The Juicy Box
Jacques Sylvestre, owner of the Juicy Box, knew his Midwood community was conscious about its health. He regularly worked out alongside neighbors at one of the area’s many gyms, and all his peers were particular about what they ate. Plus, Midwood’s population is largely Caribbean like him (his parents are from Haiti), and they *been* on fresh juicing.
But when it came to healthy options in the neighborhood, pickings were slim. So, in January, Jacques opened the Juicy Box — a juice bar and cafe serving primarily vegan and vegetarian dishes (with a few pescatarian options). “I was like, ‘Let me be the first to do it,’” he said. “Because I knew it was needed. And I had no doubt that the community would support it.”
“I was like, ‘Let me be the first to do it, because I knew it was needed. And I had no doubt that the community would support it.”
“We’re right in the middle of the Caribbean community and the Jewish community, so we wanted this place to be a melting pot,” says Jacques. Welcoming to all in the neighborhood, the Juicy Box is kosher. A rabbi comes in several times a week to inspect and wash their leafy vegetables, ensuring no insects, and the cafe is certified by Gotham City Kosher. Judging by the diverse clientele we spotted during lunch, the effort has worked.
We recommend the bright, lemony avocado toast (on a tasty, toothsome spinach bread); the “power salad” dotted with crispy roasted chickpeas; roasted salmon over sweet potato fries; and the paprika-flecked vegan mac and cheese; as well as cold-pressed juices based with kale and watermelon.
Making comprehensive use of the building, and having recently acquired a liquor license, the Juicy Box is also a full bar and event space. “We host birthday parties, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, baby showers, open mics,” says Jacques, adding that he’ll soon be opening up its spacious basement. But you can soak up nightlife vibes any time of day, with ambiance that includes framed LP covers (classics from Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, Whitney Houston, Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson, among others), an elevated DJ booth encased in vinyl 45s, and, naturally, soulful R&B booming from the speakers.
“I was born and raised in this neighborhood, so I felt like it was my duty to step up and do something for my community”.
2281 Nostrand Avenue, 917-933-4088, The Juicy Box on Instagram
