Austin restaurant news happens at such a breakneck pace that it’s often difficult for us to cover anything else. But foodie Austin happens in the shopping bag as much as it does on the white plate. Our commitment to eating local (and well) doesn’t stop as soon as we hit the automatic doors, so we thought we’d offer a peek at some of the new essentials in the AC Food grocery cart.
Crickers Crackers
Eating insects may seem to be the latest fad for armchair Andrew Zimmerns, but the makers of Crickers are no novelty act. The website’s handy infographics point to all the very good reasons (both health and environmental) we should all add the word exoskeleton to our foodie vocabulary, but you won’t need any other reason than the taste. And for the squeamish, rest assured that the crickets are ground into the flour. There are no antennae to contend with (we’re sorry to disappoint your 4-year-old). There’s limited distribution for now, but the founders are hoping their Kickstarter (ending May 2) will change that. www.crickerscrackers.com.
KTonic Kombucha
You can’t judge a, er, kombucha by its cover, but dang it if the sharp typography and cheery colors of KTonic isn’t a welcome reprieve from the more psychedelic industry norm. The family business’ approach to the ancient beverage is all contemporary, too. It’s 100% tea with low sugar, and the taste is not masked with “natural flavors.” Their #3 Hibiscus, a take on classic jamaica, is not to be missed. Available online at www.ktonickombucha.com or on tap at Red Horn Brewery in Cedar Park.
Primizie Crispbreads
The first time we opened a bag of Primizie (smoked Dutch Gouda and garlic to be exact), we barely made it to the commercial break in Empire before the bag was emptied out. This is not a snack created by a Twitter campaign or a marketing team; it’s a snack created by people who care about taste. That may be because the owners, husband and wife Mark and Lisa Spedale, are former caterers and restaurateurs. Single-serve bags are coming in June, but we’ll be honest: We’ll always want the big size. Available at H-E-B, Central Market, Whole Foods Market, Wheatsville Co-op, or www.primiziesnacks.com.
This article appears in May 1 • 2015.