After finishing my workout at the gym, I was looking for something quick to eat on my way to my…read morenext destination.
While walking through Canarsie, I stumbled upon Twisted Roots, a relatively quiet juice and café bar.
The place was almost closing, but I decided to give it a try since there weren't many people around.
I learned that Twisted Roots is Haitian-owned, which I appreciated for its cultural diversity. The staff shared that they've been in business for eight years and were the first juice bar in Canarsie.
If that's true, it's impressive considering how many healthier options have popped up in the area since. Being pioneers in this kind of business is no small feat.
I ordered an açaí bowl, which took around 10 minutes to prepare, even though I was the only customer. It's hard to say why--maybe they were prepping or taking their time to get it right. When it finally arrived, I could see the effort they put into it.
The bowl was loaded with toppings--bananas, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, pears, shredded coconut, Nutella, and honey.
It was a very generous serving and probably weighed close to a pound.
The taste was fresh and fruity, like eating a refreshing fruit salad.
That said, I do prefer my açaí bowls with a frozen base. This one was more on the watery side, which made it less satisfying in terms of texture.
But for $11, it's hard to complain about the value--it was definitely packed with fresh fruits, unlike some places that charge more for a lot less.
The setting of the café is functional but unusual. There aren't many places to sit, aside from a few stools and chairs.
It feels more like a grab-and-go spot than somewhere you'd sit and relax.
If you're planning to eat there, you might end up outside by the bus stop, especially during the warmer months.
I think the establishment would benefit from a redesign to make the space more welcoming and improve the overall vibe.
As for the customer service, it was friendly and attentive.
Even before I mentioned that I was a Yelp reviewer, the staff encouraged me to leave a review and follow them on social media.
It's clear they care about customer feedback, which is always a good sign--they're conscious of how they can improve and create a better experience for their patrons.
I'd come back for another visit, especially since I live nearby. I'd love to see them refine their offerings and maybe enhance the space, but I enjoyed my experience and appreciate what they're trying to do.
