Offering “berry” healthy bowls

Located just a few blocks from Gables, Ernie’s Acai provides delicious and nutritious options for students

BY ANAIS JAMALI, STAFF WRITER

ERNIE’S AÇAÍ

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AN UP-ANDcoming business in the City of Coral Gables whose mission is to serve delicious bowls using only the highest and freshest quality ingredients. With its close proximity to the school, Ernie’s Açaí is a perfect place to visit after school to refresh.

The owner, Hernando Caicedo and employees take great pride in offering Miami a new and healthy market of açaí bowls. They are passionate and proud of their products which they hope widen accross Miami culture.

“I’m a Miami local, born and raised and açaí is very popular on the West coast, so everywhere you go there is açaí and I wanted to be one of the first to have a shop that sells only açaí in Miami,” Caicedo said.

Açaí is a berry originally from rainforests in South America and is known to be a superfood because it contains antioxidants and fiber which reduce swelling, boosts energy and stimulates the immune system. Superfoods are beneficial for those who need power throughout the day. The owner of Ernie’s Açaí came across an açaí soft serve mix in Arizona which he now includes in all the bowls served.

The menu consists of flavorful bowls which include their proprietary açaí mix and fruits as well as protein bars and tea.

“I started going recently, mostly before soccer practice with my other teammates because it makes me feel refreshed and energized,” sophomore Julia Nason said.

The most popular bowls are the “Automatic” and the “Tropicalista.” The fan favorite bowl is The Automatic, pictured on the bottom left, which includes their proprietary açaí mix, strawberries, banana, granola and honey. The Tropicalista, pictured on the bottom right, consists of their proprietary mix topped with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, toasted coconut, granola and coconut oil. They only use 100% organic, vegan and dairy free products.

Without any added toppings, a smallsized bowl is $12, a regular-sized bowl is $13.50 and a large bowl is $15.

While this store is known for its extraordinary açaí bowls, they also offer açaí smoothies, drinks like coffee and tea and other small snacks such as cookies, bars and granola. The regular sized açaí smoothies are $9, drinks range from $3.50 to $9 and snacks range from $2.50 to $10. The store also includes a 10% discount for all students.

Ernie’s Açaí also offers a fantastic instore experience with an immediate welcome upon entering. The cozy like ambiance with small tables and stools inside and outside, welcoming customers to sit, eat and enjoy.

They are located at 4141 Laguna St., Coral Gables and offer take-out or curbside pick-up. They are open on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Mondays to Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“The atmosphere of Ernie’s Açai is very fun and inviting, it’s definitely a space anyone can come to, to grab a bowl and just hangout with friends or by themselves,” team member Sophia Hussain said.

Coconut

As a new business, the store is thriving. Ernie’s fair prices, originality and variety of açaí bowls makes the store worth visiting.