by Raquel Gerard and Lina McDermott
(Editor’s note: “Whatever” is a new column written by two local high school freshman about the teenage take on topics ranging from food, music, and fashion trends.)
There are plenty of drinks out there: frappucinos, smoothies, lemonade, boba teas, and more. Some of those were fads that managed to stick around a bit longer than normal (we’re looking at you, boba), and some are just classics. But now we have something new to add to the list: juice! We’re not talking about your grocery store orange juice. Instead, picture an exquisite blend of fresh fruits only available at a store specializing in the craft of juice. Juice is such a light, refreshing alternative to other beverages. Despite the normal teen’s adverse attitude towards “healthy” foods, the sweetness and complex flavor of juice makes it an attractive option. Yes, juices are sugary, but the sugar is natural sugar. Just think of it as good sugar! Doesn’t a fresh juice sound great? Here are a few juice bars (also known as juiceries) you can go to:
Nékter
In addition to juice, Nékter serves smoothies and acai bowls. Nekter’s juices are made to order on location. We found that their juice selection is primarily made up of vegetable juices, which, to us, are just plain gross. While there are plenty of adults who enjoy these very healthy (meaning disgusting) concoctions, these juices are not satisfying to the teenage palette. One 16 oz. juice costs $4.75. This price is low for juice, mainly because Nékter does not use organic fruit. Nékter is located on 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd (Metlox) in Manhattan Beach.
Kreation
Unlike Nekter, Kreation only sells juices. Kreation’s juices are made fresh every morning at their Santa Monica location and then delivered to all of their stores. The juice is cold pressed – basically squeezed rather than chopped – which keeps the nutrients in the juice. Kreation has a wide variety of organic vegetable and fruit juices, all with creative, perhaps silly, names. We got the chance to sample some of these delectable juices. Our favorites were the “Active” watermelon mint juice, “Peaceful” pineapple, mint, and apple juice, and “deStress” strawberry, apple, and coconut juice. One 16 oz. bottle of juice at Kreation costs $6.95. While the price is a bit expensive, the quality and taste of the juices makes it worth it to us. Kreation is located on 1300 Highland Avenue in Manhattan Beach.
Natureba
Natureba is a Brazilian juice and snack bar. Natureba juices are made to order. They have some juices made in a juicer and some juice blends made in a blender. We tried a couple of their blended juices: the Acerola c/ Manga (acerola and mango) and the Manga c/ Maracujá (mango and passion fruit). Acerola is an exotic Brazilian fruit that tastes kind of like an apple. Both juices were cold and delicious. We like that Natureba has different fruits that are not available at other juice bars. One blended juice costs $3.95. The price is very good considering how large the cup of juice is. Natureba is located on 2415 Artesia Blvd. in Redondo Beach.
We hope that you will go try some fresh juice and that you will like it as much as we do! Also, if you have any ideas for future “Whatever” columns, feel free to send them in at whatever@easyreadernews.com
