What Are You Grateful For?
I had no idea I was such a wonderful person. Just over lunch today, I learned that apparently:
* I Am Elated
* I Am Bueno
* I Am Ravishing
* I Am Awesome
* I Am Awakening
* I Am The Top
Next time I may be Adoring or perhaps Lovely, Pleased, and Smooth. OK, stop scratching your head, dear reader. I will explain...
In my attempt to gain 25 pounds in my 25 days here in the great state of California I am trying every vegan-friendly eating establishment I can find. Today I made my maiden voyage (well, it was just a ride on MUNI) to
Café Gratitude in San Francisco. It is a raw organic vegan restaurant that screams hippy California. Upon entering, I was immediately informed by a placard on the wall that "Abundance can be had simply by consciously receiving what already has been given." I was seated at a gloriously sun-lit table in the back garden by the multi-pierced hostess who thought it was "totally cool" that I wanted to dine outside. She provided me with a water carafe with the word "Trust" etched on its side and a hemp napkin to keep the organic crumbs from sullying my lap. As I sat and observed my surroundings complete with inspirational drawings and statements in bright colors, I heard the tinkling of the stained glass wind chime blowing in the breeze. That same breeze seemed to whisper to me "Welcome Home."
Now, what's with all that self-glorification at the beginning of this review? Well, Café Gratitude's menu items are all given self-affirming names like the "I Am Luscious" chocolate smoothie and the "I Am Generous" guacamole. So my accolades to myself translate to an enchilada with a spinach tortilla accompanied with cashew sour cream and salsa verde and a slice of key lime pie topped with meringue. But isn't Café Gratitude's method so much more appealing? More restaurants should adopt this nomenclature, imo. I think a lot of marital spats could be avoided by ordering Endive Boats Stuffed with Marinated Mushrooms before an impending visit of the in-laws. In Café Gratitude's world that dish is "I Am Welcoming."
Lest you think that this place is filled with nothing but tree-hugging, tie-dye wearing,
peace and love freaks, fear not. These freaks have a sense of humor too. While I was waiting to use the facilities, I noticed that on the door read the affirmation, "I Am A Washroom." Tee-hee!
In addition to being ravishing and awesome, etc., I Am also $45 in the Hole after paying for my meal and my purchase of the
I Am Grateful recipe book! I’ve got a big birthday right around the corner, so I figured it would do me well to make as much "I Am Youthful" nut and seed milk as possible!
* Café Gratitude has other locations in the Bay Area and is soon expanding to LA!