Do you take the time to acknowledge all you should be grateful for? Probably not if you’re British, where the national pastime is silently complaining to yourself about everything and everyone. That and discussing the weather. But this is California we’re talking about, and the folks out west can feel particularly thankful for the overwhelmingly positive vibes of Café Gratitude, which has just opened a new Downtown branch on Santa Fe Avenue, Los Angeles.
First and foremost, Café Gratitude is concerned with treating its ingredients right. The goodness flowing forth from the kitchens of exec chef Dreux Ellis is of the 100% organic, plant-based variety, and no liberties are taken in the preparation of the produce. Next, there’s the restaurant’s general philosophy, which encourages diners to appreciate how lucky they are to be able to enjoy the Earth’s bounty in a wonderful part of the world. As you’d expect from such a place, the interior by designer Wendy Haworth is warm and welcoming, using ethically-sourced materials and community artisans. Some local craftspeople to contribute include Fireclay (handmade tiles), Kismet (patio tiles and the cement bathroom), wood flooring from Universal Hardwood, sconces by Atelier de Troupe, and Heather Levine’s lovely ceramic pendant lights hanging above the bar.
Photography, Nicholas Roberts and Jiro Schneider
