Gracias Madre – West Hollywood, California – USA

The beautiful patio is the first thing that catches your eye. We were seated at an outside table with chairs on one side and a long bench with pillows and cushioned seat on the other. All around you are plants and trees, transporting you to an outdoor patio in a Mexican Hacienda. This was a chilly night in LA (for California standards) so there were blankets on the chairs if you felt the standing heaters were not enough (nice touch!). What makes this Mexican restaurant different is that they serve only plant based dishes, you will not find here Pastor, Barbacoa, chicken, or any other animal based products. To be honest, this was already a minus in my head, how can I enjoy Mexican food without any meat!? I am not a vegetarian, what am I going to be able to eat there? But, since my son really wanted to give it try, I found myself in “grass eating” territory.

Well, I could not have been more wrong! Let me spoil the ending: I had a great meal! We had Enchiladas de Mole filled with plantains and black beans, and Flautas de Camote (sweet potato, fried tacos). The unexpected flavors of familiar dishes were outstanding, I did not miss my meats for a moment! Interesting fact, their Crema is made from cashews (remember, no animal products here).  It was definitely very interesting to see the different types of plant based fillings they used as substitute for meats; plantains, squash, sweet potato, jackfruit, Brussel sprouts. If you are a vegetarian or just an adventurous eater, come and enjoy this most excellent and different Mexican restaurant. I will certainly come back next time I visit LA. One last thing and I won’t say more about it: cannabis infused drink…

Name: Gracias Madre

Address: 8950 Melrose Avenue West Hollywood, CA 90069

Website: Gracias Madre