ST. GEORGE, UT
Do you challenge my claim? I’m willing to keep an open mind. The only condition is that your vote for #1 must also be from an all-vegan restaurant.
Yes, everything on the menu at Gaia’s Garden Cafe—from the Biscuits and Gravy to the Roast Beef Sandwich—is 100% plant based.
Deliciously sweet and savory combo
First I fell in love with the Coconut Oat Latte, a chill reprieve from the 100-degree weather outside. Then came my Breakfast Burrito, and my heart was theirs forever!
The wrap is grilled and loaded with rosemary potatoes, tofu scramble, breakfast sausage, spinach, and smoked paprika aioli. I enjoyed every bite with a dab of the house pico de gallo salsa. Fire.
Two days later, on my drive from Zion home to Ventura, I was back at Gaia’s Garden Cafe for another Coconut Oat Latte and Breakfast Burrito combo.
The heart wants what it wants. 😉
Rain Man, 1988
“I should be in L.A., instead I’m in the Honeymoon Haven Motel in Bumblef*ck, Missouri”
St. George boasts a population of nearly 100k, but if, like me, you’re from a more condensed pocket of the country like Southern California, then you might as well be in Bumblef*ck, MO. The nearest major cities along Highway 15 are Vegas two hours south and Provo, UT, more than three hours north.
So stepping into Gaia’s Garden Cafe after a brutal 24 hours of fighting with my road trip partner (now ex 😕) only added to the impression of finding a fortuitous sanctum gifted by Gaia herself, Greek goddess of the Earth. ✨
Home away from home
Vegans, for the foreseeable future, will continue to be outliers, making up approximately 1.1% of the global population. And this can make it difficult to find places that feel supportive.
Gaia’s Garden Cafe isn’t just somewhere you go to feed your hunger, it’s a peaceful place, where you’ll be surrounded by others who love and respect all animals—humans included.
I’m not the only fan. During both visits, the stream of people flowing in and out never let up. The cafe is a cozy spot to work or rendezvous, with big, open tables, WiFi, caffeine, heavenly eats, and a breezy, shaded patio.
More to love
Breakfast is served all day, including the Sweet Waffle and JustEgg Breakfast Sandwich. There are six smoothie bowls to choose from, like The Crae: granola, housemade peanut butter, blended organic açaí, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, coconut, almonds, hemp seeds, and chocolate chips.
More goodies include rice bowls, avocado toast served three ways—classic, “the Godfather,” and the “Buddha”—sandwiches, and baked treats made fresh daily.
Not passing through St. George anytime soon? You can still support Gaia’s Garden Cafe by following them on Instagram.
Exploring Utah
St. George is less than an hour from majestic Zion National Park. It was supposed to be the perfect road trip: Los Angeles → Las Vegas → St. George → Zion. Foodie fun, camping, stargazing, hiking, etc. Hopefully I’ll get a do-over soon.
Zion National Park, South Campground
These photos are nothing compared to what you’ll see if you visit—natural beauty so breathtaking you might wonder if it’s real.
On our second night, we stayed just outside of the park, at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. I spotted these babies on the way there.
Also in Utah is Bryce Canyon National Park, well worth the hour-and-45-minute drive from Zion. Romeo and I took a trip there in another lifetime, before our duo became a trio.
Bryce Canyon selfie, 2015
Happy exploring!