Honest Mary's
Farm to Table | Fast Casual
Farm to table restaurants are something that I have recently become more aware of and really interested in. I think supporting local companies that know where and who they are sourcing their ingredients from makes eating the food a wonderful experience. It gives you the opportunity to learn more about eating foods that provide balance and combine to make delicious dishes.
The first farm to table restaurant in Austin that I want to highlight is Honest Mary's. Honest Mary's was started after the founders, Nelson and Mary, became increasingly frustrated with the limited amount of healthier options they were seeing when eating out at restaurants. Their goal with Honest Mary's is to provide an alternative to home cooking that you can rely on when you are on the go or having a busy day that is still clean and uses whole ingredients. All their ingredients, from the vegetables to the meats to the dressings and beverages either come from or are made up of ingredients provided by local farms and businesses. At the restaurant they have a sign that shows all of those local companies and farms they partner with which is something I absolutely love that they feature. On their website they write that their goal is "to give life to [their] guests" and I definitely think they have achieved this through their inviting, casual space and great ingredients that leave you feeling good about what you are eating.
Their menu consists of the choice to order a signature bowl or to build your own. On my first visit to Honest Mary's a couple years back, I wasn't entirely sure what to get and was a little bit overwhelmed by the lineup of ingredients to pick from. So, I ordered one of their signature bowls and it did not disappoint. It was the perfect introduction to the type of meal I could create for myself the next time I visited the restaurant and make me pretty excited to go back and create my own bowl.
They have ingredients that cater to all kinds of different diets and food sensitivities/allergies. This pretty much guarantees that everyone can create a wonderfully balanced and flavorful meal that meets any restriction or food preferences. One of my favorite bowls to build is called the Farmers Market Bowl because it allows you to add in one more veggie topping than the other bowls and I absolutely love roasted veggies. I have also tried the chicken bowl and it was amazing but since I have been looking to include some more plant based protein in my life I mostly stick to the Farmers Market Bowl and try the alternate options like lentils, which were just as tasty and satiating.
Honest Mary's also changes up a few of the ingredients they offer based on what is in season at that time of year. For example, in the fall/winter they have roasted butternut squash with ras el hanout seasoning while in the summer months they offer roasted summer squash and zucchini as something to add to your bowl. I love this about their menu because it allows you to really experience and enjoy the produce while it is at its best and most delicious to consume.
Overall, Honest Mary's is one of my favorite places to get a flavor packed and nutritious meal when I am looking to eat out. I love that they offer such a variety of choice that can appeal to all kinds of people and it's an added bonus that they source all their ingredients from local companies and farms. If you are looking to try something new in Austin or are visiting I would highly recommend checking this place out!
Here is the link to their website if you want to read more or explore their menu! https://www.honestmarys.com/
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