Mornings at Mila’s

while you're still sleeping

There is always something special about waking up before everyone else. The morning silence provides a strange comfort. Followed by the first sounds of movements that start the day; shop shutters opening and the rattle of keys as they unlock doors. And there is that strange ‘bond’ when crossing paths with the early morning crowd, already hard at work, or on their way to work or working out. Knowing that each one of us conquered those difficult first minutes when the alarm sounded that morning. 

One thing for sure, is that mornings become a lot easier with the spring and summer golden sunrise. And for the team at Mila’s this does indeed help out when preparing Mila’s before the doors open. We thought we’d bring you a peak into the morning life at Mila’s.

While you’re still sleeping, Mila’s is waking up…

at 6:35!! 

Yes, that’s right, to open our doors at 8:30 for our guests, our staff arrives at 6:35.

So that we can offer you the joy of fresh croissants, pain au chocolat and our signature sweet loaves and brownies, our kitchen team starts the day preheating the oven. In the meantime, fresh produce is delivered and once checked, it’s time to peel and chop.

While the kitchen is heating up, another very important machine also needs some morning prep time.

Our espresso machine is a bit like us. If we start the day rushed, it's unlikely we’ll be at our best. The same can be said for coffee machines; it’s really important not to hurry the machine when it ‘wakes up’, and make sure the pipings, tubes and grouphead reach its optimal working temperature. This is not only important for care of the machine but it is necessary to ensure the coffee we serve is consistently at its best.

While the coffee machine is getting ready and the oven is now baking the first batch of fresh croissants, our seating space is put together. Inside, the stools and chairs are put in their place, and outside the tables and stools are carried out and set. Flowers are placed for a finishing touch, ready to put a smile to whoever takes a seat.

All of this for the excitement of serving our first morning guests.

A worthwhile early start

Working the early morning hours at Mila’s can truly be worth the ‘pain’ of the alarm clock. We love how our street showcases the incredible colour palette of morning light.

We enjoy that particular bustle of movements and sounds that only happens in the mornings, and sharing this moment along with our neighbours.

If you haven’t yet experienced the early morning in our neighbourhood, give it a try this week. Come on by and grab an early morning coffee from Carlos or Inês and grab a chair on our terrace, sit back, soak in the golden summer morning sun and watch the street come alive.  

And if it really is too early for you, we’ve got something for you.