Grytre enters a room with the grace of butterfly, moving fast and lightly, looking for a little adventure. She seeks out only the best things in life; a delectable lunch, a really great cocktail, and a relaxing environment in which to spend some time with friends.

Juniper and Olive Bistro in downtown Jewell reflects Gryte’s eclectic and jubilant lifestyle. The Nevada native recently opened the bistro to rave reviews, offering small plates and big times. One step in the door reveals this is no ordinary cafe. Brilliant whites and golds, mirrors of every size and shape, seating that ranges from simple benches to overstuffed chairs and an inviting sofa invite all to linger awhile as they reconnect with the best things in life.

“When people walk in I want them to feel transported, taken out of their everyday lives into this fun, inviting place to have cocktails, hang out with friends, and talk about life,” Gryte says.

With music playing low enough to have real conversations, there is a vibe here that is part 1920s speakeasy, part 1940s jazz club, and all about helping people connect with one another.

“People are always so interesting to me,” Gryte says. She floats from table to table, making guests feel like old friends.

Guests can choose from a menu with offerings ranging from chicken salad tartine, with smoky bacon and dried cranberries on “little toasts,” to portobello spinach, turkey, chicken salad and charcuterie boards of fine cheeses and more. Desserts are a very popular part of the menu. The carrot cake, from a local baker, has already become a legend. Indeed, sourcing local is one of Gryte’s main goals.

“We have so much talent in this community,” she says. “The whole point of opening Juniper and Olive was to showcase my favorite things and to showcase as many local talents as possible.”

While cocktails are a favorite, there is really something for everyone to drink, including lattes, espresso, and even soft drinks. Juniper and Olive may have a New York feel, but it’s well suited to an Iowa palate.

In many ways, bridging Iowa to New York and all parts in between in just another step in Gryte’s life journey.

“I’ve always had the travel bug,” Gryte says. “I studied in London, studied in New York, lived in New York for a few years. It gave me a wonderful spirit of cocktailing, girls’ lunches, and get-togethers.”

She’s worked in cocktail lounges, has served as a marketing director, and travelled the road with Coyote Ugly. She’s even authored a book, “Heavy on the Vodka and a Little Bit Dirty,” which is available on Amazon. Along with her partner in life, Josh Shockey, the couple lived in Austin for a few years and even took a long road trip across the United States.

“We went on this wonderful RV trip across the U.S. I ran around Europe and then realized just how beautiful and awesome the States are,” she says happily.

They followed an almost figure-eight across the United States for several months and then, having seen so much of the world, came home to central Iowa, and found a new dream in Jewell.

“We visited Jewell and the shop owners and the people here are just as special and supportive as they can be,” Gryte says. “Everyone has made us feel welcome and we are excited about that.”

Gryte is grateful to the community and the old friends who helped lend a hand to transform an old building into Juniper and Olive, a place where the journeys of a lifetime can be chatted about over mimosa and chicken salad.

“I had wonderful friends from school and even some teachers and coaches who came and painted,” she recalls. “They came up with so many wonderful ideas.”

She is still in the process of expanding, making room for more guests and will be selling vintage decor along with locally-sourced small batch food and drink items.

Gryte invites all to come for a good time, be transported, and relax among the fine things she has learned and experienced in a life built on finding joy in every day.

Juniper and Olive is open Saturday and Sunday, 11 am. to 4 p.m., along with special events as seen on their website and Facebook page. The bistro is also available for private parties and events.