At Café Mila, we’re passionate about nourishing both body and soul through our thoughtfully curated selection of seasonal fare, holistic well-being practices, and vibrant community engagement. In this article, we’ll delve into the inspiring story of Marne Lucas and her collaboration with the late photographer Chris Brunkhart, exploring how their creative vision aligns with Café Mila’s commitment to mindful living, sustainability, and the power of art to transform lives.
Fresh and Seasonal Fare
At the heart of Café Mila’s culinary philosophy is a deep respect for locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. Our rotating menus showcase the bounty of the region, highlighting the unique flavors and nutritional benefits that each season brings. From the bright, crisp vegetables of spring to the heartier, root-based dishes of winter, we strive to strike a delicate balance between satisfying cravings and nourishing the body.
Locally-Sourced Ingredients
Our chefs work closely with trusted local farmers, foragers, and artisanal producers to curate a selection of the freshest, most flavorful ingredients. Whether it’s the juicy heirloom tomatoes from the nearby organic farm or the fragrant herbs harvested from our own rooftop garden, we take pride in showcasing the best that our region has to offer.
Rotating Menus
To keep our offerings exciting and responsive to the seasons, we update our menus regularly, often weekly or even daily. This allows us to highlight the peak ripeness of produce, incorporate innovative cooking techniques, and surprise our guests with unexpected flavor combinations. By staying attuned to the rhythms of nature, we ensure that each visit to Café Mila is a unique and memorable experience.
Nutritional Balance
Beyond the exceptional taste, we place a strong emphasis on the nutritional value of our dishes. Our chefs work closely with registered dietitians to craft meals that are not only delicious but also optimally balanced in macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Whether you’re looking to nourish your body after a vigorous workout or simply indulge in a satisfying and wholesome meal, Café Mila has something to delight your palate and support your overall well-being.
Holistic Well-being Practices
At Café Mila, we believe that true nourishment goes beyond the plate. That’s why we’ve curated a diverse selection of holistic well-being practices, from mindfulness workshops to restorative yoga classes, all designed to help our guests find balance, clarity, and inner peace.
Mindfulness Workshops
Recognizing the profound benefits of mindfulness, we host a series of workshops led by experienced practitioners. These immersive sessions invite guests to explore the art of present-moment awareness, cultivating a deeper connection with their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Through guided meditations, reflective writing exercises, and group discussions, participants learn practical tools to incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives, ultimately fostering a greater sense of calm and clarity.
Restorative Yoga Classes
Complementing our mindfulness offerings, Café Mila is proud to partner with skilled yoga instructors to offer a range of restorative yoga classes. These gentle, soothing sessions focus on slow, sustained poses, deep breathing, and the use of props to facilitate a profound sense of relaxation and restoration. Whether you’re seeking to unwind after a stressful day or simply looking to deepen your practice, our restorative yoga classes provide a sanctuary for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Herbal Tea Tastings
As a hub for holistic wellness, Café Mila celebrates the power of herbal teas to nourish and rejuvenate. We invite our guests to join us for captivating tea tastings, where they can explore the rich flavors and therapeutic benefits of a curated selection of organic, ethically sourced teas. From the calming properties of chamomile to the energizing effects of yerba mate, these tastings offer a sensory journey that enlightens and delights.
Community Engagement
At the heart of Café Mila’s ethos is a deep commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. Through our collaborative art exhibits, live music performances, and neighborhood outreach initiatives, we strive to create a space where creativity, connection, and shared experiences can thrive.
Collaborative Art Exhibits
Recognizing the transformative power of art, Café Mila is proud to host a rotating series of collaborative art exhibits that showcase the work of local and visiting artists. These immersive displays not only beautify our space but also spark meaningful dialogues and inspire our guests to explore their own creative potential. Recent exhibitions have included the ethereal photography of the late Chris Brunkhart, curated by his friend and collaborator, Marne Lucas, as well as vibrant nature-inspired pieces by the late George Michael Stanley.
Live Music Performances
Café Mila is alive with the energy of live music performances, from intimate acoustic sets to captivating ensemble performances. We invite a diverse array of talented musicians to grace our stage, creating a dynamic atmosphere that encourages guests to pause, listen, and be transported by the power of melody and rhythm. These live events not only enliven our space but also provide a platform for local artists to share their craft with an appreciative audience.
Neighborhood Outreach
As an integral part of our community, Café Mila is committed to reaching beyond our walls and engaging with the broader neighborhood. Through partnerships with local schools, non-profit organizations, and community groups, we organize outreach initiatives that address pressing needs, foster connections, and inspire positive change. From hosting wellness workshops for underserved youth to collaborating on sustainability projects, we strive to be a catalyst for social impact and a beacon of compassion within our community.
Sustainable Stewardship
Café Mila’s commitment to nourishing both people and the planet is evident in our sustainable operational practices. From our eco-friendly facility to our food waste reduction initiatives, we are constantly exploring ways to minimize our environmental footprint and promote a more regenerative future.
Eco-friendly Operations
Our café was designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating energy-efficient appliances, water-saving technologies, and renewable energy sources. We’ve also implemented a robust recycling and composting program, ensuring that the vast majority of our waste is diverted from landfills and repurposed into rich soil amendments for local urban farms.
Food Waste Reduction
Reducing food waste is a cornerstone of our sustainability efforts. We work closely with our suppliers to minimize overproduction, and our chefs are skilled in utilizing every part of the ingredients to minimize waste. Additionally, any surplus food is donated to local food banks and shelters, ensuring that nourishment reaches those in need.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
Café Mila is proud to be powered by 100% renewable energy, with a combination of on-site solar panels and community-shared renewable energy projects. By investing in clean, sustainable power sources, we’re not only reducing our carbon footprint but also supporting the growth of the renewable energy sector and inspiring our community to follow suit.
As you can see, Café Mila is a vibrant hub that seamlessly blends exceptional food, holistic well-being practices, and a thriving community. At the heart of this tapestry is the inspiring story of Marne Lucas and her collaboration with photographer Chris Brunkhart, which exemplifies the power of art to transform lives and foster meaningful connections.
Through her Bardo Project, Lucas has dedicated herself to collaborating with terminally ill artists, using creativity as a form of spiritual care and helping them establish their creative legacies. Her partnership with Brunkhart, a talented photographer known for his stark, evocative snowboarding images, is a testament to the profound impact of this work.
When Brunkhart was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in 2014, Lucas became his close friend and artistic collaborator. Together, they embarked on a journey to capture Brunkhart’s final body of work – a stunning series of landscape photographs from his trip to Iceland, where he sought to learn from his idol, the late Mary Ellen Mark. Despite the challenges posed by Brunkhart’s declining health, Lucas supported him as a doula, ensuring that he could create his legacy work.
Tragically, Brunkhart passed away in 2016, just two weeks after the release of his acclaimed photography book, “Borderless Space.” However, his remarkable artistic vision lives on, and Café Mila is honored to be the first venue to showcase his “Iceland” series in his hometown of Portland, Oregon.
Marne Lucas’ work with Brunkhart and the Bardo Project exemplifies the transformative power of art, creativity, and community – values that are at the very heart of Café Mila’s ethos. By providing a platform for these poignant stories and collaborations, we hope to inspire our guests to embrace the magic of the present moment, nurture their own well-being, and find ways to leave a lasting impact on the world around them.
Whether you’re savoring a seasonal, nourishing meal, immersing yourself in a mindfulness workshop, or exploring the captivating art exhibits, Café Mila invites you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and connection. Let us be your guide as you cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty, resilience, and boundless potential that lies within each of us.
