In a city rife with fatty cuts of meat, cloyingly sweet coladas and lard-infused breads -- we can always use a few more clean eating options. Ten Fruits, downtown's newest addition to the burgeoning juice movement, is hosting its grand opening next week - and that means free healthy drinks and eats for all.
From 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, the modern, marble-floored outpost on the corner of Third Avenue and Second Street, will have a DJ, free foodstuffs and plenty of other health-enthusiasts with whom to mingle.
We were lucky enough to sample some of their menu items, including the hearty, quinoa and lucuma-blended Andean Elixir (which co-owner David Polinsky swears caused him to inadvertently drop pounds, $8); the detoxifying Spa Day -- a ginger, carrot and cucumber fresh-pressed juice blend ($8); the sweet, impossibly creamy homemade Greek yogurt with blueberries, chia seeds and honey ($3.90) and house-made milks including cashew, soy and almond (all $6).
Their menu also offers lots of other good-for-you goodies, all made with exotic ingredients sourced from the wilds of South America, hand-picked by juice-master and co-owner Alexander Vazquez.
Plus, they have a full menu of Panther coffee favorites -- including a barista on lend from the Wynwood coffee haunt, and whole wheat waffles, fresh-baked croissants and Peruvian empanadas. They'll also be rolling out lunch options in the near future, as well as a delivery service within a 15-block radius.
So far so good for the unique spot, according to Polinsky. They've been open since March, and downtown is welcoming their arrival with open arms.
On a side note, one of the best things about this locale is the parking scenario. There are two 15-minute loading zones on the Second Street side, perfect if you're running in for a quick pick-up -- and the b2 Hotel next door offers $2.50 valet for a half hour. So you can avoid the hell-on-earth that is parking in downtown.
So stop by next Wednesday at 143 NE Third Ave. and get your juice on. This might be the impetus you need for that long-awaited lifestyle change.
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