The Tree Apprentice

(Cellphone pic above: The aftermath of good organic food on a mellow Berkeley night; sorry, I wish I could’ve gotten the BEFORE pics for you =)

Last night I spent a couple hours enjoying the unique fare of Cafe Gratitude in Berkeley with a friend visiting from Southern California. She and I had promised each other sometime ago that we’d visit Cafe Gratitude together at least once. “If you’re not into healthy, organic, raw food, then at least come with me for the experience of trying it, ” she said. “Fair enough,” I told her, although I wasn’t really sure what this place was all about. Although I’ve been in the Bay Area for quite some time now, it’s only been recently that I’ve grown more aware of the world of raw, “living” foods, let alone restaurants dedicated extensively to that. Fellow Bay-Area residents might exclaim, “WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!” Yes, I was reminded again last night that this region of the world is particularly conducive to healthy, alternative ways of feeding and nourishing our bodies. And I have to say that it was a pleasant experience.

As a first-timer, our server suggested a variety of things off their extensive menu and for my sweet-tooth fix that evening (I wasn’t incredibly hungry) I got to try some surprisingly good choices including: “I AM GRACE”, a fantastic coconut/almond/date/vanilla smoothie and “I AM COOL”, a refreshing smoothie concoction of real mint/raw cacao/hazelnut/vanilla nutmilk icecream. The smoothies are average-sized and quite filling I would say and just for the record, my friend and I shared them; there’s no way I could have downed both =P. We also shared “WE ARE BOUNTIFUL” a “live” cracker/spread sampler which wasn’t bad either. I also got to taste my friend’s “I AM BRIGHT-EYED”, a cinnamony/apple/pecan porridge which even though is served cold, was very flavorful.

From what I tasted there, I’d go back to enjoy the sweet items and desserts for sure and I’d also be inclined to try some of their more savory things. It was an experience for sure, and I’m grateful I went (thanks Christa). I recommend going to one of their four locations if you’re open-minded about healthy, organic/raw food. Bring a friend or two, sit down, talk, laugh, eat, drink, and be happy. That’s what it’s all about.