The Connection Warren-Watchung Edition Sept/Oct/Nov 2018

Dining Out PAGE 58 www.theconnectionsnj.com Open 7 Days a Week Stirling Hotel 227 Main Avenue Stirling, NJ 908-647-6919 www.TheStirlingHotel.com Stirling Tavern 150 South Street Morristown, NJ 973-993-8066 www.StirlingTavern.com Gourmet Tea Retailer & Cafe Global Selection of Loose Teas & Herbs Boutique Style Shopping - Designer Brand Teaware, Gifts and Accessories Fast Casual Dining - Menu Includes Scones In Shop Events - Live Music, Tea Tastings & “The Spill On Tea” Workshops Custom Requests Are Always Welcomed Book Your Tea Time Event ONLINE Now! 710 Somerset Street | Watchung, NJ 07069 Triangle Shopping Center 908-481-4327 www.theteacompanycafe.com Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm Sunday Open for Events/Tea Parties Only Bring in Ad and Get 10% Off in-store purchase only By: Kate Kleinle In a market saturated with up- and-coming health trends, it can be difficult to differentiate between what’s truly healthy and what’s just a passing fad. Fortunately, at least one food has demonstrated real staying power – the Açaí berry. Packed with antioxidants, omegas, and fiber, it is the cornerstone of Bonji Bowls’ menu – and it’s as delicious as it is healthy. Bonji Bowls is a family business, built and operated by the Bon- giorno family. After discovering Açaí bowls while travelling throughout Hawaii and California, they knew they had to bring the delicious trend back home. The idea came from siblings Danny, Carly, and Brian Bongiorno. Their father Lou, an entrepreneur, backed the business, and their mother Trish jumped on board to help oversee day-to-day operations. Before opening, the family spent over a year researching the best possible ingredients to perfect their menu and create sweet, simple dishes focused on healthy nutrients and deliciously enticing ingredients. Ever since, they’ve worked close- ly together to ensure that the busi- ness thrives. Though it is family- owned and operated at its core, Bonji Bowls’ success has led it to hire many nonfamily employees, many of whom have seen results simply from eating at their own store. Danny Bongiorno himself informs me that he’s lost 15-20 lbs since integrating more Açaí into his diet – and other employees have seen similar results. The best part about this weight-loss strategy is that they were able to get healthier while consuming food that actually tastes good (I myself tried a Bonji Bowl while I was there, and it was genuinely one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten.) Bonji Bowls maintain the high quality and delicious taste of their products by having produce shipped in every morning, ensuring that whatever you order is always totally fresh. They also make their own granola daily, integrating organic oats, pumpkin, flax and chia seeds, cacao nibs, and dates for a protein-packed, delicious crunch: a flavor that is complemen- tary but not overwhelming, which they like to call the “Perfect Bite.” They use whey – and plant-based proteins, have vegan substitutes for every ingredient, and the majority of their menu is gluten-free. What- ever a customer’s diet restrictions, Bonji Bowls has an option to accommodate them. Though their menu is centered around Açaí, Bonji Bowls offers a diverse range of options. With bowls, juices, and smoothies on offer, they’re sure to stock a deli- ciously healthy treat suited to even the pickiest eater’s tastes. Their most popular bowl is, of course, the Bonji Bowl itself, but those looking for a lighter option often opt for the Bravo Bowl. Because their menu is identical at both their Gillette and Summit locations, cus- tomers know that wherever they visit, they’re guaranteed to experi- ence the same fresh ingredients, delicious taste, and high quality that is a hallmark of every Bonji Bowls experience. Whether you’re a healthy eater or just looking for something new, Bonji Bowls is the perfect summer treat! Now Open Gillette & Summit Maplewood Coming Soon