As I settle into my cozy corner of the café, the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, instantly invigorating my senses. I can’t help but marvel at the journey this captivating beverage has taken to reach my cup – from the meticulously tended coffee plants, to the skilled hands of the roasters, and now, the careful preparation by the barista. It’s a testament to the power of intention and mindfulness that can transform a simple cup of coffee into a truly remarkable experience.
My love affair with coffee began years ago, but it wasn’t until I stumbled upon the Blank Page Café in Vermont that I truly understood the magic that can happen when you approach this beloved drink with reverence and purpose. The founder, Mike Proia, has built an oasis of calm amidst the bustling farm stand, where he’s redefining the way we think about coffee, food, and community.
Cultivating a Mindful Approach
As I sip my Brio Coffeeworks Ethiopia Ardi, I’m struck by the depth of flavor and the subtle interplay of notes that dance across my palate. But what truly sets this experience apart is the intentionality that goes into every aspect of the process. Mike’s approach to coffee is rooted in a deep respect for the origins of this beloved beverage and a steadfast commitment to honoring the hard work of the farmers and roasters who have brought it to life.
Blank Page Café is not your typical specialty coffee shop. Instead of the usual espresso-based drinks, Mike has chosen to focus on “performance coffees” – small-batch drip brews that showcase the unique characteristics of each origin. By eschewing the traditional espresso machine, he’s able to maintain the integrity of the bean and create a truly immersive coffee experience for his customers.
But it’s not just the coffee preparation that sets Blank Page apart; it’s the way Mike has woven mindfulness and sustainability into every aspect of his business. From sourcing locally grown and regeneratively-farmed ingredients for his grain-free, dairy-free treats to collaborating closely with Bread and Butter Farm to align his menu with the farm’s seasonal bounty, he’s created a synergy that nourishes both the body and the soul.
Embracing the Blank Page
As I delve deeper into Mike’s story, I’m struck by the personal journey that led him to this point. After a successful career in finance, he found himself at a crossroads, grappling with a growing unease about the pursuit of wealth and status. It was during his time as a student in the University of Vermont Farmer Training program that the seeds of Blank Page Café were first sown.
“It was here where a friend, fellow farmer, and mentor provided me with my first tangible inspiration for Blank Page Café,” Mike shares. “During my last day at the institute, my mentor wrote me a note on the blank inside torn-out cover page of a novel written by Vermonter Ben Hewitt called ‘A Town That Food Saved.’ Accompanying the inspirational words in that note was a $200 check – my official first investor.”
The name “Blank Page” has become a guiding ethos for Mike, embodying an approach to life characterized by embracing the possibility within uncertainty and crafting a narrative that is adventurous and unpredictable. It’s a refreshing perspective in a world that often values certainty and predictability above all else.
Elevating the Coffee Experience
As I delve deeper into the Blank Page Café story, I’m struck by the attention to detail that permeates every aspect of the business. From the thoughtful curation of coffee roasters like Brio Coffeeworks, to the meticulous preparation of each cup, it’s clear that Mike is driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence.
One of the unique features of Blank Page Café is the way Mike has incorporated 100% grass-fed, local butter into his “performance coffees.” By blending the rich, creamy butter with high-quality MCT oil, grass-fed collagen, and a touch of maple syrup, he’s created a “super drink” that not only delivers a potent caffeine boost, but also nourishes the body with a lineup of beneficial fats and nutrients.
“Grass-fed butter is the food of the gods,” Mike enthuses. “By adding it to hot coffee, in addition to MCT oil, we’re enhancing the already powerful inherent benefits of coffee by combining it with high-quality, efficient-burning healthy fats, thus resulting in a more slow-release caffeine effect.”
It’s this level of attention to detail and a deep understanding of the science behind coffee’s properties that sets Blank Page Café apart. Mike isn’t just serving a cup of coffee; he’s creating a sensory experience that engages the mind, body, and soul.
Fostering Community and Wellness
But Blank Page Café is more than just a coffee shop – it’s a hub of community, wellness, and sustainable living. Mike’s commitment to sourcing local, regeneratively-farmed ingredients extends beyond the café, with regular collaborations with Bread and Butter Farm to host events and educational programs that connect customers with the origins of their food.
“One of our collective goals is to get our customers and community to engage with all aspects of the farm,” Mike explains. “Regularly, I have customers who come to the café and, in addition to ordering a butter coffee, they pick up their CSA share, do their weekly shopping in our farm store, and visit the animals. It’s a total experience that I see resonating with people.”
By creating this holistic, farm-to-table experience, Mike is not only supporting local agriculture but also fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the efforts that go into bringing our food to the table. It’s a philosophy that aligns perfectly with his own personal journey, which has been shaped by the principles of the Paleo diet and a growing interest in regenerative farming.
“Discovering the Paleo diet enabled me to examine human health and wellness through an evolutionary biology lens,” Mike shares. “It forced me to question conventional paradigms, experiment in new ways with food and fitness, and it opened my mind to alternative approaches to what constitutes a healthy lifestyle.”
Crafting the Ultimate Cup of Coffee
As I prepare to leave Blank Page Café, I can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and inspiration. Mike’s approach to coffee has not only transformed my understanding of this beloved beverage but has also reignited my passion for mindful living and sustainable practices.
In a world where coffee is often treated as a mere commodity, Blank Page Café stands as a beacon of what’s possible when we approach it with intention, reverence, and a deep respect for the people and processes that bring it to life. By embracing the “blank page” and crafting a narrative that is uniquely his own, Mike has created a space where the simple act of enjoying a cup of coffee becomes a profound and transformative experience.
As I step out into the crisp Vermont air, I know that my visit to Blank Page Café will forever shape the way I approach not just coffee, but all aspects of my life. It’s a reminder that when we approach our passions with intention and a commitment to excellence, the possibilities are truly endless. So, I encourage you to join me on this journey of discovery, and let’s explore the depths of what a truly mindful cup of coffee can offer.
Sips Coffee House is proud to be a part of this movement towards intentional, sustainable, and community-driven coffee experiences. We invite you to visit us and explore the magic that can happen when coffee is approached with the same level of care and reverence as the one I’ve discovered at Blank Page Café.
