Vegan Café Gratitude Sprouting Up in Little Italy Next Week

Los Angeles-based Café Gratitude has set an official opening date for its first San Diego location, which will debut Wednesday, July 29 at 1980 Kettner Boulevard. Originally founded in 2004, the 100% organic plant-based restaurant has become known for a signature menu that names dishes after affirmations; "I Am Extraordinary" is their house BLT made with coconut bacon and chipotle-cashew aioli while "I Am Warm-Hearted" is an entree of grilled polenta topped with squash, roasted tomatillo sauce, salsa verde and cashew queso fresco. Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, a North County resident, is reportedly a major investor in the San Diego expansion, which slots into a 4,000-square-foot space in Broadstone Little Italy.

The restaurant will serve a breakfast menu, plus fresh pressed juices and gluten-free pastries to-go, and lunch and dinner daily, with dinner-specific items available starting at 5 p.m. in addition to their all-day offerings. There will also be a three-course prix fixe chef's tasting menu with optional organic beer and wine pairings.