Gatti's Gluten-Free Pizza FREE 7/31

I've seen a huge uptick in visits to my post about Gatti's Austin gluten-free pizza: http://g-freeinthecity.blogspot.com/2012/05/mr-gattis-gluten-free-pizza.html and I KNOW it is because they are getting fantastic press coverage and social media props for their upcoming gluten-free FREE pizza day on 7/31 (tomorrow!).

They have a great cross-contact policy (of course there is other pizza there, but they are awesome about making it all separate - it is the chance we take EVERY TIME we eat out!) and the crust is made of ancient grains which makes it even healthier - almost like a whole grain crust.

To participate PRINT OUT the coupon below and/or simply mention the deal when you call - pick-up only in Austin stores!
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Here is an update...my pizza, luckily I got one before they ran out, but I must say that I will be going back and if you didn't get a chance to try it, don't be shy. It was tasty and on top of that it's the cheapest g-free pizza in town!

Off the Menu: Taverna

For a long time I've known that Taverna here in Austin had a couple of gluten-free items, and on many occasions I crave their Balsamic Chicken Risotto (it is to die for!) but this last brunch I was presented for the first time with a gluten-free menu! How excited was I to realize that they finally put it on paper :) I'm not sure if this menu serves all Taverna locations (I would assume so)- but at least I know I have options when it comes to Austin! 

Antipasti
House Salad

Caprese

Carpaccio di Manzo - sliced beef, served with rucola, shaved parmesean, country mustard, lemon, truffle oil and capers

Fritto Misto - calamari, shrimp, shallots, zucchini & carrots sauteed and served with spicy tomato aioli (sauteed instead of fried)

Tuna Tar Tar - (server will eliminate the crispy zucchini)

Risotteria
Balsamic Risotto with Chicken Rollatine

Parmesan cheese & Truffle Oil

Artichokes, Roasted Grape Tomatoes, Lemon Confit, Pan Seared Diver Scallops

Saffron Risotto with Mixed Seafood

Shimp, Pesto, Butter & Parmesan (served will eliminate fried zucchini)

Secondi
Tagliata di Manzo - pan seared beef tenderloin, with arugula salad, EVOO and pancetta roasted potatoes

Pan Seared Sea Bass - served over mixed vegetables with a clam & mussel brodetto (served substitute vegetables instead of orzo pasta)

Scottish Salmon - pan roasted Scottish salmon with mango sweet relish, zucchini, yellow squash & roasted pomodoroini

**Please note - several of our daily specials can also be altered to be gluten-free as well

G-Free Weekend in San Antonio

Last weekend I traveled down I35 to San Antonio to spend some time with my parents. My dad was in town for a fraternity convention and of course my mom couldn't pass up the opportunity to be so close to me and hang out :) "Frat camp" (as it was referred to) was at the Grand Hyatt on the Riverwalk and was quite the event.

As usual I had done my research and unfortunately didn't get very far. I shot emails out to a number of restaurants and only heard back from one! So...that's the one we went to, it is called Barriba Cantina.

From the email I was told that "most" of the menu was gluten-free - which I hate - but since it was my only response it was the deciding factor...plus I saw that they were owned by County Line where I have always had success in Austin. Unfortunately, I got sick. Now, I cannot pinpoint what it would've been because it was a minor attack so I want to say it was more likely cross-contamination or maybe a sauce thickener they are unaware of? Regardless, I ordered tacos, chips & queso and a margarita. In the end it could've very well been the taste of my dad's margarita with Grand Marnier in it (but then again that is listed as a safe alcohol, so I don't know). Suffice it to say, we went to bed early that night.

The next day we were determined to aim for safety so we went with fruit for breakfast and then decided that Achiote at the hotel would be the safest bet from that point forward (they had gotten back to me later, AND I called - they knew EVERYTHING - awesome). I was able to speak to a chef on duty who had worked for a Celiac GM previously so he was well aware. For lunch I successfully got a turkey and avocado wrap with cucumber salad, for dinner a burger with gluten-free bread and fresh french fries, and for breakfast on Sunday eggs, bacon, gluten-free bread and fruit.

Bottom-line - I am now destined to stay at the Grand Hyatt each and every time I am in San Antonio! I want to thank them for their help and hospitality. :)