I fell in love once, several years ago in a state far away, not with a woman but with a smoothie. A perfect blend of strawberries, bananas, and artificial ice cream, my smoothie had such rich texture, such timeless taste, I still can't get it out of my mind. It was love at first suck, and in many ways my life since then has just been one attempt after another to find another one like it. I still haven't, but I came closer than ever before at Fresh Choice. These smoothies are about as good as any you will find. Name your own ingredients or choose one of the six pre-designed recipes, but whatever you do, you can't go wrong.

Fresh Choice goes beyond merely what you can pull through a straw. Baked subs and soups are as fresh as the jungle after rainy season, and salad eaters have a small handful of choices as well. None of the options will suck a huge whole in the wallet, either. A sub with a 24-ounce smoothie for dessert will clock in at around $11.

Centerstage Reviewer: Patrick Corcoran