I am Gracious, Grounded, Passionate, and Cool-Cafe Gratitude |

Each day I am reminded that a vegan lifestyle is becoming more mainstream. My local Starbucks now carries green juice, not a sugary imposter, but pure cold pressed juice made from identifiable veggies.

Evolution Green Juice

Green Juice

Many restaurants are now offering a large variety of vegetarian options, no longer regulated to a cardboard processed frozen veggie burger. I am amazed at the selection and surprised at how accommodating chefs are with their vegetarian diners, some are even offering vegan, gluten free, and raw vegan items.

Cafe Gratitude

Cafe Gratitude is one of my favorite vegan restaurants. They hail from the bay area, and have made their mark in the city of vegan angels. No matter when I go, there is always a long line of LA peeps waiting for a table or a spot at the communal table. This past week I had the great fortune of dining there twice, each time equally delicious. Cafe Gratitude is 100% organic vegan, specializing in gourmet raw and cooked vegan dishes. The entrees are named for various validations, such as “I am Gracious, I am Grounded, I am Passionate, I am Cool etc., so when you order, it immediately starts the dining experience in a positive light. I am in love with “I am Passionate” a raw living soup made with heirloom tomatoes and strawberries, it sounds like an odd combination, but oh so good.

Cafe Gratitude

Parking is crazy, there are a few spots in their lot, and the rest is street meter parking with ticket hungry officers lurking waiting to give you a $53.00 parking ticket (I got one because I was not perfectly parked within the lines). Go when you have time to relax, this is not an in and out dining experience. Leave room for desserts, they are incredible. I had “I am awakening key lime pie” which was so light and creamy, full of flavor, you wonder how are these desserts are so decadent, the “real thing” wishes it was this good.