Any good hipster town needs a hipster food joint that focuses on local or organic food. For Shepherdstown, that happens to be Mellow Moods. This cafe and juice bar has “good food” for “good thought” and “good energy.”
Located along the main drag in Shepherdstown, this cafe had its doors open on a warm spring day, welcoming all those who pass by. It looked bright and happy, so I took a step inside to look over the menu.
In February of 2006, Philip and Shanna Mastrangelo exchanged marriage vows [barefoot] at sunset on a beach in Hawaii. As they honeymooned on the rural island of Kauai, taking in sunsets from black sand beaches, exploring the earthy canyons of Waimea, discovering a surreal solitary beach on the Na Pali coast, investigating farmers markets, making friends with locals, and witnessing the simplified success of Tropical Taco. It was during one of those sunset conversations from the beach near their plantation cottage that Philip first proposed the idea of opening up a public establishment that would somehow allow them to distribute that same laid back island vibe that they could never live without again. Now, at first, Shanna didn't take the idea very seriously. "A juice bar/smoothie shop?" I mean, they dug the idea...but would enough other people feel the same? As they boarded their flights home, they took one last deep breath, taking in the overwhelming aroma of falling plumeria and they knew that one day they would share the love and energy they gathered there (ABOUT).
Fresh juices and smoothies dominated the drink menu, with additions of fresh pressed sodas, coffees, teas and things like “wheatgrass shots.” Over on the food menu, there are soups and salads (quinoa salad, apple walnut), hot sandwiches (southwestern chicken, tempeh and avocado reubens), cold sandwiches and breakfast sandwiches (egg burrito, lox sammies).
I felt like the ~thing~ to get here was the juice, so I opted for the “Mellowed Out,” which came with apple, strawberry and grape. Sounds delicious, right?
It absolutely was. I took a few sips inside while checking out the place. It’s trendy & hippie with mixed-media art and an embrace of the space’s structural elements. All underneath the “No shirt, no shoes, no problems” sign. Lots of little spaces to enjoy your freshly pressed juice and a snack.
My juice was sweet, cool and refreshing - exactly what I wanted. While it may cater to a specific crowd, I think there’s still something here for everyone.
Grade: A
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