Off the Menu: Doc B's Fresh Kitchen

Oh, the baked chicken wings :) Doc B's has been one of our staples for years now. With one location in

Austin at Domain Northside, it's an easy to-go or dine-in for us. Their menu is diverse with a mostly American fare tilt. 

Their dine-in menu calls out gluten-free options and their staff is very knowledgeable about cross-contamination, and if you sit at the bar you get free bacon! It is one of the few locations where I don't get the same thing every single time. 

Options (make sure you tell them you have Celiac so they can make the proper adjustments:

Snack + Start + Share

- Our "Famous" Candied Bacon

- Rustic Salsa

- Housemade Guacamole

- Oven Roasted Chimichurri Wings

- Grilled California Artichokes

Salads (All can be altered!)

Burgers + Sandwiches (w/gluten-free bun)

- Traditional Cheeseburger

- The Wedge Burger

- Turkey Burger

- "All Green" Burger

- The Wright Chicken Sandwich

- The Number Six (sub grilled chicken)

- Crispy Chicken Sandwich (sub grilled chicken)

- Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

- Carnitas Sandwich (no onion ring)

- West Coast Steak Sandwich

Very Special Entrees

- Chicken Kebabs

- 6oz. Petite Filet

- 10oz. Chimichurri Steak

- Fall Off the Bone Danish Barbeque Ribs

- Simply Grilled Salmon

Wok Out Bowl (all - double check on teriyaki dressing)

Sides

- French Fries (yes they are fried without cross-contamination!)

- Sautéed Broccoli

- Coleslaw

- Kale Slaw

- Cucumber Salad

Enjoy!!

20 Austin Restaurants Perfect for Celiacs

Wanting to share an updated list of the 20 places where our family can be found dining around Austin on the regular! As everyone prepares for summer vacation, check out these locations that have proven safe for this Celiac time and time again. You can show up at any of these restaurants, mention Celiac Disease and they will take care of you - easy peasy.

Click for link to menu.
(G-free either marked or separate menu - most have a button on their ordering system to alert the kitchen of a food allergy/Celiac.)

Alamo Drafthouse Mueller

American

• Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas (multiple locations - g-free pizza, chips/queso and sandwiches)
• Chez Zee American Bistro
• Flower Child (multiple locations)
• Galaxy Cafe (multiple locations)
• True Food Kitchen (soon to have two locations)

Asian

• Koriente
• Thai Cuisine (almost everything is g-free, try the pad thai!)
• Thai Fresh

BBQ

• Salt Lick (everything except bread and dessert are g-free)

Indian

• Clay Pit
• Tarka Indian Kitchen (multiple locations)

Italian

• Brick Oven (multiple locations)



True Food Kitchen

• Taverna (multiple locations)

Pizza

• Austin's Pizza (multiple locations)
• Via313 (multiple locations - the brick and mortar are safer vs. food truck)

Steak/Seafood

• III Forks
• Vince Young Steakhouse

Tex-Mex

• Fonda San Miguel (almost everything is g-free!)
• Maudie's (multiple locations)
• Tacodeli (multiple locations)

Enjoy!

Recent Gluten-Free (Celiac!) Faves

As I've explained multiple times (because it frustrates me so much!) my full-blown searchable website has become infected so I can't search for many of my favorite locations. I also am unable to help others!

Therefore, I just wanted to bring to the top of my blog some of my favorite (and safe) gluten-free restaurants in and around Austin. I have spoken to the managers at every single one of these and eaten successfully dozens of times. 

Please feel free to comment and add to the list!

Breakfast Tacos:

• Torchy's Tacos
• TacoDeli + chips & queso!

American:

• HopDoddy - buns, fries
• Chez Zee

BBQ:

• Salt Lick - everything but bread and dessert
• County Line

Tex-Mex:

• Maudie's - special gluten-free chips (make sure to ask!) and queso
• Iron Cactus

Asian:

• Thai Fresh
• Koriente

Italian:

• Brick Oven
• Taverna - also great for brunch
• The Grove

Pizza (both use separate pans, utensils and toppings):

• Via 313
• Austin's Pizza

100% Gluten-Free: Wildwood Bakehouse!

Steak:

• Sullivan's Steakhouse
• Perry's Steakhouse

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. :)

Off the Menu: Sagra Austin

Sagra Austin is a local, Italian restaurant with a mission to use fresh ingredients and provide some contemporary flair to their menu. I am impressed with the large variety of gluten-free options available, enjoy!

http://sagraaustin.net/glutenfreespring12.pdf

Antipasti
Cheeses/Formaggi
Piatto Sagra - meats, cheeses, chianti mustard and preserves
Salumi
Zuppa di Cozze - mussels
Calamari Misti
Arugula salad
Romana salad
Principessa salad

Pasta
Paglia e Fieno - sunchokes, asparagus, fire roasted mushrooms, hazelnuts
al Forna - diced chicken, spinach, fontina, truffle oil
Arrabiata - sausage, salami, olive tapendade, mozzarella, spicy tomato sauce
Zaferrano - rock shrimp, crab, smoked mussels, asparagus, capers, saffron crema

The Oven
Involtini de Pollo
Pettini de Mar
Bistecca Tagliata

Sides
Insalata Misto
Polenta
Asparagi
Pasta Marinara
Risotto Pomodoro
Topinambour

Off the Menu: Guero's Taco Bar

Guero's is awesome. Not only are they located on South Congress, but they also boast fantastic margaritas, live music on their outdoor stage and a very "Austin" atmosphere. I love that they were one of the first to have a full, printed gluten-free menu in this city, and they know what they are talking about. And, as always, when I can eat queso somewhere it is a win-win.

Please note: no rice here!! They sub potatoes.

Breakfast: don't forget to ask for corn tortillas!
- Tacos: choose two fillings - egg, cheese, bacon, ham, mushroom, spinach, tomatoes, beans or potatoes.
- Migas
- Huevos Rancheros

Appetizers: complimentary chips and salsa
- Black Bean & Cheese Tamales
- Chile con Queso
- Guero's Dip
- Guacamole
- Nachos Grande

Soups & Salads:
- Puebla Dinner Salad
- Spinach Salad
- Taco Salad
- Tortilla Cheese Soup
- Black Bean Soup

Enchiladas:
Fillings: Chicken especial, beef, pork, picadillo, cheese, spinach & mushroom, sauteed veggies
Sauces: Roja, verde, fresca, chipotle, ranchero

Tacos:
Fillings: Chicken especial, beef, pork, picadillo

Off the Menu: Austin Terrier

I want to thank some more friends in the MBA program for bringing this location to my attention! Austin Terrier prides itself on being healthy, fresh and community oriented. They also have a great variety of gluten-free options and are very kid and family friendly! I urge you to give it a try as soon as possible:


Build your own Pizza - gluten-free pizza crust available and all toppings are OK



CHEESE
Parmesan, Mozzarella, Goat, Feta, Brie

TOPPINGS
Black Olives, Broccoli, Jalapeños, Mushrooms, Pineapple, Spinach, Marinated Tomatoes, Red Onions, Cilantro, Basil

MEAT
Chicken, Sausage, Pepperoni, Ham

SPECIALTY
Roasted Red Peppers, Artichoke Hearts, Pesto, Bacon



Specialty Pizzas:


WILLIE
Sausage, red onions, jalapeños,
black olives

TRAVIS PIE
Grilled chicken, pesto, feta, red
onions, basil

TASSO’S PIE
Feta, artichoke hearts, black olives,
red onions, oregano

SPICY TERRIER
Jalapeños, red onions, grilled
chicken, cheddar

CAPITOL PIE
Marinated Tomatoes, Italian
sausage, mushrooms, roasted red
peppers

HYBRID
Grilled Chicken, artichokes, basil,
red onions, parmesan

HAWAIIAN
Ham, pineapple, jalapeños

ZILKER LOVE
Spinach, red onions, marinated
tomatoes, feta, pesto, black olives

SXSW
Broccoli, Chicken, Red Onions,
Cheddar, Cilantro

THE ORIGINAL
Tomato sauce and cheese

THE STANDARD
Pepperoni, fontina & mozzarella

FIVE POINTS PIE
Mozzarella, provolone, fontina,
parmesan and feta, with tomato
sauce.

Soup:
Seasonal Carrot Ginger


Salads: 
ADD CHICKEN OR STEAK $2.95  •  ADD AVOCADO $1.95
DRESSINGS: House Vinaigrette, Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette

HOUSE SALAD
Fresh Romaine lettuce, marinated tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion and
feta cheese with our house vinaigrette

CAESAR SALAD (NO CROUTONS)
Fresh Romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese and crispy croutons with a
traditional Caesar dressing

APPLE & BLUE CHEESE SALAD
Organic Mixed Greens, sliced apples, blue cheese crumbles, walnuts, and
house vinaigrette

GREEK SALAD
Fresh Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, marinated tomatoes, shaved red
onions, feta cheese, roasted red peppers and black olives, with house
vinaigrette

SOUTHWEST SALAD
Organic Mixed Greens, diced tomatoes, roasted corn, black beans,
avocado, cilantro and feta cheese, with chipotle ranch dressing

CHOP’D SALAD
Fresh Romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, bacon, blue cheese, black olives
shaved red onions, and fresh avocado, with ranch or blue cheese dressing

SEASONAL ORGANIC SALAD

Sandwiches: Served on Romaine Leaf


CHICKEN 
JACKSON  
Chicken breast, lettuce, marinated tomatoes, garlic mayo, and cheddar

GETTY
Chicken breast, pesto mayo, marinated tomatoes, spinach topped with
melted provolone cheese and feta

BUSTER
Chicken breast, mushrooms, red onions and red peppers with melted brie

CHARLIE
Chicken breast, avocado, lettuce, red onions, marinated tomatoes and mayo

HUTCH
Chicken breast, lettuce, marinated tomatoes, onions, olives, pesto mayo
and feta cheese

BUDDY
Chicken breast, spinach, marinated tomatoes, lettuce, garlic mayo,
parmesan with provolone and cheddar cheeses

CHAMPION
Chicken breast, lettuce, marinated tomatoes, garlic mayo, mozzarella,
and feta

TURKEY 
SALLY  
Turkey breast, marinated tomatoes, lettuce, pesto mayo, and brie

PEYTON  
Turkey breast, bacon, marinated tomatoes, lettuce, onions, blue cheese
dressing, Dijon horseradish, and swiss cheese

DANCER
Turkey breast, lettuce, diced tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts and avocado with
garlic mayo

TOMMY
Turkey breast, alfalfa sprouts, cilantro-lime vinaigrette, and provolone


ROAST BEEF
BUFFY
Roast beef, garlic mayo or Dijon mustard, and melted brie

JACK
Roast beef, bacon, lettuce, diced tomato, horseradish and spicy Dijon
mustard, and blue cheese

FRITZ  
Roast beef, lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado with blue cheese dressing
and cheddar

REAGAN  
Roast beef, turkey breast, coleslaw, Thousand Island dressing, and swiss cheese

MEAT
FRANKIE
Genoa salami, turkey breast, lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, mayo, a
touch of oil and vinegar and provolone cheese

SCOTTIE
Bacon, organic greens, and marinated tomatoes  with avocado

FINNEGAN
Ham, turkey breast , lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, oil and vinegar with
melted provolone

EMMA
Hot pastrami, roast beef, coleslaw, Dijon mustard, and melted swiss

LOGAN
Sliced steak marinated in an Adobo sauce garnished with a red wine
onion reduction, cheddar cheese, garlic mayonnaise, organic greens and
tomatoes served on a baguette.

VEGGIE
TORO
Avocado, broccoli , mushrooms, alfalfa sprouts covered with melted
provolone, and pesto mayo

ROADIE
Hummus, marinated tomatoes, red onions, alfalfa sprouts and lettuce
with feta

NELLIE
Spinach, marinated tomatoes, artichoke hearts, feta, fontina and basil mayo

Off the Menu: Hickory Street

I must talk about gluten-free dining too much (well, I know I do) because my classmates are starting to notice gluten-free menus for me. This week I was made aware that Hickory Street has got a gluten-free menu, which they change with the seasons! I had no idea that they would cater to  me, so I am definitely heading there this weekend to check it out. Enjoy!! A special thanks to Nathan Howry, owner, for helping get this into my hands electronically!


Gulf Shrimp Crab Cake

Shrimp Avocado Salad

Beer Battered Onion Rings (made with Red Bridge gluten-free beer batter)

Charred Sweet Corn Guacamole

Heirloom Tomato Salsa & Mozzarella

Chopped Salad

Duck Egg Salad

Arugula Caesar

Carrot Quinoa Salad

Gluten Free Fried Chicken (house hot sauce, basil and apple salad with yogurt dressing)

Short Rib Mac & Cheese

Chickpea Chili

Ribeye Meatloaf

Texas Fried Catfish Tacos (you can order with Corn Tortillas)

As always, make sure to let your waiter know that you are ordering gluten-free :)

Off the Menu: Whip In - Namaste Ya'll!!

Today when exploring the menu for Whip In, a friend of mine made sure to tell me that they have gluten-free menu items. While I haven't tried it yet I wanted to share the good news with you all - with a slogan that combines two of my favorite things (yoga and Texas) what is there not to like? The location is at I35 and Oltorf and from what I hear it's basically a convenience store turned restaurant, market, etc. Let me know what you think if you give it a try, I know I'm going to make it a priority!

RICE BOWLS

served on a bed of spiced basmati rice

EVERYDAY YUMMYNESSES:

~the following rice bowl selection are vegan & gluten free~

$6-7 each:

~Zambian-style organic corn & pepper masala in spicy coconut curry

~Masoor dal with spinach

~Chana dal with seasonal squash

~Chana masala with organic garbanzos & organic carrots

~Organic black beans & peppers in spicy red curry

~Organic white beans with mushrooms & fenugreek in a creamy coconut curry

Gluten-Free Family Visit to Austin

Although my family has been to visit me multiple times, it hasn't been much since I was diagnosed and definitely not all at the same time. However, tomorrow my brother, mom, dad and grandma will all be here for the Thanksgiving holidays, which means I'm playing hostess. While they are used to tradition, as you may know, I don't necessarily live life that way so we're doing things my way :) Gluten-free all the way! Here's the food agenda:

Wednesday - late lunch/dinner at original Salt Lick

Thursday (Thanksgiving!) - we have a reservation at Maggiano's Little Italy who is having a specific turkey meal, which allows me to have their gluten-free pasta and salads and my family to have turkey, stuffing, etc. which couldn't have happened in my small kitchen due to cross-contamination. So...even though it isn't a home-cooked meal my family can eat a "normal" meal while I feel safe with my Turkey Day feast too :)

Of course, I also had to get some snacks for all of the hanging out and family time we'll be enjoying, so I stopped by Natural Grocers and got some gluten-free Nut Thins, cheese cubes, hummus and carrots - healthier than most holidays but it'll work.

Friday - lunch in Fredericksburg (will have to do some research on that one, but there is always cheese...and a LOT of wine!) and then dinner at Trudy's for Tex-Mex

They are heading out Saturday but we might squeeze a quick lunch in at Abel's on the Lake for a great view.

I cannot WAIT for them to get here!!