Gracias Madre, the highly popular plant-based restaurant in LA has opened in the Gratitude spot in Newport Beach. I’ve wanted to visit the LA location for years now — since its opening — but never made it up there.
On a recent visit, we enjoyed a meal on the patio surrounded by beautiful shrubbery and a warm environment, even though it was a chilly night. I love the vibe and how smoothly the whole restaurant hummed all night.
My son wanted Guacamole ($14) and it was the perfect starter to our evening. Served with homemade tortilla chips or opt for organic crudites ($2).
I’m a sucker for Street Corn ($12) and it was a good move ordering this. The corn is served on the cob, enveloped with chipotle aioli, pumpkin seed Parmesan cheese, and lemon. This, in my opinion, is the only way to enjoy corn.
Coliflor Frito ($15) was not the prettiest plate, but it sure was tasty. Cauliflower florets are tossed with cashew nacho cheese, and a wedge of lemon adds that touch of acid I so love in my food.
There are three bowls offered but Burrito Bowl ($17) jumped out at us. There is Romaine lettuce, brown rice black beans, chorizo, guacamole, pico de gallo, crema, and pepitas, and while everything is plated individually for visual purposes, I like to mix everything up so I get a bit of everything in each bite.
Jackfruit Mixiote Tacos ($17) was perhaps my favorite item of the night. These tacos possessed every flavor and texture you can imagine. From the cashew crema, pickled cabbage, to crispy onion, and black beans, these tacos were simply sublime. I would have to say, this is a must-order.
My son’s selection of Enchiladas Verdes ($18) did not go unnoticed either. The layers of flavors from tomatillo, zucchini, avocado, potato, cashew crema, and black beans were a culmination of bold flavors that married well together.
If you’re wanting something sweet to finish, I highly suggest the Churros ($13) served with piloncillo ice cream, and Mexican chocolate fudge. The churros were beautifully crispy on the outside with the right amount of softness on the inside. I didn’t even need any of the extras on the plate.
I’m always impressed by tasty plant-based food, but won’t necessarily make it myself. If someone wants to make it for me, and if it tastes like what Gracias Madre serves up, I wouldn’t have any trouble eating more plant-based meals whatsoever!
Gracias Madre
1617 Westcliff Dr
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Tel: 949-386-8100
Oh, no more Gratitude? Glad to hear another plant-based resto has opened up in its place–will definitely check it out!