“Things just taste better in the summer,” said Aasia Kinney, the President of Juice Lab 360. As the owner of a juice bar and raw food restaurant, she knows her produce. Her juices vary from season to season and, this summer, include watermelon juice and cantaloupe juice.
Juice Lab 360 also offers made-to-order lemonade with fresh fruit mix-ins like raspberries and blueberries. Kinney serves the lemonade unsweetened so that guests can use their sweetener of choice – honey, agave, stevia or Sugar in the Raw. This customization is just one example of what makes Juice Lab 360 a destination for healthy, fresh fare.
Kinney adds that they offer a custom juice cleanse program based on individual needs and preferences. She recommends that people embarking on a juice cleanse get blood work done to establish a baseline for comparison after their cleanse. Kinney suggests cleansers look at their blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels.
“I’m not a doctor but I know what makes sense for me,” she said. As an avid juicer, Kinney uses her own research and experience to guide customers towards a positive juice experience.
Kinney realizes that not everyone is accustomed to raw vegan food and takes a realistic approach when introducing customers to juices. Her approach is to start with something familiar like a Strawberry Banana Smoothie and ease them into healthier options like the 360 Green Smoothie with almond mylk, kale, cilantro, green apple, cucumber, vanilla, stevia, lemon and cinnamon.
If you’re just starting out, The Chunky Monkey Smoothie is a healthier upgrade from ice blended coffee drinks. This protein-rich smoothie features almond mylk, peanut butter, protein powder, banana, dates, cacao powder, vanilla and crunchy cocoa nibs. This refreshing, dessert-like drink provides just the right hint of sweetness and a strong dose of chocolate to satisfy any craving. But it’s an indulgence you can feel good about thanks to the cacao and plant-based proteins.
“Most people don’t really know what a superfood is but it’s just something that gives you added benefits,” she said. Although Juice Lab 360 stocks hard to find ingredients like Cholera, Camu Camu and Maca, she also thinks that kale, blueberries and beets qualify as superfoods.
She incorporates these seasonal items into her menu through juices, smoothies and savory options like the Raw Walnut Chorizo Tacos made with romaine lettuce, walnut chorizo filling, bell pepper queso, avocado cabbage slaw and cilantro. Kinney describes these tacos as a great introduction to raw food because they have a familiar taste from Mexican spices and plenty of textures. She plans to add quinoa bowls and start a line of nut mylks.
“Most of the regulars come in for health reasons – and that’s great because that’s why I started [Juice Lab 360] in the first place,” said Kinney.
Juice Lab 360 is located at 277 West Green Street, Suite 105. Call (626) 765-1371 for more details or visit http://www.thejuicelab360.com/.
