By TRILBY BERESFORD | Reporter
Photos by RICH SCHMITT | Staff Photographer
Finding healthy organic food that is also affordable and delicious can be a challenge sometimes, leading many people not to bother.
However, Palisadians have no excuse since they share their neighborhood with a restaurant that delivers on the above mission in an exciting and progressive way.
Juicy Ladies is situated on Sunset Boulevard just north of PCH, and boasts ocean views that complement a relaxing interior, complete with a wall of succulents, single light bulbs that hang from roped wall installations, homey couches and cushions, original artwork, and woven rope chairs that dangle from the ceiling.
At the forefront of this operation are Magal Nagar and Kinzie Oppenheim, whose combined background in Chinese medicine and nutrition encouraged them to design a robust menu that offers detox cleansing programs in addition to the deservedly popular Juicy Bowls, fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies, gluten-free bakery goods, and sandwiches.
“The goal with Juicy Ladies is to teach people how to eat healthy, clean and organic,” Oppenheim explained to the Palisadian-Post.
“We chose Pacific Palisades specifically because of the sense of community,” Nagar said, adding that they have received a warm welcome since their June opening.
(There was probably a good amount of buzz, since Juicy Ladies already exists in Woodland Hills and has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.)
First on the table for sampling by the Post was the Strawberry Creamy smoothie, which—this is not an exaggeration—was the most scrumptious liquid concoction I have ever tasted. With ingredients like oat milk, strawberries, dates, raw almond butter and raw vanilla, it makes sense. It was like sipping dessert; only there was no unpleasant feeling of heaviness afterward. Pure delight.
The Full of Fruit smoothie was impressive, too: Bananas, strawberries, blueberries, raw honey and apple juice. With reasonable effort, this drink could be recreated by wellness enthusiasts in a home blender and become an everyday staple.
Priced between $7.99 and $15.75, the smoothies feel like entries on a “wish list” rather than the daily boost that they seem intended for.
Finally, the Green Juice was packed with celery, cucumber, kale and spinach; ideally, the breakfast supplement we should all be learning how to incorporate into our morning ritual.
Next on the agenda was the Spinach Omelet that included tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, avocado and vegan cheese. It was fluffy and creamy, everything that an omelet should be.
For a quick break in the meal service, Nagar ushered us into the bathrooms where she pointed to intricate pencil illustrations on the wall and explained that her teenage daughter, Arbel Nagar, is the artist. She has definite skill.
Back at the table, the Healthy Belly Bowl was eagerly waiting to be consumed. Comprised of baby spinach, sautéed garlic and kale, quinoa, roasted yams and almonds, sauerkraut and avocado, topped with sprouts, pumpkin seeds and tahini dressing, this dish was undeniably a bowl that ensured my belly was healthy for at least the rest of that week.
To conclude our lunch, Nagar insisted that we try the Super Food Chocolate Crepe made with Juicy Ladies’ own chocolate Nutella recipe. This proved to be a welcome suggestion, as the dish was 100 percent mouth watering without being too thick or filling. (Also, it was Post photographer Rich Schmitt’s first time eating Nutella.)
Thinking about our experience as a whole, it seems that, what Juicy Ladies lacks in customer service—they appeared somewhat distracted during our visit—they make up for in their distinctive, well-prepared and enjoyable menu.
There are numerous items that we look forward to trying upon a second visit: Avocado Egg Sandwich, Peanut Butter smoothie, Super Sexy smoothie (with coconut water, coconut meat and coconut butter), Healer’s Hot Chocolate, and perhaps even a wheat grass or turmeric shot if we’re feeling adventurous.
As we were getting ready to head back to the office, Nagar mentioned that Juicy Ladies is obtaining a permit to stay open for dinner, and also to serve organic beer/wine.
Without question, the community will positively receive those additions since this spot is already treasured among locals; those who are rigidly health conscious and others who simply desire fresh and hearty cooking.
Suddenly, a quote springs to mind: “I really regret eating healthy today,” said no one ever.
For the Palisadians who anticipate dropping into Juicy Ladies on a regular basis, their namesake app offers loyalty rewards, special discounts and surprises.
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