Photo by Alexander Balzano

By Dining Dierdree

A hidden gem is the best way to describe the Cia Cafe that is nooked at 72 Ocean Street, just a short walk away from Millcreek and Hannaford’s. Priding themselves on local made food, and local art Cia provides an eclectic and cozy alternative than your local franchise coffee shop. Not only is the food filling, but also it is delicious, and every bite makes you want more. On top of that, the prices are extremely reasonable, and one of the best deals in town include their $7.77 lunch deal, any sandwich, a bag of chips, a pickle and a drink all for less than ten dollars.

Plenty of natural light makes for easy reading, studying, and helps to showcase the wonderful local craftsmen work. A wide variety of art varying from key chains and trinkets handmade with sea glass to extremely unique and useful glasses made from old bottles are there for your purchase, making great affordable and unique options for gifts in the upcoming holiday season.

Another great staple of Cia is their middle initial, I scream you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM! Smiling Hill Farms ice cream makes for just the right amount of sweetness to get you through the rest of your day without a sugar craving. With wonderful seasonal flavors like Pumpkin, you will surely feel the crisp flavor of autumn amongst your taste buds.

The first time I visited it was on International Coffee Day, perfect time to feel out the place. I enjoyed a wonderful chicken salad wrap, with just a half of that I was already full! I was able to keep the rest for a nice snack later on in the day. I also enjoyed my favorite iced chai; the rich spiced flavor of the beverage satisfied my need for fall for sure! One of the best and most vital parts of the light that Cia brings into its customers lives on every visit is the enigmatic and energetic owner who skates as she whips up your latte and serves you your delicious breakfast sandwich on a homemade English muffin. Her passion and determination makes Cia what it is, and it shows with every bite, and every visit. With the owners mission to seek out Maine’s best coffee, ice cream, and art, the owner met up with Wicked Joe, of Brunswick Maine. Collaborating with the owner of Wicked Joe, owners of both establishments realized they were matched with passion, one for art, and one for a wicked good cup of joe. After teaming up they were able to create the taste that you are looking for.

With her passion for art the owner provides a wonderful place for local artists to showcase their work, and efficiently the exhibit changes every 8 weeks, giving regulars something new to experience, and offering new merchandise as well.

Currently they have these amazing rusty Iron Art propane tank pumpkins! Creepy and creative, these would make a great alternative to the rotting mess a real jack-o-lantern can cause! Quick, grab them before they are gone!
Want to know what’s up with Cia without stopping in? Simply check them out on Twitter, or go to their website at ciacafe.com where news is posted daily!

Looking for a wonderful place to catch coffee with your parents? Want to study where no one will bother you? Searching for that great present for someone special? I encourage all to visit Cia, at least once, and you will see as I have now on more than one occasion (I cant stay away!) that Cia holds a charm that no Starbucks can hold a flame to.
Till our next bite,