Seizan Dreux Ellis is the executive chef of Cafe Gratitude in The Arts District in Downtown LA. Here he talks about the origins and objectives of Cafe Gratitude, their approach to plant-based cuisine, how to best bring out flavors in produce, and naming all of their dishes with positive affirmations. He also addresses the benefits of a plant-forward diet, from health and wellness, to the environment.
After spending 8 years in Venice, Italy apprenticing in kitchens, Dreux returned to San Francisco, working as executive chef for the original Cafe Gratitude restaurant for 4 years. He then moved to Los Angeles as corporate chef of Cafe Gratitude in Southern California. In 2017 Seizan received lay ordination in the Soto Zen lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi at the San Francisco Zen Center where he continues his Buddhist practice.
Watch the full documentary and find plant-forward recipes here!