A young guy from Edmonton, Perry Anderson, started up a Booster Juice (907 Denman Street, West End, 604-632-4590, www.booster juice.com), and at last report he was working like hell to make it fly. Catching the California wave, juice bars have proliferated here, and chains such as Booster Juice have been giving a sprinkling of independents a rough ride. Booster Juice does squeezed fruit juices (my preference) but also makes smoothies with add-ins such as wheatgrass, oat bran, calcium, and lecithin — for beverages with names such as Thermo Booster and Cold Warrior Booster. Only, you’d think, on the West Coast.
There are also a number of Jugo Juice outlets around, including one at 202 Davie Street (West End, 604-899-9237). Their fare includes puréed vegetable juices such as the “max veg” or veggies blended with oranges or other fruits.
Being a fan of puréed fruits that aren’t overly diluted with crushed ice, I’m always on the lookout for an uncompromising juice bar. The closest I’ve come is the Fraser Valley Juice and Salad Bar (Granville Island Public Market, 604-669-0727). This is nothing more than a market stall, but it’s a good place to pick up a truly
vegetarian lunch as well. Also recommended for wraps and juices is Wrappsody (2211 West Broadway, Kitsilano, 604-736-2244).
Somewhat related is the bubble tea phenomenon. You’ll find this Asian-style fresh fruit juice with tapioca balls at a Taiwanese-run shop called the mainteahouse (4388 Main Street, East Vancouver, 604-708-4388) and at the Sweet Bubble Tea House (4909 Main Street, East Vancouver, 604-322-9221). In the latter case, it’s served with dim sum.
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