PHARM TABLE, San Antonio, TX
It is such a relief when I can go to a restaurant and know that everything on the menu is totally gluten and dairy-free. That the food is healthy is a boon to my nutritionist soul. That the food is tasty is a boon to my Dames d’Escoffier culinary soul and the chef/owner here is a fellow Dame.
The restaurant menu verifies that EVERYTHING is gluten-free and dairy-free. The menu supports the philosophy of “an anti-inflammatory approach by making plants the protagonist and showcasing the phytonutrients of seasonal produce.” They honor the practice of eating with the seasons and sourcing from small local farms. Local sourcing and avoiding waste show their commitment to the health of their patrons as well as the health of the environment and the community.
Fortunately, my dining companion was familiar with the menu and suggested we share an excellent cabbage dish. This dish was about to rotate off the menu so we made it just in time. I also ordered the salmon taco which was very good as well. Carrot soup, a special green herbal tea, and a gluten-free dessert and I was in heaven…. and stuffed. I just wanted to try everything. Another friend tells me she especially likes a lentil dish which I am going to guess might be the red lentil kitchari shown on the website’s sample menu
I had been meaning for some time to check out the new location in Southtown and it was very lovely indeed. There was 90-minute validated parking which helped ease the difficulty finding parking in Southtown San Antonio. Visiting during San Antonio’s summer didn’t bode well for eating outside, but the outside tables looked very inviting. There were a number of tables under a vine-covered pergola with ponchos available for the cooler weather. The inside had a fresh, modern, earthy feel.
The chef/owner, Elizabeth Johnson, has a mission of bringing healthy and healing food to the masses. I had to thank her for providing an alternative to the food that is making people sick. I know that Elizabeth has provided individual suggestions for people facing health issues using her knowledge of Ayurvedic principles. Food is indeed medicine.
I’ll be back to linger in the fresh air and sample the rest of the dishes that I couldn’t find room for on my previous visit. This restaurant invites a toast of “salud” or “a votre sante”. In other words, “to your good health”.
