The best part of opening Café Vida at Bay Club Carmel Valley? All the new dishes to try! And in an effort to help our San Diego members make a decision when they walk up to the counter on May 1, we asked the members and associates who have been enjoying Café Vida at Bay Club El Segundo for years for the rundown on their favorite dishes. Some of them had a tough time choosing just one, while others immediately knew their go-to favorite smoothies and dishes. And we can understand both sides! We admire folks who are food-forward and adventurous—who never order the same thing twice because they have to try it all. But we also know the feeling of enjoying a sandwich or a salad that’s so darn good you can’t imagine ordering anything else. When it comes to Café Vida, we sit on both sides of the fence. We want to order everything off the menu, but we’re also pretty loyal to our favorite dishes.
With that in mind, consider this your guide to some of Café Vida’s most popular selections—but don’t limit yourself to these picks. If you love a dish that’s not on this list, let us know so we can try it ourselves!
The 2 + 2 + 2
Tastiest Way to Start the Day
#1. 2 + 2 + 2. Any dish that lets you assemble it yourself to features all your favorites is a good one! We love that you can customize this trio dish sets of 2—and our members are in love with the option of two brown rice pancakes.
#2. Omega-3 Oatmeal. Packed with fiber, fruit, and flavor, this hearty start will keep you fueled until lunch, helping you avoid the mid-morning snackfest. The berries on top take this dish from a simple bowl of oats to a colorful, nutritious breakfast.
The Balance Breakfast Bowl
Best Apres-Bootcamp Recharge
#1. Balance Breakfast Bowl. Served all day, this protein-packed bowl is the perfect way to replenish tired muscles—and a hungry belly! It’s packed with veggies, a protein option, and rounds out the complete profile of a healthy meal with brown rice. And the salsa on top gives the perfect kick of spice!
#2. Chicken, Mango, and Avocado Salad. This may seem like your simple salad with chicken, but with crunchy jicama and almonds, it’s the texture that makes this one a favorite! Plus, the mango chutney vinaigrette is out of this world.
The Chicken, Mango, and Avocado Salad
Favorite Way to Eat the Rainbow
#1. Mixed Greens Salad. This is a top pick for filling up on lots of colorful veggies. And with the option to add a protein (plant-based or animal), you can take it from a simple salad to a dynamic mix.
#2. The Alkalizer. Greens galore are in this juice! It’s alkalizing without being too earthy, and it will get you a whole day’s worth of vitamins and minerals.
A Selection of Juices
The Order to Tie You Over
#1. Greek Berry Smoothie. We don’t always need a big meal, but a healthy snack like this one prevents us from feeling famished and overeating. This smoothie checks all the boxes, with fiber, antioxidants, protein, and a subtle vanilla flavor.
#2. Drink Your Greens. You get everything you need in moderate portions in this creamy blend of healthy fats and protein. Plus, the energizing properties of maca add the perfect mid-day pick-me-up.
Biggest Hit with Little Ones
#1. Chicken Quesadilla. A whole-wheat tortilla makes this a meal with healthy grains, and any little one will love the fresh guacamole served alongside.
#2. Kids’ Cheeseburger. With a brioche bun and all-natural beef patty, this isn’t your typical kids’ burger. We wouldn’t fault any adult for stealing a few bites!
The Garden Avocado Sandwich
Top Takeaway Item
#1. Yucatan Salmon Bowl. Packed with omega-3s and lots of fresh flavor, this bowl is perfect for grabbing on the go. You’ll also get a load of veggies packed in, along with a just-sweet-enough mango slaw that pairs perfectly with the salmon.
#2. Garden Avocado Sandwich. This veggie-heavy sammy is fit for a hungry belly, and it’s a great way to get your greens (and healthy grains) while you’re on the move.
Have a Café Vida favorite we missed? Tell us in the comments below!
Café Vida opens May 1 at Bay Club Carmel Valley and we have two Grand Opening events not to be missed! Join us for an adults-only Cinco de Mayo celebration on Friday, May 5 and a family-friendly affair, complete with games and entertainment, on Saturday, May 6. For more information and to RSVP, click here.