3 minute read
First Bite
(mango, orange and lemon juice, and coconut water), and Yum-Me (strawberry, orange, pineapple, lime, banana, and coconut water). My hands down favorite, though, is the P&B Smoothie (peanut butter, banana, and almond milk), which is like the thickest, most delicious milkshake.
The Best Southwest really was the best Southwest Salad that I have ever had. (It also comes as a wrap.) The vegan imitation chicken was really quite impressive. It was juicy and tasted just like grilled chicken. If I hadn’t known it was vegan, I probably would not have guessed it. On my next trip, I will have to try the Asian Persuasion (cabbage, soy chicken, carrots, red peppers, sesame sticks, and peanut sauce). I’m a sucker for a good peanut sauce. For the especially health-minded, one ounce shots of fresh wheat grass are $2.96. You can also order house chips and dips to share with a group, a bowl of hearty soup, and a cupcake (vanilla, chocolate, or banana) in case you still need to satisfy that sweet tooth.
The seating is casual and comfortable, and there is a fireplace to cozy up to when the weather turns cold. It’s the perfect place to meet a friend, and the staff could not be friendlier or more passionate about eating healthier. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask!
Located only a short distance south of the I-94 Huron Street exit, What’s In Your Cup? is a much more gratifying, healthful, and, dare I say, delicious option than fast food.
What's In Your Cup? Juice And Smoothie Cafe is located at 1816 Whittaker Road in Ypsilanti Township. They are closed Sunday and Monday, and open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information visit whatsinyourcupcafe.com or call (734) 340-9097.
We featured First Bite after it first opened five years ago in issue #68. Anyone who has been by for brunch on the weekends can attest that First Bite has become a beloved part of the downtown neighborhood. Owner Vivek Dalela was kind enough to speak to me about First Bite’s success and its commitment to Food 4.0: positive food, positive life. “We have been reasonably successful because we try to offer our customers more value,” Dalela shared. “[First Bite] is probably the most organic restaurant in town. We have organic maple syrup on the tables.” And First Bite strives to do it all at a reasonable price. “We never want customers to say it’s too expensive.” But high-quality food at a reasonable price isn’t the only thing to which Dalela credits the restaurant’s success. “We have a like-minded team to execute that value,” he said. “The team is the key.” 2020 was a desperate time for restaurants, especially independent ones, but the First Bite crew remained committed. “They knew how serious the situation was,” said Dalela. “They never complained. We stayed open at all times because the team was available at all times.” Sanitary conditions were immediately put in place, and First Bite signed up with DoorDash and GrubHub and offered take-out and delivery. First Bite Owner, Vivek Dalela
Throughout the pandemic, First Bite remained committed to its vision of a healthier lifestyle. All packaging materials for take-out and delivery orders were made from compostable resources. In 2021, outdoor seating was increased. On weekends, there were ten tables outside, and greenhouses with heating were added for the chillier months. All attention was paid to their customers’ safety and comfort. And the food has only gotten better and better. The omelets are fluffy and packed with vegetables. The toast is crisp, and the sandwiches are gratifying. Everything is fresh and bursting with flavor. When food is made with care, it shows. Everyone at First Bite clearly takes pride in their work and takes care of every customer. Dalela would also like to thank the taxpayers. “Without the PPP loan,” he told me, “We never would have made it.” Each of us can reap the rewards by stopping in for a cup of coffee, a smoothie, or a freshly made, nourishing meal that’s good for the body and the soul. First Bite is located at 108 South Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor. They are open Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information visit www. firstbitefoods.com or call (734) 369-4765.
