A restaurant owner once told me you can tell a lot about a place just from the breadbasket. Logically, it makes complete sense. This initial presentation and bite reveals a kitchen’s passion, attention to detail and culinary experience. That, and who doesn’t love to kill their diet on a glutinous amount of buttery carbs? Here are some of my favorite places to ruin my appetite before my meal even comes out. Fill me in on your favorites, so we can all celebrate stuffing our faces together. (It’s the nice thing to do.)
Nonna
The puff of dough that comes from their wood-fired oven is actually filled with rainbows and sunshine. Their pita-like bread comes oil-brushed with a dash of sea salt and a side of olives on a slab of rustic wood. I like this one for its crisp, thin exterior that seems light at first, but not after five servings.
Café Izmir
When the pita hits the table, it’s inevitable someone will get an elbow to the face as you fight for a slice. But you can’t fully enjoy your experience without the hummus. I stand by my belief that their creamy hummus ranks among the best. A blend of whipped chickpeas, fresh minced garlic, dairy, imported olive oil, and some special Izmir spices, the difference is all in the tahini. Go ahead and order your own helping of soft, grilled pita and live with no regrets as you most likely order another.
Zoli’s
Technically you have to order the garlic knots and they don’t come complementary with your slice of Grandma pie, but it’s an unwritten rule to do so. Expect thick, chewy, salty, oily, garlicky, and every bit addicting. Plot twist: they offer Banana Nutella knots on certain occasions.
Babe’s
Biscuits and honey were meant for each other. Babe’s makes them just like grandma did: flaky, buttery and never-ending. Offered as one of their endless sides, the biscuits (alongside the chicken, of course) are the main reason you go to Babe’s. I may just fight a small child for the last biscuit. Thankfully refills are free and come without notice.
Gloria’s Restaurant
Tortilla chips and salsa are the breadbasket of Texas, so naturally they deserve a spot on my list. It’s hard to say which basket reigns supreme in the area, but Gloria’s warm black bean dip is what makes theirs standout to me. The chips are large, crisp and hot. The salsa offers a good amount of flavor, but like I said, it’s all about the addictive black bean dip. I undoubtedly take advantage of this endless offering, but I have no shame.
Bread Winners
With bread in their name, this place takes the carb business seriously. Bread Winner’s offers a seasonal plate that varies each time you go. The best part: you basically eat dessert first. Whether it’s a sample of pumpkin bread, doughy cinnamon rolls or strawberry lemon loaf, this place quickly becomes deadly.
