Hidden away in Hintonburg is Urban Juice Press, a great little shop offering the most delicious juices in the city. Locally-pressed organic juices, to be exact.
Co-owned by Justin Gauthier, Urban Juice Press offers up some of the capital’s healthiest and tastiest juices ranging from the delicious Happy Rabbit (a bright orange concoction made with organic carrots, pineapple, apple, ginger and more) to the interesting looking Black Lemon-Aid, a charcoal-coloured grey juice which tastes like spicy lemonade and touted as a hangover cure (score!). All of Urban Juice Press‘ offerings are super healthy – full of skin-loving anti-oxidants, vitamins and phytonutrients (plant-based chemicals that help the body fight disease and keep you working at optimum health).
A lot of my friends swear by the juices from this popular local store, so I thought it was about time to head in and check it out for myself.
The first time I met Justin, I admit, I was taken aback. He had the nicest skin I had ever seen. This warm and friendly guy was literally beaming (and glowing). He welcomed me with a big smile and I immediately asked him what his skin secrets were. “Juicing!!!” he replied enthusiastically, and I was immediately sold.
After showing me around his quaint little shop located on Parkdale, he told me of his past struggle with Crohn’s Disease, an auto-immune disorder where the immune system attacks the colon. After suffering from painful cramps and a decreased quality of life thanks to medication that was supposed to help him, Justin took matters into his own hands. He began researching alternative health methods. He discovered juicing and after a few months, he noticed his cramps began to subside and he regained the weight he’d lost. After eliminating a lot of the processed foods in his diet and adding juicing, he began to feel normal again. The rest is history. And I have to say, the guy looks great.
I tried all of the juices Urban Juice Press has to offer and my favourites are Greens 101, Black Lemon-Aid, Turmeric Ave. and Immune Supercharge. In addition to the pressed juices, Urban Juice Press also offers smoothies, nut milks (Raw Chocolate, Creamy Cashew and Pick Me Up!). They also offer tasty salads, puddings and my all-time favourite (I am so hooked), Raw Fuel Balls. DAMN. SO GOOD. Picture this: peanut butter and chocolate balls with dried cranberries, maple syrup, dates, vanilla extract and pinch of sea salt. I almost died!!! I remember eating them and promising to save one for my husband. I didn’t.
Being a beauty freak, I was also drawn to the section of the shop that featured a bunch of natural, organic skincare by Saaboon. Countless fabulous-looking all-natural soaps were lined up in the display, along with cult favourites Utility Deodorant and Elemental Face Oil. The latter is a must-try. After several weeks of use in the morning, my skin is dewy and beautiful. I’ve been rubbing it into my cuticles at night too and they look glorious!
I’m pretty impressed with Urban Juice Press. What sets it apart from all the others is the warm, welcoming atmosphere, the wealth of knowledge provided by Justin and his staff, and the interesting, unique flavours of the Urban Press juices. Justin himself is a living testimonial to the great benefits of his product offerings.
Urban Juice Press also offers Cleanses in the form of packages to those looking to clean up their diets and get healthy. Urban Juice Press will provide you a package suitable to your needs to give the body a chance to rest and repair, and help you “hit the reset button”! This in turn will slow down the signs of aging, reduce stress and prevent illness. You’ve got nothing to lose but toxicity!
Urban Juice Press is located at 340 Parkdale Avenue, Unit B (entrance on Spencer Street). You can reach them by calling 613-694-BEET (2338), or via email at hello@urbanjuicepress.ca. Urban Juice Press can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Feel free to give them a follow!
*This post is a sponsored collaboration between myself and Urban Juice Press. Photography courtesy of Eric Vance Photographer.
Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.
I need more juice and overall fitness in my life. Amazing photos!
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Thank you so much, Cheryl!
First off your pics are terrific. Secondly, if that juice will help me look like you, I’m all for it! LOL! Seriously, I will have to give it a try.
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Haha! Thanks, Ty! You made my day!
You look INCREDIBLE! I need to try that Black Lemon-Aid, it sounds totally Instagram-worthy!
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It’s totally delicious too! Thanks, Tori!
Girl, I got dizzy the moment I saw your pic! You look amazing.
Juicing is so great for the body…I need to get on it dog gone it.
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Haha! Tracey – your comment is giving me life! Thank you!
I have always wanted to start juicing but have never actually done it! SO delicious and healthy- exactly what I need!
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I think you’d really like it, Taylor!
Great pics, love juicing, great reminder to get more juice in my life!
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Thanks, Lia!
How yummy, I really love juice! These photos are amazing
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Thanks, Ada!
These photos are amazing and the juices sound so delicious. I’m hoping to try them one day.
xoxo,
Bianca
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Thanks so much, Bianca!
I used to juice and really loved it but I got lazy. I have a sensitive digestive system and juicing helps SO much and I do love the skin benefits 🙂
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Thank you! Really? You should get back into it asap!
I’ve always wanted to get a juicer to make fresh juices. I definitely need to find my local juice bar to try out some fresh juices. These look amazing.
Author
These juice places are popping up everywhere! Urban Juice Press is really homey and welcoming though. Really love it. Enjoy the juicing!
Juicing can definitely be amazing and I am a juice head! The photos are amazing and hopefully I will be able to visit a Urban Juice Press to sample.
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Thank you so much! Eric is a gifted photographer!
That juice looks great. I am planning on buying a juicer to get my life in order.
Author
Good girl! Try adding some ginger to your juices. Keep it extra spicy. LOL!
I love fresh juices. Ginger is my number ingredient in my juices. I purchased a juicer and use it often, I just hate cleaning up, so sometimes I prefer to grab a juice on the go. Also your photos are giving me life. I wish I was that active. 🙂
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Thank you so much, Karen! I hear ya about the clean up! I love working out…I’m usually running around everywhere which helps burn off the ice cream calories. LOL!
Girl you look incredible and I can’t wait to pop some handstand in the sun very soon!
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Haha! Thanks, girlie! LOL!
This juicing company sounds great. Couple that with a good fitness routine, and you are well on your way to a healthier life. I have a friend who suffers from Crohn’s who may be interested in this juice.
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Juicing really helped the owner with his condition! I would love it if you shared with your friend. Thank you!