Patch Picks: So Smooth

Patch Picks highlights editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off, and more.

This week, it's all about the smoothie. The blended drink, with real fruits and veggies, pure juices, vitamins and nutrients, is a popular choice for a wholesome breakfast or snack. From strawberry banana to wildberry mango, it seems like the flavor possibilities are endless. The problem is, they can take some prep work and time, which many of us don't have when rushing out the door in the morning. So, let somebody else take care of the chopping and blending for you. There are several spots in and around the greater Media Patch area that are smooth on smoothies.

- Situated on the corner of State and Olive Streets, Coffee Beanery is a hot spot for morning coffee and tea, but they also offer smoothies, which are a refreshing treat in the summer months. They have 10 flavors, like strawberry banana, mango, peach, and acai pomegranate.

 - Our favorite convenient store keeps raising the bar for sure. There's currently 17 smoothie and frozen cappuccino flavors de jour, including strawberry banana, raspberry, and chocolate banana. For a lighter treat, try the frozen lemonade which packs about 200 calories for the 12 oz. Better yet, the 12 oz. is two bucks, and it's three for one double the size.

Healthy U - It's a nutrition club that offers meal replacement smoothies as an alternative to fast food options. They have many tasty flavors like Banana Nut Fudge Sundae, Pineapple Upside Down Shake, Chocolate Biscotti and Aloha Delight. The $5 smoothies come as a full meal, have just 200 calories, and have a cup of herbal fat-burning tea and mango aloe.

Froo ish Uhn - This neighborhood-based nutrition club on Baltimore Avenue is all about health and wellness.  They shake up a pretty tasty meal replacement smoothie. Also check out the herbal teas and other healthy nutrition options.

Burlap and Bean - This popular cafe serves up a decent cup of freshly roasted coffee, and the smoothies are delicious too. The "TeaWave" brand "smoothies with an edge" are made from high quality fruit from around the world, as well as antioxidant rich White and Rooibos teas. Mango Fusion, Peachy Keen and Pina Colada are a few of the flavors available.