Binged during year-end holidays? Try this detox brunch

BENGALURU: Curtains are being hesitatingly drawn over the party and holiday season. It's time to get back to shape and into work. And the city's restaurants are offering a way to refuel and jumpstart the year with detox brunches. Curated to detox the body and for hangover-recovery, the concept brunch has quite a few takers.

Italian eatery Serafina in Koramangala designed a detox brunch right at the start of the year. Executive sous chef Puja Reddy explains, “The detox brunch concentrates on protein and vitamins and less on starch and fat. Fresh fruit juices, vegetable smoothies, salads bursting with beetroot, orange, watermelon and mint, home-made muesli, eggs and lean meat like chicken and fish comprise the spread. The dessert section too predominantly talks fruits like strawberries and banana walnut cake.“

And, if one insists on alcohol, they will have to make do with sangria and beer.

Organic is the theme at the hangover-hangout brunch curated at Mustard & Cress in Whitefield, a favourite among the city's expat community. F&B Director Shaun Kenworthy says, “Pulses, grains, vegetables -all the ingredients used to curate the 30-item brunch are organic. To combat dehydration, watermelon and ginger juice is ideal. Follow up with our signature salad with fruits, seeds, nuts, sprouts and organic honey dressing.“

Olive Beach has Pinxto Sunday as their signature brunch. In place of a generous buffet, the specialty brunch serves Mediterranean delicacies in small plates. It's an unlimited a la carte style brunch with fresh food made with organic ingredients served in small portions.Executive chef Manu Chandra explains, “There is no buffet, no static food and no thick curries. Small plates ensure fresh food in miniature portions straight from the kitchen -qualifying for a good detox. Brunch is usually indulgence.However, a health-oriented brunch can help greatly .“ From the menu, he suggests grilled fish in parcel, chicken sliders and prawns in olive oil and garlic for that ideal detox.

Sandalwood actress and avid foodie Sharmiela Mandre is delighted with the concept. She finds detoxing a post-holiday season essential.“Many of us are either under the weather or have put on weight.Typically most brunches are an indulgence spelling fried, fattening and cheesy food. Detox brunch is a great way to be healthy in the first month of the new year.“ Mandre plans to savour such brunches every Sunday this January .