Just as I was contemplating a commute to Manhattan to land at one of the ChaiCycle's train station stops, whom should roll by the Edgemont Park Playground, but Ricardo Dacosta and his (now) infamous ChaiCycle. I happily bought a $3 cup of Chai, which I can honestly report was nice and hot, delicately sweet, with light and fragrant spice; it was practically a Hallmark moment. 

Two park walkers stopped to check him out as well, asking if he served anything else but Chai, to which he answered "no, what would you like me to sell?"  Hmmmm, could he add some hot samosas to his cart? Dacosta is still working out his system and is looking into other routes, which will hopefully include more playgrounds and school pickups. (Hey that's where I always am ... can't blame me for pushing it!)

Meanwhile, Health-Conscious Foodies of Montclair, Rejoice! Montclair welcomes HLS Juice Bar and Grill and joins Maplewood in digging their fresh healthy eats ... plus is Café Eclectic getting some competition?

I have heard plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and health-savvy friends bemoan the lack of tasty dining choices here in Montclair, despite our town's hefty reputation of all things healthy. Well, with the grand opening of the new HLS Juice Bar and Grill, I no longer want to hear you complain! HLS, which stands for Health Love and Soul, prides itself on bringing just that to your dining experience. Indeed the slick new eatery has arrived to rock your pallet, be you vegan, vegetarian, carnivore, or self-proclaimed healthy foodie.

Buoyed by the success of their thriving HLS restaurant in Maplewood, Brothers Emeka and Arinze Onugha opened this second HLS in the former Indigo Smoke location at 387 Bloomfield Ave. The brothers happily offered a nice summation of their mission noting, "We want to change the way that people view healthy foods. Many people think that healthy foods are tasteless and boring. We want to dispel that myth by presenting healthier food in a cool and classy manner. There is nothing boring about liquid wheatgrass served in a shiny shot glass chased with a wedge of sweet orange. It's like being at a bar except when you toast 'Salute!' you really mean it!"

Unlike other wrap-oriented joints where vegetarian options may be limited to an uninspiring veggie wrap or salad, at HLS the menu boasts as many vegetarian options as meat ones. In addition to breakfast and lunch wraps, there are an assortment of freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, choose-your-own brown rice dishes, and over 10 varieties of salads. Some interesting choices also include soy chic n' nuggets for vegan/vegetarian kids, and dairy free desserts like red velvet cupcakes and carrot cake.

Since it is in Montclair after all, the brothers definitely bring it with a chic, laid- back atmosphere, replete with jazz music and artwork for sale bedecking the walls. In the very near future the brothers also intend to add live music to their list of cool, which they are in no short supply of. Arinze, himself an aspiring hip hop artist/musician, may even perform as well.

Oh did I mention the prices! Emeka says they are committed to "bringing healthy, appetizing food to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status." The brothers ensure the prices stay within a reasonable range, while still including high quality ingredients. Examples include a $6 Ultimate Turkey Burger or a Vegetarian Chili Wrap for $5.50. In fact the entire idea of HLS was, according to Arinze, "borne out of frustration" from a lack of affordable, good tasting and nutritious food.

I managed to snag happy customer Rueben Mora, a tennis pro/instructor and vegan from Montclair who is thrilled at the arrival of HLS, and noted, "I love the vibe they put out here, they show a lot of respect to their customers and employees and the food is amazing." Though complementary of most of the menu, Mora's favorite go-to item is the Soy Thai Chicken Wrap.

With the ever-changing roster of indie businesses closing in Montclair, I would like to say welcome, make yourself comfortable and stay awhile HLS.

Speaking of new spots opening on Bloomfield Avenue, is Café Eclectic getting some competition? Next to Diamond Cycle across the street from Café Eclectic, there are tiny neon signs papering the window advertising Trend Coffee and Tea House. No word yet on when Trend is set to open, but About Town will keep a lookout!

Have you tried any new spots in town? Let us know in the comments section! Or tell us your favorite spot to find yummy and healthy food.