the sliced chicken and toast is indeed a perfect combination. For those who love a dash of spice in their food, there's the Cajun Chicken Pasta. The presentation itself of the entire meal speaks volumes of the chef's and the management's priority, which is to invest in providing not just A-class flavour and taste to the customer but a presentation, which makes you eat with your eyes - a fact we learned from 'Master Chef'.

Going by the literal meaning of Barbera, which means a red Italian wine grape variety that, was the third most-planted red grape variety in Italy. Amen to that as the taste of the food at Café Barbera is nothing short of being exotic, rich and lavish. I am floored.

For entrees, there are salads, dressed in olive oil balsamic vinegar, oreganos and lemon juices. Their Chicken Caesar salad, served with grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, croutons and Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese, adds to the flavour of this popular Caesar salad.

With the change in weather, most are caught up with horrid flu and I recommend the Chef Special Barbera Soup, which is a unique and an innovative soup, with secret ingredients.

Barbera's Mint Margarita is a fine blend of lemon and mint, served with lots of ice and mint leaves. For those still busting the heat, Mint Margarita is a speciality like no other. Molten Caramel Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream is an utter sweet delight, with melted chocolate. It's quite an addiction, really.Café Barbera itself, is quite an addiction, owing to its spick and span hygiene factor, the quick service, a comfortable atmosphere and an accommodating staff.