Green Door Cafe's Sustainable Culinary Treasures: A Gourmet Exploration

Martin Hall, the visionary entrepreneur behind Green Door Cafe, is driven by a passion for enriching lives through his ventures. Originally rooted in music, he transitioned to fill a void in the vegan culinary scene. In 2009, with self-taught culinary skills, he founded the Green Door Cafe in La Jolla, a thriving establishment committed to providing flavorful, wholesome dishes.

At the core of Martin's ethos is the idea of nourishing customers with clean, locally-sourced ingredients. With a hands-on approach, he frequents local markets, infusing spontaneity into the menu with weekly specials inspired by his market finds. The restaurant's ambiance, enriched by onsite herb gardens, creates a fragrant, tranquil setting that brings customers closer to the origins of their meal.

Our experience at Green Door Cafe was an indulgence in their exquisite high tea experience. Martin aptly describes it as a ceremony—a deliberate, unhurried celebration that adds value to food consumption while cherishing company and creating a sense of specialness. Their unique high tea offering expertly showcased a variety of distinctive tea flavors, with the hibiscus tea, available in traditional and carbonated forms, notably standing out for its remarkable taste. Accompanied by an assortment of delectable savory and sweet options, the high tea experience was a delightful immersion into flavors and moments meant to be savored.

Martin's curated menu reflects his creative flair. Each dish undergoes a thoughtful process, reinventing familiar classics with inventive twists. For example, the "Bomb" Burger beautifully blends apple mayo, chipotle, and Green Door's signature bacon, delivering bold yet balanced flavors. Similarly, the "World's Best" Lasagne captivates with its simplicity and use of fresh, quality ingredients.

Our exploration of their diverse menu led us to savor the innovative Red Velvet Pancakes, a delightful fusion of oats, coconut milk, beet, banana, and blueberry, paired with a luscious cashew cream sauce and seasonal berries. Equally captivating was the French Toast, adorned with banana, seasonal berries, agave, and powdered sugar. The Cinnabon Pancakes, featuring a tempting cinnamon and maple swirl, served with banana, agave, cashew cream, and powdered sugar, charmed with their pleasing mix of flavors.

At Green Door Cafe, desserts are the pinnacle of irresistible delight. The Carrot Cake there is a sublime amalgamation of moist layers interwoven with warm spices and the inherent sweetness of grated carrots. Achieving a flawless balance between sweetness and depth, it's accompanied by a decadent cream cheese sauce that elevates its exquisite taste. The Tiramisu, with its layers of coffee-infused ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, embodies a rich and artistically crafted indulgence. Each dessert evokes a sense of warmth and satisfaction, offering a delightful experience with every single bite.

Green Door Cafe embodies the essence of a charming, secret garden—a rustic, artisanal haven inviting customers to embark on a distinct culinary journey. Each dish reflects Martin's profound love for food, from savory delights like the Bomb Burger and Potato Dill Fritters, which captivate with their rich flavors, to the heavenly pancakes offering a fulfilling, light sweetness without post-indulgence fatigue. Excitingly, their esteemed burger products will soon be available for retail, expanding their reach beyond the cafe. Highly sought-after for eco-conscious and health-centric events, the cafe embodies an eco-friendly ethos. Embracing a commitment to crafting all-natural, local and fresh dishes in-house, Green Door Cafe is more than a restaurant—it's a heartfelt dedication to nurturing both body and the environment. This sanctuary isn't just about exquisite tastes; it's a holistic haven embracing wellbeing, flavor, and sustainability.