For Approval – The Blue Lavender Revolution – Nurturing Sustainability and Eco-Living Among Miami Beach’s Bustling Scene

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‘Be kind to your mind’ is the mantra this April. Earth Month is the annual celebration of the multifaceted power of sustainability and environmentally conscious living in  our community. Nestled amidst the rambunctious and spirited energy of Collins Avenue, Blue Lavender Café & Market embraces this intonation and offers a nook of peace and serenity serving sustainably sourced food and products produced to limit negative impact on our health, environment, and future. The curated menu, décor, and ambience deviate from what most envision about Miami Beach.

Owners, Veronica and Juan D’Onofrio, are a married couple with deep roots in the city, which led to the creation of this recently launched business concept in January 2024. The D’Onofrios have owned and managed the adjacent hotel, Nassau Suites, since immigrating from Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2002. After raising kids and navigating the business landscape in Miami, the couple took a leap of faith, while redeveloping Nassau Suites, and transformed a parking garage into an inviting and open café.

Juan, an accomplished Miami Beach hotelier, humbly expressed how the couple diligently and intentionally visualized the Blue Lavender space. “We are brewing healthy emotions”, is painted on the walls of the café, setting the tone of the ambience and café character. The menu features an array of healthy and tasty options, including a majority of gluten free selections. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Juan is passionate about promoting nutrition and conscious healthy eating and appreciation for wholesome and delicious food. The D’Onofrios are proud to serve the community, whether it is residents or locals stumbling upon the café during errands or a walk or run, visitors looking for a light bite and respite, or tourist seeking something special that fits their dietary restrictions.

“The next generation is very health conscious, as are families”, Juan said. “Our kids eat everything on our menu; they could not tell the difference between a regular pasta and gluten free or vegan pasta. They just like yummy food.” We are ‘Happytarians’ – people who embrace healthy living, thinking and eating and appreciate and advocate for clean food for our  family, neighbors and community – which no doubt inspires the Blue Lavender’s  mission, vision and values.

Health and sustainability are inseparable. By providing a varied menu of healthy and clean culinary options, Blue Lavender offers a natural approach to nourish your mind and body without giving up taste. Specialty items include sugar free cookies with monk fruit. Popular all-day items include cold pressed juices, pastries, and scrumptious zucchini bread. Blue Lavender’s all day dining is robust with appetizing organic, natural and green choices, from proteins, salads, grains, teas, and spirited libations.

“The City of Miami Beach is thrilled to welcome and champion businesses with distinctive missions that distinguish them from the rest. Blue Lavender’s dedication to accommodating individuals with dietary restrictions is commendable. We take pride in being an inclusive city, offering something special for everyone,” says Rickelle Williams, Assistant City Manager.

The café brews healthy emotions with outdoor and indoor, seating that sets a light, airy and peaceful atmosphere that casts a warm and welcoming glow upon the curated space. In the heart café stands a living centerpiece, a striking tree with trunk, grounding the space and providing a visual ode to the ethos of sustainability. For delicious treats, nourishing food, and stellar service, visit Blue Lavender Café & Market located at 1414 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 where they are keeping it healthy, tasty and simple.