ALDACO’S MEXICAN CUISINE

Full disclosure, I am a good friend of Blanca Aldaco the originator and namesake of this restaurant. However, Aldaco’s has offered gluten-free options since 1999, even before gluten-free was glamorous (if it can indeed be considered glamorous) so it has earned the right to be included in this blog.

Blanca Aldaco is a zesty restauranteur originally from Guadalajara, Mexico. Blanca’s natural vivaciousness and work ethic have made her a successful business owner and leader in the field as she serves as the Chairman of the San Antonio chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association, is a past President for Les Dames d’Escoffier women’s culinary association, and has won numerous awards.

Aldaco’s current location sits high on a hill overlooking the Stone Oak area of San Antonio. The patio is highly prized on beautiful sunny days and during San Antonio’s 10-day Fiesta celebration in the spring is strewn with colorful ribbons fluttering in the breeze. The fountain invites groups of friends to linger in conversation over one of the award-winning Margaritas (fortunately margaritas are naturally gluten-free!). As the daughter of a renowned Mexican architect, Blanca has a great eye for design and art which fill the indoor portion of the restaurant.

Gluten-free menus are available and Mexican cuisine frequently offers corn tortillas as an option for those avoiding gluten. However, unlike most Mexican restaurants, there are a number of naturally healthy items available. Our family especially loves the Tres Marias salad and I know enough of her secrets to know that there is no oil in the salad dressing. Blanca has also brought a family favorite to her restaurant – the Centerpiece – which features wedges of tomato, avocado, grilled zucchini, panela cheese, onions and chilis with a cilantro dressing.

I often indulge in the Pollo Aldaco’s with both the Crema al Chipotle and the Crema al Cilantro – dairy-free be damned! I just make sure to take some enzymes after my meal and both my taste buds and stomach are happy..

I am committed to not just writing about places that have gluten-free foods, but restaurants that are a safe place and an enjoyable place to eat. Aldaco’s has provided many happy memories of food and friends and I know in speaking with my friends that I am not alone.

In conclusion, this restaurant is located away from the typical San Antonio tourist area, but is worth a drive to enjoy a local experience with a bent toward authentic Mexican cuisine.