Baltimore Vegan Drinks at Jukai Juice

Last Thursday evening, I had the opportunity to dine at a vegan restaurant and juice bar north of Baltimore called Jukai Juice.  The event was organized by a Facebook meet-up group called 'Baltimore Vegan Drinks', which I had joined over a year ago (?), but had never participated in - until now!  I'm so glad I made it to Jukai because it was a wonderful shop and I had a great experience.

After work on Thursday, I headed to the gym for a quick workout, showered, and then started the drive north to Glen Arm, where Jukai Juice just opened their newest storefront.  The drive was scenic, and surrounded by farm land.  The location actually reminded me of some familiar places back home in PA, and it was nice to be out in 'the country' and away from the city on a hot summer evening!

The shop itself was beautiful, rustic, clean and fresh inside.  It was also super cute. 

I assumed the main focus of their business was their fresh pressed juices, but they also have a fair amount of food offerings, as well as freshly made smoothies and acai bowls.  Everything they serve is vegan, meaning no animal ingredients or byproducts.

 

Everything on the menu looked enticing, and I had a really hard time deciding what to order.  I ultimately settled on the Raw Walnut Tacos and a fresh juice.  The 'meat' in the tacos was actually pureed walnuts mixed with seasonings and spices.  This was wrapped in large romaine leaves, and then topped with pico de gallo and fresh avocado.  They also offered a cilantro lime dressing, which I declined (I'm just not a dressing person, but I'm sure it was lovely!).

 



The juice I chose was called the Hulk and included kale, pineapple, green apple, lemon and ginger.  It was refreshing, sweet and I want some more!

In addition to Jukai's food and juice offerings, there were also vegan baked goods for sale, provided by Sweet Dukes Vegan Bakery.  I couldn't resist sampling some of those as well.

They had no set prices for the treats they brought for the event, but were simply asking for donations for the Human League of Maryland.  I liked that.  I liked that a lot.  I was too full to eat dessert right after dinner, but I brought a few things home:

Vegan strawberry shortcake made with coconut whipped cream and mini double chocolate cupcakes!

 

Although I'm not a vegan, I sympathize with their cause and mission.  I've tried going vegan twice and failed, but continue to seek out ways of eating that are kinder to the planet and all living things who inhabit it.  In any case, I enjoy eating clean, healthy food and Jukai Juice offers exactly that. 

 

The owner of Jukai Juice started her business after going on a detox of her own and discovering clean food was really the key to optimal health.  She changed her entire way of eating, and now strives to do the same for her children and the local community.  She is committed to using produce from local farmers and wants to incite happiness in all who consume her juices :)  What a rad lady!

 

It was nice meeting some new people that evening, including several runners!  They told me about another group called the No Meat Athlete that I may check out.  There were also several kids in attendance who were eating vegan food and drinking fresh smoothies. 

 

The organizers of the event also gave away some door prizes and look what I walked away with:

 



Did you know these were vegan?! Well, now you do.  The next time you find yourself eating an entire box of these things in one sitting, just think, no animals were used or harmed in the process of making these little crack nuggets. 

Jukai Juice has storefronts in Hampden and Glen Arm.  They also offer their juices at various farmer's markets in the area, including the Fells Point Farmer's Market on Saturdays.  You can also place orders for juices and cleanses (variety of juices for a number of days) online and pick up in one of the stores. 

I hope I can find someone who wants to drive out and enjoy a vegan lunch and some smoothies with me sometime, but if not, I plan on making a trip back there myself! 


Do you have a great vegetarian/vegan restaurant or juice bar in your neighborhood?

Do you like fresh/raw juices?  Ever do a cleanse?

Did you know Thin Mints were vegan?!!