You’ve probably noticed the big push toward buying local, especially when it comes to your food. If you’re wondering why “local” is so popular, or are interested in joining this movement, check out this list of reasons why local is truly great for all involved:

It supports the community – Buying locally grown and locally produced goods is a great way to support the economy in your town or community.

You know where it comes from – When you purchase your food in a grocery store, you have no connection to its roots. When you buy local, you get to know the farmer, bee keeper, or baker who is responsible for your edibles.

It’s “green” – Purchasing your food locally cuts down on transportation. Often, food travels thousands of miles to the grocery store, which means tons of pollution. Buying local eliminates that because you go straight to the source.

It’s more nutritious – Studies show that the fresher your food, the more nutrients it contains. Instead of eating week-old (or weeks-old) produce from the grocery store, get fresh picked delights at the local market – it’s better for your health!

If you’ve ever been to New Orleans, you know that Cajun food can be presented two different ways. There’s the quick and tasty plates of shellfish and oyster po’ boy style, and then there’s the upscale, French-influenced dining that brings out some of the most intense and nuanced flavors that the cuisine has to offer. The French Quarter Grille in Austin ably bridges the gap between those two styles, presenting excellent Cajun and Creole food at good prices in a classy atmosphere. Start your meal with an order of the crawfish beignets – these small French donuts are stuffed with spicy, tender seafood and come with a light jalapeno tartar sauce for dipping. Entrees are diverse and universally good, with some favorites including the exceptional blackened catfish gumbo, the pecan-crusted trout, and the blackened ribeye Ponchartrain, which updates surf & turf with a perfectly-seared steak topped with shrimp, crab and crawfish in a mushroom brandy cream sauce.

French Quarter Grille
13000 N. IH 35
Austin, TX 78753
(512) 832-9090
http://www.yelp.com/biz/french-quarter-grille-austin