Food

An estimated 1,000 plant-munching party people will take over Regatta Park in Coconut Grove for an evening of food, cocktails, games, and music Saturday, October 6, during what's billed as Miami’s first Vegan Block Party.The party will offer food, vegan presentations, a vendor marketplace, outdoor lounges, lawn games, and kombucha pong. Alcohol is not included in the ticket price, but a full vegan bar will sell craft beer, wine, and mixed drinks.“People don’t realize that a lot of alcohol isn’t vegan,” says Ariel Levine, coordinator of the event. “Alcohol is very weird, and it can be processed with fish bladders and can sometimes have gelatin or different animal byproducts.”Levine, a 20-year-old sophomore majoring in nutrition and dietetics at Florida International University, undertook the massive task of organizing an event this size. It turned out to be more than she’d bargained for, so she's taking a semester off school to make it happen.The young vegan credits her grandmother for inspiring her to quit eating meat. “My grandma made us steak one night, and it was so pink and so bloody, and I didn’t want to eat it,” Levine says. “I made a connection that it was an animal, that it was a life.”Levine dumped the food, locked herself in her parents' bedroom, and did not come out till Grandma took off. “We’re fine now,” Levine says of her relationship with her grandmother, “but she thinks I am crazy for being vegan.”Levine became officially vegan at the age of 16. A few years ago, she began hosting potlucks to meet other vegans, and within a year and a half, the gatherings were drawing more than 100 people. But she wanted more.“I was literally traveling to L.A. to attend vegan events because there’s so few here in South Florida,” she says. And that's when inspiration hit. “It came to me in this dream,” Levine says. “Vegan Block Party. I rolled with it, and it’s grown into the event you see now.”Levine's party will offer more than just food from places such as Ali’s Sweet Treats, That Vegan Food Truck, Harmless Hot Dog, Planet Protein, Roots N Seeds, and the New Vegan. During the evening, nine speakers will discuss subjects such as nutrition, environment, and plant-based economics between performances by an array of poets, rappers, and performance artists. A vendor marketplace will sell organic clothing and eco-friendly products. A host of nonprofits will be onsite to discuss opportunities for community involvement, Miami-Dade Animal Services will offer dog adoptions, and DJ Sal will spin hip-hop.Ticket prices include food samples; full-size dishes will be available for purchase. Each guest will also receive a goody bag to stuff with swag such as candles, soaps, and foodstuffs from sponsors such as Follow Your Heart, Upton’s Naturals, Raw Revolution, Nut Pods, Go Raw, and Vegan Rob’s.“It’s not going to be an event that you show up, have to wait in lines, and walk around with nothing else to do,” Levine says. "There’s going to be a lot of things going on, and you can learn more about a vegan lifestyle.”Vegan Block Party.5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, October 6, at Regatta Park, 2699 SW 27th Ave., Coconut Grove; veganblockparty.com. Tickets cost $10 to $20 via eventbrite.com.*This article was originally published on The Miami New Times by WendyRhodes, and can be found here.

Fall is here and so are the yummy fall foods. Although Miami doesn't experience the ‘seasonal change' most cities have, we still enjoy our fall foods. Move over pumpkin spice latte, because these five fall must haves are healthy, sweet, and full of fall flavor. Tis’ the season.

1. Perfect Bar Pumpkin Pie

Think of a pumpkin pie with tons of super foods, nutrient dense, and delicious. That’s exactly what the Perfect Bar Pumpkin Pie is all about. To be exact, it has 14g of protein, and 20 super foods packed into this truly Perfect Bar, without all the carbs and sugars. This bar is great when you’re on-the-go or as a pre-workout snack.

2. Almond Butter

Almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower butter, or any butter should always be in your cart. Top it on sweet potatoes for that sweet-savory blend, yogurt, or include it in your smoothies. Nut butter is so diverse, yet so filling. You can almost top any dish with it and the taste just makes anything better.

3. Ceylon Cinnamon

Everyone loves a sprinkle of cinnamon, right? Ceylon cinnamon is known to be the purest form of cinnamon, I use it for coffee, a topping on majority of sweet foods, and as a healthy spice. Cinnamon has tons of benefits like lowering blood pressure, anti-inflammatory properties, and can improve sensitivity to insulin.

4. Apples

Granny Smith Green Apples have a special place in my heart, and often are one of my favorite sweet tooth curbs at night. Here’s how I use it for dessert: warm caramelized apples, a tablespoon of honey, and a drizzle of almond butter. It’s the perfect amount of sweetness and it’s still a nutritious dish.

5. Spaghetti Squash

When the cold nights come around, everyone scurries for their warm dishes and comfort food. Spaghetti squash is a great way for adults and kids to sneak in some vegetables and enjoy a healthier version of the classic pasta dish. Cut the spaghetti squash in half and roast for 20 minutes on both sides, then carve out the spaghetti and add your choice of cheese, pesto, or spaghetti sauce.

Ahead of the annual Seed Food & Wine Festival, the same group has announced its first annual Restaurant Week taking place October 1-14, 2018.

To celebrate Miami's local plant-based community in the lead up to this year’s Seed Food & Wine Festival, Restaurant Week will showcase all the amazing plant-based locations across South Florida, encouraging patrons to enjoy a yummy prix fixe lunch or dinner.

Diners will be able to select an appetizer, main course and dessert at both Fast Casual and Dine In options, offering very affordable pricing.

• Dining In: $22 Lunch | 36 Dinner
• Fast Casual: $18 Lunch | $26 Dinner

For more information, visit https://www.seedfoodandwine.com/restaurant-week.

There seems to be no stopping David Grutman and his hospitality group, Groot Hospitality. It was announced that the club and restaurant mogul is going to debut three new food and beverage spots where the former Firestone on South Beach used to reside at 1569 Alton Road, along with a retail concept. The spaces will debut in fall of 2019 according to representatives, but no other details have been revealed.

This isn’t the first announced food and beverage plan for the space. Roughly two years ago, another big player in the South Florida hospitality world, Menin Hospitality, announced plans for an all-day diner in the space. Those plans have since fallen through.

And this unnamed spot is just the latest addition to the Groot Hospitality portfolio that includes OTL, Planta, Komodo, and the upcoming Swan and Bar Bevy with Pharrell Williams, along with nightclubs Story and LIV. Stay tuned for more developments.

*This article was originally published by Eater Miami, written by Olee Fowler and can be found here.

Every Miamians favorite time of the year has arrived, Miami Spice. The weather is in no way cooling down, but what is going down is the pre-fixed menu price of over 200 restaurants in Miami. Miami Spice allows individuals to enjoy all kinds of restaurants with a pre-fixed menu of an appetizer, lunch, and dessert with a fixated cost. We rounded up 7 places in Miami that you can try during Miami Spice without breaking your diet ... too much.

1. Planta Miami

• Brunch: Saturday and Sunday only
• Cost: $23
• Recommendation: banana pancakes, avocado toast, soft serve ice-cream
• Dinner: Monday- Friday
• Cost: $39
• Recommendation: steamed dumplings, Planta burger, soft serve ice-cream

2. Malibu Farm

• Lunch: Monday- Friday
• Cost: $23
• Recommendation: Malibu blue nachos, cauliflower crust pizza, raw vegan chia pudding
• Dinner: Monday-Friday
• Cost: $39
• Recommendation: Swed-“ish” Meatballs, ½ organic roasted chicken, grilled chocolate cake

3. Crudos Fusion Art

• Dinner: Tuesday-Friday and Sunday
• Cost: $39
• Recommendation: Scallop ceviche, red miso Salmon, key lime pie

4. Seasons 52

• Lunch: Monday- Sunday
• Cost: $23
• Recommendation: Chicken garlic pesto flatbread, rainbow trout, red velvet cheesecake
• Dinner: Monday-Sunday
• Cost: $39
• Recommendation: Crisp romaine + kale caesar, wood-grilled filet mignon, blueberry cheesecake

5. Plant Miami

• Lunch: Tuesday-Friday
• Cost: $23
• Recommendation: Avocado tostada, ginger carrot noodles, almond pannacotta
• Dinner: Tuesday- Friday and Sunday
• Cost: $39
• Recommendation: Watermelon Caprese, jackfruit tacos al pastor, almond pannacotta

6. GKB

• Lunch: Monday-Sunday
• Cost: $23
• Recommendation: Peruvian chopped salad, Butter lettuce wrap, Churros
• Dinner: Monday-Sunday
• Cost: $39
• Recommendation: Black grouper ceviche, Local poached yellowtail snapper, Churros

7. Soul Tavern

• Brunch: Saturday
• Cost: $23
• Recommendation: Black beam & Sweet plantain sliders, Crispy oyster tacos, Guava cheesecake
• Lunch: Tuesday-Saturday
• Cost: $23
• Recommendation: Hemp crusted edamame cakes, Soulful ramen, Crème Brulee
• Dinner: Monday-Thursday and Sunday
• Cost: $39
• Recommendation: Edamame hummus, Smoked ricotta + fig pizza, Heart of palm cake, Guava Cheesecake

Whether it's just another Meatless Monday, a committed vegan lifestyle or something you've been thinking about trying, going/being vegan can be a challenge when it comes to eating out. Worry not, we get it, and we're here to help. We've put together a list of our Top Miami Vegan Spots:

1. The vShops - Did you know the world's first vegan food hall is located right here in South Florida? Nestled in Coconut Grove, the Miami Vegan Food Hall features some top vegan regulars like Choices Cafe, but also includes pizza at Next Generation Pizza, sweet treats at Ice Dream Parlor and healthy, organic smoothies at Neo's Blender. They also just announced the latest opening - a BBQ joint. Follow along on social or check back online to see this vegan haven grow to ten all vegan spots by the end of the year.
2. Soul Tavern - This spot in Sunset Harbor has been recommended and approved by locals who weren't particularly looking for a meatless spot. Soul Tavern's menus (brunch, lunch, dinner) were inspired by the Five Elements, an ancient method for balancing the mind, body and spirit, and include items like a Fried Green Tomato Benedict for Sunday brunch or the housemade gnocchi with cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, chilies, shishito peppers, macadamia nut crema for dinner.
3. Planta - Planta opened in South Beach this year under Chef David Lee "with the purpose of creating delicious food that promotes environmental sustainability," meaning ingredients are ethically sourced and there is no use of animal products. Serving dinner, sushi, brunch and more, menu items include a "Frenchie" pizza with mushrooms, squash, arugula, cashew mozzarella, almond parmesean and truffle vinaigrette and a tofu scramble with zucchini cream, charred tomatoes, shoots
4. Full Bloom - Imagine riding your bike across the Venetian Causeway one evening and pulling over halfway through to pop into this joint that arguably has one of the best views in greater Miami to watch the sunset over some delicious food. Try the "Impossible" Burger with french fries or step outside your comfort zone with chimichurri tempeh over rainbow quinoa.
5. GLAM Vegan - We'll let the name do the talking. GLAM stands for Green Living Animals Matter and at this newer spot in Midtown, they are serving all sorts of animal free tasty dishes. Go for lunch and grab the soup of the day (black bean or coconut parsnip bisque for example) or some loaded nachos with cashew queso, avocado mousse, black garlic crema, scallions, pickled black beans, red onion, jalapeno, radish and cilantro.

Love Life Wellness Center has opened its new location, Love Life Cafe, at 2616 NW 5th Ave in Wynwood, just a short distance from its old location. At the new location, the folks behind Love LifeCafe have decided to focus on what they do best: food. The Cafe is offering a "higher dining experience while still keeping the community vibe," according to its team.There will be new menu items, breakfast, tapas, wine, beer and desserts by Pamela Wasabi. Next door will be a vegan coffee shop where customers can purchase baked foods from local vegan bakers, along with ice cream, juice, coffee and more.Love Life Wellness Center opened in 2015 with the intention of being a full circle wellness center, focusing on yoga, nutrition and holistic wellness services and has transformed over time to become an award winning healthy eatery. Love Life Cafe will continue their evolved mission of feeding as many people as they can with "clean, healthy, real and delicious food, that is good for us humans, keeps animals from being killed and from suffering and sustains the environment."The new location opened August 1. Check out their website and full menu here.

Shoppers in Miami with Amazon Prime accounts can now get Whole Foods groceries delivered straight to their door.Prime Now, Amazon’s same-day delivery service, now includes delivery from Whole Foods Market locations across South Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach.Using the Prime Now website or app, customers can peruse thousands of Whole Foods Market items — including produce, meat and seafood, everyday staples, and other locally sourced goods — place orders, and track delivery. One- and two-hour delivery windows are available upon checkout. Service is available daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.In addition to being able to order fresh and organic produce and meats, Prime members can purchase bakery goods, dairy items, flowers, and select alcohols.Amazon Prime is the e-commerce company's premium subscription service that, for $119 a year, gives members access to free two-day shipping on most items, streaming video and music, and other perks such as Prime Now, which delivers a host of items in less than two hours.Prime Now's Whole Foods delivery launch comes two months after the Seattle-based company announced 10 percent off for Prime members on hundreds of sale items when using the Whole Foods Market app. In addition, Prime Now also delivers meals from popular local restaurants such as Harry's Pizzeria and Cypress Tavern, as well as wine and craft beer from local breweries.In Miami, some of the most popular items ordered through the service are pantry staples, fruit, and Amazon Fire TV sticks.*This article was originally published on the Miami New Times by Clarissa Buch and can be found here.

At STAY FIT 305, it’s no secret we love getting our sweat on, but let’s be real - we sweat so we can eat. In Miami, we’re blessed with an array of mouth watering options, from croquetas at Sergios to fried chicken at Yard Bird, it’s easy to indulge for cheat meals on the weekends, but when it come to grabbing a quick, healthy lunch, you should always have a solid list of go-tos around town to keep your body feeling and looking good all summer long.We created this list of healthy eats that have multiple locations so you truly have no excuses. Here are our recommendations:

1. DIRT - with the tagline “Eat Clean” and a couple locations throughout Miami, DIRT rises to the top of our go-tos. From protein and veggie packed salads and bowls to deliciously topped toasts and flavorful wraps, their menu is diverse and unique. What’s more? They have a menu key that designates which options are vegan, paleo, gluten free, seasonal and spicy, so truly, if you can’t find something here, you’re just too picky of an eater to be going out anyway. DIRT changes their menu seasonally, but my go to is the steak bowl when I have a hankering for a cheesesteak.
2. Jimmy’z Kitchen - Salads have a bad rap - let’s just admit it. But once you find a really good salad, you can’t help but go back again and again and talk about it like it’s a crush, because not only does it taste good, but you feel good after you eat it. How’s that for hype!? Jimmy’z Kitchen is a solid salad spot! They are sure to impress with their diverse flavor portfolios, with ample amounts of freshly grilled protein on top. My go to is the Jamaican Jerked Salad for when I want a filling salad with a kick. Jimmy’z Kitchen has three locations in Brickell, Wynwood, South Beach.
3. GreenLife Organic Bistro - The name alone says it all! GreenLife built its menu by using ingredients free of genetically modified organisms, pesticides, hormones, and anything that doesn’t belong in our food much less in our bodies. 90% of GreenLife’s ingredients are organic, seasonal or locally sourced. Proteins are all natural, antibiotic free, hormone free. From acai and pitaya bowls to vegan soups and protein bowls, GreenLife has an expansive menu that’ll speak healthy to you. They have locations in Brickell, South Beach and Coral Gables.
4. Raw Juce - Sometimes we’re on the go and just need to grab something we know will fill us up without sacrificing nutritional value. This is where the juicing trend comes in handy. Not only does juicing have health benefits like bone health and immune support, but it’s an easy way to pack in nutrients in a quick, drinkable form. Raw Juce offers fresh, diverse, organic, cold-pressed juices, both pre-packaged and made to order in stores. They have locations in Brickell, Coral Gables, Boca Raton, South Beach, Weston, Palm Beach and Miami.
5. Dr. Smood - “Smart Food for a Good Mood.” What else need we say? Dr. Smood will get you filled up on coffee, juice and nutritious lunch options. Pop by and grab something pre-made out of the fridge or get a table and something made to order. You choose your juice or meal based on your mood - power, beauty, immunity, detox, energy and health. Options include eggplant jerky, wild caught salmon panini, espresso brownie bites and more. They have locations in Brickell, South Miami, Sunset Harbour, Aventura and Wynwood.

The first food-and-beverage concept is now open inside downtown's MiamiCentral. Visit the first floor of the Brightline station and walk into Joe & the Juice, a popular Denmark-based juice and coffee concept with more than 200 locations around the world. This is the chain's fifth location in Miami-Dade.Joe & the Juice, along with the surrounding station, is part of an 11-acre development spanning six blocks in downtown Miami, which will include office and residential towers, a major grocer, and a food hall called Central Fare.Expected to open sometime this fall, Central Fare will include outposts of the Miami Beach-based French café Rosetta Bakery and the Japanese-Spanish fusion spot Kuenko. Other concepts in the lineup are the boutique coffee shop Parliament Espresso and the Los Angeles pizza joint 800° Woodfired Kitchen. More than a dozen other vendors have yet to been announced.Joe & the Juice's 2,400-square-foot store specializes in sweet and tangy juices, along with smoothies, coffee, and light bites. The bright space includes an ample seating area with individual and communal tables, encouraging customers to plug in their laptops and spend time before their travels.The menu is similar to those of other juice brands in Miami. Find more than 30 juice and smoothie blends, as well as espressos, lattes, and iced coffees. Pair a drink with a tuna, avocado, and pesto sandwich or a chicken and tomato club. Pricing is low compared to other chains: A 12-ounce cup costs less than $7, and all sandwiches run less than $10 each.Founded in Copenhagen in 2002, the brand encourages an upbeat lifestyle while serving relatively healthy food and drinks in a modern and hip atmosphere with funky music. Service includes flashy performances in which juicers balance cups on their heads or toss utensils into the air for dramatic effect. Sometimes the juicers might even jump on top of the bar for an encore.*This article was originally published in The Miami New Times by Clarissa Buch, and can be found here.

About a year after the real-estate company Terranova announced plans to open a food hall off Lincoln Road, concrete details about the project have finally emerged. The Lincoln Eatery, a 9,600-square-foot food hall on the corner of Lincoln Lane and Meridian Avenue in South Beach, is schedule to open this fall.Terranova founder and chairman Stephen Bittel says his company intends to extend Lincoln Road's footprint north, with the Lincoln Eatery as the focal point. That block already holds a Marshall's and Macy's and, in the past, has been home to several restaurants, a combination bar/laundry, and a tanning salon. In 2019, the real-estate company will open a rooftop terrace at the Lincoln Eatery as a second phase of the project. Michael Schwartz's Genuine Pizza and Havana 1957 will also occupy this new shopping and dining area.The food hall, designed by the renowned Miami-based firm Arquitectonica, will gather 16 food and drink concepts under one roof, with indoor and outdoor seating for more than 200 people. A central bar will serve wine, beer, and cocktails.Unlike the upcoming Time Out Market — which will boast some of Miami's most established culinary names, such as Jeremy Ford, Jose Mendin, Michael Beltran, Michael Pirolo, and Alberto Cabrera — Lincoln Eatery is banking on new concepts that don't seem attached to major Miami players.According to Bittel, the restaurant tenants will be different from one another in order to offer a dining experience for every palate. "We are thrilled with the creative and delicious mix of cuisines and concepts that are joining forces us.”The concepts announced so far are as follows:

• Necessary Purveyor, offering sandwiches, teas, and house-made granola.
• Fresh Garden Bowls, serving salads, wraps, and fresh juices.
• Chill'N, a Miami-based nitrogen-ice-cream counter.
• Marble & Rye, a New York-style kosher deli.
• Tyo Sushi, a Japanese sushi spot serving modern takes on traditional items.
• Toast & More, a French bakery offering sweet and savory tartines.
• Gotam Pizza and Gotam Chimney Cakes, specializing in pizza and Hungarian chimney cakes.

The full roster of tenants will be announced later this year. The names of the restaurateurs and chefs behind the concepts haven't been revealed yet.The Lincoln Eatery will join an ever-growing list of Miami-area food halls, including La Centrale and Casa Tua Cucina at Brickell City Centre, Treats at Aventura Mall, St. Roch Market, 1-800-Lucky, and Jackson Hall. Other food halls on the horizon are Time Out Market, Wynwood Food Hall, Central Fare at Brightline, and the Citadel Miami.*This article was originally published on the Miami New Times by Laine Doss and can be found here.

This June, celebrity bodyguard-turned-entrepreneur Chris Kingen will expand his farm-to-bottle juice bar concept, Wellness Grub, with the opening of two new Miami locations, at the Equinox Fitness Clubs in South Beach (520 Collins Avenue) and Four Seasons Hotel Miami (1435 Brickell Avenue.) Since April 2017, Kingen has opened three other South Florida locations at Brickell Heights, Aventura Mall and the Shops at Merrick Park.“I’m thrilled to bring my special blends of organic juices and smoothies to the health-conscious South Beach community, as well as offer another convenient spot for residents, businesses and visitors to pick-up nutritious grub in bustling Downtown Miami,” says Kingen, a Brickell resident. “Wellness Grub is the perfect way to fuel up pre-or-post workout, or enjoy while on the run.”

*Read: Former Celebrity Bodyguard Opening Wellness Grub at Equinox Fitness Clubs in South Florida*

Open to the public, Wellness Grub serves grab-n-go, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, shots, and tonics, made with 100% organic, locally-sourced produce from Brothers Organic Farmers Market, as well as raw superfood bites to fuel and replenish the body and mind. Smoothies and juices can also be made-to-order at select locations. Many menu items are Kingen’s original blends, created while on the road working exhausting hours as a bodyguard for high-profile celebrities including music producer Dr. Dre, songstress Lisa Marie Presley, in addition to international diplomats.There are dozens of juices and smoothies to select from at Wellness Grub. Two of Kingen’s signature drinks – the Green Protein Ultra smoothie and Vital Greens juice – are rich in Vitamin A, iron and magnesium. Several favorites include the Citrus Glo, which features grapefruit, orange and lemon, while the beet-red Tru Blood juice is full of antioxidants to support the kidneys and liver.The bright, colorful shots and tonics are packed with concentrated doses of healing herbs, such as ginger, turmeric, cilantro, blue green algae, and ginseng. Food items include Mung Bean Pesto Pasta, Goji Berry Bites, Orange Vanilla Chia Pudding, Hummus, Kale Salad, and more. Additionally, Wellness Grub offers three juice cleanse programs suited for individual needs.“I founded Wellness Grub out of a passion to live a healthy lifestyle and also help others. Our customers know that what they are putting into their body is going to make them feel good. Every ingredient has a purpose,” Kingen adds.As a former bodyguard, Kingen, who is 6’7” and 240 lbs., had to use readily available ingredients during his travels and to this day, most of his smoothies continue to be reverse osmosis water-based. Smoothies are hand-blended and measured to the exact ounce to ensure the taste and quality of each product is always consistent. For optimal quality and an eco-friendly approach, products are packaged in glass bottles.A self-made entrepreneur, Kingen first learned about diet and exercise from his former client, Dr. Dre. In order to meet the demands of his job and eliminate processed foods from his diet, Kingen began traveling with a NutriBullet to make his own high-energy, nutrient-dense smoothies. Later, while working for the Saudi royal family, he deepened his knowledge of healthy foods and healing herbs, such as Mucuna pruriens and Shou Wu, which are incorporated into several of his products.Kingen is a longtime Equinox member so it only made sense that his farm-to-bottle products have a home at the premier fitness center. Although Kingen intended to start his juice business in Miami, the opportunity to open his first Wellness Grub at the Equinox in Lincoln Park, Chicago in 2015 was too good to pass up. Kingen received help from co-founder/partner Brian Ottmer, who assisted with menu creation and learned about nutrition and nutrient-dense food and smoothies while working in California.Today, Wellness Grub is in a total of six locations – three in Miami and three in Chicago. South Beach and Four Seasons Miami will bring the number to 8. Kingen has plans to further expand the brand.Kingen credits his mom, sister Heather, brother-in-law Rick, and friend Kathy Krenger for encouraging him to pursue his dreams. He partners with local businesses and events, including Equinox’s upcoming Cycle for Survival, to inspire others to live well.Get the blend on all things Wellness Grub at www.wellnessgrub.com and follow @wellnessgrub on Facebook and Instagram.

Get more time back in your busy week to do the things you love with Fresh is Better. Miami Meal Delivery Services are becoming more popular. With many companies to choose from it can be hard to select which is the right meal delivery service for you. Fresh is Better is brining high-quality healthy food to the 305 for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, allowing you to worry less about grocery shopping and what’s for dinner.Fresh is Better is committed not only to delivering high quality food, but is also dedicated to ensuring food is healthy, nutritious and tasty. Meals are delivered fresh daily. In the morning, a cooler bag is placed outside your door containing your meals, a menu detailing the nutritional information of each meal, and instructions on how long to reheat meals for. Fresh is Better could not make it any easier for customers to enjoy healthy and clean meals daily.

Farm-to-table is no longer a way just to describe your favorite restaurant. Fresh is Better is bringing you meals made from ingredients sourced from local farms, and the catch of the day is wild-caught from Florida’s waters.Meal delivery programs shouldn’t be a one size fits all philosophy. That’s why Fresh is Better has a variety of meal plan program to meet your needs. Consumers can choose from Traditional, Paleo, Vegetarian, and Gluten Free meal plans. Each plan can be further customized based on dietary restrictions and portion size.

Fresh is Better believes in living in a sustainable way, evident in their commitment to sourcing locally. But the company also packages meals in compostable delivery containers because they recognize the impact we can make on the environment. No more worrying about plastic constrainers piling up. This attention to sustainability sets Fresh is Better apart from other meal delivery services.Are you ready to change the way you eat and give Fresh is Better a try? Eating healthy has never been so easy. Spend less time meal prepping and more time enjoying life. Book your meals online through the Fresh is Better website.STAY FIT 305 readers get 10% off with code STAY FIT 10.

For the first time ever, PETA has named Miami as one of the top 10 vegan cities in the country. Highlighted restaurants included Atlas Meat-Free Deli, Bunnie Cakes, GLAM, Choices Cafe, Manna Life, Della Bowls and the Vegan Cafe by Chloe Coscarelli.Here's what PETA had to say about Miami:

Miami is known as the Magic City, and it does magical things with vegan food.

Take, for example, Atlas Meat-Free Delicatessen, a vegan butcher shop that serves Wood-Bone Wings (fried vegan chicken in hot sauce), Buttamlk Fried Chk’n, Kansas City Burnt Tips, and other hearty fare. And then there are the Spaghetti & Meatless Balls, Jackfruit “Al Pastor” Taco, Watermelon Ceviche, Truffles, Choco-cado Mousse, and Ube Pie (purple sweet potato custard with gingersnap crumble) at GLAM Vegan. No trip to Miami would be complete without enjoying the stunning views and exceptional vegan food at Plant Miami.Locals load up on healthy fare at Manna Life Foods—which specializes in “Life Bowls” loaded with creative and fresh veggie combinations, cold-pressed juices, and desserts—as well as at Della, where you can build-your-own “healthy bowl of happy” from an array of vegan proteins, veggies, and sauces. Choosy eaters can get exactly what they want at the all-vegan Choices Café, which offers plenty of tasty options in bowl or wrap form, including the Insane Mex with soy chorizo and cashew cheese, as well as brunch items, including The Kind Slam (pancake, tofu scramble, tempeh bacon or soysage patty), and more. Coconut Grove will go nutty for Miami’s recently opened and very first vegan food hall, V Shops, which features delicious eats from Choices Cafe as well as Neo’s Blender, a smoothie bar for kids. Also new to the scene is the restaurant of vegan chef Chloe Coscarelli: the Vegan Café. It features delicious “eats” like the Butternut Nachos (butternut-cashew queso, honee-Sriracha, seitan, guacamole, mango salsa, and a coconut-lime drizzle). If you still have room, don’t forget to get a taste of the Food Network Cupcake Wars award-winning cupcake, the Chocolate Strawberry Cupcake. Speaking of customization, at Bunnie Cakes Studio, which recently opened as an extension of the Bunnie Cakes Vegan Bakery, guests can decorate their own vegan cupcakes.See the rest of PETA's Top 10 Vegan Cities here.

Celebrity bodyguard-turned-entrepreneur Chris Kingen transformed his passion for healthy living into a rapidly-expanding business with the creation of Wellness Grub, a farm-to-bottle juice bar concept, located inside six Equinox Fitness Clubs in the U.S. Since April 2017, Kingen has opened three of those locations in South Florida (Brickell Heights, Aventura and Coral Gables) and is planning two new spots - coming soon in Miami.“My dream originally was to open a juice bar in Miami, but at the time, starting a new business in South Florida proved to be a challenge,” says Kingen. “I’m thrilled to finally bring my special blends of organic fruits and vegetable juices to the South Florida community.”Wellness Grub, which is open to non-Equinox members as well, serves grab-n-go, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, shots, tonics, and raw superfood bites and desserts made with 100% organic, locally-sourced ingredients to fuel and replenish the body and mind. Smoothies and juices can also be made-to-order at select locations. Many menu items are Kingen’s original blends, created while on the road working exhausting hours as a bodyguard for high-profile celebrities including music producer Dr. Dre, songstress Lisa Marie Presley, in addition to international diplomats.There are dozens of juices and smoothies to select from at Wellness Grub. Two of Kingen’s signature drinks – the Green Protein Ultra smoothie and Vital Greens juice – are rich in Vitamin A, iron and magnesium. Several favorites include the Citrus Glo, which features grapefruit, orange and lemon, while the beet-red Tru Blood juice is full of antioxidants to support the kidneys and liver.The bright, colorful shots and tonics are packed with concentrated doses of healing herbs, such as ginger, turmeric, cilantro, blue green algae, and ginseng. Food items include Mung Bean Pesto Pasta, Goji Berry Bites, Orange Vanilla Chia Pudding, Hummus, Kale Salad, and more. Additionally, Wellness Grub offers three juice cleanse programs suited for individual needs.Kingen adds, “I founded Wellness Grub out of a passion to live a healthy lifestyle and also help others. Our customers know that what they are putting into their body is going to make them feel good. Every ingredient has a purpose.”As a former bodyguard, Kingen had to use readily available ingredients during his travels and to this day, most of his smoothies continue to be reverse osmosis water-based. Smoothies are hand-blended and measured to the exact ounce to ensure the taste and quality of each product is always consistent. For optimal quality and an eco-friendly approach, products are packaged in glass bottles.At 38 years old, Kingen is a self-made entrepreneur who first learned about diet and exercise from his former client and mentor, Dr. Dre. In order to meet the demands of his job and eliminate processed foods from his diet, Kingen began traveling with a NutriBullet to make his own high-energy, nutrient-dense smoothies. Later, while working for the Saudi royal family, he deepened his knowledge of healthy foods and healing herbs, such as Mucuna pruriens and Shou Wu, which are incorporated into several of his products.Kingen is a longtime Equinox member so it only made sense that his farm-to-bottle-and-table products have a home at the premier fitness center. He opened his first Wellness Grub in 2015 in Lincoln Park, Chicago with help from co-founder/partner Brian Ottmer, who assisted with menu creation and learned about nutrition and nutrient-dense food and smoothies while working in California.Currently residing in Miami, Kingen credits his mom, sister Heather, brother-in-law Rick, and friend Kathy Krenger for encouraging him to pursue his dreams. He partners with local businesses and events, including Equinox’s upcoming Cycle for Survival, to inspire others to live well.Get the scoop on all things Wellness Grub at www.wellnessgrub.com and follow @wellnessgrub on Facebook and Instagram.

A health-minded café, bakery, salad and sandwich bar, and market have united to offer Fort Lauderdale its first all-vegan spot specializing in plant-based foods.On April 20, Vegan Fine Foods opened at 330 NW Second St. in the city's Riverwalk neighborhood. The 4,000-square-foot space is a one-stop shop for those looking for organic produce and vegan groceries, eat a healthy meal, have a cup of coffee, or sip a glass of wine or beer.Vegan Fine Foods is the brainchild of Florida Atlantic University professor Steven Smith, who says he styled the market and eatery after a number of his favorite brands, including the New York City-based upscale grocery chain Dean & DeLuca. The venue offers an array of organic produce, vegan products, coffee and tea at the in-house café, and a bar where patrons can craft bowls, wraps, pitas, hot "dawgs," and veggie burgers.Smith says he switched to a totally plant-based diet after the stress of obtaining two postgraduate degrees, and 20 years later, he remains a committed vegan."I saw an opportunity for an all-vegan market because I knew that shopping was a lot of work and very time-consuming for those wanting to maintain a vegan healthy lifestyle," Smith says. "I thought, Wouldn’t it be nice to go to a place where someone else did all the work, where you knew it was 100 percent plant-based and care was taken to select a broad array of superhealthy products with some vegan indulgences mixed in?"As a result, Vegan Fine Foods has been designed to appeal to a wide range of vegans and nonvegans alike by selling everything from smoothies, juices, and açaí bowls to Pinkberry's first vegan frozen yogurt. The business also has a mission to spotlight local vendors alongside national and international purveyors. Many of the more than 1,500 products are made by over 40 local vendors, such as the in-house Inika Café, from the Delray Beach-based Inika Foods, as well as local chef Olga Keller, known for her raw vegan cheese made from coconut."We like to say we are strictly vegan — but not just for vegans," Smith says. "Vegetarians, flexitarians, Paleos, carnivores — anyone looking to enjoy some plant-based foods are welcome and will find [something] they can enjoy."Vegan Fine Foods.330 NW Second St., Fort Lauderdale; 954-533-6412; veganfinefoods.com. Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday and Tuesday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.This was originally published on The Miami New Time by Nicole Danna and can be found here.

There's no place prettier than Planta. Open less than a month, David Grutman's chic, new, all-vegan SoFi spot is already a hotbed for celebrity visitors and Miami's elite — and its plant-based menu appeals to eaters of all kinds.The list of guests thus far includes actor Mark Wahlberg and NFL superstar Rob Gronkowski (who flexed together in the rooftop garden), Colombian singer J Balvin, Nicky Jam, and others.The plant-based menu is lengthy and includes raw/ceviche items, salads, small plates, pizza, sushi, and large plates. The restaurant's plant-based cocktails are heavily inspired by the on-site garden. New Times was invited to sample some of the offerings.As befits a Miami Beach restaurant, there are many "seafood" offerings. The coconut ceviche with corn nuts, date guajillo, pickled cucumber, and tortilla chips ($15.25) was tangy, creamy, and fresh; and a heart of palm "crab" cake with chana dal, coconut milk, and cilantro ($23.50) was an exact match for crab, texture-wise.For something more comforting, the cauliflower tots with truffled almond parmesan ($11.25) are rich and flavorful; and the "chicken" fried mushrooms with cilantro and chili lime sauce ($9) are crunchy and indulgent.Vegan nigiri is a rare find. Varieties include ahi watermelon with ginger; celeriac with olive oil and sea salt; carrot wasabi; and mushroom truffle soy ($2.75 per piece). The nigiri was a beautiful presentation, with the watermelon closely resembling tuna.The restaurant also offers pizzas made with nut cheese. The Frenchie pizza is topped with mushrooms, squash, arugula, cashew mozzarella, almond parmesan, and truffle vinaigrette ($19.50). Sweet and savory, it had a hearty, cheesy taste.For dessert, try the sweet-and-salty chocolate terrarium with mousse, peanut butter cream, chocolate date soil, and salted caramel ($11.50), or a creamy, cashew-flavored soft-serve ice cream of the day ($8).All in all, it was a plant-powered, supercolorful feast. Planta is the future of food for SoFi.Planta.850 Commerce St., Miami Beach; 305-397-8513; plantarestaurants.com. 5:30 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5:30 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. *This article was originally published in The Miami New Times by Hannah Sentenac and can be found here.

Whole Foods is expanding its reach in South Florida with the opening of its sixth store in Broward County. The new Fort Lauderdale market will be located on the corner of North Federal Highway and SE 17th Street, making it the 17th South Florida location.“We are eager to serve the neighborhood and bring new high-quality grocery offerings to this community,” says Juan Nuñez, president of Whole Foods Market’s Florida Region.Although not slated to open until winter 2020, the store is expected to carry local brands — a large part of the supermarket chain’s philosophy.“Whole Foods is very famous for supporting local farmers and manufacturing,” explains Woody Descorbeth, grocery team leader of the Fort Lauderdale store at 2000 N. Federal Hwy. “We have a ton of local products here.”They include Buzzn Bee's unfiltered and unpasteurized honey, bee pollen, and raw honeycomb from West Palm Beach. Miami products include SuperFuzio's vegan nut butter, Branford’s marinades, and Shawnee’s Greenthumb organic popcorn coated with the superfood algae spirulina. “It’s good stuff,” Descorbeth says.In light of the recent and sudden closure of juice partner Jugofresh, it's not known whether Whole Foods will name a replacement company to fill the cold-press-juice gap. Earlier this month, the juice company's founder and CEO, Matthew Sherman, posted a candid list on social media explaining why JugoFresh shuttered and said, “When you sign a deal with a large company, it is difficult to maintain a clear brand message.”Little information has been released about the opening of the new Whole Foods. “Because this project is still so far out, no specific details are available regarding products or specific offerings in the store,” public relations coordinator Heather McCready says.Whole Foods Market.SE 17 Street and North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale; wholefoodsmarket.com. Opening winter 2020.*This article was originally published in The Miami New Times by Alona Abbady Martinez and can be found here.