Welcome to Back to Basics, where we classy ladies try to establish just how basic one can be in the Orlando area. Each month, we’ll be taking on a new theme, and we’ll be searching for the best in basic trends. We’ve all heard some of the most recent popular foodie trends: charcoal, galaxy and unicorn, as well as familiar classics such as pumpkin spice and peppermint. We hope we can inspire the rest of the Nonahood to embrace their inner basic.

This month, we’re celebrating the Pantone Color of the Year: Ultraviolet Purple! This cool hue is not only becoming more prominent in high-fashion, but also in some great food and drink options in and around Lake Nona!

Place: Chibi’s Boba

Order: Taro Boba and Blueberry Coconut Boba, Taro Cake

Final Review Nicole: So, naturally, I had to add coconut into my boba because I just can’t resist. This would be the first time I’ve tried a blueberry boba tea, and I was not disappointed! The subtle sweetness of the blueberry combined with the tropical hints of coconut really transported me into the year of Ultraviolet…oh, wait, we’re already there! I tried a bit of Van’s taro boba and wasn’t a fan, but it definitely tasted like Froot Loops milk, which is why I wasn’t a fan. The taro cake was much better than the taro boba, and it was a nice snack, just like a pound cake, but purple! That’s one way to make me want to try it! Any time I see anything purple, I’m drawn to it. I can’t help it.

Final Review Vanessa: Taro boba has been my go-to boba flavor for the past two years. Though the flavor of the tea is definitely an acquired taste (think about the milk left in your cereal bowl after you eat Froot Loops), it has never steered me wrong as far as boba goes. I love the sweetness of the boba, and, of course, THE BRIGHT PURPLE COLOR! What’s not to love about a drink that is worth putting on Instagram?

The Blueberry Coconut Boba will definitely appeal more to those of you who are less interested in Froot Loops and are looking for more of a sweet and refreshing drink for the hot Florida summers. Every sip of the drink was both delightfully sweet and tangy, and I really enjoyed it.

Taste: 7/10

Aesthetic: 10/10

Environment: 9/10

Price: 7/10

Proximity to Nonahood: 8/10

Place: Canvas Market

Order: Revival Smoothie

Final Review Nicole: This smoothie consisted of plain Greek yogurt, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, banana and protein powder. There seemed to be some inconsistencies in how they were made because mine tasted MUCH better than Van’s. Overall, I liked this smoothie, but I probably wouldn’t order it again. After all, I only ended up trying this flavor one time when they were out of coconut water and coconut milk for the coconut smoothie. Any surprise there with my order?

Final Review Vanessa: Overall, I didn’t really like this smoothie. I’m not a huge fan of protein powder, and that flavor is never very pleasant to me, which is what ruined a lot of the appeal of this shake. The fruit in the drink was lovely, and I did like being able to know exactly what ingredients were in the smoothie. If I ordered it again, I would definitely swap out the protein powder for peanut butter, even if that might subdue the purple coloring a bit.

Taste: 6.5/10

Aesthetic: 10/10

Environment: 6/10

Price: 5/10

Proximity to Nonahood: 10/10

Place: Starbucks

Order: The Purple Drink

Final Review Nicole: The purple drink isn’t bad, but it’s not my favorite. It’s subtly sweet, but in my opinion, nowhere near as good as the pink drink or the ombre pink drink. I honestly think this drink was thrown together to appeal to those looking to photograph their drinks, but hey…that aspect worked.

Final Review Vanessa: Not a huge fan of this drink, either! (I’m striking out here!) It’s far too sweet for me to drink on a daily basis (I’m much more of a black coffee fan), and I don’t think the purple color is as ultraviolet as I would’ve liked it to be. I wish it had been a tad less sugary and a bit more fruity, as I think that would have improved my overall opinion of it.

Taste: 5/10

Aesthetic: 10/10

Environment: 6/10

Price: 8/10

Proximity to Nonahood: 10/10

Nicole here! Throughout this month, I learned I stand no chance against Ultraviolet Purple. In honor of the Pantone Color of the Year, I’d like to bid a farewell to my first vehicle, a 2007 Dodge Charger, which conveniently enough, is “Plum Crazy” Purple! (Notice the background of the photo of me leaning against my car.) So goodbye, Kevin…yes, his name is Kevin and I’m not ashamed. It’s been one memorable heck of a ride…a decade long ride which I wish was never-ending. Aw geez, I’m having all of the feels right about now…(End sob story).

Next month, we’ll embrace the summer heat (unfortunately, at least for Nicole) and cool down with all things boba! Yippee!