Thanks, Mom

Representing a deep love and reverence for food and commitment to health and sustainability, Gracias Madre specializes in plant-based organic and vegan Mexican food inspired by the recipes of mothers full of flavor and love. The Los Angeles import of the 5 year old San Francisco establishment- that’s also behind Cafe Gratitude in both cities- opened in West Hollywood, where the decor is a hybrid of Mexican chic and Palm Springs casual with festive tiles, a gorgeous patio- which takes up 3/4 of the restaurant- and high ceilings. If you’re totally over the taco-truck and burrito shack scene, this beautiful and vibrant space serves lunch and dinner daily. Owners Matthew and Terces Engelhart brought in veteran chef Chandra Gilbert who is not only the executive chef, but co-designer of the menu and aesthetics.

With stints at Alice Waters’ Cafe Fanny in Berkeley – which is now closed- Cowgirl Creamery and Greens restaurant in San Francisco, Gilbert uses produce from the Engelharts’ Be Love Farm in Vacaville- where Terces prepares complete farm grown Vegan Mexican meals using her own grinder and tortilla press- blended with ingredients sourced from local farmers markets. Stepbrothers Cary Mosier and Ryland Engelhart opened up the West Hollywood outlet in January… which makes sense as Mosier’s mother is Terces and Engelhart’s father is Matthew. Dishes are rife with bold cultural flavors where house-made chips and pumpkin seed dip, cashew-cheese tacos, and organic cocktails will make you forget you’re actually a vegan for the night. And speaking of cocktails, check out the El Dorado which will set you back $50. With edible 24K gold flakes, this spirit is so rare they limited the sales to just three a night. If these plates don’t make it to your mom’s kitchen table anytime soon, you can always Gracias Madre her at this festive spot on Mother’s Day…or any other day actually. De nada. www.graciasmadreweho.com