September 5th, 2012 
It’s morning and the coffee is brewing at the Comfort Café. This non-profit restaurant has a big city vibe with all the comforts of home cooking. The food is completely gluten-free and cooked with care. If you are looking for a wonderful, feel-good meal in the Highlands, this is the place to go.
(Photo Credit: Sophia Ernst)
On the morning I dined at Comfort Café, I was able to pick from a wide selection of breakfast foods, choosing from the menu a tofu scramble, mashed potatoes, fruit salad and a muffin. During the wait, you can fill your cup with tea or fresh coffee, chat with the volunteer wait staff, comfortably peruse your newspaper and check out their hydroponic garden. The atmosphere was exactly as advertised: Comfortable.
This Highlands restaurant turns out some wonderful dishes. The portions are petite, however you are encouraged to get seconds. If you like your dish, you can request more and if you want to, you can try something else.
I was lucky enough to spend some time talking with Jan Bezuidenhout, the director. The concept for the café was born from her experiences in how food has the ability to bring people together. While working in hospice care, Jan noticed how people opened up when asked to tell stories about favorite recipes and the food they had shared with their loved ones. Instead of confronting people about their loss, she needed to “redefine the question” to include fond memories. Through her new approach Jan realized there was a strong connection between food and relationships. Jan wanted to create a space where anyone could share their stories over a meal regardless of ability to pay. To Jan, feeling part of a community and sharing a meal is something you just can’t put a price on.
Jan Bezuidenhout (Photo Credit: blogs.du.edu)
They have Bluegrass every Sunday from 12-2 p.m., as well as meditations on the back patio starting at 10 a.m. and lasting for an hour. All events are donation based and proceeds are given to the Comfort Café. To keep up with all their events visit their website.
If you are interested in volunteering, all you need to do is fill out an application or chat with one of the volunteer waitstaff. They have opportunities in all areas and are currently searching for a master gardener to help with their hydroponic indoor garden.
WHERE:
Comfort Café
3945 Tennyson Street
Denver, CO 80212
Ph. 303-728-9251
HOURS:
Saturdays and Sundays: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
