Taos, Nm: Healthy Eating Capital Offers Dozens Of Gluten-free, Vegan & Organic Restaurants

Named one of the "Prettiest Towns" in America, Taos, New Mexico is not only easy on the eyes but is also easy on the palette, with dozens of restaurants offering not only gluten-free dining, but vegan, vegetarian, and organic fare using locally grown produce.

"Visitors travel far and wide to Taos for a memorable experience where they can absorb its history and culture through our art, landscape, and unique cuisine," said Town of Taos Mayor Darren Cordova. "Many of the chefs in the Town's restaurants rely on local, organically grown produce, reflecting a sense of pride in our land and in what we share. We invite visitors to experience the authentic flavor of Taos at our many unusual restaurants that cater to a variety of different lifestyle needs."

Cordova recently opened his own restaurant, Casa de los Cordovas, serving New Mexican fare with a few vegetarian items on the menu. Casa de los Cordovas is located at 330-A Paseo del Pueblo Sur in Taos. Call 575-751-9600 for hours.

Antonio's restaurant in Taos, featuring Mexican cuisine inspired by select regions of Old Mexico, offers a 95 percent gluten-free menu. Owner Sarah Matus has had a taste of how difficult it can be to find a gluten-free restaurant in her travels, since she has suffered from Celiac's Disease for more than 11 years. Celiac's Disease affects one in every 133 people in the U.S., and is an intolerance to gluten which is found in most grains found in a number of foods and beverages.

"I know how frustrating gluten-sensitivity can be when eating out, so it makes me happy to live in Taos where there are so many restaurant options for those of us who have limited menu choices," said Antonio's owner, Sarah Matus. "Most of our customers have no idea that our restaurant serves primarily gluten free items, because the food tastes so good. We use rice flour for our green and red chile sauces, chips, and rellenos, so our customers can enjoy an authentic Mexican meal without having to worry how the food will impact them later that day."

Antonio's also offers gluten free beers, and soups are made to order to avoid the use of thickening sauces. Antonio's is located at 122 Dona Luz in Taos. Call 575-751-4800 or visit antoniosoftaos.com for menu and hours.

Other Taos restaurants offering gluten-free options including (among others): Anaconda Bar in El Monte Sagrado; Bent Street Cafe and Deli; Caffe Renato; Dara Thai; De la Tierra at El Monte Sagrado; El Gamal; El Meze Restaurant; Five Star Burgers; Gorge Bar and Grille; Graham's Grille; Great Noodles; La Cueva Cafe (80 to 90 percent of menu is gluten-free); Lambert's; Love Apple; Raw to Go; Stella's Italian Restaurant; Smoothie Cafe at Fun Peak Indoor Play Center; Sugar Nyphs Bistro; Sushi a la Hattori; Taos Cow; Taos Diner; Taos Pizza Outback; Trading Post Cafe; Yu Garden; and Zuly's Cafe.

Many restaurants also offer not only vegetarian but vegan menu items. Vegan food contains no animal products or by-products.

A comprehensive list of Taos restaurants offering gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, organic, and Farm to Table fare is available on the official Taos website at http://taos.org/visit/dining. An additional list of all Taos eateries including location, contact information and hours of operation is available on the site as well.

To learn a few new vegetarian recipes to share with the family at home, Cooking Studio Taos offers a variety of cooking classes including upcoming classes on June 23, "Indian Vegetarian" at 1 p.m. and on July 7, "North African: Mostly Vegetarian" at 1 p.m. Private and group classes with many different offerings including gluten free and vegetarian are also available upon request. To contact, visit cookingstu