Austin’s culinary scene is well-known for its diverse assortment of food trucks, and The Flying Carpet is one of the city's most popular mobile eateries. This Moroccan fare restaurant cooks and serves its food from inside of a colorful food truck, and it also hosts a dining room inside of a separate building in front of the truck. This quirky layout makes The Flying Carpet a bit difficult to find for first-time visitors, but once you figure it out it becomes quite convenient. If you prefer to sit outside on a warm Austin afternoon, The Flying Carpet also offers a few shady tables on the outdoor patio.

Dishes like the Big Abdu consist of freshly baked pita bread, ground meats, and seasoned vegetables, and many regular guests order a pot of fine Moroccan tea to pair with their meal. With affordable prices and a knowledgeable staff, The Flying Carpet is ideal for an adventurous lunch.

The Flying Carpet
504 West Oltorf
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 744-5651
www.tfctheflyingcarpet.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-flying-carpet-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/stu_spivack

Your little ones love sugary cookies, while you just can’t resist a savory snack every now and then. If you’re looking for healthier snacks for the whole family that still tasty and satisfying, these tips from the NIH can help you find them.

• Create healthier versions of your favorite snacks. Instead of your usual cheese and crackers, substitute low-fat cheese and whole-grain crackers. Instead of buttery, salty movie theater popcorn, make some fat-free or low-fat popcorn.
• Make healthier dessert choices. Instead of your usual homemade milkshake, blend a banana, ice and low-fat chocolate milk for a chocolate smoothie that’s still delicious.
• Choose smarter condiments. Sauces and other toppings can add fat and empty calories to an otherwise healthy snack. Instead of cheese, choose salsa, and instead of regular ranch dressing opt for a fat-free variety.

For more healthy snacking tips, visit the NIH website.

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/marc kjerland