Nourishing the Community with Good Food, Good Music and Good Vibes
Allman Brothers music is playing in the background, with alternating surfing and snowboarding movies projected on an exposed brick wall. Surfboards, guitars and mason jars filled with white lights add to the casual vibe that is California and Colorado meets South Jersey beach town.
This is Enlightened Cafe, a local organic restaurant in Ventnor City. If you’ve never been or it has been a while, it’s time to bring yourself by the Cafe and indulge.
Non-profit
100% of their profits proudly go towards funding substance abuse treatment for those who cannot afford it. At Enlightened Cafe they aren’t trying to fit into an existing restaurant business model, they are striving to create a place where the community can come together and be a part of something that is bigger than simply what is on your plates. They have the ability to combine food and music with yoga, meditation, workshops and 12-step meetings in their on-site yoga studio. The Cafe nourishes both your body and your mind.
The food
As soon as you step one foot in the door, you will likely hear Danielle making fresh juices, latte’s or smoothies to order. They recently made major changes to their menu. You can now pick from one of Chef Russell’s recommendations or create your own bowl or taco. Choose one of their delicious bases, toss in some of your favorite vegetables and add your choice of proteins ranging from marinated tofu to grass-fed southwest skirt steak or sesame crusted ahi tuna. Then, top it off with one of their homemade sauces or salsas. There are plenty of gluten-free and vegan options on the menu as well. Try one of their famous Acai bowls, avocado toast or some of their homemade baked goods – especially their chocolate chip cookies. And if you are in the mood for breakfast, stop in on the weekends for their buckwheat pancakes or cinnamon French toast smothered in fresh fruit and real maple syrup. Or perhaps an egg sandwich with homemade pork sausage.
To view the menu or order online, visit www.enlightenedcafe.org/menu.
Why organic?
The organic menu at the Cafe means first and foremost a better choice for personal and planetary health. Buying organically grown food—free of harmful chemicals, loaded with more nutrition and sustainable sustenance — is a direct vote for immediate health and the hopeful future of generations to come. And it tastes great too.
Whenever possible,Enlightened Cafe uses locally sourced vendors. Some of their produce comes from their own organic Enlightened Farm in Egg Harbor City. The meats and dairy are hormone-free and grass fed. The fish is Atlantic caught whenever possible. They spare no expense and refuse to compromise on quality when it comes to feeding their customers. Everything from the coffee cups and the other paper goods they carry are 100% biodegradable and recyclable. Their t-shirts and hoodies are from a local vendor as well. All of these efforts contribute to the growth and longevity of our local economy.
Enlightened Cafe is also a proud member of Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Friendly restaurants program, which is another way to show their deep commitment to making sustainable choices for the future of our oceans.
Events
On any given afternoon or evening you might find live music, local art or an Enlightened farm pop-up produce stand in the cafe. But it’s their open mic night on Friday evenings that draws a big crowd every week. It’s the perfect place for the entire family. And, as always, they are an alcohol-free environment.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friday Feb 21st @ 7pm – OPEN MIC NIGHT
Saturday Feb 22nd @ 7:30pm. Re-opening party. Live music with Mark Diomede and Michael Rosenow, the Juggling Suns Duo.
To view all their events, visit
www.enlightenedcafe.org/events
Enlightened Cafe is truly a unique place to visit. They have a deep-rooted passion to be a part of the community and something greater as a whole.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please call the Enlightened Solutions hotline (833) 801-5483.
