Dining Review: Nourish Organic Juice full of healthy concoctions to sip and spoon
If you walk into Nourish Organic Juice expecting a cliché, you’re going to get it. Blenders whirring, juicers humming and an occasional wheat-grass shot thrown back – this is one of the healthiest spots in town.
Nourish does, indeed, fit the uber-green, granola stereotype of veganism. And thank goodness for that.
Doors open at 7:30 a.m. during the week and you’ll likely see raw-food, juicing enthusiasts picking up a day’s worth of liquid meals while others customers are ordering a smoothie on the way to work.
The earthly Green Life Smoothie ($6.50) is heavy with verdant spinach, parsley, celery and cucumber but lightened up with lemon and apple juice. Don’t feel married to each ingredient listed on the menu board. If there’s something you don’t quite like (I’m talking to you, parsley haters), just request it be omitted.
Prefer to eat your smoothie? Yes, it’s a thing. The acai bowl ($7.95; pronounced ah-sah-ee) is massive. Beginning with the namesake palm fruit blended with bananas, strawberries and coconut milk, the purple berry base is topped with granola, hemp seeds, gogi berries and banana slices. Have it for breakfast and you’ll be ready for the day. But, truth be told, I tend to order it as dessert after a bowl of soup, because it’s delightfully reminiscent of an ice cream sundae.
Speaking of soup – Nourish is a great spot for a quick or lingering lunch, whether you’re dining solo or with a friend or two.
The bright walls, exposed brick and quiet music – ranging from reggae to acoustic Jack Johnson – offer a midday respite from the office.
Start with a bowl of soup ($4.95). Opt for the lentil soup and you’ll need nothing more. More of a thick stew, the tender pulses, carrots, celery and potatoes make for a simple and satisfying meal. The broccoli cheese soup, while dense in nutrients, is actually quite light: fresh chopped florets with cashews and a bit of Daiya (vegan) cheese make the vegetable soup creamy but not overly heavy. Which is why I add the kale salad ($7.95) to this order. Not quite enough to make a meal, it’s still packed with flavor and natural, organic ingredients. Screaming healthy, the dense forest green leafy salad with hemp seed, olive oil, aromatic cumin and coriander and nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor. Be sure to check out the cooler for a variety of vegetable salads and house-made dressings.
Swing by midafternoon for a juice pick-me-up.
Choose from over 10 house-made juices ($5.95) or grab a cold-pressed juice ($7.50) from the cooler. New to juice? Try the Perky Pants: Carrot, apple and lemon might not sound so exciting, but the addition of ginger turns this sweet drink to warm and spicy and offers a boost that rivals a cup of coffee.
When you find yourself too busy to cook – or even eat – Nourish Organic Juice provides quick, healthy juices and salads to go. Or take the time to enjoy a hot bowl of soup and a crisp salad over a long lunch. You can even pick up protein powders, kale chips, bottled juices, prepared salad dressings, gluten-free baked goods and more at the counter.
Looking to kick-start your health? Nourish is a great launching pad.
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Do you have a favorite local restaurant that serves vegan options? Share it with JL: jl.fields@gazette.com
Nourish Organic “Noodle Bowl” Thursday February 18, 2016. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
Nourish Organic “Perky Pants” Juice Thursday February 18, 2016. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
Nourish Organic “Noodle Bowl” Thursday February 18, 2016. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
Nourish Organic “Acai Bowl” Thursday February 18, 2016. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
Nourish Organic “Acai Bowl” Thursday February 18, 2016. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
Nourish Organic “Acai Bowl” Thursday February 18, 2016. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
Nourish Organic “Green Life Smoothie” Thursday February 18, 2016. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
Nourish Organic “Green Life Smoothie” Thursday February 18, 2016. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
Nourish Organic Thursday February 18, 2016. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
Nourish Organic Thursday February 18, 2016. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
Nourish Organic “Perky Pants” Juice Thursday February 18, 2016. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
Nourish Organic “Noodle Bowl with bottled Perky Pants” Thursday February 18, 2016. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
Nourish Organic “Acai Bowl” Thursday February 18, 2016. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
Nourish Organic “Acai Bowl” Thursday February 18, 2016. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
Nourish Organic “Green Life Smoothie” Thursday February 18, 2016. Photo by Jeff Kearney.