Sorry that I’ve been MIA for almost three weeks. My parents visited me from Hong Kong and I spent the last two weekends with them. We had a wonderful time catching up, and you guess right, enjoying the Bay area’s scenery and food.
Santa Cruz’s Natural Bridges State Beach facing the Pacific Ocean
This is the first time we dined together since I became a vegetarian. My dad is a foodie and omnivore, and told me to research good seafood and steak restaurants prior to his arrival. My mom, on the other hand, is a vegetarian with an Asian palate (for instance, she doesn’t like cheese). It’s a fun challenge to meet everyone’s needs.
We ended up trying many types of cuisines from Afghan, Greek, to Mexican. We went to Berkeley’s famed vegetarian Cafe Gratitude, several modest-looking but delightful restaurants in San Mateo, fine-dining spots in the quaint town of Los Gatos in Silicon Valley, among others.
The big surprise: I had my best meal at the most unexpected place. So keep on reading.
Cafe Gratitude is worth going more for the experience than the food. It lived up to its reputation of attracting a New Age-ish clientele, though there were many regular folks too. On each table was a board game for diners to play and share their feelings of “abundance.” I am hardly a spiritual type, but I love the idea of slowing down our lives to reflect on what we already have.
I ordered a “live” enchilada platter that consisted of soft tortillas with veggie fillings topped with cashew sour cream, and a side salad. The enchilada was a bit mushy for my taste. Both my parents were psyched up after seeing the ultra-fresh greens at the nearby Berkeley Farmers’ Market and got salads. The salads didn’t disappoint.
My live enchilada platter
Dad’s “I am Fulfilled” Cafe Salad
Before my parents left, we also took a trip to Santa Cruz by the Pacific Ocean. We stayed longer than expected at the Natural Bridges State Beach with its awe-inspiring rock-formations and tranquil setting. By the time we arrived at Saturn Cafe, a vegetarian diner near downtown Santa Cruz, we were ready to eat!
But my mom and I couldn’t help but pore over the menu item by item. We were captivated by the many options, including dishes typically off-limits for vegetarians such as burgers and deli sandwiches. Okay, I admit that I crave burgers at times. My dad, who was probably starving, urged us to make up our mind.
My mom and I both got burgers, while my dad asked for a salad as he’s not a fan of mock meat. We ordered toasts, soy milk, and vegan ice cream. We happily finished the entire spread.
Mom’s house burger with avocado and a side of carrot-cilantro soup
Outside the funky Saturn Cafe in Santa Cruz
After brunch we walked around downtown. Thank god we skipped the more touristy restaurants. They don’t have the offbeat, Santa Cruz vibe at Saturn Cafe, brought on by the students and non-conformist types who eat there.
Still my best meal with my parents was at nowhere but Forbes Mill Steakhouse in Los Gatos.
The French onion soup (though it might be made from beef stock) was one of the best I’ve ever had. My entree, portobello mushroom ravioli with Swiss chards and pine nuts and the only vegetarian option on the menu, exceeded my expectations. Did I mention the warm pumpernickel dinner rolls served with whipped butter? I could easily finish the whole basket by myself.
Our server went all out to accommodate our special requests, such as cooking my mom’s dishes in olive oil instead of butter. The experience was fine dining without the stuffiness, and the prices were good value.
Take a step back though.
In the end, it doesn’t matter where we ate. The quality time I spent with my parents: priceless.
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