One of Chicago’s best-kept secrets is SOL Chicago, a new Chicago nutrition cafe and lounge. SOL Chicago has that cozy, neighborhood vibe even though it’s in the middle of the big city. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, doing work, or gathering with friends, SOL offers you tasty plant-based smoothies, energizing teas, and protein based coffees.
We sat down with team member, Laura Holloway, to learn more about the benefits of their teas and smoothies.
Teas
Your Energizing Teas have "soothing aloe" in them. What are a few of the benefits in aloe?
Laura Holloway:
Aloe soothes your digestive system. Just like when you get a sunburn and put aloe on your skin, it does the same for your gut internally.
How did you choose the additive aloe to go in your teas?
Laura Holloway:
Many people are affected by digestive issues. Whether it’s IBS or acid reflux, many people have stress that causes issues in their gut. Your gut is like your second brain, so good gut health is very important. For people who want to gain weight or lose weight, a great place to start is to clean up their gut health. It’s something I’ve been passionate about for the last 10 years as it has really supported my own health.
How did you choose your tea flavors?
Laura Holloway: Our teas taste like a healthy fruity refresher vs a normal hot tea you would make at home. Our tea flavors are designed to bring you back to childhood. Think about bike riding in the sun as a kid and craving a lemonade or Kool-Aid that would give you energy and quench your thirst. Our teas do just that, but they contain zero calories and zero sugar. They all are layered with B-12, a green, black and oolong tea blend, and aloe vera . They are nostalgic and the layers are very pretty and Instagram able!
For your boosted tea, what are some of the benefits? When do you recommend someone has a boosted tea?
Laura Holloway:
I recommend the teas based on what type of energy level people want. So, if they say, “I want a lot of energy,” which is what most people want, then I recommend the boosted tea. People in the city can have as much as 4 cups of coffee a day, which is not healthy. Our boosted tea has less caffeine than a cup of coffee, but it’s gives you way more energy without the crash. The difference between the basic tea and the boosted tea is that the boosted tea has a shot of B12. Between the green tea and the B12, you’re going to get a lot of energy and speed up your metabolism.
Smoothies
When do you recommend people have your smoothies and what is your favorite smoothie?
Laura Holloway:
*I always teach people, if they’re asking me for advice, to eat intuitively for their body. I don’t really give tons of advice besides everyone’s bodies are different and have different needs. For me, being an athlete, I eat every 2 to 3 hours, so I eat 4 to 5 meals a day, 1-2 of those being a smoothie. My body system and my brain function really well on that.
Our smoothies should fill you up for 2 to 3 hours. You can call that a bridge snack or mini-meal or even a regular meal. For some people who don’t like to have 3 meals a day, a smoothie is great! Everybody is different.
My favorite smoothie is Cinnamon Toast Crunch. All our smoothies have the same macros (amount of nutrition). In terms of flavors, I tell people to mirror their favorite flavor ice cream. I would say that 99.9% of the time I’m a dulce de leche and cinnamon type of person, that’s what I gravitate towards when it comes to dessert, I love those flavors.*
For our vegans out there, what smoothie would you recommend? Banana, Blueberry, Golden Milk, or Peanut Butter Cookie?
*All these smoothies are pretty popular. I would say that 90% of customers who are vegan, actually order our plant-based smoothies because there are only a few ingredients that differ, one being honey. People in Chicago often say they’re vegan, but they’re actually plant-based. People who are plant-based can have anything on our menu.
I would say that between the four, even though they’re all popular, people who like the Golden Milk love the turmeric with its earthy vibe. Both the Blueberry Muffin and Banana Bread smoothies are a great seller. Overall, I would say the Peanut Butter Cookie smoothie is probably number one.*
So, if you’re in West Town Chicago, stop by 1651 W Chicago Ave Chicago, IL, 60622 to try out one of SOL Chicago’s energizing teas or delicious smoothies for yourself.