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Mary’s Secret Garden,  By Szilvia Gogh

I always thought eating vegan food was only for vegans, but I learned otherwise. Carnivores like me, can enjoy a naturally delicious dining experience at Mary’s Secret Garden in Ventura, California.

When a friend of mine found out I was planning a road trip from Los Angeles to San Simeon along the Pacific Coast, he invited me to join him for breakfast at his local bistro. I was first to arrive Mary’s Secret Garden with my boyfriend. I told the lady who greeted us I wanted a table for three. She showed us to our table, but suddenly before I could sit down she turned around, looked into my eyes and said, “Wait, are you meeting Kevin?” When I nodded she led us to a corner table next to the window with a view to a playground and offered a pot of tea while we were waiting. Being a snobby European coffee drinker I was just about to protest, but decided to go with the flow and agreed to the Herbal Chai tea. I liked it.

I felt lucky and special. My seating was probably the best in the house. I could see everything that was going on inside the restaurant and in the street. My eyes curiously followed every little move as I soaked-up the awakening city. I like to make up stories in my head about people. Where are they going? Where are they coming from? What are they doing? After daydreaming and sipping tea for a while I asked for the bathroom and was sent through the kitchen, where giggling ladies greeted me. They were chopping pumpkins and carrots. One of the girls said that the friend, Kevin Eubanks was voted PETA’s World’s Sexiest Vegetarian man for 2007. Everybody seemed to know him at the place. As I found out, he is quite a regular there. Upon his arrival it was extremely difficult to stop myself from making jokes about his fame.

A Dream Comes True For Mary Grayr, Owner and Head-Chef

We just started to study the menu, and hadn’t order anything when, Mary Grayr, the owner and head-chef brought us caramelized cinnamon golden yams. Her face was glowing with satisfaction and pride. This restaurant was her dream. She opened her charming 13 table eatery only about a year ago. Now, it seems to be the most popular joint in Ventura County. Mary crafted a menu using organic and natural ingredients to their utmost availability. All of the food served there is vegan (prepared without any animal products). I picked a bowl of hearty lentil soup with pita bread as the October morning was a bit chilly.  The all American boys picked a more traditional breakfast, blueberry pancake. The warmth that filled my stomach felt so comforting. I was full, but not in an uncomfortable way that one can feel after eating Italian food. I was sitting back and found myself glaring outside once again. Casually dressed people walked leisurely on the streets with newspapers under their arms. Kids were running around in the park while the mothers sat next to each-other and shared stories. Nobody seemed to be in a hurry. Jack and Kevin were discussing politics, foreign affairs and music. Life in Ventura seemed considerably slower than is Los Angeles. It is only an hour drive on the 101 Freeway, but a whole different world. As our waitress Tommy McMakin described: “This place gives a feeling home feeling”.

Nurturing The Body, Mind, And The Spirit

Three hours have passed since our first pot of tea. I was hungry again, so we started to debate on lunch options. I ordered Italian Style Raw Almond Cheese, Layered with Tomatoes, Basil Oil and Julienned Basil Leaves while the boys chose the Thai Cauliflower Soup. I walked through the kitchen for about the fifth time by now. This time I stopped to witness the artful work of the woman. The food was prepared with a conscious effort to nurture the body, the mind and the spirit. The detailed decoration all around the restaurant had a Middle-Eastern feel to it. The place smelled of burning sandalwood, inspiring words were painted on the ceiling and artsy pictures were hanging on the walls. The door was open for people and fresh air to come in. Leaving this place was almost impossible. Finally, at 7.00 p.m. we got up and said goodbye to Mary and her staff. The only reason why we left was that somebody reserved our table for dinner. Of course, we were accompanied with our take-away Rawviolis, Grilled Veggie Chicken Pasta and a Mushroom Fakin Bacon Burger. Just in case…

My day at Mary’s Secret Garden was definitely something unusual in this always rushing world. I found that eating well has an amazing effect not only on one’s body, but on one’s mind and soul.  

 Above Photo Credits: © USA Travel Magazine, Szilvia Gogh

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