‘Pearson Specter Litt’ attracts customers, not litigants, by serving coffee and pasta in Lahore

The cafe's employees busy making coffee for a customer on the ground floor of Pearson Specter Litt on January 7, 2023. (AN Photo/Muhammad Islam)
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Updated 16 January 2023
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‘Pearson Specter Litt’ attracts customers, not litigants, by serving coffee and pasta in Lahore

  • The newly launched café in the city is inspired by a hit American legal television drama called ‘Suits’
  • The cafe's owner says he is trying to get the top stars of the show to visit the facility in Lahore

LAHORE: When you walk into “Pearson Specter Litt,” do not expect to see a suave Harvey Specter bluff his way out of a jam with a billionaire client. Or to see Louis Litt ogling at his name placed prominently after “Pearson” and “Specter” on a well-lit wall as he takes a sip of the disgusting “Prunie.” At this Pearson Specter Litt, you’re only served coffee and pasta. And it’s right here in Lahore.

Inspired by the American TV drama “Suits,” Lahore-based businessman Muhammad Fayaz, 35, decided to open a café in the city that takes its name after the show’s fictional law firm. Located at Fairways Commercial area in Lahore, the facility is a tribute to the hugely popular show that ran from 2011 to 2019. Fayyaz opened the restaurant for customers in December last year.

The Suits vibe is felt everywhere inside the building. There’s a bunch of pictures hanging on the right wall as soon as one enters the café. In one of the pictures, Harvey Specter (played by Gabriel Macht) is seen standing in the midst, hands deep in his pockets and face locked in an intense expression, with the other partners huddled around him.

In another, Specter is seen with coffee in one hand and bagel in the other, as he probably delivers a witty retort to his protégé, Mike Ross, out on the street outside the firm. Each floor of the two-story café is well decorated and features numerous sofas. On the ground floor is a huge glass casing that shows off assorted cakes.

But why would someone in Lahore, where the show is not immensely popular, open a café themed after it? Fayyaz said it had to do with a “painful moment” in the show when the name “Pearson Specter Litt” was removed from the firm’s wall after Specter and Litt had to shed Pearson as a partner.

It was then that he decided to open a restaurant to offer the same “luxury” that the famous lawyers in the TV drama provided their billionaire clients.

“So, I said I’m going to put this name somewhere,” he told Arab News. “But I asked myself where I would put this name up, what should I start? Then, this idea [to open a café] came to me.”

“We chose Pearson Specter Litt [to brand the café] because, to some extent, I feel they represent luxury, they represent values and standards,” Fayyaz continued.




Two large snooker tables for customers at the Pearson Specter Litt on January 7, 2023 in Lahore. (AN Photo/Muhammad Islam)

Even the items on the menu are named after the three partners of the law firm, Jessica Pearson (Gina Torres), Specter and Litt (Rick Hoffman).

In the Poultry section of the menu, the cafe offers Litt Polo, a charcoal-grilled chicken served with creamy spice sauce and the chef’s choice of potato. In the pasta section, there’s Pearson Spicy Pasta that comprises spicy grilled chicken mixed with the chef’s special spicy creamy sauce.

“The most expensive items are named after Jessica [Pearson], while items that are hot but relatively less expensive are named after Harvey [Specter],” the café owner explained.

When customers want to have an item in large quantity, the waiters recommend them to go for “Louis Litt.”




A couple of framed stills of various scenes from the 'Suits' series hang on a wall inside the cafe on January 7, 2023. (AN Photo/Muhammad Islam)

“If anyone wants to buy a big item, whether it is soup, sandwich, burger or any other thing, we recommend them to have Louis Litt,” Fayyaz smiled. “This is because his face is very huge. So, we have named all big servings after him.”

Khurram Khan, 47, who came to the café to have coffee with family, said he wasn’t aware of the café’s theme or why it was named Pearson Specter Litt.

However, he said it was “unique” while admiring how all three floors were differently decorated.

“I think I heard the name [of the café] somewhere but I don’t know the real theme and background of this name,” Khan told Arab News.

“However, I appreciate the comfort, the atmosphere, especially on the mezzanine floor.”

Another customer, who preferred to remain anonymous, said he wasn’t aware of the café’s name as well and had only walked in for a cup of coffee.

However, Fayyaz said he admired the three characters due to their powerful on-screen presence.

“Jessica Pearson has a style of leadership that is outstanding, though I, like everyone else, liked the way she dressed,” he said.

“I also loved Harvey Specter and the way he bluffed his client,” he continued. “Louis Litt is shown as a character with knowledge who also has an emotional side to him.”




A large, framed still from 'Suits' shows Harvey Specter (played by Gabriel Macht) sipping coffee from his expensive New York apartment, on January 7, 2023. (AN Photo/Muhammad Islam)

Fayyaz said he hoped to open a chain of cafés across Pakistan and was trying to get the show’s top stars visit the facility in Lahore. He informed that he had asked one of his team members to reach out to the actors through email and social media and tell them about Pearson Specter Litt in Lahore.

“We want to invite them and inform them that we are such huge fans of yours that we have spent hundreds of millions to put your names up on our wall to keep them alive in a way,” he said.

“Hopefully, we will get the response sooner or later,” he continued. “I’m not a guy who gives up easily. Sooner or later, I’ll bring them [here].”




Muhammad Fayyaz, owner of the Pearson Specter Litt cafe, gestures during an interview with Arab News at the Manhattan Bar on January 7, 2023. (AN Photo/Muhammad Islam)

 


Saudi Film Commission takes charge of cinema sector

Updated 13 May 2024
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Saudi Film Commission takes charge of cinema sector

  • First phase includes regulating licensing for the operation of permanent, temporary and special cinemas
  • CEO Abdullah Al-Qahtani: The Film Commission will undertake a comprehensive review of all procedures related to the cinematic sector

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Film Commission has announced it will now have oversight over the cinema sector, which will no longer fall under the jurisdiction of the General Authority of Media Regulation.

The Council of Ministers had ordered the change, which has now been implemented after the completion of the required regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. 

The first phase includes regulating licensing for the operation of permanent, temporary and special cinemas, as well as the production, distribution and import of movies, videos and television programs.

Abdullah Al-Qahtani, the commission’s CEO, said: “The Film Commission will undertake a comprehensive review of all procedures related to the cinematic sector with the aim of their development and enhancement.

“Key improvements will focus on enhancing the customer experience by streamlining and optimizing the processes required for all activities in the cinematic sector. This will involve reviewing the licensing requirements for the film sector, as well as simplifying the licensing process and application for related services.”

The commission posted on X: “The film and cinema sector jurisdiction has been transferred from the General Authority for Media Regulation to the Film Commission. This move, facilitated by continuous cooperation and support between the two bodies, underscores the commission’s ongoing commitment to developing and improving the sector.”

The commission’s board has approved a reduction in fees for cinema licenses. It has also waived operational license fees for three years until 2027, covering permanent, temporary, and special cinema halls. Applications for licenses can now be made through the unified electronic platform Abde’a.


US students stage walkout to protest Jerry Seinfeld’s ceremony speech

Updated 13 May 2024
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US students stage walkout to protest Jerry Seinfeld’s ceremony speech

DUBAI: Several students walked out of Duke University’s commencement ceremony on Sunday to protest its guest speaker, comedian Jerry Seinfeld, over his support of Israel amid the war in Gaza.

Video of the incident posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) shows a group of students walking out of their seats and carrying a Palestinian flag as soon as the comedian and TV star was called to the stage. 

The attention to the protesters was quickly diverted by the cheering crowd, who chanted, “Jerry! Jerry!” as Seinfeld would go on to give his speech and accept an honorary degree from Duke.

However, several boos and chants of “Free Palestine” could also be heard.

Seinfeld has been vocal in his support for Israel following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.

The comedian also met with families of the hostages and visited a kibbutz during a trip to Israel in December.

The walkout at Duke's graduation was the latest manifestation of protests that have taken over US campuses as students call for universities to divest from arms suppliers and other companies profiting from the war.


US actor Mahershala Ali to star in NYC thriller ‘77 Blackout’

Updated 13 May 2024
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US actor Mahershala Ali to star in NYC thriller ‘77 Blackout’

DUBAI: Two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali is set to star with Tom Hardy in “77 Blackout,” a crime thriller set on the night when New York lost power and was plunged into chaos and lawlessness. 

Cary Joji Fukunaga is directing, Deadline reported.

In 1977, five rogue police officers formulate a plan to rob three criminal strongholds – the Hong Kong Triads, the Italian Mafia, and the Harlem Mob – all in one night. When a blackout sweeps the city on the night of the robbery, the crew is forced to navigate a hellish landscape.

Ali is most known for two Best Picture-winning flicks: 2016’s “Moonlight” and 2018’s “Green Book.”

Hardy is known for blockbusters such as Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” and director George Miller’s 2015 action epic “Mad Max: Fury Road.”


Avantika shows off Geyanna Youness gown in Los Angeles

Updated 13 May 2024
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Avantika shows off Geyanna Youness gown in Los Angeles

DUBAI: US actress Avantika Vandanapu, known mononymously as Avantika, hit the red carpet at Gold House’s 2024 Gold Gala in Los Angeles in a gown by Lebanese designer Geyanna Youness.

Avantika wore a peach gown by Lebanese designer Geyanna Youness in Los Angeles. (Getty Images)

The event honored leaders in the Asian-Pacific community and saw Hollywood star Lucy Liu honored with the Legend award.

Liu — whose credits include “Ally McBeal,” “Elementary,” “Kill Bill Vol. 1,” “Charlie’s Angels” and Steven Soderbergh’s “Presence” — spoke on stage about having to make casting decisions “because of limitations,” according to Variety magazine. She added: “I love that we are all here tonight because there is no ceiling, and I’ve never seen that for myself. I want us to all collectively understand how special this moment is that we are together as a community. I share this award with you because you have lifted me up, you have given me strength, you have made me so proud. I feel like it’s been very lonely.”

For her part, Avantika kicked off her career by being cast in several films in India’s Telugu film industry and went on to score her first Hollywood lead role in the Disney Channel original movie “Spin” before starring in Netflix’s “Senior Year.” Avantika also nabbed a lead role in the 2024 “Mean Girls” reboot.

The actress showed off a peach-and-blue gown by fashion label Geyanna Youness, complete with structured detailing at the waist and a floral ruffle on one shoulder.

The beaded gown was created by Youness, a Beirut-born-and-raised designer who launched her own brand in 2017 with a focus on bridal, couture, and accessories collections.

Avantika has garnered attention for building a career in both Hollywood and India — she continues to promote her Indian show “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and her horror film “Tarot” while also developing an adaptation of “A Crown of Wishes,” author Roshani Chokshi’s Young Adult fantasy, for Disney+.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by avantika (@avantika)

“The Western fantasy genre is dominated by a Western mythology, or Nordic mythology. It just feels repetitive and redundant. And Indian mythology is so rich and so fascinating. After ‘Black Panther’ came out, I thought we needed to find a way to showcase Indian mythology on a bigger, grander, commercial scale,” she told Cosmopolitan magazine in May of the adaptation project.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by avantika (@avantika)

 She also spoke to the magazine about the challenges of being an actress of South Asian heritage, saying: “The pressure is so high because in a room full of a hundred people, Hollywood is now offering spots to maybe three women of South Asian descent.”


Switzerland’s Nemo wins Eurovision Song Contest amid Israel controversy

Updated 12 May 2024
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Switzerland’s Nemo wins Eurovision Song Contest amid Israel controversy

MALMO/DUBAI: Switzerland's Nemo won the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday in a competition marked by controversy over Israel's participation during the war in Gaza.

Twenty-four-year-old Nemo's "The Code" won the highest score from nations' juries, and enough of the popular votes to get 591 points, edging out Croatia in the final, held in Sweden's Malmo.

"I hope this contest can live up to its promise and continue to stand for peace and dignity for every person in this world," a teary-eyed Nemo said while receiving the trophy.

Twenty-five nations competed Saturday but much of the focus has centred on the controversy of Israel being able to take part.

When Golan went on stage to perform her "Hurricane", both cheers and boos could be heard from the audience in the Malmo Arena.

Boos could also be heard while Israel delivered its points to other acts and any time a country gave "Hurricane" high scores.

Golan finished fifth with 375 points.

Organizers had banned all flags other than those of the participating countries.

The young performer also said that the experience had been "really intense and not just pleasant all the way."

"There were a lot of things that didn't seem like it was all about love and unity and that made me really sad," Nemo told reporters.

Outside the arena, police pushed back protesters where more than a hundred demonstrators waved flags and chanted "Free Palestine".

Diverse Malmo is home to the country's largest community of Palestinian origin and according to police at least 5,000 people gathered to protest in the city in the afternoon.

The European Broadcasting Union, which oversees the event, confirmed in March that Golan would take part, despite calls for her exclusion from thousands of musicians around the world.

The same month, contestants from nine countries, including Nemo, called for a lasting ceasefire.