The Shopping List
Three Ways to Keep it local
By Brandon Watson, Fri., Oct. 23, 2015
Austin restaurant news happens at such a breakneck pace that it's often difficult for us to cover anything else. But foodie Austin happens in the shopping bag as much as it does on the white plate. Our commitment to eating local (and well) doesn't stop as soon as we hit the automatic doors, so we thought we'd offer a peek at some of the new essentials in the AC Food grocery cart. This week: taco night.
Siete Family Foods Tortillas
A lot of gluten- and grain-free products suffer because they were built on what they don't have. Siete Family Foods co-founder Veronica Garza took a different approach. After being diagnosed with lupus and other autoimmune disorders, Garza went about creating a grain-free product that was about taste. Whether you are on a grain-free diet or not, Siete's almond flour tortillas are the perfect alternative to flour or corn, with the same flavor and texture as traditional tortillas. Even Garza's grandmother, the family's tortilla pro, agrees – declaring them better than even her own. Available at Wheatsville Co-op and through Farmhouse Delivery.
Mom's Family Kitchen Salsa
Mom's first impressed us at this year's Hot Sauce Festival Happy Hour. At the main event, they impressed the people too – winning the people's choice first place in the commercial bottlers red sauce category. The reason for all the love? Their sauce may be packaged in a jar, but it tastes like it was freshly made – probably because they skip the preservatives, casein, and oils of a lot of jarred hot sauces. Don't tell our mom, but we think it has hers beat hands down. Available at Stuffed Cajun Meat Market and Tears of Joy.
Dos Lunas Chico Cheddar
Dos Lunas had been around for a while, but somehow we completely missed Chico Cheddar, but we don't think there is a more versatile local cheese for tacos or fajitas. It's mild enough not to overwhelm the other ingredients, but assertively sharp enough to hold up to cumin and chile powder. Your kids will like it just like it is, or melted in a quesadilla. Find it at Central Market, Thom's Market, or In.gredients.
