So Choices Vegan Café actually opened its doors in September, in the same quiet yet convenient off-Brickell spot where Om Garden used to cater to local veg heads.
Since then, brothers Alex and Jorge Cuevas have been tinkering with recipes, taking customer feedback, and testing out themed events. They're now ready for all of Miami to take a bite of their taste-tested menu.
This Saturday, they'll throw the equivalent of a hippie debutante ball: a roving grand-opening party of eats, treats, music, fire dancing, trivia, and prizes, along with their neighbors and partners in spiritual wellness: Brickell Hot Yoga and One World Lifestyle (349 SW 12th St., Miami), an Eastern imports company. The three businesses have formed an alliance they've dubbed the "Holistic Triangle" of the Brickell area.
Beginning at 7 p.m., Choices will supply guests with a complimentary sampling of innovative vegan cuisine, including tapas, health-infused smoothies, and organic green juices for taste bud enlightenment.
Around 8:30, the party will migrate to the garden at neighboring, soon-to-open One World Lifestyle, an Eastern religious imports store, where owners Paula Lancaster and David Maseda will host a drum circle and fire-dancing show. Guests will be invited to partake of tea and tasty vegan snacks.
Two guests with especially keen taste buds will win the night's grand prizes. If you think you can identify the exotic, healthful mystery ingredients in an array of natural foods, you could win $300 cash or a $450 gift certificate package to the businesses of the Holistic Triangle. To become eligible for the prizes, guests should RSVP for the fest on Choices' Facebook page.
Alex Cuevas, owner of Choices Café, said he looks to the event as a way to welcome the entire community to his nutrition and taste oasis.
"The soft opening has been successful," Cuevas said. "I'm really excited about how we've been doing and the internal process improvements we've made to be able to serve Miami better. We're really excited about our grand opening, so we can roll out a daily special and increase the number of things that are on the menu, including many more green juices, smoothies, salads, and wonderful entrées."
These three local businesses are offering the night of music, games, and loving spoonfuls free of charge. Visit mychoicescafe.com or call 305-400-8895.
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