Gluten is the protein contained in wheat, barley and other grains. Some people are genetically predisposed toward celiac disease, a condition where they cannot eat gluten or risk irritating and inflaming their small intestine. According to Boston Globe writer Elizabeth Cooney, celiac disease is more than four times more common today than it was 50 years ago. Gluten-free restaurants have begun to spring up, and Austin, Texas, with its progressive and health-conscious population, is the home of several establishments.
Zen tries to use simple, natural and organic ingredients in all dishes. The restaurant has several locations in Austin, and the menu is very friendly to those on a gluten-free diet. It primarily features meats, vegetables and rice, both brown and white. Only the udon and soba noodles need to be avoided. Customers can create their own “enlightened bowl” by choosing their protein from shrimp, filet mignon, salmon, dark meat and chicken breast or tofu, and then choosing a vegetable mix, sauce and rice or baby greens. Other items on the menu include sushi rolls, bento boxes, salads, barbecues and teriyaki dishes. Zen even has 1300-, 1800- and 2500-calorie meal plans, and a kids menu.
Zen Japanese Food
2900 West Anderson Lane, Suite 250 ?
Austin, TX 78757?
(512) 451-4811
1303 South Congress ?
Austin, TX 78704?
(512) 444-8081 ?
3423 Guadalupe?
Austin, TX 78705?
(512) 300-2633
eatzen.com
Wildwood Art Cafe is both an art gallery and a gluten-free restaurant. The menu at the Wildwood features sandwiches, salads, tamale and enchilada platters, lasagna, pizza crust, muffins, breads, brownies, cookies and cakes, all free from gluten. Some dishes are also vegan, free from both dairy and meat. Diners can choose from organic chicken salad, veggie pesto, grilled tofu, turkey, and pastrami sandwiches, made with their choice of rice bread, whole grain bread, ciabatta or vegan sesame seed bread. Tamales are made with sweet potato, pecans, mushrooms, chipotle, black beans, chicken or pork, while enchiladas are filled with spinach and mushroom, veggie chorizo, turkey, black beans and cheese.
Wildwood Art Cafe
3663 Bee Caves Road #4A
Austin, TX 78746
(800) 420-4207
wildwoodartcafe.com
Beets is an upscale raw foods restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, smoothies and snacks. The cafe’s menu features both green and fruit smoothies, buckwheat granola, hummus spread made with zucchini and sesame seeds, a veggie-flax seed burger, vegetarian pizza on a sprouted chia seed crust, and a mock tuna pate made with almonds, celery, sunflower seeds, onion and lemon juice. Beets even has desserts, made with no processed sugars, dairy or soy products.
Beets Living Foods Cade
1611 W. 5th Street, Suite 165
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 477-2338
beetscafe.com
