A Change of Eatery

I’ll admit: on any given day, burgers and wings are more likely to pique my interest than cuisine that leans towards the raw, vegan, organic end of the spectrum. This is my natural state- call it my carnivorous instinct. This weekend may have changed all that.

Saturday afternoon shifted my taste buds to value the healthier side of dining. Jenn and I stopped at Alchemy Juice Bar & Café in Hartford for lunch before heading over to the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival at the Expo Center. Alchemy serves up an amazing organic menu with smoothies, squeezed juices, wraps, salads, soups, dessert items and more.  

I loved it immediately. It’s an extremely laid back place and service is snail-pace slow (the upbeat staff makes up for it) but I didn’t mind the wait. For a small eatery, Alchemy has a lot going on, so I poked around for a while: the cafe features an Eco-boutique section, an oxygen bar, and shelves of literature promoting a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Very cool place- one of the few veg-friendly eating establishments that I know of in the area.

Wheat grass shot anyone? Organic smoothie made with Cacao, goji, strawberries, banana, coconut, dates, and berry tea? That’s just one option in a list of dozens of incredible juice/smoothie/tea choices in the Cafe.    

For lunch, I decided on the Alchemy Wrap, which combines warm, sweet yams with black olives, red peppers, ripe avocado and sesame seeds. I didn’t expect such full dimensions of flavor to come from a few simple ingredients- but I was blown away. The olives and yams provided the most delicious blend of salty and sweet, balanced with the smooth avocado– this was topped off by a refreshing order of cold ginger, honey & lemon tea.

My special guest Jenn enjoyed a hummus wrap with veggies, seeds & greens, as well as a very spicy Chakra Rock beverage (Apple, pear, carrot, celery, parsley, ginger, garlic…cayenne pepper optional. She sprung for the pepper).  

So, needless to say, we experienced quite the veggie feast.  Prices can be steep: up to $10 for a smoothie (my wrap was only $8!), so that can be a downside.

Otherwise, Alchemy is truly a gem among marbles when it comes to healthy & delicious dining. The Cafe is part of a Growing Green Co-op, which is a holistic health education and resource center in Hartford with a range of events, music, yoga, films, nutrition & “raw food” classes. Check it: http://growinggreenevents.com/

201 New Britain Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106-3124
(860) 246-5700

http://www.alchemyjuicebar.com/