Mosaic

Issue date: 3/2/08 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: www.blissnaturalgrocer.com Bliss Cafe

Feel good about your ecological footprint and dine in natures harmony at Newport, R.I.'s Bliss Café located on Broadway. The opportunity cost of paying a slightly higher price for the added benefits of all natural ingredients is seemingly low to one who appreciates a healthy meal.

Small signs point to a bigger picture at Bliss Café. As a person with a routine organic diet, a fetish for recycling, and an inclination to appreciate nature, I felt at home walking up the Bliss Café as two hybrid cars pulled out after me. The first sign I read "Please use a glass bowl if you are enjoying your soup here". Bliss Café is taking small steps to promote a better life for its customers, and I comply.

As I entered Bliss Natural Grocer and Café, the sound of Norah Jones on a coffee house broadcast transformed my mood to one that was far more peaceful. Despite it being a cloudy Saturday afternoon, the room was well lit by five large windows that allowed the Newport sun to continue shining on Bliss Café customers inside during the winter months.

Along the counter were dozens of pastries. Muffins, bagels, rolls, and cookies made up of multiple ingredients. The cranberry muffins glazed in white icing and seasoned with sugar looked the most appealing as the man behind the counter removed a fresh batch from the oven. A small smile stretched over my face; it was the rising steam from the muffins that added to the restaurants already sweet aura. My nose picked up traces of bread cooking in the oven and I was reminded of a bakery, yet less doughy; Spiced with green tea, and sweet berries.

Although the breakfast options were difficult to pass (one employee heavily suggested to try the Almond Encrusted Cinnamon French Toast), I decided to order a refreshing lunch at two in the afternoon. The menu offered a variety of diverse salads with ethnic twists and sandwiches with fresh meat and local vegetables. Of the many sandwiches offered, I struggled to decide between the Avocado and Feta ($8.50) and the Maple Roasted Turkey Sandwich ($7); I went with the turkey and a side of chips.

After placing my order with the cashier who genuinely seemed to enjoy her job, I sat down in a "hard to get up" chair next to a small fireplace burning in the corner of the room. There was one other customer in the room casually dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, who on occasion lifted his head from the Boston Globe to sip on his coffee serenely.

Continued...

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