Owners: Casey & Alanna Aylward
By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
The Vine Café, located on 3329 MLK Jr. Blvd. and McCarthy Blvd, just behind Schlotzsky’s and next to Food Lion, is a little gem. Light and bright, with spacious indoor and outdoor dining, The Vine offers wonderful uber-healthy, fresh options. For individuals seeking the highest quality food that is both delicious and nutritious, this is THE place to go, especially if you, or one of your friends, enjoys vegetarian or vegan options.
The café features smoothie bowls, fresh wraps, smoothies, power bowls—and my personal favorite—fresh pressed juice, like the super greens, made with celery, cucumber, apple, pear, spinach, kale, mint and lemon. Yum.
“When I was in college, I developed an interest in healthy eating and nutrition,” says owner Alanna Aylward. “My favorite thing on our menu is the shrimp taco. The staff laughs at me for eating it so often. I also love the superfood salad with raspberry dressing, and the super greens juice and the c-bomb juice. Locals love the harvest melt, the chicken bacon ranch panini and pretty much anything we make with ahi tuna. We offer a significant amount of gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options. For individuals with very specific dietary needs, we can provide a plethora of choices when they feel like eating out, so they don’t feel that they can only eat healthy at home.”
The menu also offers amazing salads and sandwiches with traditional protein options, but with a fresh twist that makes them seem extra special. For example, the free range chicken salad. Personally, this is my favorite chicken salad in town because all of the ingredients are so clean tasting. Served on a bed of arugula, which has a nice peppery bite, this salad includes cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, cheese, eggs and a choice of house-made dressings.
Additionally, the online ordering is super-convenient: order on your phone and it’s ready when you arrive. Check out the weekly specials too: taco Tuesday, sandwiches / wraps / pizzas on Wednesday, and free kids meals on Thursday.