For those of you who may be seeking alternative eats, such as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, the city is primed and ready for your visit. Vinaigrette–one of our favorite spots–offers a full range of creative and tasty salads, soups and sandwiches and is featured on Best Eats. And if gluten-free pizza is your thing, add Pizza Centro, also included on Best Eats, to your list. Please check back often for new additions.
Annapurna’s
When you have seemingly had your fill of red and green chile laced dishes or an overload of carbs and sugar, your body may be telling you to take a day off the hard stuff and give your belly a rest. Or maybe you are a strict vegetarian or vegan? Head straight to Annapurna’s for a world of healing Ayurvedic flavors that is crowded with sensational options for vegetarians, vegans as well as those that are gluten-free.
Having heard about this restaurant for years, we finally made it for a visit to Santa Fe’s only Ayurvedic restaurant. Plopped in the same lifeless strip center off of St. Michael’s where the famous Tecolote Cafe is located (FYI: we have been but it didn’t dazzle us like The Pantry or Plaza Cafe did), don’t judge the book by the cover.
The inside is colorful and clean and filled with glass jars or loose tea, buddhas hanging on the walls, ribbons hanging from the ceiling and happy people eating and drinking foods that heal and make you feel good.
Definitely start the experience with the lemon-ginger drink that is chock full of grated ginger, tart lemon juice and a touch of sweetener. In between a tea and a lemonade, all of these ingredients aid in digestion and the taste is sensational. When the liquid is gone, you can scoop up the ginger that settles on the bottom of the glass with a spoon and eat it.
Known as India’s national dish, I ordered the Thaali plate which features copious cups and varieties of freshly cooked vegetables of the day, along with dal, brown rice and a gluten-free dosa to scoop and sop up the goods. Each vegetable cup was packed with flavor and I felt amazing after eating this food.
Ending on a sweet note, we gave in to a gorgeous slice of coconut cream pie that is both gluten-free and vegan. Woo-hoo! Being coconut fans, we couldn’t pass this up and it was just enough to share and send us on our way with a smile on our face knowing we ate something grounding and good for us. I anticipate this becoming one of my go-to places when I feel the need for a truly balanced meal that heals and makes me feel great.
The Teahouse
Whether you are with a big group, your best friend, partner or alone, treat yourself to a favorite local haunt where you can relax with a lovely pot of tea, a dirty chai with almond milk or any meal of the day.
Some friends visiting town suggested we meet up at The Teahouse and it has been on the top of our list ever since. Whether you choose to sit in the house or outside on the well-shaded patio, get ready to relax and enjoy the chill vibe, extraordinary selection of teas and surprisingly delicious dishes.
If you are in search of a healthy way to start your day, fuel up here with a variety of egg dishes featuring poached eggs, housemade granola or their daily quiche special.
We stopped in for lunch one day and I was beyond impressed with the Brussels sprout salad that had roasted pears, pistachios, pecorino toscana cheese and mixed greens. This hearty salad was everything I had hoped it would be and nothing less–though they are a bit scarce with their salad dressing and I suggest asking for extra on the side.
David ordered the Italian meatloaf, which was served over polenta with a side salad. Before we were even finished eating, he was already thinking about when we could return so he can try the braised brisket.
Luckily, we both had just enough room to test out their gluten-free key lime pie. Considering I make the best key lime pie, this was definitely one I would return to when I am craving this perfectly balanced tangy and sweet concoction.
