Come for the fitness, stay for the food 

I had never been inside the Blue Ash Recreation Center. For others who haven’t, let me just say I found the facility to be world class. And a state-of-the-art operation needs world class refreshment options. Café Alma’s branch inside the Blue Ash Recreation Center does exactly that.

Whether you’re working out at the crack of dawn, attending a late morning yoga class or swimming laps in the afternoon, Café Alma has food and drinks to fit your schedule and your health needs.

Bright, welcoming and oh so appetizing, this cozy, kosher café will make you feel at home. The staff is warm, friendly and welcoming, but also knowledgeable about their menu. Just a few steps past the main entrance, the café is tucked into a lobby area of the rec center, conveniently near places frequented by rec center attendees.

Here’s the problem. Café Alma has only been open in the Blue Ash Rec Center for four short months, the first food service in the rec center since the start of the pandemic. Therefore, many people don’t seem to realize it’s there. Because — the staff have assured me — those who try it out, come back for more.

Patrons of the primary Café Alma will recognize some of the menu items, like Mira’s Power Bowl, a lovely combination of lentils, sweet potato, cranberries and more, lightly accented with a golden and beetroot tahini drizzle. Another favorite — particularly from my perspective — are the homemade bagels. Choose from Everything, Sun-dried tomato or plain with several choices of spreads: cream cheese, organic mixed berry jam, hummus, Tuna salad or butter.

Another element that jumped out at me as I approached the counter for the first time were the bright orange labels of Sunergos coffee. If you are not familiar with this Louisville roasted brand, I will just say that I find it to be one of the best coffees in the midwest and perhaps my favorite of all time. I first discovered this coffee after moving to the Ohio Valley a few years ago. Ever since tasting it for the first time I have gone out of my way to find it. Unfortunately, it’s not a label common in this area. So, when I saw Sunergos coffee — both being brewed and whole beans for sale, I knew Café Alma was setting their standards high. 

The most unique of the coffee offerings is Baklavatte, latte espresso with pistachio and honey, accented with walnuts and cinnamon. But the basic latte is also quite good, and as I hope I made clear, just a simple cup of coffee will be enjoyable.

Now let’s get back to the food. If you play in an adult sports league or you workout vigorously in the morning, you do not want to follow up those activities with a heavy breakfast sandwich or a burger and fries. Of course not. What’s the point of taking care of yourself physically, if you do not combine it with a healthy diet?

Here are a few great examples of how Café Alma provides for the health conscious connoisseur. Humus & Veggie Sticks are colorful, crunchy and perfect for a post-workout pick-up. Or if you are in the mood for something a bit sweeter, but still quite good for you, try the Yogurt Parfait, featuring vanilla yogurt, fresh fruit and homemade granola.

Other Café Alma favorites include Curried Apple Quinoa, with chickpeas, granny smith apples, roasted sunflower seeds, dried cranberries and fresh herbs. Or if you just want something refreshing and simple you can try the fruit cup.

When I visited Café Alma, a new feature was prominently displayed for patrons. The Tofu Poké Bowl, with rice, garbanzo beans, tofu, beets, carrots, radishes and edamame, all lightly accented with lime and yum yum sauce. A health food fanatic’s dream come true.

So for you physically fit, health-conscious folks, who don’t believe in sacrificing great taste for health, go to the Blue Ash Recreation Center for fitness, but stay for delectable, nutritious offerings from Café Alma.

It’s the best kept secret in northern Cincinnati. Let’s work to change that.