Food

When Vale Pinecrest opens its doors on July 31, it will be the ninth Florida location for Vale. Located at 9537 South Dixie Highway in Pinecrest, the newest location will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily with a health-conscious dining experience featuring high-quality protein, açai, and poke bowls, and complemented by a diverse selection of beverages and bakery items.

“Launching our ninth Vale location and inaugural venture into South Miami, marks an exhilarating milestone for our brand,” said Sunny Ilyas, CEO and Founder of Vale. “With each success story from our existing Florida locations, the demand for health-conscious dining experiences has only amplifed and we’re thrilled to bring our unique blend of fresh, innovative cuisine to the heart of this vibrant community. This expansion reflects the root of Vale’s inception, providing healthy, high-quality and good-for-you dining options while fostering meaningful connections within the community.”

The 2,000-square-foot restaurant has a 27-seat dining room, and guests can settle in at stylish white and black marble tables accented by splashes of gold and green, amidst tropical motifs and inviting lounge spaces. Echoing the design of other Vale locations, the restaurant is adorned with a blend of greenery, succulents, and hanging plants, providing picturesque backdrops while embodying Vale’s dedication to wholesome, sustainable dining. A hand-painted mural bearing the mantra ‘Vale: to live an earthly life’ adds a pop of color to the space. A welcoming outdoor patio features a cozy atmosphere ideal for refueling, working, or simply savoring a meal at any time of the day.

In 2014, Sunny Ilyas embarked on a culinary venture with Vale, initially launching it as a meal delivery service catering to college students. Motivated by strong demand and buzz, he pivoted the brand into a fast-casual restaurant concept. The first Vale Food Co location opened in Tallahassee in 2016, with a mission to offer college students quick, affordable and good-for-you healthy food. In 2022, the brand made its inaugural debut in South Florida in Miami followed by its most recent debut in Boca Raton. Ilyas was recently recognized as one of QSR's Young Restaurant Leaders to Watch. Today, he leads the brand, pioneering new recipes and curating the catering program across all locations.

The name “Vale”, derived from an old English word meaning "Earthly", has been reimagined by Vale to encapsulate the ethos of “living an earthly life,” reflecting the brand's commitment to health, quality food, sustainability and community. Vale brings its health-conscious dining experience featuring high-quality protein, açai, and poke bowls, complemented by a diverse selection of beverages and bakery items.

Vale’s menu features a range of healthy-forward dishes like açai bowls, poke bowls and avocado toasts found at its cold ‘superfood’ station; build-your-own protein bowls and signature salads at the ‘hot food’ station; a selection of grab-and-go snacks and bakery items like popular freshly baked whole grain chocolate chip cookies complemented by a full beverage program with coffee, matcha and smoothies. The menu is designed to enjoy all day long and offers a variety of items for everyone including families and kids. The Pinecrest restaurant will be the first location to debut the signature wraps and breakfast burrito menu offerings.

The hot food station consists of build-your-own protein bowls where guests can customize the bases and add on a variety of veggies, proteins, boosts and sauces. Classic and fan-favorite proteins include Vale’s signature turkey spinach feta meatballs, southwest braised beef, ancho pulled chicken among others. Signature bowls include: the Sweet Earth Bowl made with sweet potato noodles, roasted broccoli, teriyaki chicken and curry honey mustard; Out of This World Bowl with cilantro lime brown rice, roasted broccoli, ancho pulled chicken topped with chipotle ranch; and the Great South Bowl with chipotle mac and cheese, roasted broccoli and braised beef. Signature salads are also available like the Buffalo Chicken Salad; The Vale Kale Cobb; and Avocado Greens Salad. All ingredients are sourced from local farms and menu items rotate seasonally with a selection of vegan and gluten-free options.

Vale Pinecrest is joining three locations already open in South Florida - Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Boca Raton. For more information, visit www.ValeFoodCo.com or call 786-636-8887.

Start the year off right with healthy meals based on your goals and delivered fresh to your door. AthleticsFit has been creating meal plans for people throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties since 2015. Whether you are looking to lose weight, maintain a healthy lifestyle, or simply enjoy delicious food, there is a meal plan that is right for you.

There are meal plans for weight loss, weight maintenance, and muscle gain. The menu changes weekly with over 150 rotating options for variety. You also have the option to create your own custom meal plan from scratch for total diet control. The weight loss meal plan is low carb and designed to help you reshape your lifestyle by adopting healthy new habits. The traditional balanced plan is created to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The athletics plan has extra protein for athletes and very active individuals.

All meals are:

• Chef prepared using high-quality ingredients
• Macros ready with nutrition facts
• No preservatives
• No GMO, no antibiotics
• Ready to eat

If convenience is what you are after, there is also a kids menu available as well. No more grocery shopping, no cooking, and no washing dishes. Save up to 20 hours per week and know you have a healthy meal when you are ready to eat.

After selecting a meal plan, AthleticsFit delivers up to three times a week based on your goals. Deliveries take plan on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

Check out the full menu on the GetMyMeals app or on the AthleticsFit website at afmeals.com. To kick start your New Year resolutions, use the code STAYFIT305 for a 15% off discount on your first order.

Florida-grown restaurant brand Vale Food Co will expand its footprint to Boca Raton and is set to open to the public on Monday, September 11, making it the eighth location to open in Florida.

“After much success with our locations throughout Florida and with a growing demand for healthy food, I’m excited to open our eighth Vale Food Co restaurant in the heart of Boca Raton and offer the community an all-day healthy dining destination like no other,” said Sunny Ilyas, CEO and Founder of Vale Food Co. “I’m confident that our fresh-forward food offerings and all-day vibe will cater to the diverse needs of Boca's dynamic neighborhood of families, children, and adults alike.”

At the 3,000-square-foot Boca restaurant, guests are greeted with a fresh design and a mix of plants, succulents and lush greenery hanging throughout the ceiling and walls to encapsulates Vale’s commitment to a healthy and sustainable-focused dining experience.  The restaurant has a 25-seat indoor dining room and an inviting outdoor 20-seat patio providing the perfect setting to refuel, work or catch up with friends.

Vale Food Co’s menu features a range of healthy-forward dishes like açaí bowls, poke bowls and avocado toasts found at its cold ‘superfood’ station; build-your-own protein bowls and signature salads at the ‘hot food’ station; a selection of grab-and-go snacks and bakery items like popular freshly baked whole grain chocolate chip cookies complemented by a full beverage program with coffee, matcha and smoothies. The menu is designed to enjoy all day long and offers a variety of items for everyone including families and kids.

In 2014, Ilyas initially launched Vale as a meal delivery service feeding college students and after seeing the demand and buzz, he pivoted the brand and transformed it into a fast-casual restaurant. Vale, named after an old English word that means “to live an earthly life”, is dedicated to its core values of health, quality food, sustainability and community. He opened the first Vale Food Co location in Tallahassee in 2016 with the goal to provide healthy food that was affordable, quick and good for you. In 2022, the brand made its inaugural debut in South Florida with the latest location in Brickell.

Vale Food Co Boca is located at 5250 Town Center Circle #131 in Boca Raton. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from 9AM-10PM. Vale Food Co also offers catering services for large groups and private events. For more information, visit www.ValeFoodCo.com.

It's hard to be your best when you don't feel your best. Powered by adaptogens, nootropics, and superfoods, MTE is bridging the gap between energy drinks and supplements to be your daily superpower and help you achieve your potential.

Conceived here in Miami, MTE stands for More Than Energy and was created as a next-generation wellness shot to support body balance and overall wellbeing in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle. The 2 oz liquid shot contains ingredients like ashwagandha, spirulina, holy basil, theacrine, and saffron to promote better energy and support stress resilience, calm focus, immunity, mood, and even better sleep at night.

“Two years ago, I embarked on a journey to make something I felt the world was missing - a healthy boost to energy without decreasing any of the other aspects of wellbeing and feeling good like a calm mood or quality sleep at night,” said Jeff Boyd, Founder of MTE.

“That meant no caffeine bombs, no sugar bombs, and no crappy ingredients. I wanted something wholesome. I wanted something I could share with my friends. And I wanted it to work with my existing healthy lifestyle, not against it.”

Not only does the MTE shot provide a rapid energy kick and boost to focus but there are subsequent benefits to mood and recovery that really set it apart. This holistic approach is a departure from alternatives acting as a bandage for tiredness by supplementing B vitamins, excessive caffeine, or other stimulants, while leaving a wake of jitters and insomnia.

“We are not an energy drink with a healthy ingredient or two added for mitigating effect,” said Boyd.“That’s been done and it doesn’t work. We are a wellness drink that happens to support energy, because it is an important component of overall wellness, but so is stress response, so is a calm mood, so is quality of sleep at night.”

It’s also why MTE works best with those who value overall health, wellbeing, and performance more than just a quick fix. The longer you use MTE, the more the adaptogens and nootropics will be able to reach their full effect. In helping your body naturally align itself, it will help make the habits stick, the sleep go smoother, and the days improve while you put in the work in the gym and at the office.

Interested in trying it for yourself? Use discount code STAYFIT305 to get 30.5% off your first order of MTE.

Learn more and order MTE online at getmte.com or check them out on Instagram at @get_mte.

Miami healthy eatery Carrot Express is debuting its newest location in Pembroke Pines. This marks the 18th location for Carrot Express, who prides themselves on using the freshest ingredients with something for every palate and diet featuring an extensive menu including fresh pressed juices.

Founder, Mario Laufer is thrilled to grow the wholesome legacy throughout South Florida. Since 1993, Laufer has been on a mission to create Miami’s healthiest dishes with a flavorful twist.

“Pembroke Pines is one of those incredible developing neighborhoods that we noticed is missing more healthy dining options," said Laufer. “This will be our first location there and excited to introduce the community to our nutritious and well-balanced recipes. With so many families and schools, we think it’s important to introduce nutritious yet, delicious dishes at an early age.”

The new destination occupies 2,072 square feet with 26 seats inside and 24 outdoor seats. The space incorporates the similar inviting and relaxed atmosphere of Carrot Express featuring splashes of orange and green hues throughout the space. Reflecting the cuisine, the decor is fresh and simplistic.

Most recently, Carrot Express launched the following newer menu items:

• Epic Tuna Melt – served open-face on toasted sourdough bread topped with smashed avocado, albacore white tuna salad, tomato & jack cheese
• Turkey Bacon Power Wrap – filled with 3 egg-whites, kale, cremini mushrooms, scallions, avocado, jack cheese and turkey bacon inside a whole wheat wrap
• Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad – mixed with shaved brussels sprouts, kale, napa cabbage, alfalfa sprouts, parmesan cheese, julienne granny apples, roasted brussels sprouts, candied pecans and golden raisins tossed in a homemade lemon infused, apple cider vinaigrette
• Beyond Meat Wrap – stuffed with Beyond Meat, kale, seasoned brown rice, black beans, avocado, pico de gallo and sweet plantains
• Vegan Banana Bread – featuring Laufer’s top-secret recipe made with ripe bananas and chopped walnuts

Their new Pembroke Pines location can be found at 14538 SW 5th Street in Pembroke Pines. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 9 PM and 9 AM – 9 PM. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed directly through the Carrot Express website.

By the end of the month, Carrot Express will be open in South Miami. Stay updated on future openings at www.EatCarrotExpress.com or follow along on Instagram @CarrotExpress.

FlyFuel is on a mission to fuel Miami with its flavorful and mindful menu. The Aventura eatery, which started six years ago as Raw Republic, is now open in Midtown Miami, marking this their second location.

“Since we opened in Aventura, we noticed an incredible rise of new fitness studios and more people are becoming health conscious. We’re noticing the same trend in the Midtown neighborhood and can’t wait to fuel the rest of Miami,” said Jesse Gimelstein, FlyFuel co-founder. “Our goal is to give back to the community and provide the best of both worlds.”

FlyFuel prides themselves on only using the freshest, cleanest ingredients in every dish. At Midtown, guests will be able to enjoy the same classics from Aventura including their best selling Cauliflower Crust Pizzas. They will also find the signature FlyFuel smoothie on the menu, blended with almond milk, spinach, vanilla plant protein, cacao nibs, almond butter and banana.

In spirit of their new outpost, the nourishing destination will also launch new dishes – including their play on Hailey Bieber’s viral Strawberry Glaze smoothie. Their vegan and gluten-free friendly menu features a wide variety of fresh salads, wraps, acai creations, smoothies, ingredient driven bowls, breakfast items and a selection of grab-and-go items.  

New menu items include: 

• ‍Sesame Crunch Salad – shredded kale, carrots, and cabbage mixed with chopped romaine, slices of broccoli, cucumber and avocado, sesame seeds, toasted almonds, and crunchy noodles tossed in a soy peanut dressing ‍
• Tuna Poke Bowl – fresh ahi-poke tuna, shredded carrots, cucumber, tomatoes, pineapple, edamame, pickled ginger, crispy shallots, and sesame seeds topped with spicy mayo and nori sheets over a bed of wild rice and baby spinach‍
• Vegan Veggie Pizza – homemade tomato sauce, vegan mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, red onions, broccoli, mushrooms, and fresh garlic layered on a vegan, gluten-free cauliflower crust ‍
• Strawberry Glow Smoothie – inspired by Hailey Bieber’s viral Strawberry Glaze  smoothie, blended with almond milk, coconut cream, strawberry, dates, maple syrup, banana, avocado, collagen, and vanilla plant protein powder

FlyFuel has something for everyone! The new Midtown location can be found below Midtown 4 at 154 NE 29th Street and will be open for on-site dining, takeout, and delivery during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Aventura location is at 20804 Biscayne Boulevard in Aventura. For more information, check out www.EatFlyFuel.com or follow @FlyFuel to stay updated on special events, upcoming promotions, and new locations.  

National Coffee Day is today and for you all you caffeine-fiends, let us introduce you to Biscayne Coffee, a new eco-friendly coffee brand that gives back to Biscayne Bay. 

Founded by Miami-native and hospitality industry expert Steve Turk, Biscayne Coffee donates 10% of all Biscayne Coffee sales and merchandise to the Biscayne Bay Foundation, a nonprofit organization based here in South Florida, whose mission is to increase awareness of the health, safety, and sustainability of waterways on Biscayne Bay. 

Depending on how you take your cup, Biscayne Coffee offers three blends: 

• Biscayne Blend Dark Roast is a signature blend originating from Indonesia, Central, and South America. This complex blend features darker flavors with hints of dark chocolate, raspberry, and sugar cane.
• Biscayne Single Origin Colombia is a medium roast blend that originates from farmers in the remote region of South of Huila and features notes of orange, caramel, and milk chocolate flavor.
• Biscayne Blend Light Roast is a lightly roasted coffee blend that has a citrusy, sweet, and complex aroma that offers flavors of Grapefruit, Apple, Caramel, and Roasted Hazelnut.

While we are grateful for coffee for a cause, we asked Turk how Biscayne coffee came to be. He shared, "In the summer of 2020, a massive fish kill took place on the bay due to lack of oxygen in the water. Among the mass of dead fish, I found a dead manatee, while walking with my younger daughter and son along the bay. Angry and saddened by this experience, I thought there had to be something big I could do to help.  The next morning as I was sipping my morning coffee and looking out at the bay the idea struck. Biscayne Coffee was born”, said Turk. “I want my children and all families to experience the magic of Biscayne Bay the way that I did. I hope this coffee inspires and brings awareness to help preserve Biscayne Bay for future generations to enjoy.”

Biscayne Coffee is available at www.biscaynecoffee.com. The coffee bags can be purchased at $18.96. Follow Biscayne Coffee on social at @biscaynecoffee.

And, in honor of National Coffee Day you can mix and match any 3 coffees and get free shipping. Offer valid now until midnight October 2.

Pura Vida's expansion continues with the unveiling of the brand’s latest café in South Miami! The new outpost is located just steps away from Sunset Place and the University of Miami and is Pura Vida's 12th location.

“We are constantly amazed and humbled at how well-received our brand has been, and continues to be, in the different communities we branch into," said Omer Horev, Co-Founder and CEO of Pura Vida Miami. "We’ve had our eyes set on South Miami for some time now and we’re thrilled to finally be bringing this dream to fruition.”

The new Pura Vida South Miami café will boast 2,370 square feet of indoor and outdoor seating and will showcase Pura Vida’s iconic health-focused menu including their beloved all-day breakfast offerings, bowls, superfood smoothies, açai bowls, wraps, sandwiches, their newly-launched dinner plates, and more. Additionally, to coincide with the opening, Pura Vida will be introducing a new blueberry cake to be offered exclusively at the new South Miami location before rolling out store-wide.

Pura Vida South Miami is located at 6022 South Dixie Highway in South Miami. Stay tuned for details about another Pura Vida coming to Coconut Grove in the near future!

Miami's favorite healthy eatery, Carrot Express has dropped not one, but TWO new wraps.

All locations are now carrying:

• Turkey Bacon Power Wrap ($14.95) filled with 3 egg-whites, turkey bacon, spinach, cremini mushrooms, scallions, avocado and jack cheese
• Beyond Meat Wrap ($15.95) stuffed with crumbled beyond meat, kale seasoned brown rice, black beans, avocado, sweet plantains and pico de gallo.
  

Both items are available on a toasted whole wheat or gluten-free wrap (+$2.50).

Most recently, Carrot Express opened a new location West Kendall. By mid-October, the concept will debut new locations in Pembroke Pines, South Miami, Bryant Park (NYC), and River Landing. Additionally, restaurants in Coconut Grove, Plantation, Pinecrest, and Hollywood are expected by the end of 2022.

ICON Mediterranean is a colorful and wildly fun fast casual restaurant located in the heart of Wynwood. Brought to you by Jay Jwad of Vision Global Ent. Corp., every dish here is made daily in-house, and to accommodate Miami’s health conscious lifestyle.

The restaurant presents a simple, healthy, real and modern Mediterranean menu. ICON Mediterranean offers three types of proteins, including chicken shawarma halal, steak shawarma halal, and falafel, styled with four bases such as house samoon, whole wheat tortillas, rice bowls, and salatas. An array of toppings and sauces are also offered, from the ICON signature tahini to the garlic thoam, green tahini, BBQ tahini, spicy tahini, and cucumber yogurt taziki.

"The food industry has changed a lot from 10 years ago. People are more careful and smart with their selection when they go to a restaurant and can easily differentiate from poor quality to high quality," said "Jay Jwad, President of Vision Global Ent. Corp. "That’s why at ICON Mediterranean, I take pride in making sure that everything is made daily from scratch, which I understand requires more labor and costs, but we know for sure our customers appreciate our efforts."

Each dish is crafted daily using in-house made ingredients that are healthy and fresh and weaved in with the authentic culinary customs of the Mediterranean. It’s real food that’s thoughtfully made with love and energy. Here are a few of their specialties:

Chicken Shawarma Halal

ICON Mediterranean is the only restaurant in Miami to serve Chicken Shawarma Halal and Steak Shawarma Halal. It’s the healthiest category of meat, with the highest quality.

Samoon Bread 

The Samoon Bread, an authentic Iraqi bread, is made fresh daily in-house. It’s similar to pita bread and offers a healthy base that’s mixed with whole wheat flour and white flour with a unique ICON Mediterranean twist. 

Hummus

The Hummus is carefully crafted for three days. On the first day, the chickpeas are soaked. On the second day, they are boiled, washed and set in a cooler. On the final day of prep, the hummus is made. 

Falafel 

The Falafel is made over a two-day prep. The beans are first soaked and then mixed with chopped vegetables and herbs. 

In addition, diners can also experience American-style breakfast plates, including a selection of breakfast bowls and wraps. The restaurant also has a full menu of premium coffees and fresh 100% organic fruit juices, as well as a curated selection of wine and beers. Diners can also try ICON Mediterranean’s specialty dessert, Baklava. 

ICON Mediterranean is a destination where people of all cultures, heritages and ethnicities can celebrate and enjoy life together over modern Mediterranean food. Find ICON Mediterranean at 241 NW 24th Street in Wynwood.

Inflation who?! Beginning this weekend, health conscious eaters and breakfast lovers can order any breakfast or all-day breakfast item from Carrot Express and receive the second item free.

The brunch bundle bogo deal will be offered every Saturday and Sunday from 9 am until 2 pm at all locations through the end of August. The free menu item will be the cheaper dish and all guests will be able to enjoy a well-balanced and nourishing breakfast or brunch for two under $20.

Recently, Carrot Express has debuted breakfast and all-day breakfast at all their locations. Highlights include:

• California Eggwich (NEW!) - 2 cage free folded eggs layered with avocado, crumbled feta cheese, arugula, tomato, lime juice and olive oil served on a toasted sesame bagel ($12.95)
• Josh’s Overnight Oats – oatmeal, almond milk, toasted coconut flakes, chia & flax seeds, cinnamon, blueberries, strawberries, Mario’s granola, almond butter, drizzled honey ($9.95)
• Quinoa Breakfast Bowl – quinoa topped with roasted cremini mushrooms, sautéed spinach, avocado, pico de gallo, cage-free sunny side egg ($13.95)
• Smoked Salmon Omelet - 3 cage-free eggs omelet with smoked salmon, shallots & capers. served with toasted #ZTB multigrain sourdough and a side of low-fat cream cheese ($13.95)
• Berries Almond Butter Toast – toasted Zak the Baker, multigrain sourdough topped with almond butter, strawberries, blueberries, chia seeds, cinnamon, toasted coconut flakes and drizzled honey ($8.95)
• Huevos Rancheros Burrito – 2 cage-free scrambled eggs, brown rice, black beans, avocado, fresh corn, jack cheese, cilantro & pico de gallo. perfectly wrapped & toasted on a whole wheat wrap. served with our cilantro-lime dressing ($13.95)

For a list of all Carrot Express outposts so you can plan your brunch visit, click here.

Pura Vida is expanding to Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. This marks the brand's third new location so far in 2022, and first of many for the South Miami area.

"As the Pura Vida brand expands, we seek to plant roots in areas that bring tangible value to the community," said Omer Horev, Chief Brand Officer and Co-Founder of Pura Vida. "The storied past of Miracle Mile offers a charm and comfort that we knew we had to be a part of this year. It's a privilege to grow our community of people who value quality and health in another beloved part of South Florida."

Open to the public on July 8, the new Pura Vida is located at 244 Miracle Mile. Miracle Mile, a 4-block strip dedicated to retail, dining, entertainment, and revered for its charmed past, traces all the way back to the 1920s. The destination was coined "Miracle Mile" in 1955 as the street has resiliently withstood the pressure of urban modernization and now provides a refreshingly simple and charming visitor experience.

Patrons can enjoy the all day cafe from the aesthetic 2,675 square foot interior or the shaded 215 square feet of outdoor seating. The brand's quality and detail driven menu is crafted using local and organic ingredients when possible and has something for every kind of dietary restriction. Pura Vida’s health-conscious concept offers a wide variety of breakfast items, delicious bowls and wraps, crisp and refreshing salads, raw organic acai bowls, and an assortment of fresh-baked gluten-free and vegan sweet treats.

Other health-focused highlights include a variety of refreshing cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, kombucha, and artisanal coffees. Just as quick as the brand is expanding, so is their beloved menu! Coinciding with Miracle Mile opening, Pura Vida will be introducing two new must-try menu items for all locations, a new breakfast wrap; and turkey bacon which can be added to the perfect egg sandwich!

In addition to the Miracle Mile opening, Pura Vida currently has locations in South Florida, including South Beach, West Ave, Edgewater, Design District, University of Miami, West Palm Beach, Aventura, Bay Harbor, Las Olas, Brickell, and Sunset Harbour. Upcoming locations in South Miami and Coconut Grove are on the horizon.

Pura Vida Miracle Mile is open from 8 am - 4 pm daily. For a convenient dine-in experience, parking is available via Miracle Mile valet, parking garages 1 & 4, or street parking. Delivery and pick-up are available through the Pura Vida Miami app. For more information, please visit www.PuraVidaMiami.com.

True Food Kitchen, a seasonally-inspired restaurant that proves healthy food can be crave-able, opened today at The Falls in Kendall. This is the restaurant's first location in Miami and their sixth in Florida.

The new True Food seats 385 patrons with an open kitchen, full-service bar, and covered patio that overlooks the waterfront. Natural woods and vivid, locally-inspired artwork tie together the greenery and earthy color scheme, and there are environmentally friendly materials throughout, including recycled soda bottle dining seats.

True Food is a restaurant and lifestyle brand founded in 2008 in Phoenix with the belief that food should make people feel better and that excellent tasting meals and mindfully prepared beverages may serve as the foundation for a happy existence.

Based on the anti-inflammatory food pyramid, the brainchild of True Food founder Dr. Andrew Weil, renowned doctor of integrative medicine, every single ingredient on the menu is carefully selected and hand-crafted into signature dishes that make eating well effortless, energizing and most importantly, full of flavor.

The restaurant takes ingredients, spices and one-of-a-kind finds to bold new heights with an eye for peak-season freshness, bright flavors and combinations, and an always creative take on classic favorites.

True Food serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch with menus showcasing healthy, seasonal, sustainable, and organic food with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options served alongside sustainable wine, local beer, and cocktails with fresh juice and house-made syrups.

True Food Kitchen at The Falls is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m to 11 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information, visit truefoodkitchen.com/locations/miami. True Food Kitchen can be found on Instagram and Facebook.

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Carrot Express is serving shots for a cause through the end of July at all South Florida locations.

The healthy eatery has partnered the American Cancer Society and $1 from all 4 oz. health boosting shots will be donated directly to the organization, running now through the end of July.

Make an impact by ordering shots that include:

• Flu Shot ($4.95) - ginger, lemon, honey
• Ginger Shot ($3.50)  - ginger
• Immunity Shot ($4.95) - turmeric, ginger, lemon, orange and black pepper

While you're at Carrot Express, try some of their new menu items including:

• ‍Tuna Melt ($13.95) - served open face. toasted sourdough bread spread with smashed avocado, topped with albacore white tuna salad,  tomato & jack cheese‍
• California Eggwich ($11.95) - toasted sesame bagel, 2 cage free folded eggs, smash avocado, arugula, tomato, lime juice and olive oil‍
• Scottish Salmon Wrap ($16.95) - avocado, arugula, brown rice, cilantro, lime juice, pico de gallo & roasted jalapeño aioli
• Chicken Caesar Wrap ($13.95) - grilled chicken, romaine, kale, homemade croutons, parmesan cheese and our signature Caesar dressing

To find a Carrot Express location near you, head to carrotexpress.com.

Active wine enthusiasts rejoice! Wine Water is bringing you a refreshing alcoholic drink to be enjoyed all summer long. Inspired by the active, coastal lifestyle in Wilmington, North Carolina, Wine Water is for working hard and playing just as hard. 

Wine Water is exactly what it sounds like - crafted with two simple ingredients, dry French wine and sparking water. There are no added flavors and nothing artificial. Compare that to other popular spirit and malt based seltzers available with unnatural ingredients and flavors.

Another perk - Wine Water comes in portable cans. Each can is 4.9% alcohol and just 69 calories, with 0 grams of sugar, low sulfites, and non-GMO. This means a can of Wine Water fits into gluten free and vegan lifestyles.

There are currently two varietals available:

Rosé Water

On the palate, the bright acidity of the French Dry Rosé wine is balanced by the effervescence of the pure sparkling water. With aromas of strawberry and melon generously expressed, this simple but striking combination reveals an incredibly refreshing tasting experience - perfectly paired with an afternoon in the sun, by the pool, or anywhere good friends gather.

Wine Water Sauvignon Blanc

Aromas of exotic fruits including pineapple and mango are featured on the nose and palate, and are beautifully balanced with the effervescence of the pure, sparkling water. Simple but striking, Wine Water Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect expression of the Entre-Deux-Mers terroir in an approachable, incredibly refreshing, easy-to-enjoy presentation.

Two other varietals, Cabernet and Chardonnay, are arriving later this year.

A percentage of all Wine Water profits are donated to support clean water initiatives. You can find Wine Water at Trader Joe's across Miami. To see other locations, click here.

Find out more at sipwinewater.com or follow them on Instagram at @sipwinewater.

After five years looking for a home in Miami, Vale Food Co is set to debut the seventh location of its Florida-grown restaurant brand in Brickell this week. Vale, an old English word that means “to live an earthly life”, is committed to the values of health, quality food, sustainability and community.

“I’m thrilled to finally introduce Vale Food Co to Miami and offer an all-day restaurant where visitors can enjoy high-quality, healthy food with quick service in one spot,” said Sunny Ilyas, CEO and Founder of Vale Food Co. “I’m confident that our food offerings will be a new elevated option to meet the needs of the fast-paced Brickell market and the lifestyle of our guests who are on-the-go, working or into wellness.”

Ilyas launched Vale in 2014 as a meal delivery service and quickly pivoted the brand into a fast-casual restaurant when he opened the first location in Tallahassee in 2016. In 2017, Vale Gainesville and Tampa opened their doors to the public. The following year, he opened a fourth restaurant in Jacksonville and in 2019, he opened Fort Lauderdale and a second location in Tallahassee. Today, Ilyas manages the brand, recipe development and catering services for all locations.

Vale Food Co attracts locals and visitors alike with its vast array of healthy and high-quality protein, açai and poke bowls accompanied by a full beverage and bakery selection. The Brickell location shares the same design backbone as all other Vale locations but offers a unique Miami flair. The 3,000 square foot restaurant has a 23-seat dining room with plants draped throughout the ceiling to define Vale’s mission to go green and eat green. A colorful hand-painted Vale mural and rotating Miami-inspired artworks are displayed throughout the space. Located outside is the restaurant’s 35-seat patio. The area offers additional relaxed alfresco seating with patio couches beneath white shade umbrellas, coffee tables lining the exterior surrounded by greenery and stringed lights for an elevated dining experience.

Vale Food Co’s menu is divided into a cold “superfood” station and a hot food station along with a selection of grab-and-go snacks and bakery items, popular freshly baked whole grain chocolate chip cookies and a full beverage program including matcha, smoothies and coffee. Superfood menu highlights include: Smashed Avocado Toast; Chia Pudding; Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl; Açai Smoothie and the Dragonfruit Lemonade. New to the menu is the matcha line with KombuMatcha; Vale Matcha Blast; Vale Matcha Latte and Dirty Matcha Latte. The fresh and healthy-forward menu offers a variety of items perfect for year-round weather in Florida.

The hot food station consists of build-your-own protein bowls where guests can customize the bases and add on veggies, proteins, boosts and sauces. Classic and fan-favorite proteins include Vale’s signature turkey spinach feta meatballs, southwest braised beef, ancho pulled chicken among others. Signature hot bowls include the Sweet Earth Bowl made with sweet potato noodles, roasted broccoli, teriyaki chicken and curry honey mustard; Out of This World Bowl with cilantro lime brown rice, roasted broccoli, ancho pulled chicken topped with chipotle ranch; and the Great South Bowl with chipotle mac and cheese, roasted broccoli and braised beef. All ingredients are sourced from local farms and menu items rotate seasonally with a selection of vegan and gluten-free options.

Vale Food Co currently has six additional locations in Florida including two in Tallahassee, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale with plans to expand throughout South Florida and into different markets.

Vale Food Co is located in Mary Brickell Village at 900 S Miami Avenue #125 and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from 9 am - 11 pm. For more information, please visit www.ValeFoodCo.com or follow on Instagram at @ValeFoodCo.

Frosted Lucky Charms may be magically delicious, but this colorful cereal along with some other childhood favorites are laden with sugar and hard to pronounce ingredients that might make you think twice about putting them in your body. In honor of National Cereal Day, we found four sugary cereal alternatives that pack a protein punch, have a good crunch and are the perfect way to start your day. Or hey, end your day, if you’re a cereal for dinner type of person. 

1. Magic Spoon

Magic Spoon cereals are low-carb, high in protein, and made with zero sugar. Don’t let that deter you, they are perfectly sweetened with a blend of monk fruit, stevia, and allulose in its offerings. Magic Spoon has plenty of flavors to choose from including Peanut Butter, Blueberry, Cocoa, Fruity, Frosted, Cinnamon, and more.  $39 for 4-Pack, magicspoon.com, @magicspoon

2. Incredi-Bowl

Incredi-Bowl is available in three make-you-want-to-get-out-of-bed flavors including Chocolate Crunch, Frosted Flakes and Honey Nut Hoops. These low sugar, Keto-friendly, grain and gluten-free cereals are high in protein to keep you full and fueled throughout your morning. $40 for 4-Pack, incredibowlcereal.com, @incredibowlfoods

3. Three Wishes

Three Wishes is made from chickpeas and delivers 3g of fiber and 8g of protein per serving to help avoid that mid-morning crash that happens if you were to eat high sugar, high carb, low protein options. You won't find wheat, corn, rice, dairy, oats, soy or peanuts in the ingredient list, but you will find a ton of taste in their flavors, which include Cinnamon, Honey, Unsweetened, Cocoa, Fruity and Frosted. In honor of National Cereal Day the brand is offering 20% off on their website. $9.99 per box, threewishes.com, @threewishes

4. Catalina Crunch

‍Catalina Crunch, a brand that we personally keep stocked at all times, has released a limited edition-flavor,  Triple Berry Blast Cereal, a  blend of strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry that tastes like a berry pie. Gluten and grain-free, vegan, low sugar, non-GMO, keto-friendly, and high protein, Catalina Crunch delivers satisfying cereals (and snacks) without sacrificing nutrition.  $39 for 4-Pack, catalinacrunch.com, @catalinacrunch

Carrot Express opened their doors in West Boca this week, bringing their nourishing foods to a 2nd location in Palm Beach County. Since 1993, Carrot Express founder Mario Laufer has been on a mission to create Miami’s healthiest dishes with a flavorful twist.

The menu has something for every kind of dietary restriction including a wide range of salads, smoothies, bowls, wraps, fresh pressed juices and smoothies.

Carrot Express West Boca is located at 20642 State Road 7 in the Shadowwood Plaza in Boca Raton. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 am until 9 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 am until 9 pm. Delivery and takeout orders can be made directly through the Carrot Express website.

There are 7 additional locations coming soon, including Fort Lauderdale, Pinecrest, Plantation, Pembroke Pines, West Kendall, and, their first location outside of Florida, in New York City.

Stay updated on their future openings and visit www.EatCarrotExpress.com or follow along on Instagram @CarrotExpress.