Texas barbecue. Known to be a highlight of traditional
southern cuisine, Texas barbecue definitely lives up to its infamous
reputation. With many cooking techniques, variations of sauces and meat styles
Texas barbecue is one of a kind. Austin definitely does not lack a good
barbecue meal. There are dozens of restaurants I could think of off the top of
my head – The Salt Lick, Rudy’s, Stubb’s, Iron Works, and many more.
So, what’s the problem with dozens of restaurants that
feature Texas barbecue? Try being a vegetarian. Vegetarianism and veganism have
become increasingly popular trends within the United States. More websites,
cookbooks, restaurants and such have been promoting vegetarian and vegan
lifestyles.
Therefore, I felt it was my duty to go on a quest to find
the best restaurant in Austin for those who live a vegetarian or vegan
lifestyle. After trying many vegetarian restaurants, I found the “mother” of
all veggie cafes – Mother’s. Mother’s Café & Garden is located on 45th
and Duval.
At first when I pulled up to Mother’s I was not very
impressed with the appearance, but let me be the first … actually probably not
the first … to tell you appearances can be deceptive. What looks to be a“hole
in the wall” place is now one of my favorite restaurants in Austin!
The outside of Mother's Cafe & Garden. Such an "Austin" place!
Photo by: Kate Kutilek
Once you walk into the building, you definitely can feel the
Austin ambiance radiating from the décor, menu, and even the staff. It is very
earthy, natural – definitely a typical vegetarian restaurant.
“Even though I’m not completely a vegetarian, Mother’s has
great healthy options for anyone,” said Annika Hathaway, a sophomore at the
University of Texas at Austin.
From soups, fruit trays, and quiche to enchiladas – Mother’s
has a wide array of options for any health-nut. When I went I ordered a fruit
tray to start off and spinach mushroom enchiladas for my meal. The fruit tray
includes many types of fruit such as kiwi, banana, mango, oranges and berries
all topped with currants and fresh grated coconut. My enchilada was filled with
spinach, mushrooms, red onions and jack cheese topped with spicy cashew
chipotle sauce. Yummy!
The spinach mushroom enchiladas I ordered with fresh guacamole on top.
Photo by: Kate Kutilek
Weekend brunch is served at Mother’s on Saturdays and
Sundays. Here you can find a wide variety of healthy breakfast classics such as
vegan whole-wheat pancakes or French toast. “When I went to mothers I ordered a
spinach egg-white omelette for brunch with a side of fresh fruit,” Hathaway
said.
“I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes
natural, healthy foods,” Hathaway said while talking about Mother’s Cafe & Garden.
Until my next adventure in the best city of Texas, Kate.
