Gratitude, more than just a restaurant?

“Whenever you say thank-you from your heart, more is bestowed on you,
 for gratitude is a key to opening the doors to univeral abundance.”

I like the concept of the Gratitude restaurant, which is actually more of a venue for personal wellness/spiritual community. It is like a healthy/vegetarian restaurant with a 

Brahma Kumaris kind of vibe

 and with “Jaime Lichauco“-type of seminars also.

The place has a spiritual feel without leaning towards any religion. Every Friday, you can even attend a meditation session, and occasionally, you can attend seminars on reading one’s aura or getting to know your angels (for FREE).

The food is healthy — complete with nutritional information, but sadly it does not deliver much on the yummy taste. Average price for the food is P200+. I think more time was devoted to developing the overall branding rather than the quality of the food. I have some ideas or suggestions on how to improve it…

Overall, this is our type of neighborhood place to hang out, especially with like-minded individuals who are not afraid to be open in terms of their spirituality and preference for healthy food.

 
Upon arrival in the restaurant, you’ll be given a bowl of affirmations to choose from. It is a nice touch to the Gratitude experience, but sometimes, the servers forget to offer the affirmation bowl.

Gratitude Cafe (More than just a Restaurant) Menu:
The Story of Gratitude Cafe | Appetizers, Soups | Salads, Sandwiches | Pasta, Main Course | Main Course, Thank You! | Fresh Fruit | Healthy Drinks

The hardbound, well-styled menu created by Nica Hechanova is really nice. She also created the Gratitude logo, which is engraved on the plates and etched on the glasses.

The names of the food items follow the feel-good theme of the resto. I like the fact that each menu item has information regarding its calories, carbohydrates, protein and fat content. Vegetarians and those looking for an energizing, feel-good meal would be very happy with the menu choices.

 
I am thriving! (P230 +10%sc). Fresh shiitake, button, and oyster mushrooms pureed in a light cream base, and topped with fresh parsley.

The mushroom soup is made using fresh mushrooms and served dense with light cream. We like dipping the slice of bread that comes with it. The taste is good — it would have been great if it was served hot and with a more soup-y consistency.

I am cheerful! (P230 +10%sc). Chunks of fresh tuna with sliced tomatoes and light mayonnaise topped with melted cheese.

I enjoyed this Chunky Tuna Sandwich because of the tiny cubes of tuna with a rich coating of mayonnaise and the toasted layer of cheese. 🙂 It is served with a small fresh salad with dressing on the side.

Still, at P250, you can already get an angus beef burger at that price. You might feel like you’re paying for the ambiance and branding every time you bite into your food.

 
Positive sayings are framed and celebrated all around the restaurant. I like the detail of the hand-painted leaves on the walls.

It would have been nicer if it had a homey garden feel; however, it still had the ambiance of a commercialized canteen/restaurant. Making the resto feel more personal and cozy would add to its feel-good vibe. Maybe having more customer-generated sayings (think Mary Grace) would also help.

 

What I really love about Gratitude is the sense of community it aims to foster. Interesting seminars are offered there for FREE. 

You have to reserve to attend the classes, though. All the classes are held in the 2nd floor function room, which was really designed for meditation-type of sessions. Here is the complete schedule.

I am proudly Filipino! (P180 +10%sc). Their version of “adobo” cooked with gluten chunks and served with rice. Perfect for vegetarians.

Our unofficial name for this is “gluten-with-brown-sauce-that-does-not-taste-like-adobo”. This one was poorly executed because the sauce hardly tasted like adobo, and it did not live up to its name.

I am elegant! (P240 +10%sc). Black olive relish, basil pesto, and light cream, with eggplant served on spaghetti and topped with white cheese (kesong puti).

This dish is creamy and good, but don’t expect al dente noodles. You can order wheat pasta for an additional P30. It is not something to rave about, but at least it is healthy.

It is refreshing to see spiritual and personal development books and an Angel Guidance Board in a restaurant (instead of the usual board games). 🙂

 
The high ceiling minimizes the echo of the concrete walls. The colors used are probably meant to provide a bright, cheery, and “healthy” feel. For me, though, the resto had an overall atmosphere similar to that of a canteen — just with Free Wifi. I think adding homey touches and encouraging warm confidence in the waiters would be nice.

Gratitude is the project of Kahlil Bagatsing and partner, Analei Atienza. 🙂 Kahlil may look intimidating, but he’s got a pleasing personality and is all heart. 🙂

Customers are encouraged to write on the Gratitude White Board, which serves as a guest book and a personal expression wall. It’s a really great idea! It’s just sad that, after a few months, they would have to erase all the writings.

Maybe it would be good to have a table where people can leave their personal messages of gratitude — similar to Mary Grace notes, but more focused on positivity. Other people who would read the messages can then be energized by those affirmations and encouraging thoughts.

Another idea would be to create a communal vision board where people can contribute to a shared vision of a First-World Philippines. 🙂

Gratitude, more than just a restaurant
Address:
Unit 1-G The Sapphire (Beside Yogurt Nation)
Residences Tower-I
31st Brgy. South side, Fort Bonifacio (West)

Contact: Analei Atienza
Mobile: +63 917-805-5525
Website: Gratitude Restaurant 

Parking is near Shell (only gas station) and 7-11 in Bonifacio Global City. You can park outside the restaurant after 7pm. 🙂

Live an Awesome Life,

 
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Call or Text Me: +63917 5683-627 (LOVE-OAP)
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Disclosure: Nothing to disclose. We paid for our meals, and we just met Kahlil when we dined at the restaurant.

P.S. We love dropping by Yogurt Nation for dessert. We usually have a cup of Frozen Yogurt or Yogurt Slush (Yogurt with Tequila) there. 🙂