Stopped in as we were driving by and ordered the pink lemonade smoothie and chocolate chimp without the peanut butter and both are delicious and fresh. Great service! Will be coming back to try other items on the menu!

Serving up crêpes and smoothies to beaches residents for the past five years is Juice & Java, a bright, urban cafe whose hip locale fits right in to this waterside neighbourhood. Local artwork and photographs line the walls, with big comfy couches and chairs providing a relaxing escape from the bustle of the streets outside. A mini library and community board make patrons feel right at home, and a guestbook gives them the chance to jot down their thoughts and experiences – good or bad.

We arrived at Juice & Java on a sunny Wednesday afternoon for a late lunch. In the mood for something both sweet and savoury, we shared two delicious crêpes – the Farmer’s Bounty and Strawberry Shortcake. With roasted chicken, bacon, avocado, tomato, Swiss cheese, lettuce and cranberry aioli, the Farmer’s Bounty is a delicious club sandwich folded into a soft crêpe. The house-made cranberry aioli is the star of this crêpe, cutting through the brininess of this meat-heavy meal with a touch of subtle sweetness. Satisfying the dessert lovers at our table was the Strawberry Shortcake crêpe. Crisp, yet chewy and filled with coconut, cream cheese and fresh strawberries, this crêpe is the perfect balance between sweet and tart.

Making a great smoothie is no easy feat, but Juice & Java seems to have mastered this skill, too. With freshly squeezed lemons and all-natural lemonade, the Pink Lemonade is thirst-quenching and tasty and perfect for a warm, sunny day. Fans of chocolate will love the Chocolate Chimp, a creamy concoction of cocoa, peanut butter, banana and milk. Whether ordered to go or as a companion to your meal, these smoothies are sure to brighten any day.