Acai

BANKSIDE, LONDON, UK -- Acai, pronounced "ah-sigh-EE," is a berry that is grown in the Amazon in Brazil. I was first introduced to acai in March in Rio de Janeiro, with my Uncle J, and I've been hooked ever since (see picture above). Acai is a berry, about the size of a grape and a dark purple color, and per berry has the highest concentration of antioxidants known to exist on the planet. After falling in love with acai (and drinking it almost every day in Rio for over a week), I have constantly kept my eyes and ears open to see where else I might stumble across it. At home, in the Chicago area, the only way to access acai is through a mixed smoothie at Jamba Juice (that is not very good) or as a dietary supplement (also not very good).

Then, just under a month ago, my luck changed in the small town of Kailua on Oahu, in Hawaii. This place had THE best acai since Rio, it was fresh, mixed with honey and granola and berries on top, and you can see my excitement in the other picture above. After sharing this delicious treat with zama jaan, I returned to the acai-less world of Illinois, but lucky for me, this lasted only one week! Since I've been in London, I have now had acai twice! The first time was at a cafe in one of the LSE academic buildings a few days ago, and the second time is right this moment as I type this blog entry. Mmmmmmm aca-iiiiiiiii! I asked them to make it like they did in Kailua, with honey and berries mixed in, and they happily complied. The best news? This fruit place is literally a 60 second walk from my front door! It is rather expensive, but combined with a pastry it works as a meal and it's not all that bad.

That's all for now - for those of you who have experienced the wonderful world of acai, be jealous (unless you're in Rio or Hawaii, in which case I'm jealous of you). For those of you who have not, keep an eye out and try it the first chance you get!