I had the distinct pleasure of having lunch with my friend Carla of Austin Urban Gardens (Twitter: @Gardens123) at Cafe Josie (Twitter: @CafeJosie).  Being relatively new to Austin, I had yet to dine at Cafe Josie and was excited about the opportunity to taste the menu, especially after having met Chef Charles Mayes at the Green Corn Project.

Carla is a regular at Chef Charles Mayes restaurant and is aware that I have Celiac’s Disease, which requires me to eat completely gluten-free & wheat-free.  She had advised the chef & wait staff prior to my arrival, which I greatly appreciated.  The menu is varied and I felt as though I had a lot to choose from (regular menu is a fusion of American Tropical Cuisine).

I opted to go with the daily special – Grilled salmon with carrots/snow peas and a cup of vegetable soup.  The vegetable soup came out first, was robust in flavor and filled with fresh vegetables.  I like my vegetable soup on the thick side with lots of vegetables and this fit the bill perfectly!  The grilled salmon was cooked just right, was tender and the flavor profiles danced in my mouth like a tropical drink!  The carrots and snow peas had been carefully prepared and had a bit of a snap to them –perfection!

Photo By John Anderson/Austin Chronicle

I am a bit embarrassed to say that I have lived in Austin for two years almost and had never patronized Cafe Josie.  When asking Carla about Chef Charles Mayes, I learned he has been a staple on the Austin Culinary Scene for quite some time and he is involved with several non-profit events throughout the year (Green Corn Project & Austin Empty Bowl Project.  I am looking forward to returning to Cafe Josie and to learning more about Chef Charles Mayes.

Thank you Carla!  Thanks as well to Chef Charles Mayes for a wonderful meal & to his staff for an enjoyable dining experience.  I would highly recommend Cafe Jose to all, gluten-free or not -Exceptional food & exceptional service!

Cafe Jose Information:

Events Link

Photo Credits:

Rachelle King-Blinded By The Bite!

Cafe Josie

Austin Chronicle/John Anderson