Mini-Review: Se-juiced by Dave Shea

[ROLAND's NOTE:- Thanks, Dave! I look forward to trying this place out someday but I'll pass on the Liver Cleanser!]

Replacing the former Roti bistro on 4th ave. in Kits, Se-Juiced is a new vegetarian cafe and juice bar. The juice bar takes the focus, and with one of the more creative juice menus in town, rightly so. There's no line between vegetable and fruit juice here, since a good deal of the drinks combine both.

We ordered a pair of veggie burgers and a 'Liver Cleanser'. The former were large, loaded with extras, and satisfying. The burger 'meat' has a falafel-like, soft texture, which means it will be immediately odd to anyone expecting a meat replacement; those used to veggie burgers, on the other hand, will find it a pleasant change from bland Yves patties. A mixed greens side salad with a tangy dressing (which looked to have a puréed avocado base) accompanied.

Now, the drink itself. We ordered a 16oz, which costs the same as what you'd pay at Jugo or Booster for something significantly larger than that. But we couldn't finish it. Not that it was too much -- more that it was, um, gross. This particular combination: Grapefruit, Beet, Ginger, Cayenne, and something called Milk Thistle. I hadn't expected a full body and smooth finish from that list, but still... it was hard to swallow. It's tough to see this becoming a popular item, though many of the other juices on the menu sound quite a bit more appetizing.

First experience: good food, juice not so much. We'll give them another shot, I'm sure there are other menu items that will appeal more than the Liver Cleanser.

Contributed by Dave Shea