I had the pleasure of chatting at length with Susan during my recent morning visit to Apura for an invigorating morning smoothie.
A former Northeast resident, Apura owner and visionary, Susan was inspired to open Apura as part of her life-long desire to own a restaurant coupled with her goal of bringing heathy, whole, unprocessed cuisine, a trend she believes is here to stay.
Susan, came to South Florida to embrace life in a new way, and her story was so inspirational to me, that it is not possible to talk about Apura, the restaurant, without also talking about the woman behind, what I believe will be one of the most successful franchises in years to come.
However, was I in for a surprise when I stumbled upon Apura this week. In retrospect, I'm not so sure it was an "accidental" find or I was somehow "lured" to this great cafe.
In the mood for a "healthy smoothie," I decided to just turn left into the Boca Del Mar shopping center, down the road from my parents' development.
The menu of wellness drinks is rather extensive and I struggled during my first visit to make my selection. Feeling in the mood for something "green," I was drawn to the "Popeye" because of its description as "Energy, Detoxing and Alkalizing."
Filled with almond milk, protein powder, spinach, dates, chia seed, kale, almond butter, banana and blueberries, it was love at first sip!
Health, wellness and minimal processing is the focus at this peaceful eatery, which offers a varied menu of 15+ cold-pressed juices made in-house, featuring exotic flavor combinations, cold-brewed coffees, smoothies, salads, burgers and bowls. There is also a counter showcase of freshly made pastries!
Apura also boasts handmade nut “mylks” which are used in their drinks and food. Their special soft-serve almond ice cream is smooth and scrumptious and a definite must-try.
We each had a smoothie (of course!) and my daughter Gianna and I decided to partake in the "Bistro Burger" a delicate combination of quinoa, marinated beets and lentils served with lettuce and tomato, served on a bed of fresh greens. In a word - yum!
Immediately attracted to the Cookies and Cream Smoothie, my youngest (and my nephew) managed to actually ingest healthy food like bananas, dates and cashew nuts, unbeknownst to them! I assure you, this is a great choice for kids of all ages!!
The result of wanting to share these health benefits, was Susan's goal. In her own words,
"I want people to understand the link between what they eat and how they feel.”
The restaurant is free of dairy, GMOs, soy and gluten, and alkaline water is used throughout. Organic fruits and vegetables are used as often as possible, and Apura adheres to the “Dirty Dozen” guidelines of buying organic.
My biggest regret in finding Apura is that I will have to say goodbye when returning to New York next week. Perhaps, Susan will set her sights on opening a cafe "with intention" on Long Island next!!
Apura Juicery & Coffee House
Palms Plaza
22191 Powerline Road, 20B
Boca Raton, FL 33433
(561)430-3596
Menu
www.apurajuicery.com