I’ve been in Austin for about 10 days and I love this city. LOVE this city. Thank goodness it’s so hot, or I would be heading back home post haste to pack up my cat and my couch. There is music everywhere, fun things abounding, great food, great people… I can go on for a really long time, but let’s talk tasty goodness.

El Chile (gluten-free and dairy free)

Who doesn’t love a fish taco? El Chile had several gluten-free, dairy-free options on the menu and very knowledgeable staff. Our waiter wasn’t sure about a few items, so he brought out the another, more educated staff ever to go over it with me. Both were great to chat with about the menu. It was a very comfortable experience, and the food was satisfying an delicious. Thumbs up, El Chile!

Maudy’s
According to some friends I was visiting, Maudy’s recently came out with an official gluten-free menu. You would never know it was new. It was huge! I got the taco il pastor and they were super tasty. The waiter knew all about the gluten free needs because, as he introduced himself he told us, he has celiacs. He even knew to ask about serving me legumes. Total score all around here! They even have multiple gluten free desserts that I, unfortunately, did not have the space in my stomach to try.

Cripple Creek Farmers’ Market (gluten-free, dairy-free)
Lavender brownies. Brandy scones. Oh my! I had literally just been talking about a lavender cupcake I’ve been working on for my cookbook, that had left me craving a lavender/chocolate combo that I was thinking would go unsated until I return to my kitchen, but those quirky food angels must have been listening because the last stall I saw had gluten free signs over each baked good. One of those signs said “lavender brownies” and stopped me in my boots. A quick review of the ingredient list clearly posted next to each treatie, showed me I could eat everything in this brownie. The brownie was light and moist and delicious and quite possibly made if magic. I forgot to take a pic until the last bite because they were so good. Damn… I totally forgot to take a pic of the scone… That was really good too!!

SALT LICK
Yes, that all needed to be capitalized. Here’s the menu:

Here’s the meat:

They also have a vinegar coleslaw that’s great to eat while you’re waiting for more of the never ending family style meat to arrive.

As if the food at Salt Lick weren’t amazing enough to capture my heart, it’s BYOB even though it has a wine cellar and bar attached (FYI you can buy by the bucket), there is live music and they covered one if my favorite Dylan jams.

Whole Foods
Whole Foods stated in Austin and the flagship store is enormous! It’s also filled with tons of local goodies – which I love! I tried every flavor of Kosmic Kombucha, some raw bars from Bearded Brothers, and some delectable treats from Treasured Earth Foods. Treasured Earth Foods is full on paleo goodness!! Amazing banana but muffins and brownie bites that I hoarded for my palate pleasure.

Yeah… My heart belongs to Austin.