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Experience tropical bliss with Dreambowls

Published:Thursday | April 9, 2020 | 12:00 AMJessica Harrison/Gleaner Writer

A FRESHLY prepared smoothie hits the spot when breaking the fast after a long night’s rest. Can you imagine a smoothie bowl topped with whole grains, nuts and fresh fruit?

Found on what Brazilians call the ‘Tree of Life’, in the Amazon Rainforest, the açaí palm produces a berry-like fruit in bunches. Dreambowls (@dreambowlsja) saw the need for Jamaicans to incorporate açaí berries into their diet because of its nutritional value and its wonderful taste.

“We started a year ago. My partner, Mark Wright, and I would frequently visit Jamaica and we realised that there was nowhere in Jamaica to get these bowls, so when we moved here permanently, it was only natural to fill the gap,” said young entrepreneur Monique Thomas.

This sorbet-like tropical treat is popular across the world, for obvious reasons, and Dreambowls mixes it up to suit the local palate. Depending on the fruits that are available, you have the option to choose how you want your base. Sometimes it’s açaí-mango, acai-dragonfruit, plain açaí, or the popular favorite, açaí-lychee. Another popular bowl on the list of offerings is the ‘earth bowl’. Atop your favourite base, the earth bowl is beautifully layered mostly with seeds, nuts, peanut butter, and bananas. It is deemed very filling, which makes it perfect for those quarantine lunchtime woes.

Each dream bowl is complete with five complimentary toppings, ranging from various berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and goji berries to granola, shredded coconut, kiwis, and bananas, along with a wide array of seeds and nuts.

According to Thomas, the açaí fruit is a super fruit that carries 12 times the nutrients of blueberries. It is jam-packed with antioxidants and has anti-ageing properties. It boosts energy, sex drive and the immune system, which makes each bowl a necessary indulgence, especially during this pandemic.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, you could pull up to RagaMuffin Cafe, Wednesdays to Saturdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., but fret not, you still have a chance to experience these delightful encounters by sending a WhatsApp message to 876-521-9392 or follow their Instagram page @dreambowlsja. Curbside delivery or pickup is also an option.

jessica.harrison@gleanerjm.com