Barvida Organic Plant-Based Eatery & Juice Bar Opens in Darien

Their name nails it: Barvida. Vida, life. 

I might have simply walked in, but I had a bounce in my step as I left. 

See, you never quite know what you are going to encounter at a self-proclaimed “healthy” eatery, as healthy can be interpreted pretty darned broadly and with some questionable interpretations, let’s be honest. It’s therefore wildly refreshing when you find a place that has their mission clearly defined and they take it all the way to the finish line, with no stalls or excuses along the way. From their cheeky website to the very bubbly staff member, Tara, at the register (who, coincidentally, in her mask, bears a startling resemblance to Twyla from Schitt’s Creek-and yes, she’s just as friendly, sweet and sparkly), there is a palpable energy to Barvida. 

I found the staff to be happily helpful and eager to jump into conversations and lend their knowledge and enthusiastic recommendations. Considering the fact that some of their offering contain unusual (and fabulously healthy) ingredients such as lion’s mane mushrooms, monk fruit, blue spirulina, matcha tea and ashwagandha, you need folks who are willing to share their knowledge and point you in the right direction for your palate and your needs. This bunch is just plain ol’ chatty and friendly and we need more of that friendliness. That alone is healthy for us.

Brennan Branca, Darien HS ’13, is the owner of this sleek establishment that leaves all the old notions of health food joints in the dust. A tufted, big banquette seating space, smaller tables and window seating so you can watch the world go by, all earthiness and shininess, greenery and huh, Chanel artwork on the wall. This place is for everyone, whether you currently love flaxseeds or are just curious to know more about them. Barvida is 100% organic, Non-GMO and 100% plant-based, right down to the plates they serve on and the straws you slurp from. Everything from the smoothie bowls to the juices is made fresh and with quality ingredients, pressed on-site and with unique combinations to give you maximum benefits in a delicious way. They are also Keto and Raw friendly. See, more friendliness here.

The details count at Barvida and everything has been carefully considered. Take, for instance, the packaging for their food and drinks-every bit of their tableware is recyclable and/or plant-based and when Covid recedes, they will again institute their reusable glass juice bottle program. Ever noticed a bottle hangtag at a natural eatery? Probably not, but theirs are so stinking sleek, and with fun cheeky names, you could give bottles of juices and juice shots as gifts.

Of note: I generally like to use the ol’ Avocado Toast as a marker for this kind of establishment. It’s been a hit on menus for a while and has also been replicated a zillion different times, running the gamut from forgettable to memorable. Kind of like the ol’ Roast Chicken theory-sometimes the simplest is the hardest to make and when you can make it well, you’ve got something good going on in that kitchen. Well, this “Avo Toast” was memorable and for a few reasons: 1. it was constructed so that nothing went tumbling off the bread when you bit in. Architectural integrity, so to speak. The perfect mash/chop. 2. Every item on that toast, bread included, was perfect- crisp, fresh, and fantabulously flavorful. You know when you bite into a quintessentially ripe peach and the rest of the world falls away? Yup. And 3. It was a truly generous serving and in fact, could have served two people. 

Their interesting menu includes a line up of colorful juices (no artificial colors here), smoothies packed with fruits, milks, protein powder and spices, wellness shots, not-your-average lattes, artful smoothie bowls, jam-packed Buddha bowls and, of course, the toasts.

They also have a loyalty program and cleanse programs available. 

Barvida

879 Post Road, Darien

www.thebarvida.com