Sunset Juice Cafe: Healthy and Affordable Eats in Sunset Harbour

Sunset Harbour might as well be renamed fitness row for its high concentration of exercise studios. Barry's Bootcamp, SoBe Kick, Flywheel and Green Monkey, anyone? Walk into Jugofresh or Panther Coffee at any hour of the day and be prepared for an onslaught of lycra. Thus it's hardly a surprise that a health food concept like Sunset Juice Cafe would settle down in this particular part of South Beach.

In January, the casual eatery popped up right next door to Anatomy, an exclusive high-end gym that opened around the same time. The cafe and building belong to the Rosinella family who also own Rosinella, an Italian trattoria on Lincoln Road. But don't expect to find any of mama Rosinella's beloved pizza or fettuccine Alfredo here; Sunset Juice focuses on light and simply prepared dishes. The most decadent item on the menu is a ham and cheese sandwich ($8.95).

However, there are certainly Italian influences says Peter Saliamonas, the general manager for both restaurants. Tonino Doino is the executive chef for both venues, and at Sunset Juice Cafe you can order the Eggs Rosinella which include two fried eggs on a bed of organic tomato sauce with fresh mozzarella and parmigiano on top ($8.95). There's also fresh focaccia bread daily and cannoli.

As the landlords of the building, Saliamonas says the owners have plenty in-store for the property. This summer should see the opening of Rosinella Market, a place to purchase various Italian goods. And come fall, the team will unveil an Italian restaurant called Due Baci, meaning two kisses. It will be similar in style and price to the affordable Rosinella says Saliamonas, and will feature high ceilings as well as a spacious terrace. Next door will be Roma Club Miami Lounge, a place to watch the Roma soccer team play, as well as a spot to enjoy some drinks while waiting for a table at Due Baci. 

Feeling particularly healthy after a barre class, I ordered the grilled organic tofu platter ($9.95). The tofu was topped with olive oil and paired with grilled veggies, black beans and organic brown rice  (you can get quinoa). While definitely not the most exciting meal of my life, the main made for a tasty protein packed lunch that left me feeling very full. I got mine with a fresh carrot juice ($4.50, but If you're more adventurous and/or feeling rather green, you can opt for the popular kale, spinach, collards, cucumber, apple and lime cold pressed juice ($7.95). 

Additional choices include a grilled chicken or salmon platter ($8.95 and $12.95) as well as plenty of salads, sandwiches, soups and smoothies. And coffee too, of course. Attentive service is a plus and the food comes out especially fast for those looking to grab and go. As for the space, it's white, bright and modern, and also includes a bar area with a TV. 

Soon the neighbourhood will welcome a new concept from the Jugofresh team on Bay Road in the same complex as Ice Box Cafe,  along with Chef Bee's much anticipated Thai restaurant, NaiYaRa. However, regardless of the type of food being served, one thing is clear: Sunset Harbour's hot streak is far from over. 

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