Friday, August 24, 2012

Off the Menu: Flix Brewhouse

Everyone knows I'm a huge fan of dining, drinking and watching movies at the same time. Flix Brewhouse is located in Round Rock and really embraces this awesome experience. Not only do they brew their own beer and boast a cocktail area but they have gluten-free items noted on their menu!

I suggest checking it out for your next movie!

Starters:
- Chips & Salsa
- Carnita Tapas

Salads:
- Cran-Apple Chicken Salad

Entrees:
- Herb Marinated Chicken
- Blackened Tilapia

Desserts:
- Chocolate Torte

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Austin Food Blogger Alliance



I am so excited to announce that I am a new member of the Austin Food Blogger Alliance! The Alliance allows for individuals of various backgrounds and interests to rally around food and Austin - two of our favorite things. While myself and a few others are focused on special diets, there are many others that include recipe blogs, event blogs and more. The Alliance also hosts events throughout the year including the upcoming Cookbook Potluck and the recent Cupcakes & Cocktails.

This group is a support network for all of us and I encourage you to follow all of the updates, membership news and events that come up:

Twitter: @atxfoodblogs
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/austinfoodbloggeralliance

I look forward to contributing to the group and bringing more awareness to Austin food bloggers!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Judging Season: AKA Many Trips to San Antonio

August to October is gymnastics judging season - and I am lucky enough to be a judge for levels 2-6 here in Texas. It is my favorite time of year because I get to be in the gym and see the excited faces of these little girls as they get better and better. At this age they are still learning and having fun without stress...it is a great lesson in realizing the real value in your experiences.
Anyway, our region spans from Austin all the way down to Corpus Christi, but I happen to spend most of my weekends in San Antonio - not necessarily known as a gluten-free hub but luckily well-stocked with chain restaurants. 
When we judge gymnastics we normally head down on Friday evenings and stop to eat - this has included many trips to Chili's and just last weekend, Logan's Roadhouse. I was pleased to find a large gluten-free menu at the New Braunfels location (see below) but unfortunately the "salad person was new and didn't know to avoid bacon bits". Either way they fixed it and it came out wonderfully - so we have a new option! 
This does tend to be the only eating out experience of the weekend since the gyms actually provide breakfast, lunch and dinner for Saturday and breakfast and lunch for Sunday. With 10 hours of judging to do we don't have time to dine out between sessions. This means that I have to bring my own food, since I would never expect the mom's or owners to go out of their way just for me.  
Riding in on their white horse is Snap Kitchen. I know I have talked a lot about them before but they literally are a god-send for me. I can bring quick, healthy meals with me that are easily microwavable and filling. Phew! I personally love the spaghetti, bison and quinoa hash and the mayan pork - but everything is amazing. 
In a nutshell - I always know that I can fall back on the lovely restaurant chains of Chili's, Logan's Roadhouse, Maggiano's, Macaroni Grill and more to survive - then focus on surviving the brand new little gymnasts who are just trying to remember their routines :) 
Logan's Roadhouse Gluten-Free Menu:
Appetizers:
Smokin' Hot Wings
Farm-Fresh Salads: NO croutons and NO bacon bits:
Dressings: Ken's Foods: Red French, Bleu Cheese, Parmesean Peppercorn, Honey Mustard, Deluxe Ranch, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Texas Petal Sauce  Kraft: Golden Italian Marinade/Dressing, Thousand Island, Classic Dijon Mustard
Mesquite Wood-Grilled Chicken SaladRoadhouse Salad
Grilled Steak Salad
Grilled Shrimp Salad
Entrees:
Fresh hand-cut steaks ONLY these listed ones: 
The Logan
Sirloin 6oz & 8oz
NY Strip 11oz & 18oz
Filet 6oz & 8oz
Ribeye 16oz & 20oz
T-Bone
22oz Porterhouse
Chopped Steak served plain
Logan's Grilled Chicken
Mesquite Wood-Grilled Salmon
Mesquite Wood-Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Santa Fe Tilapia
Logan's Famous Baby Back Ribs
Burgers & Sandwiches - no buns or chips:
Cheddar Jack BBQ Burger
Roadhouse Burger
Old-Fashioned Cheeseburger
Mesquite Wood-Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Sides:
Seasonal Veggies
Grilled Vegetable/Grilled Mushroom Skewer
Baked Potato
Logan's Sweet Potato
House Salad
Dessert: Vanilla Ice Cream
Seasonings:
Newly Wed's Foods: Lemon Pepper, Southwest Seasoning, Grill Spice, Seasoning Salt, Blackening Seasoning, Rib Rub, Venture Foods: Liquid Phase
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