As summer heats up, members crave smoothies to keep themselves cool.
While members at Cherry Creek Country Club, Denver, Colo., pound treadmills, pump weights, and splash in the pool, the club’s juice bar is getting a workout of its own.
Home to a build-your-own smoothie bar, thirsty Cherry Creek members flock there between Memorial Day and Labor Day for cool, customized creations.
They can choose three ingredients from a list of individually quick frozen (IQF) fruits— strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, mango, peach, pineapple or banana—and have them blended into a fresh pick-me-up.
“The fruits are blended with fat-free yogurt and apple juice,” says Cherry Creek’s Executive Chef, Clark Church, whose background includes cooking at a spa in Aspen where healthful cuisine was top-of-mind. “We also have whey protein and flaxseed available as add-ins.”
Located near the pool and fitness center, Cherry Creek’s juice bar caters to both casual pool-goers as well as exercise enthusiasts.
Similarly, Blend café at The Meritage Resort and Spa, Napa, Calif., is located near the pool and fitness center and offers espressos, café lattes, teas and smoothies, in addition to fresh pastries, baked goods, a la carte items and gelato.
“We always have at least three smoothies on the menu,” says Krisztian Karkus, Executive Chef. “They are all fresh-fruit driven and made with skim milk, a banana and ice.”
The most popular flavors include orange mango, strawberry banana and mixed berry. Also, guests can further customize their selections by opting for soy or almond milk.
“Smoothies are a great place to highlight seasonal fresh fruits like peaches, apricots, and cherries,” says Karkus.
And for guests looking for a little something extra in their fresh fruit concoctions, Blend offers homemade gelato and protein powder as add-ins.
