“What do you want to be doing with your life in 5 years?” That is the question our server at Café Gratitude asked my friends and I after taking our orders. The question was meant to start a conversation, and each day the question asked is different. Questions are just part of why Café Gratitude stands out from other restaurants and is known by all as an optimistic, health-food sanctuary. Plates are printed with the question, “What are you grateful for?” and positive mantras decorate the walls, showing how Café Gratitude not only promotes healthy eating, but health for the entire body and soul…
Unlike most restaurants where you order the “egg sandwich” or “pancakes,” menu options at Cafe Gratitude are named with words that suggest positivity, like “trusting” and “elated.” The 100% organic menu is plant-based and vegan, and everything that is gluten free (which is most of the menu) is clearly indicated. If you want something nourishing and filling, order “I am Humble,” an Indian curry bowl with red lentil dal, spinach, roasted yams, mint chutney, and quinoa. The salad selection is anything but boring; the “I am Gracious” salad with sundried tomato pistachio pesto, butternut squash, olives, crumbled cashew feta, chickpeas, garlic almonds, brazil nut parmesan, golden balsamic reduction, and sprouted probiotic brown rice is amazing. Café Gratitude also has completely raw dishes, such as my all-time favorite “I am Terrific.” This pad-thai dish is made with marinated kelp noodles, which are surprisingly delicious. The drink menu is also impressive, featuring wine, beer, cocktails, coffee, tea, smoothies and pressed juices. I am a huge fan of their spritzers, especially the “Elevated” which is made with rose water, lemon juice, agave, sparkling water, and a splash of beet juice.
Patrons who support Café Gratitude do so for their amazing plant-based, vegan food and for their warm and inviting, “zen” atmosphere. Gratitude takes an optimistic approach to the dining experience; beyond serving nutritious food, they promote stimulating conversation. Café Gratitude, in Venice, Downtown, or near Melrose, is the perfect destination for those who value a healthy mind, body, spirit experience, and amazing healthy and delicious food!