I've been working at the Power Cafe in the university rec center for awhile now (previously known as Tropical Smoothie, R.I.P) and I've come up with some tips along the way. People constantly ask me questions like if we have a secret menu or how to make certain smoothies, but I felt it would be beneficial to my fellow classmates to make a pro-tip list for you all. So, next time you stop by make sure to utilize all the things below:
1. Order the small PB Power for more of a peanut butter taste
Regardless of size, we use the same amount of peanut butter in both the small and large size of the PB Power because it is already pre-portioned, so if you want it to taste more peanut-buttery, order the small.
2. Add ranch to the Chipotle Chicken to spice it down
Personally, the chipotle sauce is way too spicy for me. However, the Chipotle Chicken is one of my favorite things on the menu. To make it more acceptable on my tastebuds, I add ranch. Not only does it tame down the spice, but it also tastes better in my opinion.
3. Always order the Straw-Bana with whey instead of The Gainer
Okay, so you're only saving 5 cents here (the Straw-Bana with whey is $4.75 while the The Gainer with whey is $4.80) but it is the exact same ingredients, and that 5 cents adds up.
4. If you want extra toppings on your sandwich, do a build-your-own instead
Instead of ordering the PC pita with extra avocado, save yourself the 50 cents of adding toppings, and instead just "build your own" but build a PC pita with avocado. You save the 50+ cents, and still get exactly what you want.
5. Ask for a granola, white chocolate, yogurt, and whey smoothie
While we don't have a "secret menu," all of my co-workers and I like to make our own smoothies that aren't always advertised. One of us made a smoothie once that tasted like cinnamon toast crunch, and I haven't been able to put it down since. The ingredients are above, and it's one of the best smoothies--well, more of a milkshake, that you'll ever have.
6. Tell us if you want a small/large size and if your smoothie is free BEFORE giving your complicated order
I can promise you that every single person on the register gets frustrated when you ask for some super complicated order then say "oh, and that will be a small" or "and I have a free smoothie" because we have to completely delete the order and start over. So please, tell us beforehand.
7. Our BCAA is cherry flavored
BCAA's are great, but don't necessarily taste awesome in smoothies such as the PB Power, so just know that whatever smoothie you're getting, if you add BCAA's it will add some cherry flavor to it.
8. We have pre-workout and it rocks
I am actually slightly addicted to the pre-workout, and you should be too. Not only does it give me energy for hours, but it tastes pretty good. Add Goji flavor for the best outcome.
9. Substitute any of your bread options for a wrap to get more food
If you substitute a pita, 9 grain bread, or even ciabatta for a wrap, you'll probably get more food because there is more space inside of a wrap and we typically fill them more.
10. Ask for no sweetener/sugar
Your smoothie will barely taste any different, if at all, and you save yourself about 100 calories.
11. Use your punch card for your small smoothies and still get a free large one
When you use your punch card, we don't distinguish if you use it to buy a small or large smoothie, and once you get to 9 smoothies, you get a free large one. So, buy 9 smalls and get a large one free.
12. Try the Kalifornia Dreamin' just once
Yes, it's green and has spinach and kale in it, but it's honestly one of the best smoothies on the menu and I've never, ever had someone not like it.
13. NEVER chose dark chocolate over white chocolate
Especially in the Coconut Cove, you should never chose dark chocolate. It makes the smoothie go from one of the best, to one of the worst. I honestly don't even know why we have the option of dark chocolate over white chocolate, but trust me you're making a mistake if you don't chose white chocolate in your smoothie.
14. We serve breakfast food all day
I get this question a lot, but yes we serve breakfast wraps/sandwiches all day, and they're all super good so come and order one at 7pm to have breakfast for dinner.
15. Don't come at 10:29 or 10:59, we will probably hate you
Our kitchen closes at 10:30, and our smoothies close at 11, so please don't come order three Chipotle Chickens or 2 Mango Tangos right before we close because we aren't one of those cool restaurants that give away all our free stuff at the end of the night, we instead mumble under our breath and roll our eyes in the back on why you felt the need to sprint from the third floor to order your food a minute before we leave.
I hope that these tips help, and if you want to go tip-for-tip, I can't technically solicit tips, but I can still accept them ;)
