Vdara’s Nondairy, Organic Strawberry Smoothie with Bee Pollen
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Can a spa be both zen-like and naughty?
That’s what eco-conscious Spa & Salon Vdara aimed for last year when the Sin City sanctuary—the first in Las Vegas to join the Green Spa Network—turned its champagne bar into a smoothie bar, featuring nutritious seasonal smoothies, juices and snacks created by executive chef Martin Heierling.
“It’s transformed an area that had very low usage into a space we actually have to man now because it’s so busy,” says spa director Shannon Mariani, who notes that guests who prefer bubbly over bee pollen (featured in this month’s recipe) are still free to pair spirits with their spa service. For the rest of us, there’s a natural buzz to be found in Heierling’s refreshing strawberry smoothies. “Bee pollen is easy to find at health food stores,” says Mariani. “It’s loaded with vitamins and antioxidants and has weight-loss benefits. It’s a great supplement that I don’t think a lot of people have tapped into yet.”
The Recipe
1 organic banana, frozen
1/2 cup organic strawberries, frozen (about 5 large)
8 oz. organic apple juice
1 scoop whey protein
1 tsp. bee pollen
1. Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
2. Pour into chilled glasses or
to-go cups (yields 16 oz.)
