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Eat yourself into shape to face a tough race or a round of Instagram selfies

Fine tuning your summer body can be a bit of a drag. Especially with all the yummy dishes on the dining scene right now across the city centre.

But if you’re looking to eat yourself into shape – whether it’s to face a tough sporting event or simply to look on-point for a round of Instagram selfies – there’s no better place to dine than Comptoir.

The colourful Lebanese restaurant – full of Middle Eastern character – is home to a host of healthy dishes, which are perfectly balanced with fun, flavour and essential nutrients.

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The menu is inspired by company founder, Tony Kitous – who has completed an astonishing 60 marathons around the world. 

A fitness enthusiast, and also a lover of good food, Tony believes following a healthy diet should provide good fuel for the body – but should be a wholesome and enjoyable experience too.

“I’ve always taken an active interest in keeping fit,” Tony tells us. 

“My marathons have enabled me to challenge myself physically, and a good diet should support this. The dishes on our menu are born from recipes that my mum and grandmother used to make when I was a child. They contain fresh ingredients and can be eaten whilst training for an event.”

The meals are packed with protein – ladled with herbs and spices for a kick of something special

Tony has travelled around the world in a bid to challenge his limits. He’s completed marathons in New York, London, Chicago and Tokyo. And he often supports charities, like Macmillan Cancer Research, in the process. 

He’s also completed the Marathon Des Sables – four times.

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Tony competing in the Oman Desert Marathon, which is a 165 km race run over 6 days.

The varied menu at Comptoir is perfect for the keen athlete. Lunch time treats like the tasty falafel wrap – packed with chickpeas and tomato, and finished with a twist of garlic and coriander – are a firm favourite.

The evening meals are packed with protein too. Like the filling three-skewer mixed grill, and the hearty sea bass fillet – all ladled with herbs and spices for a kick of something special. 

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Sea Bass Samké Beiruti

“I always ask people to follow a plan depending on their fitness level,” Tony explains – referring to the selection of fitness-friendly choices on the restaurant’s menu.

“One mistake I used to make was to just focus on running. It’s easy to forget about the fuel your body needs to succeed – and also to run smartly. This is so important to help avoid any injuries.”

If you are looking for some healthy recipes, Comptoir Libanais cookbooks offer a great variety of Lebanese style home cooking recipes which are healthy, delicious and simple to make.

You can also follow Tony’s training progress on his social media pages; Twitter; Facebook or Instagram

Tony’s Top Picks to Support Your Fitness Routine

  • Comptoir Full Breakfast £10.45 -2 fried or scrambled eggs, 2 lamb sausage, grilled tomato, grilled mushroom, cubed potatoes and fool moudamas beans
  •  Falafel Wrap £5.95 - Chickpeas, broad beans, coriander, garlic, peppers, tomato, pickled turnip & parsley with tahini sauce
  • Sea Bass Samké Beirut £12.95 - Roasted sea bass fillet topped with spiced coriander, tomato & tahina sauce served with saffron basmati rice

Coming up at the end of this month in Manchester is the Great City Games and the Great Manchester Run if you’re competing in any of these events then pop in to see Comptoir with your medal once you’re done to receive a complimentary main course (when you mention Manchester Confidential and another main course is ordered at the same time). If that’s not incentive enough to cross the finishing line we don’t know what is! 

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