Lutie's Austin as a Vegan
In late Spring of 2021, just as I was beginning my second round of pandemic house-bound stir-craziness, a friend suggested I make a reservation at Luties, an indoor-outdoor restaurant within the Commodore Perry estate (now managed as part of the Auberge collection of resorts). Lured by the gatsby-esque charm and a chance at a dinner excursion that wasn’t terribly unsafe, I pulled up Opentable and thought I would take my chances…
…good thing I wasn’t hungry, because in early May when I booked, the soonest table availability was in mid-August.
Fortunately for me, I’m just as hungry in August as I am in May. That being said, the Texas heat was slightly more unforgiving. While I wish that valet was optional or that the valet drivers would’ve been courteous enough to wear masks when they’re getting into a personal vehicle and slathering their fingerprints all over everything, the dining experience was everything I’d hoped for.
Even as a vegan, you’re going to be fed very well at Lutie’s, but you’re going more for the experience than the food. We had several courses, beginning with house-made grilled sourdough and ending with berry sorbet, but the Grand Aioli platter seemed to be what took everyone’s breath away, meat and plant eaters alike. This wonderful assortment of pickled, roasted, and raw veggies served with a beet puree was delicious. Even veggies that I wouldn’t rank at the top of my list (I’m talking to you mushrooms and okra ) were delightful. It was certainly a salad-forward meal, but it wasn’t too heavy and paired well with the lengthy assortment of drinks and cocktails. Portions of the grounds are open to restaurant guests, and it made for a beautiful way to spend a summer evening.
