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Experts will tell you never to go supermarket shopping on an empty stomach because you’ll pick up loads of treats and sweets you might regret when you get home.
Take it from me, GulfWeekly’s intrepid trolley lady ... who piles on the pounds just looking along the aisles.
Now, there is no excuse for shoppers in Riffa, for they can fill up their energy levels at a new-style restaurant aimed at families, pre- and post-shopping!
Alosra XL, situated on the ground floor of the Lulu Hypermarket complex, is not to be confused with any rival supermarket chain. It is one of the latest venues to join the selection of eating out establishments offering families a fresh choice of cuisines and delicacies.
The restaurant offers an open plan dining area as well as a selection of private cabins for customers who wish to dine undisturbed.
It is particularly popular with shoppers wanting a quick bite to eat. The main attraction is the restaurant’s vast buffet which is available daily during lunchtime as well as for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The buffet spread features up to 25 dishes with a combination of Indian, Continental and Chinese delights to choose from. It includes soup, an array of salads, cold mezzeh, a spread of curries, grills as well as a rice dish.
For vegetarians there was one offering on the day of the review, a scrumptious dal tadka. I ordered a pudina paratha – a perfect balance of flavour and refreshment – off the menu as an accompaniment.
The buffet is priced at an affordable BD3.4 for lunch and BD3.9 for dinner. Rates are inclusive of soft drinks.
If you would rather sit back and enjoy a meal of your own choice, the menu also offers a range of favourites from Indian, Continental and Arabic cuisines.
Head Chef Moideen Mohammed is in charge of the kitchen and boasts more than 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Hailing from Kerala, India, he moved to the island at the age of 20 to join the Delmon Hotel as an assistant cook.
An acquaintance with an Italian restaurateur, Cico, in 1980 gave Chef Moideen, 55, his stepping stone into Italian and continental cooking.
He worked for Cico’s until 2000 before taking up an opportunity in Saudi Arabia’s Al Khobar. He returned to the island earlier this year to take up his new role as Head Chef for Alosra XL.
He explained that while the buffet is a huge draw, the menu’s steaks, pasta and lobsters are also proving popular with diners.
The restaurant is open daily from noon to 1am. For reservations, contact 17491492 or 39505255.
