Nourishing the Body, Mind, and Spirit
Seasonal Menus Inspired by Local Bounty
Step inside Café Mila, and you’ll be greeted by a vibrant oasis of culinary delights, wellness workshops, and artistic expression. This beloved community hub nestled in the heart of the Bishop Arts District is a beacon for those seeking to nourish their body, mind, and spirit.
At the center of Café Mila’s holistic approach is a commitment to seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. Executive Chef Shenarri Freeman, a two-time James Beard Award nominee, curates a menu that celebrates the bounty of the region. From the zesty lemongrass tofu stir-fry to the decadent sweet potato pie, each dish reflects Chef Shenarri’s dedication to plant-based, nutrient-dense cuisine.
“I believe food is a powerful tool for healing and connection,” shares Chef Shenarri. “By sourcing from local farms and artisans, we not only support our community, but also ensure the highest quality and freshness in every bite.”
Mindful Eating for Optimal Health
Café Mila’s approach to food goes beyond mere sustenance. Through their “Mindful Eating” workshops, guests are invited to explore the art of conscious consumption. Led by integrative nutritionist Mary Purdy, these sessions delve into the science behind the gut-brain connection, the importance of nutrient density, and the role of food in supporting overall wellbeing.
“When we approach eating with intention and presence, we unlock the true nourishment that food can provide,” explains Purdy. “By tuning into our senses and honoring our body’s signals, we can cultivate a profound relationship with what we consume.”
Café Mila’s commitment to mindful eating extends beyond the workshops. The café’s serene ambiance and intentionally-crafted tea blends create an environment that encourages guests to slow down, savor each bite, and connect with the present moment.
Sustainable Sourcing and Production
Café Mila’s holistic ethos extends to its operations as well. The café sources its ingredients from a network of local, sustainable farms and producers, forging deep relationships with the community. This commitment to ethical sourcing is evident in the café’s certification as a Certified B Corporation, a designation that recognizes businesses prioritizing positive social and environmental impact.
“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do,” says Café Mila’s founder, Paulina Velasco. “From our energy-efficient kitchen to our composting and recycling initiatives, we strive to minimize our ecological footprint while nourishing our guests with the finest, most responsibly-sourced ingredients.”
Cultivating Mindfulness and Wellness
Yoga and Meditation Workshops
Café Mila’s commitment to holistic wellbeing extends far beyond the culinary realm. The café has become a hub for mindfulness and self-care, offering a robust schedule of yoga and meditation workshops led by experienced instructors.
“We believe that true nourishment encompasses the body, mind, and spirit,” says Nicole Merat, the studio director. “Our yoga and meditation classes provide a space for guests to connect with their inner selves, cultivate presence, and find respite from the demands of daily life.”
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to the world of mindfulness, Café Mila’s diverse class offerings cater to all levels. From gentle hatha flows to invigorating vinyasa sessions, each class is designed to help guests deepen their practice and unlock the transformative power of yoga.
Holistic Therapies and Rejuvenation
Alongside the yoga and meditation offerings, Café Mila also hosts a variety of holistic therapies and rejuvenation experiences. Guests can indulge in soothing sound baths, restorative acupuncture treatments, and revitalizing infrared sauna sessions, all within the café’s serene and nurturing environment.
“Our holistic therapies are designed to help our guests achieve a profound state of balance and well-being,” explains Merat. “Whether you’re seeking to alleviate stress, boost your energy, or simply reconnect with your inner essence, we’ve curated a selection of transformative experiences to support your journey.”
Community Gatherings for Connection
At the heart of Café Mila’s wellness programming are the community gatherings that foster deep connections and a sense of belonging. From monthly moon ceremonies to seasonal solstice celebrations, these events create opportunities for guests to come together, share in meaningful dialogue, and celebrate their shared humanity.
“Wellness is not just about individual practices,” says Velasco. “It’s also about the power of community and the connections we cultivate with one another. Our community gatherings are a testament to the transformative power of coming together in a spirit of openness, authenticity, and mutual support.”
Artful Explorations and Cultural Immersion
Vibrant Art Exhibitions and Installations
Café Mila’s commitment to nourishing the whole person extends into the realm of artistic expression. The café’s gallery space showcases a rotating selection of captivating art exhibitions, featuring the work of local and regional artists.
“Art has the power to inspire, challenge, and uplift us,” says Erica Merritt, Café Mila’s teaching artist and mentor. “By providing a platform for diverse artistic voices, we aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the creative process and the unique perspectives that shape our community.”
From vibrant murals that adorn the café’s walls to thought-provoking sculptural installations, the art at Café Mila invites guests to engage with the world through a lens of beauty, imagination, and social consciousness.
Captivating Music Performances
Alongside the visual arts, Café Mila also celebrates the rich tapestry of musical talent that thrives within the Bishop Arts District. The café’s performance stage hosts a diverse lineup of musicians, from soulful singer-songwriters to dynamic world music ensembles.
“Music has the power to transcend boundaries and bring people together,” says Jace, Café Mila’s director of community and artist engagement. “By showcasing a wide range of musical styles and traditions, we hope to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the cultural diversity that makes our community so vibrant.”
Whether you’re immersing yourself in the rhythmic pulse of Afrobeat, the emotive melodies of folk music, or the uplifting harmonies of gospel, Café Mila’s music programming offers a truly transformative experience.
Immersive Workshops for all Ages
Beyond the art exhibitions and live music, Café Mila also hosts a series of engaging workshops that invite guests to explore their creative side. From calligraphy and ceramics classes to experimental movement and storytelling sessions, these hands-on experiences encourage participants to tap into their innate creative potential.
“We believe that creativity is not just for the ‘artists’ among us,” says Erica Merritt. “It’s a fundamental aspect of the human experience, and we all have the capacity to express ourselves in meaningful ways. Our workshops are designed to unlock that creative spark and empower our guests to embrace their unique voices and visions.”
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, Café Mila’s workshops cater to all levels of experience, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for self-discovery and artistic growth.
The Café as a Community Catalyst
Fostering Creativity and Collaboration
At the heart of Café Mila’s ethos is a deep commitment to fostering creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. The café has become a hub for local artists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to converge, share ideas, and bring their visions to life.
“We see Café Mila as more than just a place to eat and drink,” says Paulina Velasco. “It’s a platform for creativity, innovation, and social impact. By providing a space for diverse voices and perspectives to come together, we hope to spark meaningful dialogues and catalyze positive change within our community.”
Through artist residencies, panel discussions, and collaborative projects, Café Mila empowers its guests to connect with one another, exchange knowledge, and cultivate new ways of thinking and problem-solving.
Partnerships with Local Artisans
Café Mila’s dedication to community extends beyond its walls, as the café actively seeks out partnerships with local artisans, makers, and small businesses. From the handcrafted ceramics that adorn the tables to the specialty tea blends that infuse the air, every element of the Café Mila experience is imbued with the touch of local craftsmanship.
“By supporting local artisans and makers, we’re not only ensuring the highest quality and authenticity in our offerings, but also investing in the economic and cultural vibrancy of our community,” explains Velasco. “These partnerships are a testament to the power of collaboration and the ways in which we can uplift one another through conscious consumerism.”
Educational Outreach and Advocacy
Café Mila’s commitment to community extends beyond its walls, as the café actively engages in educational outreach and advocacy initiatives. Through partnerships with local schools, youth organizations, and community centers, the café offers a range of programming designed to inspire the next generation of leaders, changemakers, and creative visionaries.
“We believe that the café can be a powerful catalyst for social and environmental transformation,” says Velasco. “By sharing our knowledge, resources, and platforms, we hope to empower our community to take an active role in addressing the pressing issues of our time, from food justice to climate change to racial equity.”
Whether it’s hosting workshops on sustainable urban agriculture, collaborating with local nonprofits on food access initiatives, or leading discussions on the intersection of art, activism, and community resilience, Café Mila is committed to being a force for positive change.
As you step into the vibrant, nourishing embrace of Café Mila, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world where the boundaries between food, wellness, art, and community dissolve. This holistic hub is a testament to the power of integrating diverse passions and perspectives, creating a space where the body, mind, and spirit can all thrive in harmony. So come, explore, and discover the transformative magic that awaits at Café Mila.
