A Noob's Guide to Green Juices

I must confess, I'm that kid that likes green juices whilst their compatriots alternatively choose the classic choices ie. apple, orange, pineapple etc.

But hey, its so good for you! Its like an effective toilet cleaner in a cup, helping you flush out your system and replenish essential vitamins and nutrients and supports you immune system. Once you get over the taste of "pure healthiness," all this becomes a habit that will benefit you in the long term and not to mention, your skin, eyes, nails, hair and everything else will thank you for it.

I decided to make a noob's guide to green juices so you don't have to go straight in and dump a whole ginger farm into your blender. The essentials include; ice (to keep your drink nice and chilled), blender, coconut water and spinach. As a general rule, I consider one handful of spinach a good serving for one person. 

Juice #1

So my first recipe is "The Gateway Juice"- its delish and you'll be encouraged to be more adventurous! You can't taste anything bitter or "off" because its jam-packed with fruit. 

- 1/2 a banana

- handful of spinach

- 1/2 a cup of frozen raspberries

- 1/2 an apple

- 1/2 a cup of ice

- 3/4 of a cup of coconut water

Juice #2

"The Classic Greenie"- this is what you would find at a typical cafe or breakfast house. 

- stalk of celery

- 3/4 of a cup of pineapple

- as much ginger as you can handle

- handful of spinach 

- 1/2 a cup of ice

-3/4 of a cup of coconut water

Of course finish off with a colourful straw or paper umbrella and a piece of fruit hanging precariously on the edge. 

I'll definitely be updating this post frequently when I find more recipes

MLVD  

Dezerts @ Brighton le Sands

Situated at 373 Bay Street, the main strip of Brighton le Sands lies a reputable cafe with a name that would strike curiosity within those few that appreciate the art of word play in this day and age. Yes DeZerts got my attention not only as a means of completing my quest for air-conditioning on this particularly hot day.

Nothing particularly "hipster" about this joint but with its clean and simple interior and (unfortunately inactive) chocolate fountain I was more than willing to return to the mainstream. But truthfully they have a wonderful menu for lunch including their extensive choices of crepes, waffles and ice-cream- that and your usual cafe essentials like the $18 Fresh tuna quinoa salad w/ roast pumpkin, olives, feta, and lemon vinaigrette that Mimi ordered. I ordered an $18 Turkey, grilled chicken, mushroom and cheese crepe- which I must warn you, is extremely cheesy (like pooling on your plate, cheesy) and very filling. I would say you could share this between two, that is to say the proportions are generous.


I was very excited at the plentiful refreshments menu with its healthy green and freshly squeezed classic juices. I opted for a $7 iced-coffee and Mimi a $7 Green juice. Most drinks come in rustic milk bottles and mason jars if you were wondering.























Also its vegan friendly so these members of society may for once enjoy an equally satisfying experience! (Shout out to my vegan friends- "Keep doing you!" xoxo)

Overall the dining experience was nice and the staff were very friendly, although it was pricey ($$)- it helps to keep in mind that it is in an exclusive location- the food was wholesome and delicious. Definitely worth a try and if you ordered crepes- I recommend a brisk walk down to the beach and a subsequent fitness regime for a minimum of 2 weeks.

MLVD

Grounds of Alexandria Date

This is most probably the billionth blog post raving about the Grounds of Alexandria located in Alexandria Sydney on 7A/2 Huntley Street. I’ve even read that this is one of the most instagramed places in Australia so I’ll admit it now -I did do a foodgram and it doesn’t even do justice to how delicious and lovely the dish was!!!

So the love story goes something like this....
Despite the overcast day, my girlfriend and I still made the journey (my first visit) to the Grounds with an empty stomach ready for some feel-good food. We actually had an outfit planned the night before (don’t judge) because 1. Alexandria being in the inner city is full of hipster, stylish people and 2. We were going to head into the city afterwards to check out the new Sephora store and for a little Chrissy shopping!

I know what you’re thinking, cut the talk and show the pictures which I totally agree! So instead of boring you with my attempts at describing how lovely the whole place was, just enjoy the pictures (cause I know we all skip the text for the photos)!
Note: I did refrain from taking too many photos because that was waaay too mainstream there :D

This was the sink for the bathroom, as if
this isn't so country old fashioned I love it!

A little florist on site with displays just
spilling onto the walkway - so lovely!

The courtyard lies beyond with a fountain
where the little kids play

Yes they have a small animal farm and yes
Kevin Bacon is the resident pig :P

Guess who!

There are a few choices for eating at the Grounds, you can choose to dine in the restaurant-style cafe or buy from the little kiosk and enjoy your munchies at the courtyard. Service was so lovely at the restaurant-cafe we ate at (including tres good looking waiters). You get a little buzzer like at the bistro that will buzz when your table (no need to reserve) is ready for you = keep exploring instead of waiting in a queue! Peerfect!

The menu was organised into Breakfast – small and substantial (til 11:30am),Brunch and Lunch (both from 12pm)! They were quite strict (in a kind/reasonable not “you die” kind of way - don’t worry) with the times so sadly one could not order a lunch at 11:30am L

But we did spend a good 10 mins having a long think about what to order because man that was a tough decision! Too many delicious choices!!! We had a look the other tables on the way in to see what dishes looked yummiest – which was all of them!!

My friend's "Petuna Salmon" order for brunch = MEH!!

Oh Lordy - behold the "Healthy Plate"

It definitely packed a punch for the sweet tooth too! I mean check out

that little shot cup of green juice! How do you say no?

Along the main walkway there’s a wagon selling fresh fruits and homemade lemonade in yellow, pink and peachy colours! We also saw a donut wagon but it wasn't in business at the time!

Now let me put my two cents worth here – that Grounds Granola (as it was called) was actually the substance of my wildest dreams. You tip in the mini milk jug and that’s when the party at the taste buds began. It was your ordinary breakfast transformed into a breakfast of the Gods. Despite the name Healthy Plate and the appearance of assorted fruit and the granola – it was definitely filling!


So what are you waiting for, book a brunch/lunch date with your girlies or mum/grandma on your next free day. Boys take the special women of your life (girlfriends, mums and grandmas) to impress! The place is literally a little archaic, rustic world of its own in the midst of the city and my friends have been raving about this place since forever. We used to fantasize the time when we would finally make the visit (how else do you get through boring uni - you think of your food tours of course)!!!


This is just one of those places you hear so much about and need to see for yourself! There's something for everyone!
Go on a little adventure this weekend!

MVPD