I’m a bakery aficionado and when the idea to try the newly introduced breakfast menu with friends at Gloria Jean’s Coffees was floated, I couldn’t say no.

What a way to start the day, I thought. A modest-looking restaurant located on Khurshid Kasuri Road, from outside appeared rather lacklustre on an otherwise cheery Saturday morning. Yes, it was busy but with the prompt service we were able to slip right in after an old couple left.

The manager welcomed the four of us warmly. Gloria’s famous blend of coffees has already been popular with our group but we were more than eager to try their breakfast options.

The inside of the café had an abundant light streaming through the windows that gave it a bright feel. The limited menu might be a bit of a dampener for food lovers but that should not become the reason for you to stay off.

Having decided on Spanish Omelette, Cheese Omelette, Sunny Side Up Eggs and Royal Egg Benedict, we were told that the brunch (as they say) would be a wholesome platter boasting beans, veggies, butter, toasts and crispy hash browns on the side.

The arrival of the platters, laden with specialties, was enough to silence us. Very soon the verdict was out as we unanimously favoured the perfectly done omelette as a delectable classic fare.

Must say the service was customer-friendly and quick, yet the server forgot to ask us about our choice of bread.

Egg Benedict turned out to be an ‘eggful’ treat through and through. This appetising dish featured soft poached eggs and smoked chicken on a warm muffin bread topped with special hollandaise sauce.

We couldn’t try their croissants that were stuffed with smoked chicken, and the classic French toasts, but the veggies on the sidelines were a favourite.

One thing that Gloria should definitely look into is the quality of sausages which were rather bland. Priced at Rs595, the portion sizes were adequate for one and worth the value with just the right amount of seasonings. I felt satiated after consuming the whole combo.

It’s a great place to visit with friends. If you happen to be alone, you can gleefully skim through an array of newspapers available at the spot and watch the traffic outside the windows go by.

There is an outdoor seating area also for anyone wanting to enjoy the nip in Lahori air. It is covered with umbrellas.