I have daydreams about getting to the point where being a vegetarian, even vegan seems entirely doable to me.
There’s this big dilemma in my generally pacifistic mentality – that there’s nothing pacifistic about eating meat. I can call it a pork roast and put it in stir-fry. But, a pig still had to hit the floor for me to eat dinner.
Of course, a meat-free life flies in the face of anything I was ever raised with too. Big chunk of meat, big chunk of bread, big chunk of butter. Welcome to dinner.
I live somewhere in between – where fresh sausage is a lovely weekly addition to dinner and we have vowed to have at least three days of meatless-ness each week as well.
That’s how I’ve started down the path of raw foods and come to love two of the coolest eateries in Courtenay – Zen Zero Juice Fountain on the corner of 5th and England and Raw Realm Juice and Smoothie Bar on Mansfield by the Courtenay Air Park.
The new owners of Zen Zero – Marussia, Kyla, Devinder and Duston – are a great team passionate about family, health and raw food. They’ve taken Zen Zero and made it there own with a fantastic menu of staples like their yummy raw lasagna and raw sweets that are super yummy.
They also have cool new kelp noodles and the signature Zen Zero smoothie that gets me in there just about any day.
Down the road a ways, Kelli Carpenter and her crew are running Raw Realm in conjunction with their other business Warrior’s Realm Muay Thai and MMA Academy.
The tiny person and I are known to sneak over there on our regular walks at the Courtenay Air Park for some raw chocolates, smoothies or a yummy salad.
Surprisingly, the food at both locations is very different and the variety knocks my socks off.
I love that we can go from one end of town to another and know that there are healthy alternatives on either side.
Plus, both crews are super dedicated to finding new yumminess and nutrition. I also find that our tiny person – who is allergic to dairy and wheat – can eat so much more at both of these spots.
As for family-friendliness, well that is a priority in both locations and I appreciate that whether I come in with my 40-year-old husband or my 4-year-old kiddo, there’s a fun, safe space for everyone to enjoy.
Zen Zero and Raw Realm definitely get the OBE Certified Family Friendly thumbs up.
Mmm, I just love zen zero’s smoothies
That cake looks totally delicious to! Campbell River just got a brand new juice bar called Quench right on shopper’s row in the Georgia Quay which I am going to try out this weekend when I head into town. Can’t wait since it’s closer to home *grin*.
Thanks Robin! Lovely review and we certainly appreciate the exposure.
I love Zen Zero’s berry smoothie. mmm! In my fantasies i’d go raw.. i’m a lacto-ovo vegetarian, and i don’t know how i would live without cheese or yogurt.. when my baby started eating food initially i had planned on offering her only vegetarian, but dad eats meat, and one day around 13 months old she ate some steak from his stir fry, and it was the first night she slept for 4.5 hrs in a row. after that i declared she could eat steak every day!
Only on the west coast can you find something as cool as restaurants that feature raw food! Recently raw food has really peaked my interest because I have a friend who eats purely raw, and the stuff she creates in magically beautiful! I can’t even wrap my head around having every meal be raw…but let’s talk serious benefits here….besides the obvious (nutritional value), can you shed love light on raw food for us over here at Bitchin’ Kitchen (or point us to a good article) because it’s definitely something we are curious about…
Thanks so much…and next time we’re in your parts…we’ll for sure be hitting up your restaurant suggestion!
xoxo
BK Crew
I absolutely love the smoothies at Raw Realm. I can get a healthy popsicle for my kids for $1! They use organic produce too. I had an amazing raw caesar salad that topped any I’ve had before. We often stop in on walks at the Airpark. Love it!
Raw Realm rocks! The salads, the raw pasta, the mexi toast (definatly one of my favourites), not to mention the smoothies & juices are all so fresh and flavourful! It is the perfect place for a casual lunch or pre-walk snack when me and the kids are out and about, plus as a lactose & gluten intolerant person there is lots for me to have! Thanks Raw Realm!!!!
I am so sad that Raw Realm has closed until further notice.
They are looking for an owner who is passionate about healthy eating.
For me, it was an essential restaurant with its totally organic fare.
Yes, the food is delicious and grateful to see appreciation of that here.
Does anyone know of someone who would be interested in taking on this challenge/opportunity?
I would love to help out on a volunteer basis!