Rediscovering Gracias Madre in Newport Beach
Photograph courtesy of Gracias Madre
Gracias Madre, which is part of the same restaurant group as Gratitude Kitchen & Bar, opened its first O.C. location in late 2019. Focusing on vegan Mexican eats, the restaurant also features organic, diffuser-free tequila and mezcal-forward craft cocktails. When Gracias Madre took over the Newport Beach location of Gratitude, the space was refreshed with the addition of taller hedges around the patio perimeter and Mexican tiles at the bar.
During COVID-19 era-closures, executive chef Alan Sanz of Mexico City and beverage director Maxwell Reis got creative with offerings such as cocktail party kits and family-style meals. With the reopening of its dining rooms, now is the time to visit and indulge in signature dishes such as the oyster mushroom fajitas and the enchiladas verdes. We recommend starting with esquite rojos (roasted corn served with housemade chips) and trying the taco flight which comes