But four.
Look's like Jake was not a twosome but a foursome at the table. Friends hanging out.It was more of a guys afternoon, with Rashida being outnumbered 3-1 at the table and 4-1 if you include that happy not seen for a while Atti.
Jake's been a fan of Cafe Gratitude first up in the Bay Area and then when they opened a location in LA. So what is it that makes Gratitude different than some of Jake's favorites such as Urth Cafe, or M Cafe? Might be Gratitude's attitude. It's "sunshine and rainbows" according to the NY Times.And the LA Times puts it this way: "After several weeks of dining at Café Gratitude, one might find oneself Vibrant, Grounded, Whole, Loved, Magical, Precious and Cozy, but never Hung Over, Angry, Jealous, Hurt or Sorry. In fact, the restaurant is so uniformly bright and cheery that it borders on pathological. Think Disneyland gone vegan, sans the heartland tourists wearing fanny packs."
The menu is partly raw, and partly cooked. Everything is 100% organic and vegan.The restaurant is all about the experience of positivity and affirmations and to those sharing the experience. The cover of the menu reads: “We invite you to step inside and enjoy being someone who chooses: loving your life, adoring yourself, accepting the world, being generous and grateful everyday, and experiencing being provided for.”
Starting out the meal the server asks "Today's Question", which could be something like “What do you love to give?” and the good vibe time continues to the menu with dishes such as I Am Thriving (butternut squash chipotle soup), I Am Elated (enchiladas), I Am Transformed (corn tacos) and I Am Extraordinary ("BLT" sandwich). When served,the meal is now not an "I am" but a "You are" as in, the server saying "You are Extraordinary" as it is place in front of you.
The flower child vibe feeling is throughout the restaurant, because when even toilet seats are called awesome covers, it's edging on trippy.
But don't look for bacon in that BLT, but sautéed maple coconut instead.And then dessert. With such choices as I am Magnificent (Chocolate Mousse), I am Irrestibile (Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie), I am Awakening (Creamy avocado- key lime custard torte), I am Bliss (Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Torte), I am Cherished (seasonal pie) to name a few.
Seeing Jake , Rashida and Mr. Denim go spoons in, and knowing Jake you wonder if they are splitting the"I am Adoring" (Tiramisu) as their dessert.
If you bring your own bowl to Cafe Gratitude, they will give you a discount on your entree.And Atti? The pet friendly place comps Atti's bowl of water.
Even paying your bill is a bit different at Gratitude, as in giving an affirmation to say to bring positive energy for the rest of the day.
One thing you wonder if Gratitude ever put "I am Toothy" (maybe a caramel nut torte) would Jake order it? Just for that cheeky grin Jake would get when they served it ... "You are Toothy".Austin? He would be about the hot sauce.
Or doing his best Stuart SmalleyPhotos: IHJ, Food Buff, JasonWrobel