Nourishing Body, Mind, and Community at Café Mila
Nestled in the heart of the vibrant neighborhood, Café Mila is more than just a cozy gathering space – it’s a hub of holistic wellbeing, where seasonal farm-to-table fare, mindful living practices, and community engagement converge to nourish both body and soul.
Farm-to-Table Freshness and Seasonal Culinary Delights
At the core of Café Mila’s ethos is a deep commitment to using only the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients. Executive Chef Shenarri Freeman, a 2x James Beard Award nominee, crafts a rotating menu of seasonal, plant-based dishes that celebrate the bounty of the region. ”Our goal is to highlight the natural flavors of the produce at its peak,” explains Chef Shenarri. “We work closely with small family farms and artisanal producers to ensure every bite is bursting with nutrients and flavor.”
Signature dishes like the Roasted Beet and Walnut Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing and the Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry showcase the team’s culinary creativity and knack for elevating plant-based cuisine. ”We’re constantly exploring new flavor combinations and techniques to make our dishes as nourishing and delightful as possible,” says Chef Shenarri. ”Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup or an invigorating superfood smoothie, we’ve got you covered.”
Mindful Living Workshops and Yoga Sessions
But Café Mila’s commitment to holistic wellness extends far beyond the plate. The café regularly hosts a variety of mindfulness-focused workshops and yoga classes, inviting the community to unwind, recharge, and cultivate greater self-awareness.
“We believe that true nourishment comes from aligning our inner and outer worlds,” explains Café Mila’s co-founder and yoga instructor, Nicole Merat. “That’s why we’ve woven mindful living practices into the very fabric of our space.”
Each morning, Mila’s airy studio space comes alive with the gentle flow of yoga practitioners, guided by Nicole’s calming presence and keen eye for alignment. “Our classes are designed to help students reconnect with their breath, tune into their bodies, and find a sense of grounding and stability – both on and off the mat,” she says.
In the evenings, the café hosts a rotating lineup of workshops on sustainable living, from urban gardening and zero-waste cooking to conscious consumerism and natural wellness. “We want to empower our community to make small, meaningful changes in their everyday lives,” notes Merat. “Whether it’s learning to compost kitchen scraps or discovering the healing power of essential oils, there’s something for everyone.”
Celebrating Local Art, Music, and Culture
But Café Mila’s commitment to community extends far beyond just wellness. The space also serves as a vibrant hub for local artists, musicians, and cultural enthusiasts, hosting a diverse array of events and collaborations.
“We see Café Mila as a gathering place where people can connect, learn, and celebrate the richness of our neighborhood,” says Jace, the café’s Director of Community & Artist Engagement. “From open mic nights and live music performances to art exhibitions and cultural workshops, there’s always something new and inspiring happening here.”
Recent highlights have included a Rangeela Dance Company showcase, featuring traditional Indian dance styles, and a special SongCatchers concert, blending Indigenous vocals and instrumentation with contemporary sounds. “It’s all about creating a space where everyone feels welcomed and empowered to explore and share their passions,” Jace adds.
And for families, Café Mila offers a delightful lineup of kid-friendly activities, from monthly storytelling sessions to family yoga classes and interactive culinary demos. “We believe that nurturing the next generation is key to building a more vibrant, connected community,” notes Merat. “That’s why we’re committed to providing enriching experiences for all ages.”
Sustainable Sourcing and Ethical Operations
Undergirding Café Mila’s holistic approach is a deep commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices. The café sources its ingredients from a carefully curated network of local, organic, and regenerative producers, ensuring that every morsel served aligns with its mission of environmental stewardship.
“We don’t just view sustainability as a box to check – it’s a core part of who we are,” says co-founder and CEO Ari Matusiak. “From our energy-efficient kitchen equipment to our zero-waste composting program, we’re constantly looking for ways to minimize our environmental impact and support a more circular economy.”
The café’s commitment to sustainability even extends to its coffee and tea offerings, with a selection of Fair Trade, organic, and small-batch brews that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of these beloved beverages. “We work closely with ethical roasters and importers to ensure our hot and cold drinks are not only delicious, but also align with our values of social and environmental responsibility,” Matusiak explains.
Empowering Changemakers Through Social Impact Intensives
But perhaps the most unique aspect of Café Mila’s holistic approach is its Social Impact Intensives – immersive, multi-day programs that blend mindfulness, activism, and community-building. Designed in collaboration with a diverse array of local and national partners, these transformative experiences invite participants to explore the intersection of personal growth, social justice, and environmental stewardship.
“We believe that true, lasting change starts within,” says Mila’s co-founder and Executive Director, Paulina. “That’s why our Social Impact Intensives are rooted in practices like yoga, meditation, and reflective journaling, as well as deep dives into the critical issues of our time.”
Recent Intensives have covered topics ranging from climate justice and food sovereignty to racial equity and LGBTQ+ advocacy, with keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and hands-on service projects that empower participants to translate their insights into tangible action.
“We’ve had everyone from seasoned activists to young changemakers come through our doors, and the transformations we’ve witnessed have been truly inspiring,” Paulina reflects. “By creating a nurturing space for self-discovery, community-building, and collective problem-solving, we’re able to help ignite the fire within each person to become the change they wish to see in the world.”
Cultivating a Culture of Belonging and Resilience
At the heart of Café Mila’s holistic approach is a steadfast commitment to fostering a culture of belonging, empowerment, and resilience – one that nourishes the body, mind, and spirit of all who enter its doors.
“We know that true wellness isn’t just about what we put in our bodies, but also how we engage with our communities and the world around us,” says Merat. “That’s why we strive to create an environment that is inclusive, supportive, and deeply connected to the rhythms of the natural world.”
Whether you’re seeking a nourishing meal, a rejuvenating yoga practice, or a transformative deep dive into social impact, Café Mila offers a sanctuary for those yearning to cultivate greater harmony, joy, and purpose in their lives. ”Our hope is that every person who walks through our doors leaves feeling more grounded, more inspired, and more empowered to create positive change,” Paulina reflects. “Because when we nourish ourselves, we can’t help but nourish the world around us.”
So why not stop by Café Mila and discover the power of holistic wellness for yourself? With its seasonal menus, mindful living workshops, and vibrant community events, this extraordinary café is sure to leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to make your mark on the world.
