Main Squeeze Juice Co.

3629 Nelson Road, Lake Charles

When it comes to eating a little healthier, my desire is there, but turning those aspirations into fruition? I typically come up short. Although, I do try to be conscious of what I eat and how often, I find myself indulging in awfully deli- cious, yet calorie laden foods. I hadn’t really considered diving into the true “healthy” side of food and drink. Mostly because I think of healthy food as bland. I imagine that healthy food isn’t supposed to taste good and that’s kept me at bay.

fruits and vegetables hang from wire baskets in a vibrant array of color behind the natural wood and quartz counter. The digital menus above highlight the variety of natural fruit and cold press juice drinks, along with the various foods available. There’s a lot to take in.

the glass panes for a few minutes before Weeks places my meal, drink and a straw –large in diameter– on the counter. (The latter is a necessary detail we’ll come to understand later.) She slides the large square container closer to me, the heft alone suggests there’s a wealth of good- ness under the lid. The reveal was visually impressive as I studied the layers from all angles and snapped a few pictures. This looks promising… very promising.

up from jalapeños, and you should con- sider tiptoeing into the sauce to check its potency, as these too can vary. The smoky, spicy pepper sauce is undoubtedly what I needed.

Over the years, I’ve been given tips and suggestions from friends and even foodies. Case in point, when Lulu’s Specialty Snocones owner, Ashley Frantz continually raves about the nachos at Main Squeeze, you tend to take notice. I mean, if Ashley claims they’re fantastic, I trust her judgment. Armed with this no- tion, I’m going to experience but a small portion of what healthy eating is all about.

First noted, Main Squeeze’s concept is about being all natural, plant-based and eco-friendly in everything they of- fer. Had I walked in without a plan, I eas- ily would have been swayed and ordered the spicy cucumber and hummus toast or maybe the loaded avocado toast with pico, Himalayan salt and cashew cream. However, I’m here to see if Ashley’s na- cho claim stacks up.

A heap of corn chips form the base. Add in petite black beans, an abundance of fresh avocado, house made pico with vine ripened tomatoes, a plant-based, dairy-free vegan cheese, and the mild twang of pickled jalapeños, all drizzled in a cashew cream. I take several bites only to confirm this isn’t a fluke. Personally, I prefer heat in my jalapeños. While pick- led jalapeños are more consistent than fresh, they’re pretty tame. I needed to add some capsaicin.

Did Ashley call it correctly? Pondering this as I took a sip of the key lime smoothie. An all natural blend of coconut water, almond milk, lime, hon- ey, banana, vanilla and bits of granola. Imagine a smooth, thick malt-like texture, but this is made without ice and there- fore does not become more fluid and also doesn’t melt over time. (Hence, the thick straw.) The drink is consistent from the first pleasant sip to the last.

Situated in one of the newer strip malls lining Nelson Rd., Main Squeeze Juice Co. shares it’s front entrance with the lifestyle-minded Yoga Y’all studio. A quick turn to the left places me in the res- taurant lobby. If first impressions are ev- erything, this one certainly nails it. Fresh

What about for a drink? Admittedly, I don’t know if I’m bold enough to get into some of the more wild pressed juices just yet. Baby steps, right? Stepping to the counter, a cheerful and helpful Kailyn Weeks welcomes me and answers vari- ous questions about the menu and drink options. Weeks takes my order, agreeing the key lime smoothie seems like a great compromise.

While I was glancing through the menu earlier, I noticed one of the items offered a habanero sauce. Stepping to the counter to ask Kaylin if I could purchase a cup, she quickly obliged. Now, if you’re not familiar, habaneros are quite the step

Oh, Ashley absolutely did call it cor- rectly. Like a boss. How can you sit here and enjoy this much flavor, essentially guilt free? No fats, no artificial flavors, all fresh and sustainable. All of that and it’s both good and good for you. It’s easy, you just have to make the attempt to try it.

Perched in my stool, I watch the stop and go of late afternoon traffic through

And that’s going to become a lot eas- ier with Main Squeeze Juice Co. Owner Miranda Duplichan recently announced 30 additional stores will open across the country in the near future, marking Lake Charles as the flagship store.