Fine Dining in Austin while Raw experience

[elfinbaby]

I just wanted to share with everyone my experience this week at Aquarelle in Austin TX. DH had a celebratory dinner at a French restaurant called Aquarelle downtown. I saw the menu and was a little nervous - it came down to mixed greens with pears, no dressing. Most of the people in our party would be having 3-4 courses so I was expecting to feel a little out of place.

However, dh called the restaurant, told them his wife was raw, and asked could they accomodate me. They said No Problem! Apparently, they'd recently had a raw diner come in and were able to serve 7 courses! I think this is HUGE and says alot about the restaurant. They are not set up with fancy raw equipment but did a great job with my meal.

Next time I will give them more notice though. Dh literally called hours before the event so they used whatever they had on hand. I had 4 courses and I blended right in - almost. It was glaringly obvious that I wasn't being served honkin' cuts of beef, crabs in the shell, etc. Anyway, my first dish was a very snazzy hollowed out cucumber stuffed with tomatoes, onion, cucumber, bell pepper with red pepper sauce drizzled around, then a squash soup (really yummy) with cilantro, garlic, and bits of apple to complement the savory flavor. Next I had a salad with cucumber, red pepper, cilantro, and more with a lime, cilantro, ginger vinagrette. A beautifully arranged fruit plate was dessert. The honeydew was sweeter than candy.

Since it was late notice, they used similar ingredients in a couple of dishes but I'm not complaining. They really outdid themselves with presentation and I was so impressed with their desire to accomodate me. Dh has events like this come up alot and now I feel much less stressed about "What am I going to eat?!" I'll just call beforehand

Just wanted to share.
April

[luna99]

That's so great!! The soup sounded delicious!! hmm.. I'm gonna have to look that restaurant up just to see where it is.. I used to live in austin and never heard of it before.

[Faithfullyfit]

I will be going to Austin in a few weeks- I will have to go and will let them know that you gave high regards!

Thanks for sharing!

[chriscarlton]

I recently had a business trip to Newcastle ENG. I called ahead also and the restaurant at the hotel was very into it. I gave them my web address so they could do some research and by the time I showed up a few days later they had bought me a selection of organic produce and had downloaded some recipes as well.

They were affraid to try anything though and I ended up being welcomed into their big commercial kitchen each evening where I would prepare a quick meal. Then I would go to my room and change for dinner. I was able to sit with my party and be served the food I had made myself, only a hour before.

They were eager to know my techniques and taste my creations, which they loved. One young chef was more interested than the others and we talked about her using Raw Food as a career move or maybe even starting her own restaurant some day.

[RawVee]

I recently had a business trip to Newcastle ENG. I called ahead also and the restaurant at the hotel was very into it. I gave them my web address so they could do some research and by the time I showed up a few days later they had bought me a selection of organic produce and had downloaded some recipes as well.

They were affraid to try anything though and I ended up being welcomed into their big commercial kitchen each evening where I would prepare a quick meal. Then I would go to my room and change for dinner. I was able to sit with my party and be served the food I had made myself, only a hour before.

They were eager to know my techniques and taste my creations, which they loved. One young chef was more interested than the others and we talked about her using Raw Food as a career move or maybe even starting her own restaurant some day.

That is so cool, Chris!! Way to spread the Raw Love!!!!

V

[SchoolOfRAWk]

Chris,

Your "raw food porn" slideshow is AMAZING. I am WAY impressed, my gawd!
Freakin STUNNING. Thanks!

[SchoolOfRAWk]

Okay - QUESTION:

The lasagna type food that has a 7 picture sequence, starting with the saran wrap in the pan and zuccini slices hanging out, then to where it's all packaged in saran wrap and out of the pan... Do you slice it and then dehydrate it? Please explain, that is like physics-defying! lol!

Erica

[SchoolOfRAWk]

Okay - QUESTION:

The lasagna type food that has a 7 picture sequence, starting with the saran wrap in the pan and zuccini slices hanging out, then to where it's all packaged in saran wrap and out of the pan... Do you slice it and then dehydrate it? Please explain, that is like physics-defying! lol!

HAS EVERYBODY SEEN THIS?

http://www.purelyraw.com/gourmet.htm CLICK ON THE LINK TO THE ALBUM

Erica

[Portia2012]

This brings up a question. Have any of you went to places that were not that accommadating to you?

Also, what would you recommend if you are just starting out becoming a vegan as far as take out?


Love and Light,

Beloved Portia