Sofitel's De-Light Menu is Back

Developed exclusively by Thalassa Sea and Spa, the recognized nutrition and wellness experts in France for over 40 years, De-Light by Sofitel launched in Washington, DC about a year ago, offering well-balanced, low-calorie meals made from fresh, wholesome ingredients.

The De-Light Menu is offered during breakfast, lunch and dinner, and though the menu continuously changes, you can easily order an appetizer, entree and dessert (during lunch and dinner) while keeping your meal under 600 calories. 

We were recently invited to try the Sofitel's De-Light Lunch Menu, where I was treated to one of the most nutritionally well-balanced meals I've had in quite some time.

I was greeted with a refreshing spritzer featuring cucumbers and basil infused syrup and several passed hors d'oeuvres. 

Peppers stuffed with goat cheese and mint provided a spicy kick to the start of my meal. After my first bite, the goat cheese oozed out of the center of the pepper, and I was left with a final bite of straight pepper. Though the pepper itself wasn't too hot, it was nice to have a spritzer within easy reach.

Eggplant Caviar

Watermelon Gazpacho

The De-Light  Lunch Menu gives you the choice between two appetizers (~$15 each), two entrees (~$28each), and a dessert ($5), but for those who are indecisive, or  like to order everything, the "30 Minute De-Light" option, offered exclusively during lunch, includes a taste of both appetizers, one entree, and a dessert ($28).

I was treated to this "30 Minute De-Light" which included grilled asparagus salad, branzino tartare, chicken tajine, and for dessert, a mini milk way. 

The asparagus salad, topped with orange-basil dressing, had tender pieces of asparagus with a nice outer crunch.

The branzino tartare was served with lemon, ginger and vanilla. I loved the added touch of spice from the ginger.

The chicken tagine, made with with fennel, tomato and pearl onions, was wonderfully juicy. 

The milk way was the perfect end to lunch, especially on a summer day. It's basically the better half of a strawberry shortcake, the strawberry shortcake without the shortcake.

The fact that the menu continuously changes is an easy way to keep me coming back, especially during these summer months when all I want during these hot humid days is a light, refreshing lunch. For a sample breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, visit ici Urban Bistro's official site.