Divas Do Raw

We must start off by saying that, Rebel Divas that we are, the idea of Raw food did not appeal to us. Doubting Diva had been trying to avoid visiting our dear friend Jenna Norwood’s restaurant Vibe Cuisine (formerly Veggie Magic) since it opened a year ago. As well as a restaureaur Jenna’s known as Sarasota’s passionate raw food guru and documentary video producer Supercharge Me– 30 Days Raw.
Finally, the day had come. We were locked in. Off to the southeast corner of Bee Ridge and McIntosh, located deep in the corner of the plaza is Vibe Cuisine (Veggie Magic). It’s ironic that when explaining how to find her place, Jenna says, “we’re just behind Firehouse Subs”. Now, you know where it is – but you won’t find any heat in her kitchen!
Raw, by definition is: natural, uncultivated, uncooked, or unrefined state: not having undergone a process of manufacturing ....No problem..it was lunch.....
Vibe was hopping with regulars knowing exactly what to order the day we were there. It is a destination for them… The space is fresh and airy with citron green curtains that close you off from the outside world… leaving your senses open for what’s to come. There are cozy couches, regular seating, lots of informative materials to read on the walls….but the most impressive feature is the open kitchen where the food magicians are busy at work.
Vibe Cuisine is certified green. The water they serve is reverse osmosis, they compost….of course, their take out containers are bamboo and the utensils are potato starch all biodegradable. And did we mention kosher? This is the only Rabbi certified Kosher Kitchen within 60 miles.
We started our adventure with a Chocolate Goji Love Smoothie. A mix of young Thai coconut meat and water, raw cacao powder, dates, hemp seeds and goji berries. Full of antioxidants, protein and electrolytes. As we were warming up to the idea of eating raw (gulp!), we noticed the menu teased us with the names of some of our favorite dishes like pizza, pasta, cheeseburgers, fried rice, brownies, apple pie????? Say what ??? However, this is deceptive. No glutens here and all foods will lower your cholesterol. So get that greasy cheeseburger out of your head. Their version of the all American double cheeseburger stack with all the condiments you’d expect was surprisingly delicious. No meat. No cheese. No bread. Veggie patties, thinly sliced, with all the raw burger toppings. You must eat it to believe it. Even Doubting Diva enjoyed it. There was no stopping us! We also enjoyed the Mama Mia Pasta. Wheat free! Raw zucchini pasta dressed with a warming garlic and herb creamy sauce with sun dried tomatoes, red onions sprinkled with pine nut ‘parmesan’. And… Pizza! Did someone say pizza?!! Not what you would expect, but fabulous just the same. And oh! Those sun dried tomatoes! Delicous. As a side we had the Chinese ‘Fried Rice’ that is actually cauliflower, celery, red onions, carrots, ginger, garlic, tamari and sesame oil. Looked and tasted a lot like CFR.
We finished off our meal with three sweet treats – Apple Pie, Black and White Brownies and White Chocolate Blueberry Bars. Delightfully scrumpdilicious.
There are so many ingredients that go into all of these flavorful dishes we just simply can’t do them justice. You must experience then for yourself. Tell them Doubting Diva sent you!
Speaking of, just guess who purchased the Delicious Dish Meal Program? Doubting Diva herself! After speaking to Mike, the in house manager, and discovering that he had lost 140 pounds in less than a year, she was encouraged (surely I can lose that 10!) 6 meals – 6 days – for $105. (Other programs available) All meals include a side and a salad. They’re available for delivery or pick up. She’s hoping to reach her ultimate health and wellness in the purest and most delicious way. Yikes! We won’t recognize her!
Eat in, Take out, call for delivery, mini market, Check it out!

Vibe cuisine {previously known as Veggie Magic} 4428 Bee Ridge Rd. 377-6209
Also at the downtown farmer’s market every Saturday
www.vibecuisine.com