Highfalutin Without the Gluten Roulette
Fri., Feb. 11, 2011
Estimated meal cost per person:
$=<$10
$$=$10-25
$$$=$25-40
$$$$=$40+
DOWNTOWN
Beets Living Foods Cafe Austin's premier raw food spot, Beets serves gluten-free all year long. 1611 W. Fifth #165, 477-2338. www.beetscafe.com. $$
Corazon at Castle Hill The offspring of the well-loved Castle Hill Cafe has a refocused menu, but regulars are glad that what wasn't broken remains. Look for Mexico-centric dishes and top-notch service, with numerous gluten-free options. 1101 W. Fifth, 476-0728. www.corazonatcastlehill.com. $$
La Condesa Chef Rene Ortiz and pastry chef Laura Sawicki whip up neo-Mexican cuisine, as well as gluten-free options, as this 2nd Street District anchor sets a new standard for local dining. 400-A W. Second, 499-0300. www.lacondesaaustin.com. $$$
Parkside Simple surf and turf in a bistro setting, with a full oyster and raw bar, amazing mac and cheese, gluten-free menu options, and great desserts. Stop by for dinner and the late-night scene or a quick prowl through the half-price bar menu at happy hour. 301 E. Sixth, 474-9898. www.parkside-austin.com. $$$
P.F. Chang's China Bistro Depend on this popular chain for upscale Chinese favorites, a dedicated gluten-free menu, and enthusiastic service in a pleasant atmosphere. 201 San Jacinto, 457-8300. www.pfchangs.com. $$
TRIO at the Four Seasons Look out over Lady Bird Lake, and transcend the usual hotel-dining scene. The focus is on unusual and creative preparations of appetizers, side dishes, terrific steaks, and seafood, with an extensive gluten-free menu. Dinner charms with romantic lighting and efficient service. 98 San Jacinto, 685-8300. www.trioaustin.com. $$$$
EAST
Eastside Cafe This well-established place has been serving some of the healthiest food on the Eastside for quite a long time. The large herb and vegetable garden in back makes for fantastic fresh plates, and a dedicated gluten-free menu makes it fun for everyone. 2113 Manor Rd., 476-5858. www.eastsidecafeaustin.com. $$$
NORTH
Apothecary boasts a strong selection of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, salads, homemade soups, and sandwiches. Gluten-free paninis and salads round out the menu. Wine list changes monthly. 4800 Burnet Rd. #450, 371-1600. www.apothecaryaustin.com. $$
Asti For varied Italian regional cuisines and an extensive wine list of mostly Italian and Cal-Ital selections, try this Hyde Park corner spot. 408-C E. 43rd, 451-1218. www.astiaustin.com. $$$
Chez Zee Regulars and novices alike have been flocking to this bistro for 10 years running thanks to its 20 wicked dessert options. Fourteen gluten-free menu items mean everyone can go out for dinner. 5406 Balcones, 454-2666. www.chezzee.com. $$$
Daily Juice Cafe Looking for a healthy brunch? Everything on the menu here is composed of raw vegetable matter of one kind or another, and the gluten-free baked goods are terrific. 4500 Duval St., 380-9046. www.dailyjuice.org/pages/cafe. $$
Fonda San Miguel offers traditional Interior Mexian cuisine, including several gluten-free choices. Try the Angels on Horseback, or just show up for the famous Sunday brunch. 2330 W. North Loop, 459-4121. www.fondasanmiguel.com. $$$$
Mirabelle Northwest Hills neighbors have embraced this casual fine-dining spot, and wine lovers from all over town make it a destination restaurant. Gluten-free dieters will find plenty here to make them happy, too. 8127 Mesa, 346-7900. www.mirabellerestaurant.com. $$$
P.F. Chang's China Bistro Depend on this popular chain for Chinese favorites and enthusiastic service in a pleasant atmosphere. 10114 Jollyville, 231-0208. www.pfchangs.com. $$
The Steeping Room Tearooms are making a comeback, just in time for moist cupcakes and delicate tea sandwiches. You'll find a selection of small plates, salads, and daily soups here, as well as gluten-free menu items and heavenly gluten-free desserts. The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace #112, 97-STEEP. www.thesteepingroom.com. $$
Uchiko Chef-driven sushi and Japanese and original Asian cuisine, including gluten-free items, is served in a posh atmosphere. 4200 N. Lamar #140, 916-4808. www.uchikoaustin.com. $$$
SOUTH
Barley Swine This small gastropub offers small plates of skillfully prepared seasonal and local foods, including several gluten-free options. 2024 S. Lamar, 394-8150. $$
Brick Oven Restaurant This isn't just some of the best pizza in town; there's a full menu of gluten-free options complementing the traditional, filling pasta dishes, all with a personal touch. Also a fantastic GF carrot cake by the slice that tastes like the real thing. 9911 Brodie, 292-3939. www.brickovenrestaurant.com. $$
Vespaio A comfy bar, great service, and a dazzling display of antipasti near the front door lure us in, and the pasta and heirloom tomatoes do the rest. And if gluten-free pasta is what you're after, you'll find plenty of it here. 1610 S. Congress, 441-6100. www.austinvespaio.com. $$$
WEST
Gumbo's of Westlake offers an extensive gluten-free menu, featuring swanky Cajun specialties such as blackened and grilled seafood, beef tenderloins, and seafood appetizers. 3600-D Capital of TX Hwy. N., 328-4446. www.gumboswestlake.com. $$$
Las Palomas Twenty-five years young and still serving up delicious Interior Mexican in a lovely setting. The empanadas, frijoles a la charra, beef tenderloin, and anything with mole sauce are not to be missed. Also check out the extensive gluten-free menu. 3201 Bee Caves Rd. #122, 327-9889. www.laspalomasrestaurant.com. $$
Wild Wood Art Cafe Finally, a health-conscious menu dedicated to the nutritional well-being of people whose choices are limited by food allergies and medical restrictions. Find fresh, well-prepared breakfasts and lunches featuring gluten-free salads, sandwiches, and entrées. 3663 Bee Caves Rd. Ste. 4-A, 327-9660. www.wildwoodartcafe.com. $
UT AREA
The Carillon Executive Chef Josh Watkins prepares upscale, modern American cuisine in a lavish setting. Try one of the gluten-free entrées. 1900 University Ave., 404-3655. www.thecarillonrestaurant.com. $$$
Fino Influences from Nice to Casablanca and Naples to Athens are all ably executed here by chef Jason Donoho. You'll also find plenty of gluten-free options. 2905 San Gabriel, 474-2905. www.astiaustin.com/fino. $$$
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