Nutritionist and gorgeous health babe Lola Berry along with coffee mastermind Salvatore Malatesta (of St. Ali) have joined forces to launch "Happy Place" juice bar and café in South Melbourne Market. Their goal is to deliver a sense of health and happiness to each and every customer. The aptly named "Happy Place" will open in next month (June 2016) - race you there.
"Happy Place" is all about inspiring wellness and being a place where you can pick up healthy on-the-go meals, snacks, smoothies and juices, however, it's also about empowering you to find the happy place within yourself," says Lola.
The Happy Menu
The menu is balanced between sweet and savoury goodies – whether it's a breakfast smoothie, a fresh desk-side salad, or a protein rich post-workout treat.
The selection of 12 ever-changing seasonal smoothie options jam packed with wholesome goodness, will offer both dairy and gluten free options with four milk alternatives, catering for all dietary requirements (yahoo!). Set to be my favourite, the Strawberry Kisses ($12) smoothie includes strawberries, cashews, coconut oil, rice malt, vanilla pod, salt flakes and almond milk. In a close second, the I'm Glowing ($12) smoothie includes banana, mango cheeks, turmeric, activated macadamia, Medjool dates and almond milk.
A range of cold pressed juices, including fructose free alternatives will round out the drinks menu. Happy Place will also offer a selection of made-fresh nutritious salads, as well as raw and paleo treats, providing nourishment, inspiration and happiness! YUMMM.
The Rainbow Yoga Bowl ($14) includes poached egg, green hummus, sweet potato, broccoli, baby spinach, cherry tomato and house-made sauerkraut, dressed with a combination of almond butter, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and ground paprika. The Emmami Salad ($16) will offer line-caught cured salmon, purple kale, granny smith, radishes, black sesame and bonito flakes, dressed with purple radish sprouts and miso dressing.
The Mindful Collaboration
Happy Place is a concept born from a friendship formed between Lola and Salvatore; brought together by a common passion for wellness, mindfulness and yoga. Since Lola began visiting St ALi nearly a decode ago (post Bikram Yoga class), Lola's recipes have become a permanent fixture on the menu at St Ali. The dream of opening a smoothie bar, has now become a reality for the pair.
"Our dream is for Happy Place to become an all-inclusive hub that partners with, and promotes, like minded, local businesses (gyms, yoga studios etc.) with a goal of greater community wellness." says Salavatore Malatesta.
The Happy Space
The interior design for Happy Place reflects the brand's philosophy for raw and organic. Think earthy concrete and stone materials used in their curved, organic form. Energising crystals will be structurally placed throughout the space in homage to Lola's hippy side, creating an atmospheric energy encouraging feelings of happiness and self-connectivity. Sounds like we'll be getting more than a smoothie 🙂
Happy Place will be open 7 days a week, opening 7am-5pm.
Stall 56 - South Melbourne Market, Cecil St, South Melbourne
