Gracias Madre in San Francisco

Who would’ve thought that Mexican food could go vegan? At Gracias Madre in San Francisco, ceviche is made of young coconut and tacos are topped off with cashew cheese. And just like authentic Mexican food these vegan dishes will fill you up, leaving your stomach satisfied yet craving for more.

While there is indoor dining, I sit outside facing the street. People watch if you come solo. Forget HDTV. You watching real-life TV here. Teenagers skateboard, a mother walks with her child hand-in-hand, and buses make their expected vehicular flatulence. Ethnic diversity exists in San Francisco yet this part of town seems concentrated of the Latino population. I begin wondering how many of the locals have tried and approved the veganized Mexican cuisine.

Reading the menu, my soul jumps for joy. So many dishes to try, but only one stomach. With the majority of the menu being gluten-free, it’s even more difficult to decide. Shall I order the traditional hominy stew in an ancho-chile broth or the sautéed prickly pear cactus with pico de gallo and cashew cheese? The stoneground heirloom masa filled with zucchini, onions and garlic also sounds promising.

The Enchiladas con Mole scream the loudest. And that is what I order.

Upon inhaling the entree, I scout the dessert menu. My stomach says no. My sweet tooth says yes. I say, “It may be a while I come back to California, so might as well enjoy all that I can.”

I order the Chocolate Cake with raw cacao-cinnamon sauce and homemade vanilla bean ice cream. It also contains coconut oil and cashews. The dessert is not gluten-free. It oozes with sugary goodness.

The homemade vanilla bean ice cream is thick and creamy. The flavor reminds me of half-and-half milk. I used -to drink shots of it as a child whenever my mother bought a cup of coffee.

The cake is spongy and not too chocolatey. It is chewy, fluffy and moist, making it perfect when coupled with ice cream.

Upon the hearty lunch, I calculate that I ate enough to feed two of me. Dinner is the last thing on my mind. I leave the restaurant with no regrets. Adios, Gracias Madre. See you when I see you :)

Gracias Madre (Norcal)
2211 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Tel: (415) 683-1346
http://gracias-madre.com/