Off the Menu: ATX Cocina

This weekend my husband and I had a great staycation here in Austin, and one of the highlights was our dinner at ATX Cocina - a 100% gluten-free kitchen!

We've been eyeing this new downtown Austin hot spot, but needed a night away from the kiddo to really enjoy it (read: multiple margaritas). Upon entry you find a beautiful open space that feels a little more chic than we're used to seeing in our ever evolving city. There is ample seating and the atmosphere is light and airy.

Our waitstaff was fantastic and verified that everything but the beer was gluten-free...heaven! We munched on happy hour tacos, enjoyed the salsa sampler + queso fundido and capped it off with some esquites. We were so full from our snacks and drinks that we didn't go for a full dinner, but plan on returning soon.

Menu:

Hours

Happy hour daily from 4:30-6:30 PMDinner seating begins at 5 PMSunday 5 – 9 PMMonday- Thursday 5 – 10 PMFriday Lunch 11:30AM – 3PMFriday Dinner 5-11PMSaturday 5 – 11 PM

Off the Menu: Tacodeli

Okay, this one is more like what is NOT on the menu! Tacodeli has done a fantastic job making almost everything gluten-free with a corn tortilla, and they are very careful about it. Added bonus - their breakfast taco "potato" is mashed and SO good.

There isn't much seating at the different locations, so I think the best bet with Tacodeli is to order for pick-up. However, if it is a nice day, lunch on a picnic table is relaxing and fun.

I'll outline what is off limits below, and it is also marked on their menu here: http://tacodeli.com/Tacodeli_menu_web.pdf Other than that they offer tacos, salads and more - for a great price.

Do not eat:


Tacos:
Cochinita Pibil
Poblano
Sausage (as an option for breakfast)

Tortilla Creations


Tortas

Enjoy!

Domino's Gluten-Free Pizza: Scary!

Anytime I find a restaurant that is adding gluten-free food items I get so excited...more options is always good, right? Unfortunately, after seeing the video below from Domino's I'm nervous for the launch of their "gluten-free" pizza. When I first heard, I thought it was fantastic that such a large chain would be bringing g-free pizza mainstream, but watch this video and you'll notice that:

- It isn't really gluten-free - they tell Celiac patients not to touch it
- There is cross contamination happening all over the place (oven, hands, pans)
- No mention of toppings and what is/is not gluten-free
- Side note: also doesn't look very good (they should've gone with Smart Flour Foods!)

Let me know what you think...

Off the Menu: Vivo's

Can you tell I like Tex-Mex? The truth is I've found that it is generally the best type of food for Celiac's. Although the options vary by restaurant you can almost always find something to eat that is tasty!

Vivo's has two locations and it is great for dates, birthdays and special occasions. They give each girl who dines a rose! We are heading there for my friend Melissa's birthday so I reached out to their management to get a list of safe foods, here is what I received back:


http://www.vivo-austin.com/menu1.html - Full Menu - Use to look up dishes

Verde Enchiladas
Taco Salad w/out Tortilla Strips
Fiesta Salad
Tortilla Soup w/out Tortilla Strips
Steak Jalisco
Pollo Vivo
Rice & Beans


Can't wait to celebrate!