Gracias Madre West Hollywood
I've heard so much about Gracias Madre that it seemed criminal to live so close to West Hollywood and not go for a taste; it certainly didn't hurt that I went on a particularly beautiful day either. The restaurant is beautiful; the styling is minimal perfection and they have a patio (which was where I had brunch) that's ideal for sipping margaritas (of which I ordered many) and enjoying the sunshine.
I ordered off the chef's tasting menu, an appetizer and two entres of your choice - the portions are about half the size of a normal entre when ordering off this menu - and awaited my meal with cocktails, chips, and guacamole. I chose a tostada and the Ensalada de Frutas to start. Both were delicious, spicy, and the perfect size appetizers.
Then, I went for the Quesadillas des Calabaza, a roasted califlower taco, the Flautas de Camote, and a tamale. The Flautas blew me away - sweet potato filled tacos with cashew nacho cheese, pico de gallo, and guacamole. I loved the sweet potato filling against the slighly spicy pico de gallo. That was closely followed by the Quesadillas - butternut squash wrapped in tortillas with pumpkin seed salsa. I definitely didn't realize how versatile butternut squash can be until today!
The entirely plant based menu is absolutely incredible and I love their initiative to use only organic, farm fresh, vegan, locally sourced food. From the food to the drinks to the atmosphere, I highly recommend visiting. They have locations in West Hollywood and San Fransisco.