Written by Christina L, High School/Pre-College Student Correspondent for CET Florence: Italian Food, Art, and Society
Yesterday, we had a packed schedule. So much so, that we had to grab lunch on our way to the Academia. Jackie, one of the coordinators for our trip, told me that she heard about my desire for a salad or a smoothie and knew of the perfect place: Shake Cafe. I expected a basic Italian salad. While I love this salad, it was getting a little stale.
Whatever my feelings and expectations were — curiosity, doubt, excitement — they were completely exceeded. I walked into the airy and inviting white space and my jaw dropped. Flaky pastries adorned the front of the establishment. White menu boards coated the walls. The extensive menu included smoothies and sandwiches — even bagels!
As I wandered around the store in awe, I discovered they had even more food in the back — salads, wraps, and rice bowls — and even a restaurant! Overjoyed, I could not figure out what to order, but was advised to try the vegan wrap. Typically I turn my nose up at the word “vegan” but could not resist the ingredients: tapenade, cauliflower, carrot, spinach, hummus, and sweet potato.
I decided to give this whole vegan thing a chance and was not disappointed. The textures and flavors blended together perfectly — I could not be happier! Complementing my delicious wrap, I also had a fruit cup containing nectarines, strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple. The meal was incredibly refreshing and gave me all the energy to go to the Academia.
Since then I have continued to rave about my amazing meal. Additionally, it served as a break from my Italian food overload, which I can now go back to!