Fresh Juices and Healthy Bowls...In KENDALL??
Vegan food does exist west of the Turnpike
When I moved here in the late-90s, a post-workout meal in Kendall usually consisted of a protein shake and some winstrol. The idea of a healthy juice bar anywhere near Porky’s was laughable, and if I told any of the ex-cops I worked out with I was going to get a green shake after the gym, I’d have politely been told Curves was two blocks away.
The words “healthy food” and “Kendall” haven’t exactly been synonymous. And even last week when, after competing in the Burger Beast’s Chicken Tendie Smackdown, I was desperate for anything with a vegetable, finding a spot wasn’t easy. After cruising past the demo site of the old Barnes and Noble, we happened upon My Roots Juice Bar and Kitchen and I thought I’d been transported to a yoga studio in South Beach. The selection of fresh juices, smoothies, salads, and veggie-forward dishes were a welcomed find, especially when tucked behind the old B&N next to Brides of Florida.
The space: Is a little oasis of homey healthiness in the suburban sprawl of Kendall. Inside you’ll find comfy couches, a communal wooden table, and specials scrawled on chalkboards. It oozes small business, with a two-person crew taking orders and cooking food – things may take a little while but that’s the idea. A small refrigerator case holds fresh pressed juices and vegan desserts, and outdoor tables let you pass judgment on all the panzons waiting in line for barbecue across the street at Apocalypse BBQ.
What to eat and drink: My Roots started out as a vegan restaurant, and the vegetable-forward offerings are still where they shine. The smoothies are particularly good, a welcomed departure from Kendall’s glut of sugar-choked chains. I had the Elevation, with kale, spinach, avocado, cinnamon, date, banana and a few other things. Joke all you like about affordability, but the avocado toast on multi-grain bread is worth living with your parents for a few more years.
The bowls are generous, and can easily be shared. The Super Food Salad is about as healthy as it gets, and the fresh flavors of kale, spinach, cucumber, beet, and avocado are both filling and refreshing.
That said, the grilled chicken breast does well with the quinoa chicken salad, and both the curry and lentil bowls give that sort of healthy comfort food feeling you only get when eating stuff that’s popular in the Himalayas. You’ll also find meatballs, pastas, and other less-healthy stuff on the menu, but as with most places it’s wise to order what My Roots does best.
Don’t miss: The case of fresh pressed juices. You can’t go wrong with any, and they give you something to sip on while waiting for your food.
Perfect for: Healthy lunch or an after-workout snack.
Expect to pay: About $13 if you’re just there for smoothies. For a full meal, a little over $20.
How’s the parking: Unless there’s a run on dresses at Brides of Florida next door, you’re good.
@myrootsjuicebar // 8530 SW 124th Ave., Kendall