You are Extraordinary

Dear Reader,

The other day I had my first vegan meal at a place called Cafe Gratitude, a small food chain based in California. We got the recommendation to check out their first Non-Californian restaurant from my cousin's boyfriend who just started working there. Before I even get into the food, I have to mention how it seems to be a very....different place to begin with. Apparently the job application there focuses less on past work history or qualifications and more on in-depth philosophical questions that require a long answers. A few examples were "What do you believe is your greatest accomplishment in life?" and "What is your greatest regret?". Furthermore, there is a question of the day that you must discuss with both your co-workers in depth and also possibly with your customers. The day I went the discussion question was "What have you given up today?" My answer was apprehension, since I was letting go of any inhibitions and trying something new.

All menu items are 100% organic and vegan from the juices and tonics to all of the main courses. Each item was also called "I am...." and fill in the blank which was then repeated to you when you got your food served. It was nice to hear someone say "You are Extraordinary" right before you eat. I got "I am fortified" which was a mixture of seasonal vegetables with a sesame-ginger sauce over quinoa which I washed down with "I am...." well I don't really remember but it was some mixture of different teas.  Overall the food was very good, but I think my body has become to accustomed to having salad before my main meal because I was extremely hungry after leaving the place. I wrote in a past blog that I wold like to try going vegetarian for a week, but I 'm starting to worry I'm not make it alive lol.

The one thing that I particularly liked about the restaurant was this one dish they had called "I am grateful" which is referred to as their "community grain bowl." It is paid for entirely by donation so you can go in with only a dollar and still receive this dish which is equal to any other item on the menu. There is a suggested donation of $7 for yourself and $14 to support the meal of someone else. It's a really nice idea that I wish was implemented in more places in the US.

Anyways, I better start searching the web for some filling vegetarian recipes. Any suggestions?

- Gonzalo  

Cafe Gratitude

I AM FORTIFIED!

Yum :D

OK.....now what?