pakboy
February 1st, 2005, 07:45 PM
Chocaholics, this way
An international franchise that offers much more than the chocolates it's renowned for, opens shop in Lahore
By Fareeha Rafique
The world of Patchi is a colourful and enticing one. While there is no dearth of choco-lovers, this shop caters to both the aesthete as well as the chocolate connoisseur. A franchise of the internationally renowned chocolate shop chain, Patchi's arrival in Lahore seems to be a sign of better things coming our way. Kicking off with not one, but two outlets simultaneously, the shop offers many more delights for the senses than merely chocolates.
Rarely does one see shop windows so well done-up in Lahore, if at all. But then, local stores do not have designers flown in from abroad to take care of the dÈcor either. The glass front does justice to the interior of the shop; interestingly, the franchise does not have a uniform design for all outlets, they are individually designed. In this particular case, a Patchi representative over from Lebanon put all finishing touches to the display before the shop opening. Glass bowls with chocolate pebbles, glitzy gold boxes, candles, goblets and deco boxes all tastefully arranged adorn the windows and lure you in.
Products on offer are a visual treat; even if you're not budgeted for a purchase, a walk-through is delightful. Silverware, china, cut glass, crystal and a host of other decorative ware may have prohibitive tags attached, but then, that's to be expected if you're stepping into an international franchise. Where you have china from the likes of Roberto Cavalli, Rosenthal, Cacharel and Versace that is exclusively designed, there's bound to be a price to pay. Don't be daunted, though, the good thing is that smaller knick-knacks can be picked up at pretty reasonable prices, and if all else fails - indulge in comfort food - that's right, chocolate.
Chocs available can be broadly divided into three categories - deluxe, decorated, and classic. There are also sugar-free chocolates. The fifty-three kinds of chocolates you get to choose from include, among others, apricot, praline, truffle, coconut paste, coffee cream, gianduja, caramel and biscuit...and the list goes on. Besides, there are sugared almonds and honey candies, nougat, sugared pistachios, coloured sugar crystals and lollipops of the same. The good thing being, as pointed out by the CEO Patchi (Pakistan,) Major Humayun Jamil, all products are halal. Little gift baskets and bowls with chocolates, done up beautifully are there, to pick off the shelf, as are some lovely individually wrapped chocolates with organza flowers and gold mesh ribbon on top; quite the fancy stuff. Bite size chocolates can be mixed and purchased by the kg too, as you so wish.
With the range of Patchi products prepared in seven factories around the globe, if there's anything you may have seen in a franchise elsewhere in the world that is not in the shop here, all you have to do is place the order and wait two days. There are some very exclusive items, which are not on display, such as a jewel coloured Bronzi and Firenze gold plated box which was trotted out for my inspection. But if that sort of stuff is not up your alley, there's the more down to earth type - small metal chests, wicker and fabric boxes, and soft toys - yes, there's Patchi's line of bears too. In fact, a specific part of the display is dedicated to pink and blue baby stuff, along with bears, chocolates et all. While this may primarily be a gift shop, offering a range from baby shower gifts to the classiest of silverware, once you step inside the goodies may well tempt you enough to pick up something for yourself.
Patchi is located at M.M. Alam Rd (opposite Pizza Hut), and PC, Lahore.
http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/jan2005-weekly/nos-30-01-2005/images/7a4.jpg
http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/jan2005-weekly/nos-30-01-2005/images/7a5.jpg
http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/jan2005-weekly/nos-30-01-2005/images/7a6.jpg
An international franchise that offers much more than the chocolates it's renowned for, opens shop in Lahore
By Fareeha Rafique
The world of Patchi is a colourful and enticing one. While there is no dearth of choco-lovers, this shop caters to both the aesthete as well as the chocolate connoisseur. A franchise of the internationally renowned chocolate shop chain, Patchi's arrival in Lahore seems to be a sign of better things coming our way. Kicking off with not one, but two outlets simultaneously, the shop offers many more delights for the senses than merely chocolates.
Rarely does one see shop windows so well done-up in Lahore, if at all. But then, local stores do not have designers flown in from abroad to take care of the dÈcor either. The glass front does justice to the interior of the shop; interestingly, the franchise does not have a uniform design for all outlets, they are individually designed. In this particular case, a Patchi representative over from Lebanon put all finishing touches to the display before the shop opening. Glass bowls with chocolate pebbles, glitzy gold boxes, candles, goblets and deco boxes all tastefully arranged adorn the windows and lure you in.
Products on offer are a visual treat; even if you're not budgeted for a purchase, a walk-through is delightful. Silverware, china, cut glass, crystal and a host of other decorative ware may have prohibitive tags attached, but then, that's to be expected if you're stepping into an international franchise. Where you have china from the likes of Roberto Cavalli, Rosenthal, Cacharel and Versace that is exclusively designed, there's bound to be a price to pay. Don't be daunted, though, the good thing is that smaller knick-knacks can be picked up at pretty reasonable prices, and if all else fails - indulge in comfort food - that's right, chocolate.
Chocs available can be broadly divided into three categories - deluxe, decorated, and classic. There are also sugar-free chocolates. The fifty-three kinds of chocolates you get to choose from include, among others, apricot, praline, truffle, coconut paste, coffee cream, gianduja, caramel and biscuit...and the list goes on. Besides, there are sugared almonds and honey candies, nougat, sugared pistachios, coloured sugar crystals and lollipops of the same. The good thing being, as pointed out by the CEO Patchi (Pakistan,) Major Humayun Jamil, all products are halal. Little gift baskets and bowls with chocolates, done up beautifully are there, to pick off the shelf, as are some lovely individually wrapped chocolates with organza flowers and gold mesh ribbon on top; quite the fancy stuff. Bite size chocolates can be mixed and purchased by the kg too, as you so wish.
With the range of Patchi products prepared in seven factories around the globe, if there's anything you may have seen in a franchise elsewhere in the world that is not in the shop here, all you have to do is place the order and wait two days. There are some very exclusive items, which are not on display, such as a jewel coloured Bronzi and Firenze gold plated box which was trotted out for my inspection. But if that sort of stuff is not up your alley, there's the more down to earth type - small metal chests, wicker and fabric boxes, and soft toys - yes, there's Patchi's line of bears too. In fact, a specific part of the display is dedicated to pink and blue baby stuff, along with bears, chocolates et all. While this may primarily be a gift shop, offering a range from baby shower gifts to the classiest of silverware, once you step inside the goodies may well tempt you enough to pick up something for yourself.
Patchi is located at M.M. Alam Rd (opposite Pizza Hut), and PC, Lahore.
http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/jan2005-weekly/nos-30-01-2005/images/7a4.jpg
http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/jan2005-weekly/nos-30-01-2005/images/7a5.jpg
http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/jan2005-weekly/nos-30-01-2005/images/7a6.jpg