I got Grounded in Newry

Ground·ed

 adjective \ˈgrȧun-dəd\

—used to describe a person who is sensible and has a good understanding of what is really important in life

 

When I first started going to Northern Ireland 15 years ago trying to find a cup of coffee was like trying to send a man to the moon, it was unheard of and practically impossible in this tea totaling land.  I remembering having to pack little pods of Maxwell House coffee when I traveled there and wondered how I would surive without my morning cup of joe, otherwise known to me as the nectar of the gods.  Ahh the beauty of growing up in New England. Could it be true?  Could this this American run on Dunkin?

 

For years I traveled with my pods before eventually giving way to the tea pot.  It was just then, when I was about to sacrifice those beautiful arabica beans that I found a lovely wee spot across from the bus station, down from the Canal Court hotel that had just opened.  I swear, I saw the heavens part as a glorious beam of light parted the clouds and shined brightly upon the word "Grounded."  I went in and they had coffee, expresso and lattes.  I wanted to kneel down in front of that expresso machine and offer thanks and praise for the glory of the perfect cup.  (If you think I'm being overly dramatic...you try it!  I dare you to go without coffee for two weeks, you'll be sure to encournter a serious case of the DT's.)

 

Fast forward.  I went to Newry last week and wasn't sure what to expect.  It's been about 2 or 3 years since I was there last and wasn't sure if my little slice of heaven  was still there.  So I anxiously set foot down the Dublin Road hoping, wishing and praying that Grounded was still there.  I'm pleased to say, it was and in fact it was better than ever!  As I strolled in I contained myself as a took a seat on the stormy gray colored, modern sofa all the while I was doing the happy dance, in my mind.  I sank into the comfort of the couch, a lovely girl came over with a menu and I ordered a cafe mocha. 

 

When the luxurious drink arrived, I gave thanks as I pressed the cup against my lips, slurping and savoring every sip.  Ahhhh, it was truly Happiness in a Cup! 

 

Not only does Grounded offer its customers a high quality product, they put care and love into their every cup and dish.  They offer a vast array of delightful desserts, pastries and meals.  I am a total sucker for anything that contains both mint and chocolate so here was my choice for the day and the waitress even gave me a scoop of ice cream along side of the cheesecake because she knew that I was sharing mine..  Lesson for the kids:  Be nice and learn how to share!  Maybe someday you'll get a free scoop of ice cream too. 

 

Of course no trip to Ireland would be complete without having one of these bad boys (otherwise known as a Sausage Roll) and once again Grounded did not disappoint.

 

 

Grounded has a Mission and is glad to share it with their customers:

 

 

Grounded is a great place to gather whether you're old or young:

 

 


 

Grounded is a great place to catch up with Family:

 

 (catching up with my favorite brother in law)

 

Grounded is a great place to come up with new ideas: 

I   L-O-V-E  being Grounded!

Looking around Grounded you'll see how they give back and care about issues of social justice.  Whether it's artwork on the wall that has been created by a young boy in Africa, using his mouth or their to-go cups that have messages about preventing suicide Grounded is more than a a coffee shop.  It's a place to gather, share, enjoy, create, think, laugh and love.  Grounded is an experience that I encourage everyone to have.

I went here every morning that I was in Newry and met up with friends and family.  On the final day of my journey the barrista's played a guessing game "Where I was from?"  I miss them already and can't wait until I get GROUNDED again! Until then.....I can't wait until our lips meet again.

 #mygrounded