Cafe Gratitude San Diego San Diego

It's because of places like this one that I wish we could give more stars ...During a recent trip to SD, I had the privilege to do both take out and then also dine in at this lovely restaurant. A true vegan, I am not, but two friends are and one being local said it was one of the best she's ever eaten at and the other friend is a wandering traveler like myself and he too had nothing but positive rave reviews about the food as well. Ordering online was a breeze and when picked up everything was packaged beautifully and still piping hot. Dine in, both indoor and outdoor seating is offered, only one down side of eating outdoors are the flies that bug you once your food arrives but obviously not the restaurants fault, they generously offered us an inside table and we continued on our feast! Onto the food! I AM EXQUISITE - Coconut Calamari — What kind of voodoo is this?! I had to double check the mission statement after trying this.. The flaky and lightly crispy beer-batter crust wrapped each mesmerizing bite. I dare say I may like this better than REAL calamari! I AM ECLECTIC - Buffalo Cauliflower - The batter on each morsel was really reminiscent of what you would expect on a usual piece of popcorn chicken that it made you forget it's a fried veggie. The buffalo sauce had an enjoyable salty vinegary spicy kick . I AM GIVING - Hawaiian Pizza- A controversial topic across the culinary world. I am PRO-Hawaiian! I have tried many vegan pizzas looking to replace that flavor of a city slice from local spots in NYC and this one def didn't disappoint! On this particular one, I've had smokey tempeh in the past but the way they prepared this one made the texture taste of a soft piece of ham. Divine. I AM ENTHUSIASTIC - Chicken Fried Mushroom Sandwich. - A fried chicken sandwich is as much of a treat for me growing up as any piece of candy. I knew mushrooms were versatile and have had many crimini mushroom burgers that embodied the flavor of beef so well. I never thought they could also become chicken! I AM MAGICAL- Black bean burger - my dining partner said this was a bit underwhelming when she got it the last time she was here and upon hearing that our server told us that it was way better in a wrap than in a regular bun so we did just that! The patty still has some chunky black beans in it so I liked the texture difference it created in every bite. Mushroom Carnitas - These are a side you can add to any dish and this is so freakin delicious that you must get then with just about everything. I AM LIBERATED - One would think because it's noodles made of kelp it would taste kind of like the ocean or fishy even, but NOPE! The raw basil pesto with the briny olives, sweet cherry tomatoes and the fermented nut cheeses gave this dish a wonderful burst of flavors and mouth feel. I AM LOVING - Forbidden black rice bowl - This black rice bowl was exactly what my black soul needed today. Not only did everything taste great combined into one bite, but every individual component of this dish could definitely stand alone as their own. Of course we had to dessert as well! The strawberry mousse pie was refreshingly light and the warm chocolate chip cookie skillet with pistachio ice cream was just divine. Being a bit cynical and very sarcastic NYer, I had mixed feelings about the titles of each dish, positive affirmations that you had to say out loud to order the dishes you wanted - but truth be told, it does bring a spot of positive bright energy to your meal. Our server said that there was a ? of the day and asked if we would answer, so we obliged and the question was, "what makes you grateful today?"... We each said ours and she shared hers. She said by day she was a NICU nurse and that she was grateful to be able to help these tiny humans in her charge... Well, as a mama of three now healthy sausages who were all previous NICU babies at birth, I thank you deeply. OH AND CAN YOU PLEASE OPEN IN NYC?! Pretty please!!!