June 4, 2008
"Bliss" is Heaven
By Stan Dyer
I have always been fond of this cute, little café on the corner of Grandview and Webster in "Olde Town" Arvada. In the past, it appealed to the eccentric in me who is attracted to the unusual, but now they are
upping their game. Being a jazz café just a half block away from a music venue like D-Note means there is stiff competition nearby and Bliss is stepping up to the plate. To meet the challenge, Bliss is improving its menu, developing its own, separate identity, and creating just a little slice of Heaven.
Walking by the vintage storefront in a very
unlikely neighborhood, a person might not expect to find much inside. After stepping through the doors, however, you will know you are in a special place. It has the feel of a beat club from the 50's and 60's, (but with better lighting), the sense of a Bourbon Street Jazz Club and all served up with a comfortable menu of both food and beverage. I was particularly surprised at the wide variety of liquid indulgences offered. The numbers are good.
The Bliss menu lists 18 varieties of wine ranging in price from $5 per glass, or $13.00 for a bottle of Italian Chardonnay all the way up to a $38 bottle of Priorat from Spain. If you cannot decide, or you prefer, they offer three wine flights, (red, white or mixed), for $12.00. You can add a cheese flight or an anti-pasta flight for just $6 more.
If beer is more to your tastes, Bliss offers 13 beer choices, with six of them coming from right here in Colorado. For mixed drinks and shots, choose your favorites from 10 Bourbons, five varieties of Scotch, three Irish whiskies, nine Vodkas, four Gins, seven Rums, four Tequilas, three varieties of Cognac and Brandy, 13 Cordials and three desert wines. Any choice is perfect with one of five appetizers including hummus or a cheese flight. As always, Bliss still offers its famous "Bliss Mix" popcorn.
For lunch, Bliss serves from 10 a.m. to 5p.m. featuring 12 "wraps" or paninnis from $7.50 to $9.50, five salads from $4.95 to $7.95 and
Soup de Jour for $4.25 a bowl and $2.25 a cup served with bread. There are also six favorites on the Kid's menu and popcorn.
At dinner, Bliss serves up seven, traditional, "comfort" entrees featuring mac and cheese, meat loaf, pot pie and putanesco from $8.95 and topping out at $13.95 for the pork loin. There are also weekly seafood and chef's specials at market prices and four dessert choices for $5. While you are eating and drinking, get ready for the music. Bliss also serves up jazz.
Wednesdays are Live Acoustic Band nights, Thursdays are Jazz Jam Nights, (hosted by The Bliss House Band), and the weekends are reserved for booked talent. Coming up on Wednesdays are Ryan Mcpherson, Chris James and Daniel Roman. Upcoming weekend talent includes Molly Greacen, David Corubs and Chris Lee with Colleen O'Brien. Stop in to the café to find out who's playing or visit the website at
www.theblisscafe.com
Bliss is a lot like New Orleans without the mudbugs and the voodoo. It is quietly making its mark, but the secret will not last forever. Go on in, give them a look, and see if you do not discover what the rest of the Denver area is finding out. Bliss may be as close to heaven as any of us ever comes.
Bliss Café
7501 Grandview Avenue, (Corner of Grandview and Webster)
Arvada, CO 80002, (303) 423-7770
Due to Light Rail construction, take Wadsworth to 53 rd Avenue and turn west. Stay in the left lane, (the right lane must turn right at 55 th). You will be on "Olde" Wadsworth Boulevard and you will want to go to the second light past the railroad tracks at 57 th. Turn east to Webster and park in the free public parking just east of the new Library. Walk one block south to the club right on the corner and enjoy.