Ecstatic Cuisine Cafe & Catering is comprised of a variety of people with a wide variety of diets. We have vegetarians (one loves ethnic, exotic dishes and the other loves carbs and very few vegetables), meat lovers, a few gluten-free (or at least gluten-conscious) eaters, a kosher chef and a few staff members who watch their sugar and fat intake for health reasons. In spite of our varied palates, we all love to eat and cook amazing food.
Here are a few places around town that we look to for specialty foods for both events and ourselves.
Austin Farmers’ Markets: With locations downtown, on the east side, and in north and south Austin, there is no excuse not to visit a farmers’ market a few times a month. There is a fairly large variety of local, seasonal and often organically farmed produce, Texas meats and seafood, gluten and sugar-free pastries, samosas, locally milled soaps, and locally made sausage and pâté. These markets may not have everything you need for your week (limited bulk, no household cleaners, and few spices), but they are a fun and refreshing way to shop while supporting the Austin farmer and artisan community.
Greenling: This local grocery delivery service offers an extensive variety of local produce, meats, farm fresh eggs, dairy, and household items. It is easy to sign up for and they have a convenient weekly delivery system. My favorite way to use the service is to order the “local box” which costs $30 every two weeks and you get a very large assortment of the freshest foods that are in season. Greenling also gets extra kudos for the times when I was car-less and in college as their service offered a convenient way to still get in all my fruits and vegetables. Plus, it was a nice surprise at my doorstep when I got home from classes.
Thai Fresh: This cute, South Austin grocer is more than a grocer. They have a cozy restaurant and sell and serve meats (chicken, pork, and beef) that are exclusively raised in Texas. They also buy their produce from local farmers and teach cooking classes at your home or on site. Ecstatic Cuisine buys many of our Asian sauces and condiments form this great shop!
MT Supermarket: A HUGE Asian market with specialty rice, produce, housemade kimchi, crazy varieties of fish and shellfish, Japanese, Korean, East Indian and Chinese spices, as well as Asian housewares, beers and frozen desserts. The size and scope of this treasure trove made me giddy with excitement the first time I visited. Well worth a trip to far north Austin.
Asahi Imports: Smaller and more intimate than MT Supermarket, Asahi focuses more on Japanese veggies, snacks, gifts, sauces and frozen mochi ice cream. They also stock a wide variety of teas and even bento boxes!
HEB Central Market/Whole Foods/Sun Harvest: The go-to triumvirate for a host of reasonably affordable organic produce, meat, gluten-free flours, Paraben-free, vegetarian supplements and body care, bulk cereals, and spices. Whole Foods (the priciest of the three) and Central Market both originated in Austin and Sun Harvest has great weekly sales on produce, fruit, meats, and vitamins. (I also like that HEB and HEB-owned Central Market stores offer very locally respected health care benefits for their employees.) **Note: Not all HEBs are created equal. If you get burned by one, do a little research and try again. The locations off Brodie Lane, Westlake and 41st are all pretty good. Central Market is a higher end HEB, with a great wine selection, a salt and olive oil bar, good bulk section and nice meat and fish. Also quite a bit of ethnic food and specialty cheeses and desserts.
