22 Sept 12th-Sept 18th, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | and modern medical practices, supports gut health. And Oyster mushrooms are said to aid cardiovascular health, and are rich in vitamins D and B. There are 10 functional mushrooms with potential to be utilized at the store, and while only four are present in current menu items, Carroll and Kneller are working to expand their offerings soon. And, the kitchen isn’t the only thing expanding. Simply Shroom Cafe is looking to franchise across neighboring states such as Nevada, California and Colorado, but eventually across the country in an aggres- sive growth model. The cafe offers free wifi, delicious food, a wide selection of beverages and options that appeal to the gluten-free, paleo, keto and vegan crowds. What to try first? Kneller suggests the egg bites. “Unlike the ones at Starbucks, we freshly prepare them and we put pesto, fresh veggies and microgreens on it. We’re always thinking nutritious, but delicious,” Kneller said. “We (also) have gourmet sandwiches, geared towards women who want something that’s yummy and flavorful.” The Maple Dijon Chicken Sandwich boasts a house-made secret recipe Maple Dijon sauce on sourdough, and the Portobello Road is a vegan, micronutrient- packed salad that’s also available as a wrap. Seasonal treats change daily, the avocado toast is freshly made and there’s a full coffee bar, which the owners promise does not taste like the “mud water” mush- room-infused cup of joe you may have tried before. With a special printer in-store, each cold brew comes complete with an inspira- tional message written on the foam, which rotates each day. Along with spritzers and boba tea, there’s a handful of smoothie options. The Blushing Beauty was inspired by the viral Hailey Bieber smoothie at Erewhon. This shroomed-up version includes a blend of strawberries, bananas, fresh dates, vanilla collagen and coconut milk, all layered with a rich strawberry sauce. As noted on the Simply Shroom Cafe website, you should always consult a healthcare professional before adding new supplements to your routine, particularly if you have a pre-existing condition or take medication. Furthermore, Simply Shroom Cafe’s claims about mushrooms and their benefits have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and none of the products are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. “At the end of the day, we’re moms, we’re consumers, we’re business people, and we really want you to have the best experience you can in our cafe, along with walking away feeling good,” Kneller says, smiling at her business partner. The shop is open daily starting at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Sundays. Follow along on the mushroom journey on Instagram, which shows off menu offerings and the adorable new space. “That’s why we have the aesthetic we have, too — we want you to feel good on the outside and on the inside,” Carroll says. “And we know that people work hard and things are expensive. So if you’re going to come and spend your money with us, we want to give you the best experience we possibly can.” Simply Shroom Cafe 7077 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale Functional mushrooms are used throughout the menu at Scottsdale’s new Simply Shroom Cafe. (Photo by Preslie Hirsch) (Photo by Preslie Hirsch) Functional Fungi from p 20
