At Salem's Life Alive Cafe, the Food is Therapeutic

Reviews

by Amanda Tombino '20

Life Alive is an organic café in downtown Salem, at 281 Essex Street. Their food is made with sustainable practices, and is largely comprised of plant-based ingredients that are good for both the earth and our bodies.

Life Alive’s mission statement says it all: “Everything we serve you is vibrant, therapeutic food-- as healing for your body as it is delicious in your mouth.” The therapeutic food options include warm grain bowls, wraps, salad bowls, and an assortment of fine teas, smoothies, and freshly pressed juices and shots. The restaurant also offers many gluten free options.

Upon entering Life Alive, you are welcomed into a vibrant, Buddhist setting. Plants grow in every nook and cranny, reclaimed wooden tables and cozy couches of various sizes are sure to accommodate any sized party. There is a healing, positive energy about Life Alive, and the food matches the atmosphere.

Some of the organic options that are a must try include “The Lover”- a warm grain bowl (meaty shitake mushrooms, beets, carrots, and kale over sprouted short grain brown rice, tossed in a garlicky Ginger Nama Shoyu sauce), Chaga Chai tea (medicinal mushroom tea), and fresh pressed turmeric and fire shots. Add a healthy add-on such as sprouted legumes or nutritional yeast for enhanced benefits. All food is steam cooked to maintain its nutritive quality without overheating.

Enjoy an organic warm grain bowl with a steaming cup of green tea in this healing urban oasis.

Namaste!