LA, Art's DistrictCafe Gratitude, go plant-based in Downtown

By Caly AKA @veganfeelsgood @veganfeelsgood
9 April '18

Café Gratitude oozes positivity. Gratitude (the local name if you want to sound like an Angelino) has given all its dishes life affirming names, so when you order, you have to declare yourself elated or lucky or gracious.

If positivity isn’t your thing, then the amazing raw, plant based dishes probably will be!

This gourmet organic chain is taking LA by storm and now has six branches. I visited my favourite in Downtown’s Art’s District to soak up the cool ambience and declare myself humble! 

The setting

Close to Downtown, the Arts District used to be an industrial zone with sweatshops and factories, but now it’s home to cool coffee shops, a flourishing wall-art scene and galleries.

You can’t miss Gratitude’s entrance with its signature heart wall and wooden outside tables and terrace.

The inside is minimalist, full of light and yet cosy – giving you an instant taste of Californian style, as you walk in past the the marble bar counters and see plants hanging from the ceiling.

The little things 

One thing I really appreciate is the attention to detail. The cafe is filled with succulents, cacti and fresh flowers. Plus there’s power outlets, guest wifi and the staff are very accommodating.

Then there’s the ethos. The staff will ask if you’ve eaten at Gratitude before and, if not, will explain the philosophy behind it.

When you order, it’s like a little game- each dish is named after a self affirming adjective, and to order you have to say “I am” followed by the adjective of your dish… I have been grateful, clean, humble, connected and lucky in the past! 

The fresh juice test

The café has five cold-pressed, raw juices, five wellness shots and five superfood smoothies.

I ordered the Healthful juice a mix of pear, cucumber, spinach, celery, lime and ginger.

I like my juices with a kick and the lime and ginger combo did not disappoint. The cucumber and celery made it super hydrating too. 

What we ate 

There’s quite a large menu with starters, soups, salads, bowls, entrees, deserts and bars. The selection of six bowls are my favourites, especially the Humble.  It’s an Indian-style bowl with a red lentil dal, spinach, roasted garnet yams, coconut mint chutney, spicy tomato jam, brown rice and/or quinoa. The tomato jam is the best.

The bill :

Humble Bowl : $16.50
Healthful Juice : $10.00
+ tip

What else?

I like the fact the emphasis is on being appreciative, living in the moment and practicing gratefulness. I also like to know that I am eating at a place that is sustainable and environmentally aware.

They use recyclable straws, washable napkins and support local farmers and community through their “Sacred Commerce” approach.

What made me glow 

The chill Californian vibe, the gorgeous décor and the delicious food in one of LA’s most interesting neighbourhoods.

Café Gratitude

639 N Larchmont Blvd,
Los Angeles,
CA 90004, USA

+1 323-580-6383
@cafegratitude
visit website
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