Health Bar
O.k this is for all you skinny cows, I found a place that is definitely worth mentioning. It’s healthy, scrumptious and they have cute little employees – females, to serve you. The first time Ray and went to the health bar was a few weeks back after hiking Diamond Head. We had originally intended on going to Bogarts, a cute little cafe right next door, but they were way too busy. We were famished and decided on going next door to the Health Bar. The place had an artsy island atmosphere. The menu was written on chalk board above where young, inviting employees worked. Now I didn’t say the place was cheap. Actually, I thought, as most health places are, a little overpriced. Throw organic, or health on something only means more money. I was going to order a smoothie for 5.25 but Ray notice this bowl that two girls at a near by table was munching on. It looked like a smoothie in a bowl, with stuff in it. I went over and asked them what they were eating and if it was any good. The girl’s eyes popped out of her skull as she said, “it’s the acai bowl and it’s sooo good.” Alright, I’ll have one of those. If it had the power to do that to her round little eyes just think of what it could do to my slanty wide screen vision eyes. I had to know. Da Cove Bowl is like a fruit smoothie, with acai fruit, mixed berries, banana, strawberry and granola and topped with honey for $6.50. The Mana Bowl is two dollars more, $8.50 because it has more acai fruit and includes bee pollen. Now, if your like most people your probably thinking, “what the fuck is an acai fruit? And bee pollen? No thanks, I have allergies”
I’ll start with the acai fruit. Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) is from Brazil’s Amazon rain forests and is the fruit of a palm tree. Here are some benefits of acai berries.
- Greater Energy and Stamina
- Improved Digestion
- Better Quality Sleep
- High Protein Value
- High level of Fiber
- Rich Omega Content for Your Heart
- Boosts Your Immune System
- Essential Amino Acid Complex
- Helps Regulate Cholesterol Levels
- 33x the Antioxidant Power of Red Grapes and Red Wine
Acai is also loaded with Vitamins B1, B2, B3, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium, Fiber, and Proteins, all essential to your daily well being and health.
As for bee pollen, the nutrients found in Bee Pollen include polyphenols, enzymes, beneficial fatty acids, free amino acids, vitamin complexes, chelated minerals and trace elements, as well as a large array of phytonutrients. Since the nutrients in Bee Pollen are extremely concentrated even a small amount will complement any diet. Perhaps it’s worth the extra two dollars for the extra acai fruit and bee pollen.
Uhh, not when you cheap. Ray got the Da Cove Bowl, and I splurged and got the Mana Bowl. We sat outside and waited and waited and waited. I went inside to see what was taking so long. Did they forget about us? I mean, the only other people in there were the bug eyed girls. I stood in front of the counter making sure my presence would go unnoticedd. The two girls behind the counter chatted away, taking their sweet time, even stopping every so often to make hand gestures or stop in awe of what the other had to say. Hello, Blondie, and Miss Asian Persuasion, are you dense?. You throw all the ingredients into the blender and press the button. After 30 minutes of waiting we finally got our order. One word, orgasmic. I forgot to add that you get an option of chewy or crunchy granola. We both chose crunchy. Not only do they put granola atop but also there is granola at the bottom so you don’t have to worry about trying to make it last. The bee pollen has a subtle sweet taste that you probably wouldn’t even notice if you didn’t see it. This is the ideal treat for a hot day. It’s light, refreshing and healthy. The Health Bar is close to Diamond Head so after your vigorous hike you can reward yourself to a healthy treat and still feel good about it. Now if smoothies aren’t your thing they also offer other items such as, fish wrap – $9.25, veggie omelet- $8.00, fish salad – sm $10.25, lg $13.50, hummus – $8.75 and fresh squeezed juice for $6.50. $6.50? I could buy at least two cartons of juice for that much. I never said this place was cheap and they definitely don’t have supersonic service. Here’s my advice, order one Mana Bowl over the phone ahead of time and share it. One is large enough for two if your not hungry. The number is 808 732-8744, Drink water, it’s free, healthy and, thank God, self serve. If you want more information, here’s a link to their web site
Aloha doodoolicious, my name is Marcus (Head Smoothie Schlep) and owner of the Health Bar. Mahalo for your comments regarding my store. We really appreciate any positive press from our customers. We will also be featured on the Discovery Channel, as well as with the Food Channel with Rachal Ray and crew sometime in the next coming two months. Our most recent press coverage is currently on the Hana Hou Hawaiian Airlines in-flight magazine. Check it out and read what all the fuss is about. We;ve also been featured in a full page article with the LA Times last March. A hui hou, malama pono.
Mahalo
Marcus
Hi Marcus. Sorry I’m getting back to you so late but I’ve been in the mainland. I just want to say, I absolutely love your Acai bowls. They’re amazing. However, service, not so amazing. I don’t want to offend you by telling you how to run a business and obviously it’s doing great, but I just don’t understand why you don’t hire another employee and buy another blender. I mean, when I go to Jamba Juice I’m in and out in less than 5 minutes but at the Health Bar it takes 40 minutes to make a smoothie. I know you offer other items that take more preporation time but it still shouldn’t take that long. Also, there’s been times where I walk out and go to bogarts instead because the wait is too long. And every time I’ve been there, I’ve seen customers turn and go eles where. Your turning away business. And it’s agravating waiting that long. Thanks for the comment.
No joke, I waited 30-40 minutes too. Just as many people left as stayed to wait. I said the same thing to my friend. They need another employee. You make a mean acaii bowl but it may not be worth it. Too irritating to wait that long. I make a pretty good one myself.
[...] a feel-good snack… After hiking around Diamond Head or a day at the beach, stop in to Health Bar to refuel! Try an acai bowl, which is essentially a smoothie in a bowl topped with acai fruit, [...]
Go Oahu Travel Blog » Blog Archive » Cheap Eats in Oahu (Local Cuisine Edition) said this on November 26, 2007 at 6:09 pm
a girlfriend of mines turned me on to the acai bowl here and yes it was amazing!!! because I live in Mililani I tried the jamba one and was thorougly disappointed! might I add that the fish salad was good too.