Superfoods are a trend I have no issues participating in as they are all healthy and good for the body. While Acai berries (ah-sai-ee) are no stranger to the superfood list, they are making a relatively new presence in the Bay Area. It is a highly perishable berry grown on a kind of palm tree in Brazil which has made them hard to ship. In Brazil, I took a tour through a popular park in Rio de Janiero where the guide pointed out some acai berries for us. On it's own the berry is very tart and hard to eat. It's usually frozen, blended with sugar and other fruits, then served with various toppings as a breakfast food. That's how I had it at the market in Brazil.
It's 3 years later and I am just starting to see Acai gain momentum in the Bay Area. At the helm of this trend is Vitality Bowls, a franchise offering not just food but a healthy lifestyle. There is a location in Cupertino in the same building as a new apartment complex across from Vallco mall. Parking is plenty here and the space is clean and modern. Here is my experience trying their bowls.
*I received complimentary bowls in exchange for this review.*
The bowls come in Medium and Large sizes. They have a base of acai berries, the VB blend, then other fruits and toppings. The VB Blend contains the following frozen or powdered superfood mix: Mangosteen, Noni, Camu Camu, Moringa, Acai,
Blueberry & Pomegranate. I linked to Wikipedia pages if you are curious about the fruits. There is no added sugar or preservatives. The bowls take on any flavor and sweetness from the fruits only.
We ordered a medium size of three different types of bowls and had each bowl split into two so we could taste test.
We ordered a medium size of three different types of bowls and had each bowl split into two so we could taste test.
($8.99) Vitality Bowl - Açaí blended with VB Superfood Blend, Banana, Strawberries & Flax Seed; Topped with Granola, Bananas, Strawberries, Goji Berries & Honey
The Vitality Bowl is the classic and for a good reason. We liked this bowl the best out of the three. The acai blend was naturally sweet and went well with the fresh fruit and granola. Even though this was only half of a medium portion, it's quite filling with all the toppings.
The Vitality Bowl is the classic and for a good reason. We liked this bowl the best out of the three. The acai blend was naturally sweet and went well with the fresh fruit and granola. Even though this was only half of a medium portion, it's quite filling with all the toppings.
($11.49) Acerola Bowl - Acerola blended with Coconut Milk, VB Blend, Mango, Banana & Spinach; Topped with Granola, Banana, Blueberries, Coconut Shavings & Honey
I had to try the acerola bowl because it's a fruit commonly found in Vietnam. They call it so ri, basically a Vietnamese pronunciation of cherry. Unlike cherries in America, the acerola is not very sweet. In the bowl, it reminded me more of a kiwi flavor, a bit on the sour side. It was very refreshing and I liked the blueberries and honey toppings.
 |
| Photo from Wikipedia |
 |
| Photo by Sherry |
($11.49) Dragon Bowl - Acai & Pitaya (Dragonfruit) blended with Mango Juice, Coconut Milk, Bananas, Pineapple, Raspberries & Immunity Boost: Topped with Strawberries, Kiwi, Almonds, Goji Berries, Bee Pollen & Honey
Dragon fruit has become quite common in Asian communities in California. It's quite easy to grow in our climate. Dragonfruit doesn't has as strong of a taste as it does texture. The base of this bowl has a distinct dragonfruit texture which is slightly viscous. My favorite parts of this bowl were the Goji berries and bee pollen. This was my first time trying bee pollen. The pollen ball breaks apart in your mouth and leaves a distinct flavor of honey and flowers.
---
The owners of Vitality Bowls - Cupertino have graciously offered gift certificates for a lucky winner. By entering the raffle below, one winner will win TWO certificates, each are good for a bowl, smoothie, or juice of your choice. The contest runs from 12/16 to 12/18. I will draw the winner over the weekend and announce on 12/21. GOOD LUCK!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Dragon fruit has become quite common in Asian communities in California. It's quite easy to grow in our climate. Dragonfruit doesn't has as strong of a taste as it does texture. The base of this bowl has a distinct dragonfruit texture which is slightly viscous. My favorite parts of this bowl were the Goji berries and bee pollen. This was my first time trying bee pollen. The pollen ball breaks apart in your mouth and leaves a distinct flavor of honey and flowers.
---
The owners of Vitality Bowls - Cupertino have graciously offered gift certificates for a lucky winner. By entering the raffle below, one winner will win TWO certificates, each are good for a bowl, smoothie, or juice of your choice. The contest runs from 12/16 to 12/18. I will draw the winner over the weekend and announce on 12/21. GOOD LUCK!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
19700 Vallco Pkwy, Suite 160
Cupertino, CA
US 95014
Acerola is not the fruit in the picture.
ReplyDelete