FruVé XPress Juicery ( 1130 S. Wabash Ave.; www.fruvexpressjuicery.com/ ) is probably the most healthful place I've been in this yearand this place proves that something that's good for you can also taste pretty good.
FruVé ( "a combination of fruit and vegetable," according to co-founder Dominique Dunn ) has one of the more intriguing selections of smoothies. Varieties include the Gym Rat ( with blueberries, banana, goji berries, peanut butter, almond milk and chocolate hemp protein ) and the Date Night ( so-called because it contains the reputed aphrodisiac mangosteennot because it has dates ).
However, FruVé is more than just smoothies: These are cold-pressed juices ( such as the delicious "Blush," which contains strawberry, apple, mature coconut and coconut cream ) and some unexpectedly tasty salads ( including my new fave, bean curd ). My only suggestion ( which may have been corrected by now ) was to label the items on display.
The only other possible mistake I saw was that the place just recently opened. ( Some people might be averse to trying smoothies during the winter. ) However, this South Loop spot definitely deserves a visit.
Yogen Fruz
Some people may think frozen-yogurt brands are the sameand those people would be wrong.
At least that's the word from Yogen Fruz President Terry Eck, who provided a full-on presentation of the brand's benefits during a recent get-together at one of the stores, at DePaul University, 333 S. State St.
The main thing Eck stressed was that Yogen Fruz is about being nutritious and natural, saying that whole fruits and vegetables are blended into yogurt treats and smoothies. He also said that other brands use terms such as "all-natural" and "real" to mask the truth about their ingredients.
Although I'm glad I didn't have to take a test on all the info given, it was my turn to administer one: a taste test. Truth be told, Yogen Fruz is pretty good. The bad news is that winter is here, and that usually translates into slow business for frozen-yogurt spots
Burger Boss' pasta
Pasta at a burger place? Believe it.
Burger Boss ( 3208 N. Southport Ave.; theburgerboss.com/ ) now has a pasta pop-up menu. I walked in as a skepticand walked out impressed with the offerings.
The pasta comes courtesy of Oak Park-based restaurant Cucina Paradiso, but genial General Manager Mike Bouse said, "We do more than just warm it up."
One of Bouse's favorites ( which also became one of mine ) is the Rigatoni Piedmont, with has bolognese sauce, Romano cheese and mozzarella. Patrons can choose their pasta, sauces ( asiago, bolognese, besciamella, vodka, pesto cream and spicy marinara ), meats ( grilled chicken, Italian bacon and grilled Italian sausage ) and other add-ins ( such as fresh spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, cheeses, peas and roasted red pepper ).
Bouse said the reason Burger Boss offers pasta is that no other similar restaurant in the area was offering such an option. Check out these dishes. ( Note: There are also salads available. )