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Tropical Tribe

Digest Step Up to the Plate

February 2, 2014

Story By: Alana Folen | Photos by: Leah Friel

A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS WEEK’S HOUSE SPECIAL: TROPICAL TRIBE BOWL WITH TROPICAL TOPPING ($5.50 SMALL, $7.50 REGULAR, $9 LARGE; ADD $1.70 FOR TROPICAL TOPPING)

What began as a small business run from a food truck on Kapiolani Boulevard, Tropical Tribe has transformed into a full-service shop at Discovery Bay Center in Waikiki. Andre Alves de Moraes, a native of Brazil, opened Tropical Tribe with the purpose of bringing what he calls “high-quality acai” to the Islands. He added that Tropical Tribe Bowl with Tropical Topping is a best-seller — and for good reason.

Alves de Moraes imports acai directly from Brazil in order to provide his customers with the most authentic product available.

Praised for its health benefits and plethora of antioxidants, acai berries are known to prevent against aging by promoting cell turnover and growth.

“We use very little ice in our acai blends, which keeps the level of antioxidants, vitamins and proteins very concentrated,” says Alves de Moraes.

Guarana, a natural energy and focus enhancer, is imported especially for Tropical Tribe and is infused into the acai blend.

“Other establishments that serve acai bowls don’t often use enough of the traditional acai berry. Instead, the majority of their acai blends include a lot of ice and frozen fruits, such as raspberries and strawberries,” he says.

This namesake of a bowl blends a mix of acai and guarana berry juice topped with granola, banana, strawberry, blueberry, locally sourced raw honey and bee pollen.

Tropical Tribe

1778 Ala Moana Blvd. Ste. 100, Honolulu
366-8226
Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Honolulu, HI 96815

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