Los Angeles is home to some of the healthiest restaurants in the United States AND, lucky for me, also home to some of the best Mexican restaurants. This combination is funny since the two categories typically don’t go hand in hand… until now. Gracias Madre, located in West Hollywood, is the sister restaurant to vegan hotspot Cafe Gratitude, and it successfully merges the two distinct categories. The restaurant brings healthy foodies a rare and delicious taste of Mexican-fare… and one meal at Gracias Madre had me sold and calling friends both near and far to tell them about my new restaurant crush…
Gracias Madre is similar to Cafe Gratitude in that it focuses on healthy foods in a trendy atmosphere. The popular West Hollywood hotspot, however, establishes its individuality by serving a more focused menu with even bigger flavors. Gracias Madre is also very NOBREAD friendly- most everything on the menu is gluten free! The corn chips with guacamole are not to be missed; the chips are served fresh and salty with a generous amount of guac. First off, the gorditas, which are
potato-masa cakes with warm salsa verde, avocado and a cashew crema, showcase Gracias Madre’s ability to pack in bold Mexican flavors into a healthy vegan and gluten free dish. The flautas de camote- two rolled tacos filled with sweet potatoes and caramelized onions, and topped with pico de gallo, guacamole and cashew nacho cheese- provide a comforting bite with a fun crunch. The Bowl Tres with quinoa, kale, roasted squash, pesto cashew creme, white beans, peppers and onions, is hearty yet filled with good-for-you ingredients that will leave you, well, feeling really good. My table also ordered the flash-fried cauliflower (GM’s signature dish), the butternut squash quesadillas (how often do you come across a GF and DF quesadilla??) and the Madre’s chopped salad… all were AMAZING.
If you are hoping to save a few bucks, come by for Happy Hour! GM’s famous, innovative drinks and small plates are offered at lower prices and are not to be missed. Gracias Madre does the impossible and provides diners with delicious, Mexican plates while leaving you full… but a healthy full! With a menu full of gluten free, vegan and plant based choices, all dietary restrictions are accommodated. Servers are also happy to make substitutions and modifications to your meal so that your dietary needs are satisfied. Gracias Madre is perfect for your next lunch or dinner with the girls… and perfect for the guys too! They won’t even know that they’re eating vegan.