Mile High Café reopens after two years

The sign went up last week; Alpaca’s is once again the Mile High Café. Monday, Feb. 5 was the first day open under the new (old) name.

After a well-earned, two-year break, Mile High founder Nam Park is “happy to come back.” Nam managed the restaurant for 14 years before “retiring” and leaving her son Jason in charge. The space was completely remodeled, and diners found many new items on the menu.

During Nam’s hiatus, she traveled to Morocco and Korea and volunteered “in town.” Her activities included playing piano at the Idyllwild Community Church, working at its thrift store and joining the board of the Associates of Idyllwild Arts Foundation.

When asked what she missed about being the face, heart and brains of Mile High, she answered quickly, “I missed the people. I cannot just be home alone. I missed a lot of friends, connections. I’m happy talking with people.”

A number of the specialties that built the restaurant’s following have reappeared: Bibimbap, Bulgogi and Chicken on Fire. These join the innovations that customers of Alpaca’s have come to count on, like its “Grab and Go” breakfast burritos.

Alpaca’s Coffee and Tea is still going strong, and Jason and the staff are still providing high-end coffee, loose-leaf tea, boba and baked goods. He has a few new drinks in mind for summer, and looks forward to making locals and visitors alike comfortable. “I’m looking forward to Mile High being back, working as a collaboration together.”

Mile High is open for breakfast and lunch now, but is looking forward to opening for dinner again. Jason tells us that Nam will be hanging works by local artists, and Alpaca’s is always looking for local vendors to partner with.