“May I have a recipe?”

Cafe Gratitude is happy to spread what we've learned through our experiences, studies and connections to live food.  In the I am Grateful recipe book, we have published the majority of our recipes with full directions and suggestions of equipment, technique and insights.  We are not releasing any other recipes and encourage everyone to purchase I am Grateful and Sweet Gratitude to support us in what we are providing as well as to ensure that you jump into live foods with a full palate of information on preparation, produce, as well as connections to our favorite companies and allies.

“What are the ingredients to the dishes at the cafe?”

Each cafe has a list of ingredients for each dish it serves.  Ask your server to view it.


“What is the nutritional value of the dishes or Café Gratitude products?”

Nutritional value information for is not available at this time, as it is too expensive for us to evaluate every menu item on a menu that changes so quickly.  We can guarantee you that all of our entrees begin in a large produce bin in our kitchen.  Nearly every ingredient in each of our meals is made from scratch, right down to our crackers, spreads, and cheeses.  If you have any questions regarding ingredients, processes, or nutritional information, e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it /


“Why do you use agave?”

We use agave syrup because it is a low glycemic index raw vegan sweetener.  We have heard much of the current information on the high fructose content of agave syrup, and are taking it into account as we continue to evolve our menu.  Although there are agave sources that are lower in fructose (we recommend Ultimate Superfoods) they are currently too expensive for us to use company-wide.  We are currently experimenting with alternative sweeteners, including dates, yacon, coconut sugar, and jerusalem artichoke syrup.  In the meantime, we do serve drinks and desserts that are agave-free: I am Devoted: coconut cream pie, I am Mystical: chocolate, mocha, and chai macaroons, I am Super: dark chocolate nugget, I am Luscious: Chocolate Hazelnut Smoothie, and I am Grace: Coconut Almond Smoothie.


Because the long term effects of high fructose intake are unknown, we suggest using agave in moderation, in baked goods and special treats, but not as a daily sweetener.  A moderate diet would contain about 25g of fructose each day.  For reference, one slice of gratitude pie sweetened with agave contains approximately 12g of fructose.  And, as always, Café Gratitude remains a stand for self-transformation and renewal.  For many of us, that means breaking free of our addictions to sugar (be it fructose, sucrose, or glucose).  If you would like more information about going sugar free, or committing to a week without sugar, see a server at your local cafe.  A sugar fast can be a fantastic way to recommit to your health and cleanse your body.


“How is your cold-brewed espresso elixir made?”

All of our coffee comes from Thanksgiving Coffee from a little community company called Delicious Peace (built from a collection of Muslims, Jews and Christians in Uganda who are actively supporting their community through this fair trade, shade grown organic and AMAZING coffee).  We use the grounds of their beans and do a form of cold-processing, which enhances flavor and reduces the acidity caused by mainstream coffee processes.  We hold the grounds in cold or room temperature water for up to 24 hours, leaving the flavor rich and bold and the enzymes still intact.  We recommend using a French-press at home to create the same effect.  We sell our coffee at our Cafés and here through our online store.


“What do you recommend in terms of juicer or juice press?”

At Café Gratitude, we use a commercial masticating hydraulic juice press machine manufactured by Good Nature Products.   A wonderful juice press for home use that we recommend is the Norwalk juicer.  It yields a good amount of juice with little or no oxidation, and it produces juice with a higher mineral content than with a centrifugal juicer steel model.  For another type of juicer, we recommend a Green Star or Champion juicers.


"How do I use/soak Irish Moss?"

Click here for the full directions on how to use Irish Moss (in PDF format).

Measurements in I am Grateful call for one ounce of pre-soaked Irish Moss.  After soaking, squeeze excess water out of a handful of the Irish moss and place it on a scale, adding and subtracting pieces until the weight is one ounce.


"Where can I buy Irish Moss?"

We sell Irish Moss at each of our cafes as well as here through our online store. Last Updated on Feb012011