Rating
5.0

Located on the east side of town, the Mayan Magic Global Raw Cacao Cafe is small and quaint, embracing positive energies and a welcoming community environment for people to congregate.

Upon stepping into the cafe and removing my shoes, I had no idea what I was in for. Mayan Magic requires patrons to turn off their cell phones and refrain from using laptops while inside.

With the room engulfed in green potted plants, Mayan-themed murals splashed across the walls, and the combined sound of trickling water and softly playing music, the atmosphere felt calming.

“Mayan Magic Global Raw Cacao Cafe is small and quaint, embracing positive energies.“ Jacki Philleo / The Lumberjack

Amita, the owner of the cafe and chef of the cacao creations, greeted me and my boyfriend in a warm and soothing manner synonymous with the environment. She explained what the cafe offered — cacao, a healing and antioxidant chocolate from the rainforest — and proceeded to grab us a sample.

As we waited, our eyes wandered the earth-toned room, shaded in hues of teal, brown, yellow and green. Photos, oils made from 800-year-old Juniper trees and cacao beans were all on display and for sale.

Amita came back promptly with two tiny spoons, each carrying a small amount of melted cacao. She instructed us to put the cacao in our mouths and eat it slowly, cautioning we would instantly feel a tingling sensation throughout our bodies. And she was right.

The cacao had a thick consistency and a bitter chocolate taste, but the effects of its consumption were incredibly jolting — almost as if I just drank five cups of coffee, or as if someone just slapped me clear across the face — I felt awake, and all of my energy was fully restored.

I was instantly curious to try more cacao, so I ordered cacao bananas, which comes with apples, raw hemp seeds, organic cinnamon, and your choice of cashews, walnuts or almonds drenched with Himalayan honey. I chose the cashews.

Aside from the cacao banana bowl, Mayan Magic also offers seven different cacao bars, raw organic salads, teas and cacao fondue.

When Amita brought us the bowl, she described the cacao-making process, explaining that it takes two to three days to make the cacao creations.

She also stressed the importance of not throwing away any food; the customers are always encouraged to take leftovers home with them to enjoy later. Amita also refused to waste paper; customers write their orders on chalk boards.

The first bite of the cacao bananas was what I expected: It tasted like apples and bananas drenched in melted cacao. Although the sensation was overwhelming at first, I instinctively kept devouring the fruit. Two to three bites deep, my body’s first reaction was to laugh hysterically, but I held it back as best as I could.

I instantly felt elated, my spirit lifted; I couldn’t keep a smile off my face. Amita said this bean would open up our chests and release stress and negative energy, and she was right.

For about $7, the experience was worth it. I’ll be frequenting this cafe as often as I can.