5 minute read
Feed Me Purple Banana, and Tell Me That I’m Pretty
Written by Eve Neider Photography by Tori Sampson
Advertisement
Let me hear you say, this shit is bananas B-A-N-A-N-A-S This shit is bananas B-A-N-A-N-A-S
Gwen Stefani has said it herself, there is a new açaí (ah-sigh-EE) bowl, and it is the shit! With the biting wind blowing in your face and the heavy snow up to your ankles, do you wish you were at the beach with the cloudless, sunny sky and the sound of the washes gently crashing on the shore? Purple banana is the perfect place to take you to that fantasy!
Purple Banana, named after the shop’s common ingredient (banana) and the purple color of the açaí berry, is the first açaí bowl shop in Syracuse! Located next to Varsity Pizza, it offers a wide variety of food from açaí bowls and oatmeal to soups and salads. There is also coffee and lemonade, as well as juices and smoothies! Everything is 100% gluten and dairy-free, and 98% vegan (some toppings aren’t). There is truly something for everyone located right near the campus! Owner Luke Nicolette said he decided to open a locally-owned açaí shop because “One: I wanted to chase a dream and do good things in the world, and I knew I could have a greater outreach as a business owner. And to do something fun, positive, and something I could feel good about. Two: there is a need in the area for it.” It might be tempting to grab a warm Insomnia cookie or be drawn in by the smell of Five Guys, but follow the purple lights to this shop, and you won’t regret it!
The ambiance is vibrant, with upbeat music, natural light, spray paint on the walls, and purple everywhere. The modern, fresh aesthetic provides the perfect environment to study or hang out with friends, but they also have a to-go option. There is a sign that says, “feed me purple banana, and tell me that I am pretty,” which screams what we are all thinking. Purple Banana is the ultimate place to satisfy that sweet craving along with getting those essential nutrients. The owner wants customers t0
have a fun, uplifting experience and obviously get food they feel good about eating, that can give them more energy and an experience that gives you a positive feel. It’s healthy food, it’s colorful, it’s bright, it’s positive! “
There are different types of bases you can get for whatever mood you are in. A purple banana base consists of açaí and banana mixed together. A green base is a mix of pineapple, kale, spinach, and banana. You can also get a coconut, sweet açaí, or pitaya base. If you don’t like the house bowls, you can create your own with any base and your choice of three of the 33 topping options such as goji berries, peanut butter, and chia seeds! There are four different salads which are all vegetarian and each made with unique ingredients. For all the coffee addicts out there, you can get decaf, nitro cold brew, or a regular coffee. I created my own bowl with a green base, granola, peanut butter, mango, and banana and it was everything I could have dreamed of! The fruity smell and beautiful toppings display had me salivating. The bowl itself was delicious with fresh fruit, crunchy granola, and nutty, smooth peanut butter. I could barely taste the kale or spinach. Luke’s personal favorite is one of the salads called the prodigy. The best seller is the create-your-own bowl, although the “proxy” and “nuke” are the most popular house bowls. The hidden gem on the menu is the coffee, which is roasted locally and picked custom by the owner. He calls it the “best in town.”
Acai bowls are the new “it” food. From their vibrant beautiful colors to their delicious sweet taste, it is no wonder why people are putting down the bread rolls and picking up the açaí bowls. Açaí berries originate from the South American rainforests and grow on açaí palm trees. They
are full of antioxidants that build up your immune system, which is perfect for the frat flu or Covid that spread like wildfire on campus. It is also high in calcium that keeps your bones, heart, and muscles healthy and strong as well as healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, which can decrease your risk of heart disease and high cholesterol.
Purple Banana also strives to also help the local community. They are currently trying to get involved with Golisano Children’s Hospital by selling patients' artwork in the shop and donating the proceeds back to them. When someone buys a piece, Purple Banana matches their donation. They also want to give free bowls to the patients to brighten their day.
Customers can always look forward to weekly smoothie and bowl specials. They recently had a Valentine's special with a strawberry base. Luke wants to expand the business in the future by doing events, catering, selling merchandise, and delivery service. A loyalty program is in the works where customers are rewarded with points for coming in consistently.
Purple Banana is open Monday-Saturday from 10 am-5pm, so you can stop by for an energizing start to the day, a midday snack, or end of day treat! This is a place you will definitely want to put on your to-eat list. Luke wants Syracuse students to know that “they are our customers and we care about them. We want this to be a customer-driven business, so we love the feedback, engagement, and we appreciate the loyal customers. We are always going to evolve the business for what we see fit.” Purple Banana is the perfect escape from the cold Syracuse days, so sit back, relax, and enjoy a glimpse into summer with an açaí bowl!
