Finding our Happy Place with Lola Berry
If your idea of happiness includes smoothies, acai bowls, fresh salads and raw treats, then Lola Berry’s new venture should definitely be put on your to-do list. Found at Stall 56 in the trendy South Melbourne Market, juice bar and health food cafe Happy Place is all about “empowering you to find your happy place,” by sharing creative, convenient and delicious healthy food.
Through the collaborative efforts of Lola (well-known nutritionist and author) and Salvatore Malatesta (St. Ali mastermind) this long held dream has just been brought to life. To celebrate the recent opening, The World Loves Melbourne was invited to check out the store at Wednesday night’s Happy Place Launch Party.
An air of excitement was present as family, friends and foodies from Melbourne and beyond came together to celebrate the special occasion. As people met and mingled cold pressed juices were passed around, ranging from fruity fusions to fructose free green juices. Healthy vanilla and chocolate balls were a tasty snack, with kombucha shots and champagne flowing throughout the night. Happy Place’s Bone Broth was a clever addition with steaming cups keeping fingers warm from the wintery chill.
The Happy Place menu is filled with dairy and gluten free options, as well as fructose free and paleo alternatives. For smoothie enthusiasts, each one is infused with a particular Australian bush flower essence, “to help you unlock your full potential and bring harmony to your world”. Aptly named ‘Happy Place Bowl’ mixes banana, kale, activated Byron Bay macadamia nuts, coconut oil, almond milk, cinnamon, maple syrup and bluebell essence to promote happiness. While the ‘I Love Oprah’ blends dried fig, medjool dates, blueberries, oats, activated pecans, almond milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, maple syrup and is infused with essence of Monga Waratah for the purpose of empowerment.
Time and love are the engines behind the creation and operation of Happy Place. The nourishing and diverse menu options thoughtfully promote a holistic lifestyle of health and wellness. Whether you’re a health conscious food lover or simply curious to discover what all the fuss is about, pop in to Happy Place for a tasty treat (or two).
To Lola Berry, Salvatore Malatesta and the team at Happy Place - we wish you all the best on your new adventure!
Rachel Mason
[@curiouspressmelbourne]