In Austin, we are blessed with an incredible amount of great food sources. Here is a quick list of items for your holiday dinner party that are available locally and guaranteed to minimize your holiday stress:
- Slow Smoked Turkey – Red’s Porch is taking orders this week for holiday birds, to be picked up 12/21-24. Call (512) 440-7337.
- Smoked Ham – John Mueller, famous for stellar barbecue, has a sweet side business going this month of smoking Christmas hams. Private orders, you work out the details with him, and do it sooner rather than later.
- Vegan Entrees and Sides – Whole Foods has you covered, with online ordering available until noon on 12/22. You can’t throw a stick in Austin without hitting a musician or a Vegan, but Whole Foods is here to help. (Note: musicians, unless they’re Vegan, will eat anything). Vegan foods contain no eggs, dairy or other animal products.
- Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens – Sounds like a country song, doesn’t it? Hyde Park Bar & Grill has these and other delicious sides available to go in eco-friendly containers (small to-go fee applies). I’d suggest giving the restaurant at least a day’s notice if you’ll be ordering a large amount. They don’t do catering, but instead sell in small, medium or large portions, so keep in mind how many you wish to feed and order accordingly.
- Nibbles & Treats – You know how it goes, cooking that meal always takes longer than expected. Keep the ravenous hordes in the living room and out from under foot with pretzels and beer cheese (addictive!) from Easy Tiger and a cheese and charcuterie prepared platters from Antonelli’s Cheese Shop.
- Wine & Beer – I’m getting quite fond of the South Lamar Wine & Spirits folks, not in small part to their rock star neon signage on the building. They also are well-stocked with wine, liquor and beer in a wide variety of price ranges. If you need help pairing wine with food, wander into East End Wines and let them steer you toward the right bottle, at the right price, for the right taste sensation.
- Gluten-Free & Vegan Sweets – The most amazing GF pastries I’ve ever tasted were Karen Morgan’s creations. Karen, owner of Blackbird Bakery, doesn’t have a storefront, but does do private orders. For a GF sweet treat at a run in and shop type spot, check out Delish. If it’s Vegan desserts that you need, Capital City Bakery has scrumptious cupcakes and layer cakes that will have even the most die hard carnivore smiling.
