Bliss Café

By: Elizabeth Colby Wilson
Posted In: Entertainment

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.

Waiting does not seem like an issue at Bliss Café. In less than six minutes the cashier brought me over my meal. For those in a rush however, the homemade pasta salads, sandwiches, and soups are easy to wrap up and serve as a perfect option for anyone on the go. The beverages offered were pomegranate juice, Odwalla Smoothies, and organic caffeinated Japanese tea. Each option was overpriced and all natural of course. With my meal I decided to purchase “Function Water” ($3), not to be confused with normal water, this one was electrolyte enhanced.

However, those who like large portions may not find what they are looking for. Even as a person who generally enjoys smaller portion sizes, I was disappointed with the incompleteness of my meal. Shrouded by a mountain of oven baked chips, and absorbing pickle juice from the plate was the small sandwich I ordered. The Beatles “California Dreaming” played in the background as I began to eat.

Delicious! Every bite was followed by an eagerness to take another. The red onions and tarragon mayo spices raised my taste buds. The locally grown lettuce and tomatoes had an herbal zest that I only found when my grandmother used to cook with her home grown vegetables. Unfortunately, I finished my sandwich quickly. I was ready to leave in fifteen minutes.

As for claiming to be a Grocery Store, Bliss Café is lacking many essentials. As for the fresh locally grown vegetables there were only yellow peppers, zucchini, and onions. Other goods such as organic milk, multi vitamins, natural tea, and herbs were also being sold.

The available outdoor seating accommodates the increased number of customers for summer months heavy in tourism. If you have an inclination to leave downtown Thames to experience new cuisine, do not hesitate. Up Broadway you will find many cafés and restaurants whose sensual environment will relax you while dining. Although the area is less developed and lacks the wonderful aesthetics of downtown Newport, Bliss Café stands out like a diamond in the rough.

Bliss Natural Grocer & Café is located on 311 Broadway, Newport, R.I. They are open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. They can be reached at (401)-608-2322.