A couple of nights ago my wife and I stopped at the newly re-located Mars Restaurant & Bar on South Congress St. We were advising the server about my gluten intolerance and he went off to talk to the chef. He returned with a marked-up version of the menu with the gluten-free items circled, and a few notes about keeping the sauces to the side. This was really helpful, but the appetizer we ordered came with won-ton crackers laying across the top. We had to send it back and the replacement had some other kind of cracker on the side (which I didn't eat). I mentioned to the server that the menu was a good start and with a few additions it would be very usable. We'll see what happens.
This was the second restaurant in Austin that I've found with a menu marked up specifically to help celiacs order from the menu. The first restaurant I've found with a separate, printed, gluten-free menu is Z'Tejas, with two locations in Austin. From my experience the Z'Tejas menu can be trusted.
And another Austin restaurant that caters to gluten-intolerants is Casa de Luz. I've just heard that they've designated one night to be a gluten-free night, but I don't know what night that is. You'll have to call 'em.
So, Austin Celiacs, we can eat out and enjoy.
[2007-08-03 UPDATE: P.F. Chang's restaurants have a gluten-free menu. Ask for it.]
Technorati Tags: Austin, celiac disease, dining
