Dining Pick of the Week: Pura Vida Bakery & Bystro

PICK OF THE WEEK:

PURA VIDA BAKERY
& BYSTRO

1236 Western Ave., 702-722-0108

Chef Mayra makes this promise: "All menu items are certified vegan (animal-free) and made with only the freshest organic, local products in our 100 percent cruelty-free kitchen." And for two years, the chef has been keeping her promise. Everyday specials include Just Say Cheese (grilled sourdough with soy and Daiya cheeses and salad), organic house salad with dried cranberries and nuts, and empanadas with potatoes, caramelized onions, vegan meat and cheese, garlic and peppers. Among the breakfasts are organic flour pancakes topped with fresh fruit and vegan maple syrup, French toast, soy-free Dark Choco Waffle made with 70 percent fair trade organic cocoa and vegan chocolate chips, and My Love, two burritos with sun-dried tomatoes, Cuban black beans, vegan cheese, spinach, roasted garlic potatoes, avocado and peppers. One of the most popular items are the many smoothies (Berry Bliss, Chocolate Banana Dream, Almond Banana) with choice of rice, soy, hemp, almond, hazelnut or oat milk. Daily specials begin at $10 and smoothies at $5.95. Pura Vida is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. - Jack Bulavsky