Metta is Sanskrit for selfless love. And in the case of chef, partner and Metta Café founder Akshay Soni, that love is being put into food that he creates for his customers. The café focuses on fresh and organic food, including breakfast, lunch and grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and pastries. They also offer coffee, smoothies and juices.
The breakfast options are small, including pastries and two breakfast sandwich options, including a bacon, egg and cheddar biscuit and a bratwurst roll with mustard.
“Healthy, delicious food,” exclaimed one reviewer on Facebook. “I had the best muffin and coffee this morning. The muffin was perfect, the best muffin I have ever had and still warm! I am a coffee snob and the coffee was also wonderful. Can’t wait to go back and try more. The owner is extremely kind, helpful, and friendly.”
His sandwiches are all fresh, including the bread. The “90 MILES,” for example, is made from smoked ham, mortadella, Swiss cheese, pickle, and Cuban mayo served on an artisanal loaf. The smoked turkey is dressed with avocado, tomato, pickle, cucumber, swiss, arugula and aioli on Pullman bread, also known as pain Anglais, or good old white bread. Their twist on chicken salad is the “Curry Chicken” made from humane-certified chicken, madras curry, cashews, cucumber, and romaine on Pullman bread. Vegetarians are sure to enjoy the “Mediterranean,” made from roasted zucchini, bell pepper, onion, mushroom, alfalfa, hummus, and feta on an artisanal loaf.
Other options include a classic Caesar Salad or an ever-changing Metta Bowl. Metta bowls have included dishes like Persian salmon served over quinoa and tabbouleh with potato au gratin; and chicken kebab with couscous, sautéed kale, cauliflower and Tzatziki. They also have daily specials, like Turkish Chicken Stew and Japanese Vegan Curry.
Soni serves organic coffee served hot or cold brewed, raw cold-pressed juice and smoothies. Cold pressed juice combinations include the “Gold” made from orange, carrot, and lemon juices blended with ginger and turmeric and the “Emerald” made from kale, celery, Granny Smith apples, ginger and cucumber.
The Grab-and-Go Meals have been a big hit. He always carries hummus, marinated olives, whipped feta, Chicken Waldorf and curried chicken in the case, but the meals change, including their charcuterie board.
Another reviewer said on Facebook, “I just wanted to let you know that those gourmet prepared full meals … are the DEAL! You put so much food in there it’s [two] meals for me, so I can buy three, mix and match and I’m good with nice healthy meals for the week. It’s a great thing for an old single guy that likes good food but does not have those skills. I really appreciate what you are doing… The Stir-Fried Quinoa was outrageously good… Woo hoo!”
Ashland City Vice-Mayor and Second Ward Councilman Gerald Greer is also a fan. He made a point of going to the opening of the café, and frequents the business. He loves that the café is offering different dining options for the growing community.
The oversized walnut chocolate chip cookie is a big hit with customers for dessert. He also offers chocolate croissants, mini tarts, and energy bites.
Soni was born in India and raised in England. His training is in European fine dining, but he wanted to bring something unique and meaningful to Ashland City with his café. He has given his offerings a gourmet touch, elevating the everyday sandwich and the traditional meat and three with his Metta Bowls. Using fresh and organic ingredients. Making everything from scratch.
“Metta Cafe has the absolute best and healthiest food you’ll find in all of Ashland City, Tennessee,” said a customer. “There is always something new to try with their constantly changing specials and baked goods. Everything at Metta is made from scratch with the best ingredients and plenty of love. You can tell with every bite.”
Metta Cafe is located at 101 Cumberalnd Street, 1/2 in Ashland City. They can be reached by calling (931) 237-6192.
