The warm weather was ideal when we checked out Roxy's Cafe, a two-month-old shop serving milkshakes and smoothies near the 24th Street BART station. It took a while to peruse the huge menu of 63 milkshakes, 11 nondairy shakes, 26 smoothies, and two dozen hot and cold coffee drinks. The nondairy shakes are made by a custom machine that creates creamy nonfat drinks from just fresh fruit; they have no added sugar, but homemade whipped cream and honey are optional add-ons. We know that our vegan colleague Laura Beck (aka Mr. Penguino) would be tickled pink to learn that these drinks are named "Penguino's Treats."
While sipping on our luscious and refreshing avocado and vanilla ice cream shake ($4.50), friendly owner Al Mokhtair, a former chemist who loves to tinker with recipes, couldn't wait to share his plans with us. He is still working out the details, but he hopes to add a vegan menu of sandwiches (made with seitan and similar products), chili, and perhaps salads in about a month. Eventually, the drinks menu will be trimmed down to about 50 choices to keep things manageable. He has previously operated health food stores elsewhere, so he hopes that Roxy's will become a destination for those seeking healthier food options in the Mission area. We love the concept and the free WiFi, too.
Roxy's Cafe 2847 Mission (at 24th St.), 615-0760.
