I realize I’m a bit late to the game here, but…
Whatever.
Last week I found myself within rock-skipping distance of Oakland’s Café Gratitude, where I was so hoping to enjoy a raw vegan meal (mostly I eat snacks and fairly rarely prepare an actual DISH—gasp) but, alas, it closed in 2022. Not super alas, as this previously 100% raw venue pretty much sold their raw vegan soul, in my opinion, quite awhile back, opting to serve mostly cooked items—many not even gluten free—yeeps.
For me: Deeply Sad.
I’ve spent a ton of very memorable times at Café Gratitudes—they were, at one time, a Real Amazing Spiritual Actual Thing—a movement. The food was all fresh, all raw, all vegan, all organic and all delectable. The desserts? No words. The vibe when you walked into the restaurant was nothing like you’ve ever felt before.
A place that doesn’t deal in animal flesh or animal products emits the lightest, cleanest vibration; I swear to God it was pure joy.
And you walked out feeling nothing short of elevated.
After being seated, you were asked The Question of the Day—something along the lines of “What brings you peace” etc. The walls splashed with CG-unique art, owners Terces and Matthew Engelhart created not only recipe books illuminating the secrets of their delightful concoctions, but games, workbooks…an entire world illustrated with a their own home grown flair that felt, well, just wonderful.
And you could GO THERE.
Sigh…
For years, after I’d audition at Nancy Hayes’ Casting Agency in SF, I’d pop around the corner to CG for a usually solo lunch; this became a nearly weekly (and sometimes multi-weekly) ritual I looked forward to and relished. You could even purchase a soup for a homeless person, and every once in awhile I’d pay for someone else’s meal as I was paying for mine, just for the fun of it. I’d say the whole experience there was primarily Delightful.
It was like the iconic 60’s you never got to experience. Peace, love, and animal welfare. A dream.
Then when I relocated to LA, I’d grab game friends (my friends were always game) and skip to CG in Larchmont or Venice—so many fond memories.
Perched comfortably out in the fresh air, feeling so free, finally for reals living in LA and so happy—barely able to contain myself—enjoying great raw vegan cuisine in the so-alive LA vibe I loved, truly living my best life.
Next to Juliano’s Raw, CG was one of my very very top top happy happy places. I shared a lot of fun, conversation and friendship with so many special people there—it was an era.
But, like all eras, destined to collapse in on itself.
At some point, CG started serving cooked stuff, and by the time I left LA, it was nearly ALL cooked, with the exception of a salad or two and one noodley dish. While their food was (and is still, I’m sure) worlds above most restaurants, it no longer felt light and clean and high vibe to me. Even though it’s not totally this next thing I’m going to say, it felt way more corporate and mainstream. In my opinion, those two things just sort of slowly ruin everything.
So when I discovered the Bay Area locations had shuttered, it wasn’t all that surprising to me, or all that completely sad. But…a little. It’s actually the end of an era that really ended for me some time ago.
I personally carry on with the lightness, the cleanness, the high vibration and clarity of raw food, and am thankful for those who supported that for me, especially in the early years, which definitely includes CG.
At some previous even sadder point for me, the Engelharts began raising animals to eat and consuming animal milk and I don’t know what else. It’s inexplicable to me, after experiencing what it’s like to eat raw vegan foods and to be a part of a movement of optimal health and love and freedom for everyone, including animals, but I’m sure they have their story and that’s entirely their business.
Anywhoozle.
Though they use the same distinctive font and three locations still appear to be alive and well in the LA area—and the menu will still look incredible to most people (I’d certainly still go for a tonic or smoothie or raw dessert)—their hay-day glory is far over for me.
I guess this was less of an ode to change than it was a trip down memory raw-restaurant lane.
And unfortunately, I have several stories like this.
But there is something about the changing of the guard (which we’ve seen plenty of in the last few years), and the shifting of winds that evokes a feeling of loss tinged with sadness—melancholy, I suppose.
Saying goodbye to things, people and places we loved—and the subsequent realization that the people, places and things we currently love, though it all may seem so permanent—are all ephemeral, temporary and thus precious.
As my wonderful old dad would have said, this too shall pass.
What we love, and what we don’t.
And so, as always, it comes down to this: Treasure The Here & Now. Lots of memories and sighs, my friends. What a gorgeous Life.
Thank you Willow <3
InDeeD...🤔
ChRiSTY🧜
...i FeeL😔
i UnDerSTAnD...😌
~*⚡*~
🧝~wiLL0w~🍃