B Yourself

By Catlin Dorset

June 28, 2013 2:05 PM PT

By Juan Yossarian / Photo by Kristina Yamamoto

There’s a new crop of bartenders in San Diego. They’re creating a buzz by using cold-pressed organic fruit, vegetable juices and superfoods to strip patrons of toxins - some of which are no doubt left behind by last night’s Jager bombs.

“The big difference is that we don’t have to cut people off for drinking too much juice,” says bartender Natasha McKeon from Del Mar’s new bBar (aka Beaming Bar).

On tap at what’s being billed as “the first superfood vitality bar” are juices and smoothies that increase libido, boost metabolism and enhance memory. McKeon says they taste great, not to be scared of cleanses and how to give bBar products a little extra wallop.

PacificSD: What’s your favorite item on the bBar menu?
Natasha McKeon: I would have to choose the “Sexy Mayan.” It has an incredible chocolate flavor from the raw cocoa, and a spicy cayenne kick that leaves you feeling nourished and sexy all day. It’s loaded with sprouted almond milk, Beaming protein, Maca and many other superfoods, making it an energy and libido booster, hence the name. It also enhances memory.

What’s your favorite food to juice?
I love to juice greens. Kale is probably my favorite. It’s such a great way to pack in a ton of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients without all of the chewing. Rather than taking a bunch of expensive supplements, I prefer to drink my vitamins.

What’s the most common juicing myth?
Most juices are filled with fruit sugar. While juicing is great for you, the more greens the better. T oo many juices have one or two apples in them, for example. That’s an apple juice, not a green juice. We have juices without any apple. The ones that do have some, have only a quarter of an apple to keep the sugar low.

Why should newcomers brave a juice cleanse?
Our programs were designed to promote long-term health, not just short-term weight loss. We have one-, three- and four-day programs, all of which incorporate salad, juices and a smoothie with protein. It all tastes delicious.

What’s a good way to give bBar juices extra kick?
The Skinny Cooler with tequila and Damiana Liqueur, an aphrodisiac spirit from Mexico, is by far my favorite.