When Fitness tees off with Food - LoCal by Dumbbell

Fitness and food seem poles apart and they don't generally seem to go in a like for like fashion. But Lo Cal by Dumbbell addresses this issue very well by curating a menu dedicated for the health conscious and also ensuring that foodies continue to have a feast.

It is quite novel in it's approach with the items dished out in such a way that the calories are well and truly in check. They have a large stacked up menu and in a way also prove that healthy food can also end up being quite delicious to eat unlike how it's normally perceived. Another interesting feature is that the items give a count of the proteins, fat and carbohydrate content in each of the dishes.

They are located in a compound off Nungambakkam. The ambiance showcases fitness related stuff like climbing bars, jars of whey proteins, cycle pedals, dumbbells and a whole lot more. They also have these attractive cardio cycles where you can do your exercise and also consume lo food calories at the same time.

We tried a number of items off the attic with first the soup both the broccoli based one as well as the roasted tomato with basil one being quite delectable. It was more thick than creamy but the flavours were evident. To munch we had a lovely zucchini wrap stuffed with veggies made up in a slurpy mixed brown sauce. The sandwich in the form of pesto boconcini open sandwich was really nicely stacked up with burrito and cherries but however felt the bread could have been softer as it was a little too crusty for the liking. The multi grain rainbow brochette was also loaded with interesting toppings. The broccoli grilled fritters was well plated and presented really colourful. The deviled eggs with a slather of guacamole was comforting.

In the main course, the show stealer was well and truly the whole wheat beetroot penne pasta. It had all the ammunition going for it and every bite on the taste buds gave the cravings wholesome enjoyment. We loved it so much that we had a second shot at it. From the texture to the creaminess to the taste everything seemed on point. We also tried another veggie based pasta which was quite nice as well. We also tried a Mexican bowl with panneer. This one was quite decent but felt a little too bland. An addition of a fee ingredients or sprucing up the rice could have made quite a difference to the overall dish.

We tried a couple of desserts too. The sweet potato brownie was a nicely made brownie but however I must admit the sweet potato essence didn't come out very strong. Nevertheless the taste of the brownie was wonderful. Some apple based caramel desserts were also had which we relished. Apart from that you always have customary shakes with milk of your choice with whey protein added in giving it a slightly mild taste.

All in all it was a refreshing experience. The prices seem competitive enough and fits in with the quantity served. The service was quick paced with not really too much waiting time. This is a good initiative bringing out a balance between food and fitness and hope they are able to sustain it in the long run by adhering to the requirements.

Cafe Marina @ Welcome Hotel - Splendorous feast of a buffet!

Cafe Marina at Welcome Hotel, Alwarpet serves up an absolute splendorous feast of a buffet that is sure to tingle your excitement. They offer a plethora of options and they literally pamper you with the choicest of offerings. This is an exclusive Sunday brunch and worth every bit of it.

It's quite an experience as you're taken by the pool side where you get to use the swimming pool as part of the brunch deal along with crunching over some delightful delicacies in the form of a variety of chaats, skewed grillers and a swirl of drinks both mocktails and cocktails. It's like the perfect setting on a Sunday afternoon sipping your drink by the way side of the gushing waters along with munchies to go along and you really can't ask for more.

After the outside escapade, you are led into the cafe which is well spaced out and contains an eclectic mix of varied cuisines. You have your usual soup, starters, salads, main course and desserts laid out in an elaborate manner and you can still continue to have your drinks, chaats and grills too if you want.

I was quite full with the initial largesse but from whatever I tried as part of the brunch was worth relishing. They had a lilting chole & aloo curry to go with Indian bread. The main course gravies were mostly good and they also had a big pot of biryani to satisfy both the veg and non veg lovers. The salad and snack counters also had lots of interesting options such as a cheese platter, a concocted mix of mango & cheese which was riveting, a packed up slice of sub and so much more. There was a coastal angle too with appams being made in the live counter and to accompany stew & egg curry. There were also your usual pasta's and a few continental dishes also added to the fray.

The desserts were no less and had an elongated passage and most of which I consumed seemed to be delicious. The chocolate gateaux was a masterpiece, the pineapple tart had class written all over it. There were some Indian touches to it too in the form of besan ladoo & Gulab Jamun. Apart from this there were also different flavours of ice cream for that final thwack.

On the whole, it was an exhilarating experience. The service was wonderful and always willing to help. They were always at our beck and call and made every effort to ensure that we have a good time. The rates are a huge plus point. The entire spread which allows you to indulge in a lavish buffet along with enjoying your time at the waters with barbecue, appetisers and unlimited drinks sets you back by just a shade under 1600 bucks. It's totally worth the value.

If you're looking for a wondrous laid back Sunday brunch experience where you just want to spend some easy chilled out time relaxing as you please and gorging on a bonanza of delectable's, Cafe Marina should definitely be at the top of your list.