food
/ by Taryn Jeffries
Spring in a Bowl
Acai options that pack a flavorful punch and colorful presentation
For years, smoothies and protein shakes have been a staple of a healthy way of eating, providing a bit of sweetness from the fruit and a refreshing blast thanks to herbs and ice. For those looking to shake up their morning routines, an acai bowl (pronounced ah-sah-EE) puts a flavorful spin on the traditional smoothie. The acai berry provides a very specific taste; a combination of blueberries, strawberries and a hint of chocolate. Filled with antioxidants, acai bowls are a great alternative to your go-to breakfast, lunch, snack or dessert of yogurt and granola. These bowls, a bit thicker than your average smoothie, are often accompanied by delicious toppings, giving more indulgence vibes than healthy ones. Some of our favorite options can be found right here in Scottsdale. Boss Coffee Give your body what it deserves by checking out Boss Coffee. They have all the buzz you need from their comprehensive caffeinated menu. If you desire a little sustenance with your early morning jolt, pick up an acai bowl made up of a standard acai blend and topped with fresh fruits, organic honey and low-fat granola. Bonus: You can have your bowl blended
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with soy, coconut or almond milk. 23015 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 800.590.4092; www. bosscoffee.com. Farm & Craft Farm & Craft is all about community supported wellness evidenced by their menu featuring four paths to heath. Blended with mango, pineapple, banana, strawberry, shredded coconut, mint leaf
ScottsdaleHealth
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and chia seeds, the unique green mango acai bowl is packed with just the right amount of nutritious sweetness to healthily satisfy your sweet tooth. 4302 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.568.8980; www. ilovefarmandcraft. com. Grabbagreen Acai isn’t limited to just bowls, juices and smoothies.
Grabbagreen offers theirs up in easy to transport cups. You can choose from a variety of creations like their Amazonia packed with banana, cacao, honey and granola or their Rio made up of banana, blackberry and strawberry. You’re really only limited by your preferences here. 15689 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.991.990; www. grabbagreen.com.
Nekter Juice Bar While this spot has many bowls to choose from, one that stands out from the mix is their Graviola superfood bowl. This option is teeming with tropical flavors and is light and energizing thanks to tart lime, hydrating coconut, sweet pineapple and their special blend of graviola, a small, prickly green fruit from the Amazon that has been long enjoyed and prized for its many health benefits. Multiple locations; www.nekterjuicebar.com. Old Town Local Looking for a deliciously healthy treat? Old Town Local’s bowl is straightforward with your standard acai bowl base and toppings like banana, coconut, fresh berries and granola. The simple, fresh flavors result in the perfect mix of healthy ingredients and indulgent flavors. 3902 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale; 480.994.6639; www. oldtownlocal.net. Scoop & Joy Lounge Does getting a healthy acai bowl in an old-fashioned ice cream parlor sound like a pipe dream? Its all happening at
Scoop & Joy Lounge, an unassuming spot serving up good vibes and lots of sweet treats. Their peanut butter acai bowl is made up of granola, coconut flakes, honey, bananas and your choice of berry. 9397 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.889.4901; www. scoopandjoylounge. com. Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade New to the area, Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade is more than just a spot to get a wide variety of fresh, flavorful lemonades. They are serving up superfood smoothies, cold brews, sweet and savory toasts, steel cut oats and acai bowls. The bowls begin with a base of blended organic acai, banana, strawberries, blueberries and coconut milk. You can top your bowl with traditional fruit and granola options as well as unique components like bee pollen, haupia custard, raw cacao, hemp, local honey and sprouted almond milk, to name a few. 6501 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale; 480.508.6036; www. wowwowhawaiianlemonade.com.