One of the many perks of being a senior at Heritage is finally gaining off-campus privileges during lunch and independent periods. However, it can be difficult to find great lunch restaurants in the allotted lunch time. Chain restaurants like Starbucks and Panera are always great options, but below are some of the more unique local spots seniors can visit, ranked.
Crema Gourmet
Starting off strong with a delicious brunch option, Crema offers delicious artisan pastries as well as premium coffees, teas and matcha. Crema is a bit more on the pricey side, mainly due to their fresh ingredients. Dishes are smaller portions. It can also be quite a drive, but ordering ahead or just grabbing a grab-and-go pastry can help shave down some minutes. Crema is overall a great option if looking for high-quality and healthy brunch options.
Address: 2256 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33324
Price range: $7-$20
I personally recommend the Eggs and Feta ($14), as well as the Açaí Berry smoothie with coconut milk ($8). Pictured above include the Eggs and Feta, the affogato and a chocolate croissant. (Photos/Emma Colarte Delgado)
Sovereign: Poke, Boba, Asian Kitchen
A restaurant based on Latin-Asian fusion, Sovereign is only a five minute drive from school and can easily take care of that boba fix you crave. Some star items on the menu include build-your-own poke bowl and a pineapple fried rice. The use of fresh fruits and vegetables with traditional Asian dishes really make Sovereign special. Prices are a bit high. However, servings are large to make up for it.
Address: 9723 W Broward Blvd, Plantation, FL 33324
Price range: $8-15
Taro milk tea (pictured above), for $7.99, is one of the three caffeine-free boba drinks Sovereign offers, as well as one of their most popular items. Build-your-own poke bowls for $14.99 (right) and Brown Sugar milk tea are other top-sellers. A great vegetarian option is the Golden Curry Pineapple fried rice, shown on the left. (Photos/Emma Colarte Delgado)
Whole Foods
Not the first thought for a nice spot to stop for lunch, Whole Foods offers high quality and healthy, well-rounded options for lunch. With options from every cuisine, any and all cravings can be met at the market. Additionally, personally-made pizzas and subs are fresh and great options for lunch where you get bang for your buck. Their pumpkin spice lattes (PSLs) and coffee are also a great, cheap pick-me-up after a long day.
Address: 1903 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33324
Price range: $4-$12
The build-your-own plate option at Whole Foods is priced based on weight: options for food include anything from homemade mac n’ cheese and potatoes to rice and gandules and yuca. Some other options for lunch include a build-your-own sub station and PSLs (priced at only $4). (Photos/Emma Colarte Delgado)
Playa Bowls
A refreshing way to beat the Florida heat, Playa bowls offers a variety of smoothie bowls and drinks for the perfect afternoon treat. From bases like acai to pitaya to toppings like chocolate-covered strawberries and goji berries, Playa offers many ways to customize your bowls. Smoothies such as Pineapple Land are also popular and cheaper options.
Address: 10053 Cleary Blvd, Plantation, FL 33324
Price Range: $5-$14
Acai bowls such as the Nutella and the Pura Vida are priced at $14 and $13 respectively, and offer a great sweet treat. Additionally, Playa offers the “half-and-half” option for the bases on their bowls, meaning you could get both acai and pitaya in a bowl if you wished. (Photos/Emma Colarte Delgado)
Ella’s Cafe
And at the top spot for lunch, Ella’s Cafe takes the cake. The cafe is not only a perfect distance from the school, but offers wonderful lunch options as well as sweet treats depending on what portion of food you crave. The cafe food is superb, with stellar stand-outs like avocado toast and an egg frittata. The coffees are also reasonably priced and delicious, freshly brewed and well-flavored.
Address: 2743 W Broward Blvd, Plantation, FL 33324
Price range: $4-$16
Some of the best dishes at Ella’s cafe, in my opinion, are the Italian caprese sandwich and the avocado toast, mainly due to the sweet balsamic sauce they drizzle atop of the bread (middle image). Other dishes like a strawberry salad and a toasted ham croissant are also great options. Sweet treats like the chocolate twist and banana bread are the perfect way to end your meal. (Photos/Emma Colarte Delgado)
