Just as the tagline says “food we can all live with,” you can tell that Darbster is a restaurant that will do you good. This unique vegetarian restaurant is located in West Palm Beach. They offer a creative menu that appeals to vegetarians and all other eaters, too! Through their delicious and natural vegetarian cooking, they incorporate some classic dishes as well as some innovative ones.

Welcoming You

Darbster sits alongside a waterside deck, allowing both locals and visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings of sunny south Florida. In case you are wondering, the name Darbster comes from the owners’ poodle’s name, Darby. The staff here invites you in with open arms, a knowledge of food and the desire to take care of each and every one of their customers.

More Menus

In addition to the regular menus, Darbster offers specials each week. The menu offers a huge variety of foods like organic salads, soups, sandwiches and wraps. There are many vegetarian dishes that could be mistaken for actual meat! The quinoa loaf and classic cheezeburger, made from quinoa, vegetables, lentils, brown rice and beets will amaze your tastebuds! For someone who does not normally eat vegetarian, these dishes are a great start! There is also a kids menu, plenty of sides and desserts, too! Brunch is also served with a menu of its own!

There is a whole menu dedicated to teas. Earl Grey is a popular choice, but you can try to many more. Mint and Honeybush tea are some of the more flavorful picks. For a kick without caffeine, try the Firefly Chai tea. Darbster also serves wine and beer. Choose from dozens of reds, whites and craft beers.

Giving Back

Darbster also does its part to give back. Their foundation assists in animal welfare and rights through education and contributions. They also support efforts of local residents. In 2011, the foundation was responsible for the TNR of over 200 cats and the adoption of many kittens. 2012 through June the foundation is on track to do 300 TNR this year. You can donate to the foundation by contacting them at info@darbster.com.

Check out Darbster on Facebook to stay up-to-date with them. Also check out their photos to get a look at the delicious food!

By Lauren Grossberg

Photo By SanFranAnnie

The post Darbster – Food We Can All Live With appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.

Eating well and living a healthy lifestyle greatly involves the choices you make as far as the food you put into your body. At Choices Cafe in Miami, every choice you make does just that! This vegan vegetarian restaurant offers you items for breakfast all the way to dinner! When I say everything I mean it! Breakfast smoothies, salads, wraps, pizza and more!

Super Smoothies

I was very impressed by the extended menu of smoothies that Choices Cafe offers. Ingredients like young coconut, almond butter, sea salt, flax and chia are just some of the many healthy ones included in them. Whether you are more of a fruity fan (try the tropic escape) or like to stick to the greens (the green envy) you are sure to find something to your liking. What I like about the menu is that they really include the Miami spirit by offering a Miami Heat smoothie! This delicious choice includes mango, jalapeno, lime, plantain, hemp, flax, chia seeds and ice. Now that sounds like a Miami smoothie!

Cantina Time

Don’t have time to head to the store? That’s what the cantina is for! Every time you purchase something here, you automatically earn points. When you reach 500 points, you can redeem them for a $25 gift certificate! Use it to make more online purchases on yummy items and food. If you are dining in, you can also earn points. Besides the food and desserts, you can even order t-shirts to represent the store!

Juice Xpress

As with many other health stores and restaurants, they offer juicing cleanses to help you get healthier from the inside, out! Since no two people are alike, there are different levels of the cleanses. If you are new to juicing, you can read up on the process of it here. You can click on each cleanse to learn about what is included and what the purpose of the ingredients are in regards to your health.

Mouthwatering Menu

The extensive menu really does include just about everything. I couldn’t possibly list all the items here. But, some that have caught my tastebud’s attention include the tofu scramble, the chipolte walnut wrap and the simran burger. These items not only look and sound good, but they are good for you, too! The only way to know for sure is to head to Choices Cafe for yourself!

Follow them on Facebook to stay updated!

By Lauren Grossberg

The post Make the Right Choice at Choices Cafe! appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.

To thrive is is to progress forward, to grow, prosper, etc. If you take care of your body and health and the food you put into it, that’s exactly what you will do! At Thrive Restaurant in Miami Beach, you get the chance to do that. They offer a great selection of healthy food items, detoxes and more!

Brunch Anyone?

A typical Sunday brunch can include many unhealthy items like stuffed pancakes, greasy bacon and omelets full of different ingredients. When you brunch at Thrive, you can be sure you are making smart eating decisions. From wheat and gluten free vegan waffles, to sprouted flax banana pancakes with fruit salad, there is something for everyone. Something they have that I personally love is a tofu scramble. Items like this are a healthy alternatives to everyday meals. When prepared right, it tastes just like an egg scramble, if not better!

Detox for Health

As with many other health stores and restaurants, Thrive offers different detox and juicing programs. They offer a 1, 3, 5 or  7 organic program. You can see samples of these programs here. They come as either juiced or blended. They also show you sample raw food menus that you can follow, as well.

The Mouthwatering Menu

Fresh juices are a main attraction on the menu. A great part of this is that you can choose any of three of these healthy ingredients to make your own combination. Choose from cucumber, kale, spinach, cabbage, celery, beets, carrots, lemon, ginger, apple, broccoli, parsley and cilantro. The raw food section is also amazing! Sink your teeth into a Portobello Pizza or try some Spaghetti and Nut Balls, a twist on the meatball! The plant-based meals are nutritionally balanced, rich in enzymes and abundant in vitamins and minerals.

The organic and local produce used here makes Thrive a top place to dine and drink – healthy! With biodegradable non-toxic cleaners, they also promote recycling. These efforts are to give back to our environment and to protect our earth for a better future! Thrive’s hours are Monday– Friday 12 a.m.- 7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

By Lauren Grossberg

Photo By fd

The post Thrive Here! appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.

Are you a yogi? Have you always been interested in yoga but never seemed to pick it up? Either way, this Saturday is the third annual YogaFest, perfect for all those interested.

YogaFest

On Saturday, April 20th, you can experience the People’s Yoga and Music Conference. This all day event includes yoga, music, food and more! Tickets are only $20 per person, and each ticket you buy gets you entered in a contest to win a trip for 2 to Costa Rica. The event takes place in the Huizenga Plaza in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Top Teachers

If you know your yoga, you will recognize some of the top yoga teachers in the area. Some of these include Keith Fox, Terri Cooper and Lisa Pumper. Swami Jaya Devi of Kashi Atlanta will be the key speaker. The teachers will offer a variety of yoga classes throughout the day. You can check out the schedule here.

Music and More

After 3:30 pm you can enjoy a concert of live music for only $5! The Spam All-Stars, The Mayapuris and The Resolvers will be performing. This day is packed with great people and offers a great learning experience.

Proceeds from the tickets benefit the Mahashakti Foundation, which reaches out to many different populations ensuring more productive and dynamic lifestyles by sharing the power of yoga, music, and meditation. They work to offer yoga programs for underprivileged children, retirees and juvenile offenders, as well as donated classes for the unemployed, disabled and mentally impaired. Purchase your tickets here. Get them now to get preferred classes!

By Lauren Grossberg

Photo By GerraeLove

The post YogaFest 2013! appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.

Now that you are aware that there are many places in South Florida to find quality farms and produce, I’d like to introduce you to yet another one. Marnado Farms is one that is newer than most. Located in Ft. Lauderdale, they offer great prices for great produce. Their produce comes from both local farmers, as well as from their own farm.

Fun on the Farm

Marando offers some fun things that you may not typically see on other farms. Since they produce their own eggs, you can sometimes catch a chicken running around, which is great if you bring the kids! Also recently added is high quality pet foods, making shopping for you and your pet a one-stop trip!

Their Artisan Market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 5! Here you will find over 30 vendors with all different types of goods. During the week it is open 10-5, on Fridays 10-6 and Wednesdays they are closed. This schedule is great because they are also open year round!

Looking Ahead

In addition to helping the community and its local farms, Marando Farms is looking to incorporate itself in many other ways. They’ve installed a community garden so families and businesses can grow fresh organic produce for either their own use, or for donation to community food banks and other non-profit organizations. They also have a Community Supported Agriculture, where members enjoy the many benefits (and produce)! With field trip tours and farm animals, children can visit, see how they operate and learn how they can help to improve within the community!

You can order from the farm online. You will find a vast selection of dairy products, fermented food, snacks and more!

If you want to support your community, get the freshest produce and help protect the environment, head to Marando Farms. Check out their Facebook page for the latest updates!

By Lauren Grossberg

Photo By NatalieMaynor

The post Out on the Marando Farm appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.

We love eating in South Florida. From green cuisine to inexpensive Miami meals, these fun and filling South Florida festivals give hungry travelers some yummy reasons to make the trip down – or gives locals another reason to staycation right where they live.

The International Mango Festival

Located in South Miami at the Fairchild Tropical Garden at 10901 Old Culter Road during the second weekend in July, consider this 48 hour festival a celebration of everything you ever wanted to love about mangoes! From a mango themed brunch created by celebrity chefs  and mango art and lectures, to the world’s only mango auction (yes, you read that correctly), this unique festival pays honor to everyone’s favorite sweet, tropical fruit. Kids are welcome and encouraged.

Estimated Time from the Desoto: 45 min

Miami Spice Restaurant Month

From August to September, expensive hotspots in Miami will offer mouth-watering meals at a fraction of the price. This is a perfect way for summer travelers – or locals – to take advantage of these savings and experience the best that culinary Miami has to offer. Organized by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, Miami Spice allows you to enjoy multi-course meals, often featuring special dishes by world-renowned chefs. If you love local and world-famous cuisine, this is one among many reasons to visit South Florida in the summertime.

Estimated Time from The Desoto: 30 -45 minutes depending on restaurant location!

Key West’s Nightly Sunset Celebration

Every night in Key West is party, especially in famous Mallory Square, as  entertainers, swordsman, tarot card readers, and musicians entertain you against the backdrop of Key West’s world-famous sunsets. The food is classic Key West – conch fritters, corn on the cob, and more delicious seafood fare. The food is wonderful, hot and spicy, perfect for the unique and tropical getaway that is the Sunset Celebration in Key West. There’s a reason that Key West’s logo is “One Human Family,” and visitors will thrill to the red-gold magic of the sunset.Estimated Time from The Desoto: 4 hours – but worth it!

What kind of South Florida cuisine will you enjoy?

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By eschipul

The post 3 Enticing SoFl Summer Festivals appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.

I’m so proud to report that my beloved mom-and-pop local bookstore Second Edition Book Shop (or as I like to call it The Little Green Bookstore That Could) won South Florida’s Local 10/ABC contest for Best Bookshop 2013. This is no mean feat – the little green bookstore beat out industry giants such as Barnes and Noble and local establishments such as Miami’s famous independent bookstore, Books and Books, in a two month race for the coveted Best Of 2013 title.

Travel Tip: Second Edition Book Shop is located approximately 15-20 minutes from The Desoto! Click here for directions!  

A Green Tale for Travelers

 I can’t tell you how many times I’ve explored a new city and delighted in its bookstores.  In many ways bookstores tell the story of an area.

Second Edition tells a wonderful story of a small green business triumphing over corporate giants. What do I mean by green? I mean, gently used – or as the green bloggers like to say, recycled. And that’s exactly what Second Edition Book Shop is – a haven for readers who want to explore the heart of a South Florida area. Even the tagline of Second Edition Book Shop speaks volumes: Recycled Books, Shared Joy.

And I cannot recommend the green, homey delight that is SEBS highly enough. From the polished wooden floors to the collection of free lollypops on the counter, to the cozy armchairs and quiet nooks (and by nook, I don’t mean the e-reader!), Second Edition is a charming hideaway for bookish travelers looking to soothe their souls. Leave your e-reader back at the Desoto for this South Florida treasure – store owner Danielle won’t have it! (That’s not entirely true, but she’d much rather you choose from the thousands of gently used bestsellers.) Buy some books and take them back to Hollywood Beach – only a few minutes away! – and curl up on the sand with one of Second Edition’s cost-effective book bundles or get some green plane reading at a fraction of the price of an airport book. Want Fifty Shades of Gray or Stephen King’s latest? Chances are good that what you want is in stock at Second Edition.

Plus, SEBS has a great section for kids and teens, with everything from The Hunger Games to Twilight or classics like Goodnight Moon. 

“The Return of the Book” and a Renaissance of Reading

As Danielle herself mentioned to me last week, as a camera crew busily arranged things in her shop for the taping of the ABC Best of 2013 segment, this was the “return of the book.” And it is – in a world of e-readers, book apps, and iPads, the fact that SEBS won the prize for South Florida’s Best Bookstore is cause for a bookish and green celebration, a much needed renaissance of reading.

What Second Edition book will you read on Hollywood Beach?

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By Asheboro Public Library

The post ABC’s Local 10 Winner, Second Edition Book Shop Perfect for Bookish Travelers appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.

Many people are taking charge of their health. Whether it involves exercising more or starting to juice, there are so many ways to take another healthy step. A farmer’s markets is the perfect place to pick up local and usually organic produce. If you are looking for one in the South Florida area, look no further than Josh’s!

Top Produce

Not only recognized as one of the best in the area, it also is up there with others in the rest of the country! Most produce comes from the Pennsylvania regions and are treated with the best possible care. The produce tastes so fresh because it is! Most often they are picked the night before the market opens!

Juicy Finds

If you are into juicing, you definitely are going to want to check out the juice bar. Juices are made with some of the best vegetables, greens and fruits, straight from the market. You won’t find any processed or pasteurized product here. Although prices may be higher than in a typical supermarket, the taste is superb. You will also discover some unique finds, like dandelion roots and other bulk foods and items.

You can visit the Organic Garden Sundays from 9:30 – 5:31 p.m. It is conveniently located on the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, on Harrison Street. The Juice Bar is open on Sundays from 9:30am to 5:31pm and Monday to Thursday 7pm to 9pm. They accept cash or check only, so keep that in mind when you go!

Customers First

If you happen to run into the owner, Josh, you will see how friendly and helpful he is with customers. Cutting up vegetables to try or passing out samples, he aims to please everyone who comes by. So stop by the market the next time you’re at Hollywood Beach. You’ll be glad you did!

By Lauren Grossberg

Photo By ilovebutter

The post Jump into Juicing at Josh’s Organic Garden and Juice Bar! appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is an exotic South Florida treasure. If you’ve been dreaming of an adventure to Japan, come to South Florida instead and visit our piece of Japan: The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.

Travel

Tip: Located in Delray Beach, the Morikami is approximately 45 minutes away from the Desoto on Hollywood Beach. Just hop on I-95 North and get off at Atlantic Avenue. Click here for directions.

A Taste of Japan with Sushi and Stroll

On the first Friday of the month from May to September, both staycationers and visitors to South Florida will have a unique chance to enjoy sushi, taiko drums, and the mysterious and tranquil beauty of the Morikami Gardens during the Sushi and Stroll evenings. Uniquely affordable at $8 for adults and $6 for kids (and free for members and kids), the Sushi and Stroll evenings celebrate their 10th anniversary with themed evenings.

The Exotic Charm of the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

The Morkami opened in 1977 and in the last 36 years, it has become a celebration of Japanese culture in South Florida. Galleries, tea demonstrations that are performed in a tea house, and children’s exhibits are only a few of the events that patrons can enjoy. The museums – the principal museum and the original Yamato-kan building- feature 5,000 art objects and artifacts, including hundreds of tea ceremony items.

Surrounding the museum buildings are 200 acres of gorgeous and expansive Japanese gardens: the Roji-en (Gardens of the Drops of Dew).

The strolling paths and pine forests are soothing and tranquil, and the garden has ample places to rest. It’s a perfect place to take the “stroll” part of the Morikami’s “sushi and stroll” event. Bring a date, the kids or just make the stroll a solo journey as you enjoy the tropical bonsai collection or watch the koi swim in the Morikami’s lakes. Lose yourself in the calming sight of flowing water moving over stone fountains or relax among pine trees.

An exotic exploration into the heart of Japanese culture right here in South Florida, the Morikami is truly a gem of our unique landscape.

When will you visit the Morikami? What will you enjoy the most? Tell us!

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By teaperson

The post Japan in South Florida: Enjoy Sushi and Strolls at the Morikami Museum appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.

When I started juicing over a year ago, I never imagined the journey that my health would take. After seeing the documentary Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, I was inspired to get my own juicer and my entire relationship with organic produce completely changed. I set out to find places in South Florida that served freshly made veggie and fruit juices. Here are some of my favorites – these interesting places are quintessentially Florida and are just the thing for green travelers, because it can be challenging to be green or raw on long car or plane trips.

Car Tip: If you’re taking a car trip through South Florida, most of these places are located only a few miles off major highways like I-95 or 595.

Josh’s Organic Garden

Josh’s organic fruit and veggie market comes to Hollywood Beach every Sunday rain or shine from 9am to 5:31pm. Purchase freshly squeezed juices or smoothies of all kinds, or grab an organic salad or fruit snack. This location is particularly scenic because SoFl travelers will be right on the beach with the Atlantic Ocean at their backs. Get your juice and take a walk down the famous 3.5 mile Hollywood Boardwalk, mentioned in Travel and Leisure Magazine. Josh has the BEST greens in the country! The Juice Bar is open weeknights from 7pm to 9pm. Josh’s is located 3 miles South on the boardwalk from the Desoto, guests can borrow a bicycle and enjoy a ride to Josh’s for some fresh juices or to shop on Sundays.

Batten’s Farm

I just can’t help it – I love that I’ve shopped here for years, starting when I was four years old and picking berries with my family. They have mountains of freshly grown organic produce (the manager, Michael, tells me that the best time to shop here is Friday- Saturday afternoons, perfect for weekend trips) and they often have “kale sales” (two huge bunches of kale on a Buy One, Get One special), and of course, their strawberries and U-Picks are local legend. Now, however, they’ve added fresh juice mixes to their menu. Choose from apples, cucumbers, tomatoes, oranges, kale, spinach and more – or make your own mix. Batten’s juices for you while you wait – it’s much healthier than your average travel drink.

Bedner’s Farm

Admittedly, this one is a bit of a hike for those coming from the Hollywood-Davie area, but if you’re taking the scenic route through South Florida, Bedner’s is a must-see. While they don’t make juice on the premises, this charming family owned farmer’s market is like stepping back to old Florida. The kids can play in the petting zoo on the weekend, and kids and adults alike will love the tomato and strawberry U-Pick. If picking strawberries from fragrant and warm berry plants sounds like a divine way to spend a weekend, this is a must see on your summer Florida trip.

How will you incorporate fresh produce into your SoFL road trip?

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By captaincinema

The post Juicing on the Farm: A Juice Fiend’s Guide to SoFl’s Farmer’s Markets appeared first on Hollywood Florida Ocean View Hotels.