Life in the slow lane
I’m not a foodie in the traditional sense, but I do care a lot about food. More specifically, the quality of the food. I like to eat whole, organic, simple food and Austin’s food scene was right up my ally.
I try to keep my spending down to a minimal since I never know where my next dollar is gonna come from. An easy way to do that, is to cook all my meals at home. Well, that was harder than ever in Austin and I admittedly went out to eat a fair amount. I have been a vegetarian for 23 years and I have always struggled with eating out. If I’m lucky, the restaurant may have 1 or 2 vegetarian friendly items on the menu. In Mpls (where I lived), we have some restaurants geared towards vegetarians but NOTHING compared to the vegetarian/vegan paradise that is Austin. I was beyond elated to go to places where the entire menu looked good to me. That has literally never happened to me before in my whole life. It’s something that is truly special to Austin and I have no regrets spending a little extra money to have the best food experience of my life!
I was surprised to learn that Austin is all about the food trucks. Everywhere you look there are vintage trailers and trucks turned into tiny restaurants. They even have food courts, or food trailer parks, if you will, scattered all over the city. It was really neat to see! I’m going to do my best to remember all the places I went and enjoyed. Even though a lot of these are vegetarian/vegan places, I think meat eaters would enjoy them too. That being said, this list will definitely be bias towards us plant eaters.
Food Trucks: Curcuma, Rockin’ Vegan Tacos, Arlos
Sit Down Restaurants: Bouldin Creek Cafe, Cherrywood Coffeehouse, Nasha, Bufalina, Home Slice Pizza, Mr. Natural
Grocery Stores: Wheatsville Coop, In.gredients
Treats: Steel City Pops, Juiceland , Churro Co.
Coffee: Flat Track Coffee, Vintage Heart Cafe
There were quite a few places I would have liked to have tried (I’m coming for you next time Blenders & Bowls) but didn’t. I was trying to not go too crazy spending money on going out to eat and I was pretty satisfied having a coop to do my grocery shopping at. I think the place I spent the most money at, hands down, was Juiceland. I love, love, love, smoothies and they have so many great combos! It’s all fresh pressed, squeezed and blended right there. The first time I saw their menu I knew I was doomed. It was a, “Hi, take all my money”, situation for sure.
These places are just the tippy top of the food iceberg in Austin. If you’re planning a trip there, I would suggest budgeting in some extra spending money for food! If you’re a fellow vegetarian/vegan, you will be pleased to know your kind is more than welcome there. Austin also does a great job making eco-friendly choices. Everywhere I went I saw compostable straws, eating utensils and containers. Recycling and composting bins are readily available which is so, so great if you are aiming towards zero waste. This non-traditional foodie gives Austin a 10 out of 10! Go get your grub on!
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You can also support me by shopping my vintage clothes collection, Freedom to Roam. These clothes are found at various thrift stores across the U.S. and purchases help keep me roaming!
Until next time, much love and Mander on!
A friend and I are planning on taking a trip down to visit Austin, Waco and Dallas. This is helpful info. Thanks Jessy!
Awesome! My next post is gonna be about things to do there. Stay tuned!
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HI have you thought about turning the van to run on solar? Perhaps if you say you want to save for a solar system, people may support you more. I for example do not want to give my money or support this filthy industry. So I wouldn’t want to donate money for you to use gas……
I already have solar. I have never been plugged in once since living on the road. Regardless, a vehicle cannot run on solar…. a vehicles engine needs gas. My carbon footprint in much smaller than any one living in a home and I am saving a old vehicle from rotting in a landfill. I am bit offended by your comment and find it to be ignorant. I only welcome people to donate if they feel so inclined. If you are not inclined for whatever reason that is 100% ok with me! No need to weigh in with a comment that literally makes zero sense.
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Yep, AusTex is a LOT like Portlandia. It’s an oasis in the wilderness that is the Comancheria. It was my salvation during my recession exile. I’d forgotten all about Bowls and Blenders but that was memorable.