By: Maggie Johnston | Guest Writer
The aromas of Peruvian, French, Ethiopian, and even Aquidneck blends of coffee are noticeably fragrant before even entering Harvest Newport and The Coffee Guy, where Thames Street meets Carroll Avenue. Harvest Newport, otherwise known as Harvest Market, greets customers with their friendliest foot forward. During mornings, their orange chickens saunter around Harvest’s lot space and welcome the customer before they can even enter the tan building. Helen, one of the baristas at The Coffee Guy, remembers regulars by name and has my cold brew ready before I can even point my phone for a contactless transaction (yes, they take Apple Pay, too). All of the workers wear smiles or at least a “smize” through the masks and plexiglass, and it’s hard not to with the positive ambiance. Upbeat music of all types blast through the speakers: alternative, indie, acoustic versions to popular songs, sometimes even classics. The inviting, communal space also includes being pet-friendly! The owner’s dog, a mix named Asten and later dubbed “Bean,” roams freely throughout the gallery, which is updated regularly to showcase local artisans.
Tape carefully marks six feet from one another, forming an orderly line for the hungry Harvest customers. It’s fast-paced, yet never rushed. In fact, ushers are often required to keep the flow moving to accommodate for the new COVID capacities in the prior summer months. But in September, it’s relaxed and allows time to glance over the fresh market options. Local products like Chip’s Wildflower honey, Kassumay jams, and Rhed’s hot sauces coexist with produce from Rhode Island farms on a display near the entrance.
Visiting throughout the summer and into the fall have made it clear that there’s something for everyone at Harvest Newport and The Coffee Guy. A variety of coffee blends are ready to purchase, whether it’s by the pound or cup. Blends from different places (Ethiopia, Wickford, Colombia, Peru, Guatemala) aren’t the only options. Their delicious cold brew and decaf options are also available to purchase at roughly $16 per pound and under $5 a cup. Bagels, baked fresh from Bagel Boys in Middletown, are large and fluffy—this, coming from a New Yorker—and are ideal bread choices for their breakfast sandwiches. The Rose Island, Ruggles, Cliff Walk, and St. Augustin retail at roughly $8 a sandwich and are worth every penny. Vegetarian? No worries. You can substitute the bacon on any of them for veggie sausage. And vegans? Their acai is a flavorful sorbet-based blend with endless toppings: nearly any kind of berry, coconut, banana, and even balls of dark chocolate-covered acai all make great choices.
Harvest Newport and The Coffee Guy are located at 7 Carroll Ave in Newport and are open Monday – Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. They can be contacted via e-mail through their website, www.harvestnewport.com.
Photos by Maggie Johnston
