Smmmoooothiest

Smoothies are awesome. End of story. (Healthier alternative to addictive coffee, perfect cool-down for the tropical/humid weather we've been having, and so delish) But have you noticed that in this rip-off republic which relies heavily on non-competitive business practices, everything big or small, crap or good is priced the same? Regardless of the quality of the product? It's because they know that people have no other choice. No matter what, in the end you have to buy one of the only two varieties of everything that is available here. So even though Zumo has cornered a huge market for smoothies in most parts of Dublin (only cos they were there first), Spar have opened up their very own smoothie and juice bar called Treehouse. Now to prove my point their smoothies (just like smoothies in Zumo, Starbucks, Jump Juice Bar, etc etc) all cost €3.95. Not a cent here and there- hey Nude cafe even charges an extra 15 cent for their range (cos they're so freakin' special don't you know, although must say their Hawaiian Lust is a must).

Now which is better is largely up to personal taste buds, but I find Zumo a bit too smug for their own good. Plus most of their smoothies have a tangy/sour kick which isn't bad but I crave something more. Something sweeter. So I decided to give Treehouse a try and you know what, it's pretty good. If you're tried and bored of Zumo, you'll find Treehouse Juice and Smoothie bar a welcome change. Their smoothies are sweeter and their fruit and juice combination is a bit more inventive. Kiwiana maybe with Kiwi, banana and apple juice. Pinky, which is papaya, melon and orange juice or Juicy Goosey made of gooseberries, and apple juice. All come with frozen yoghurt and they also do a range of juices. The secret to their smoothies is simplicity. Two major fruits and one fruit juice, and vióla!

But the best of all is that Treehouse are now doing specials which means you can get their weekly flavour for only €3! Not only that but you get a loyalty card which you can get stamped every time you buy a (non-special) smoothie and when you are four stamps-full, you get one absolutely free! This automatically makes them way cheaper than Zumo.

I, however, did have one unfortunate experience with a certain Treehouse smoothie, which I'll put down to the certain branch that was serving it, ahem. I won't say where. Let's just say all is forgiven.