Gourmet by Kcal is located at Le Meridian Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina in Dubai, apart from being situated in one of the most picturesque frames in the city, it produces some traditional dishes with a natural, raw and organic twist. Their entire menu is gluten-free, which is a haven for gluten-intolerant folk, they also provide vegan and paleo substitutes in their menu, which is run by the very talented and dynamic Chef Jay. The restaurant itself is new, however, its establishers (Kcal) have been in the business since 2010.
Kcal are a healthy food, small chain franchise solid-footed in Dubai and now expanding all over UAE. Initiated by two entrepreneurs, Mark Carroll and Andreas L. Bormann, who started this franchise with the mission: “To make the world a better place through outstanding service and healthy, wholesome, fast, tasty food.”
As you enter the restaurant you are greeted with a variety of homemade infused waters to quench your thirst, which were a refreshing way to start the experience at this beautiful restaurant. The ambiance is calming and relaxing, not to mention the view of the beach in the distance that assists the atmospheric zen-like feel. The upholstery is very rustic with jute sack cushion covers and herb pots here, there and everywhere that aid the pleasant aroma of the space and create an almost spa-like vibe.
The menu is straightforward, however, as they base their menu on organically produced local ingredients, they have a range of specials that change as per the ingredients sourced. They source their ingredients through Organic and Ripe Market in Dubai who are the number one distributors of organic produce in UAE.
I started out the organic journey with a light chicken spring roll followed by a quinoa fennel carrot salad. Both of which woke up my taste buds only to gear up for one of THE BEST pizzas I’ve ever eaten: a seafood pizza with a cauliflower and carrot based crust. Now, let me just say, I love pizza, however I am not a seafood pizza person. This is by far the only seafood pizza I would eat over and over again. Not to mention the fact that the delicious cauliflower and carrot base makes me enjoy this beauty guilt free! They also have a zucchini and parmesan pizza crust base. It was exceptionally light with an orchestra of exciting flavours that came together very well.
The main course was a tropically exotic twist on Havana chicken, served with a quinoa black bean salad and a delicious strawberry and mango salsa which tickled the taste buds for so much more.
Dessert was a coconut-based blueberry cheesecake with an almond crust And the very indulgent and decadant chocolate tart. Both extremely different flavours and textures with unique tastes that were equally satisfying for the soul.
The ingredients here are treated with respect and valued for their uniqueness, all of which shines through in the dishes. There is something satisfying in knowing they want to take care of their customers’ health.
The highlight would definitely be the seafood pizza, it really is a must try. Stay tuned as they are now coming up with a breakfast menu filled with pancakes, eggs, waffles and much more next month.
Overall, I would be there next week and the week after that in a heart beat.
Gourmet by Kcal
Tel: +971 (4) 511 7139