Slims Pickins: Tonic to me, tonic to you

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

By Tyler Alford

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-Last week, I pushed myself a little too hard. The many invitations to late-night bar-hop and celebrate the exit-week of a good friend had compounded with one of the busiest tourism weeks that Jackson has ever seen, and by Sunday morning, I was totally drained with three more double shifts to finish before a full day of rest.

I remembered though, that the last time I was incredibly hungover from a “Stein Night” at the Brew Pub I visited the Jackson Whole Grocer Tonic Bar for a remedy. The hydrating and electrolyte packed Hangover Helper juice worked a miracle in restoring my balance just in time for yet another long day of work.

This time, I hadn’t over-imbibed, but just worked too much, and was feeling the sore and foggy-headed effects of exhaustion. So, I dragged my limp and lifeless skinny jeans to the edge of the Tonic Bar, where I was greeted by the energetic and friendly face of a good friend, Piper, who was coming off a relay run event which made me feel even less active and able.

I explained my condition to Piper (too much physical work and lack of sleep) and she immediately had a recommendation: “Little Miss Sunshine!”
At first, I thought she was joking, making fun of my complaining attitude and lack of rays of exuberant energy, but no. She pointed to a smoothie on the creamy tonics menu that dialed in all the necessary remedies for what was ailing me.
By the time she reached “mango...” on the list of ingredients that also included Dragon Lady Green Tea and all-natural yogurt, I was sold. My allergies had been bothering me a bit so I asked for a bee pollen supplement to help with those symptoms as well.

Piper and I continued to chat and catch up as people came and went ordering ice cream and filling their water bottles with filtered and purified water. I slowly sucked down my Little Miss Sunshine feeling a bit better and more energized with each sip. By the time I left, I was ready to take on another evening of work.

As the Jackson Whole Grocer continues to grow and take on new and interesting challenges, it’s easy to see how it became so successful. With interesting and friendly people operating the counters and wholesome, spirit-mending ingredients for sale, you can quickly become sucked into the program.

Innovative growing techniques on the horizon, coupled with a community building People’s Market during the week, indicates that the Whole Grocer is in it for the long haul. Creamy tonics like Little Miss Sunshine show that it is going to be a tasty ride, even if you have to jump in a little hungover or sore. JHW

Jackson Whole Grocer is located at 974 W. Broadway. Tonics are $5-$10. 733-0450; or order tonics online at www.jacksonwholegrocer.com

photo by MARY GROSSMAN
Piper Worthington prepares a juice tonic at Jackson Whole Grocer’s tonic bar.

PERMALINK:
Slims Pickins: Tonic to me, tonic to you | Planet JH News Article: Restaurants And Dining

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