SHARAEL KOLBERG |
ACTIVE CULTURE Just a couple blocks away from the beach , you ’ ll find Active Culture , a cafe serving up vegetable-forward fare in addition to delicious frozen yogurt . The nutritious eatery typically carries 10 flavors of soft serve “ froyo ” ( including no-sugar-added flavors ), ice cream or sorbet . Grab a bowl and help yourself to as big a serving as you ’ d like . “ Our customers love mixing the vegan vanilla coconut and pomegranate raspberry flavors ,” says manager Brianna Wilkinson . “ And we offer healthy toppings , such as fresh fruit , carob chips and granola .” The frozen yogurt is made by pouring a liquid yogurt mix ( which includes guthealthy active cultures , hence the name ) into the machines that spin and scrape it off the frozen internal barrel , resulting in soft serve that ’ s finished in about 20 minutes . ( 949-715- 5188 ; activeculturecafe . com ) |
BANZAI BOWLS Named after a popular surfing spot called the Banzai Pipeline on the Hawaiian island of Oahu , Banzai Bowls specializes in acai bowls and smoothies that are high in antioxidants . The owners , who are avid surfers , love having acai for an energy boost before they head out into the ocean . The Maui Sunrise bowl blends together acai , bananas , strawberries and mango along with coconut milk and pineapple juice , which is then topped with lots of fresh fruit — including bananas , strawberries and blueberries — as well as honey , granola and shredded coconut . For an extra boost , request to add ingredients such as bee pollen , dark chocolate , goji berries , hemp protein or maca . Everything is made fresh , so consider ordering ahead to pick up and go . ( 949- 715-8989 ; banzaibowls . com ) |
ORANGE INN It ’ s been nearly a century since Orange Inn opened along the California coastline , presenting an array of fresh-squeezed juices , sandwiches , pastries and more . But the main attraction for many is the Orange Inn Smoothie . This must-try treat has been enticing locals and visitors alike since the 1930s , filled with fresh fruit like strawberries , bananas and blueberries plus dates , bee pollen and juice . Blended together with crushed ice , this smoothie has the perfect consistency and is a great snack for hot days in the sun . Other frozen treats to enjoy here include thick , hand-scooped milkshakes in flavors like date , Oreo , espresso , raspberry or peanut butter ; they can also be crafted using fresh guava , peach , apple , orange , mango or grapefruit juices . ( 949-494-6085 ; orangeinncafe . com ) g |
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LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 33 |