Gluten Free Restaurants Archives - Gluten Free Mom To Be

March 9, 2014

Get ready….Gluten Free Pastries Do Exist!

Rarely would a gluten free eater see the terms gluten free and pastries together but it’s true, gluten free pastries do exist! Not only do they exist, but they are deliciously perfect in every way!

Since going gluten free, it’s been a rare occasion that I’ve been able to enjoy a dessert not baked by myself. Although I consider myself handy in the kitchen I am by no stretch a baker so it’s certainly a pleasure to come across not only one gluten free treat but a whole bakery full of them! When I first introduced you to Wildflour Bakery/Cafe here I showed you how talented they were in creating an entire gluten free experience from drinks to enjoying dessert, every part of the meal was a success! Although we had tasted a few of the desserts then, we only brushed the surface of the variety that they had to offer.

As my birthday had approached I had considered suggesting a trip to Wildflour’s to experience more decadence but Dan beat me to it. Much to my surprise, the morning of my birthday I woke up to a unfamiliar sight of a pastry box waiting for me on my dining table. I literally felt like a kid on Christmas morning, not being able to open the box fast enough to reveal the deliciousness inside. Finally, I lifted the lid to reveal a beautiful gluten free sight and smell.

Wildflour GF pastries to go! — Wildflour gluten free pastries to go!

That wonderful husband of mine had read my mind and delivered such a thoughtful gift. In the box were two familiar cranberry scones that were my favorite dessert from our first visit, a great reminder of our lunch experience. All I can say is that these wonderful scones are a perfect breakfast accompaniment to coffee or a sweet finish to a great dinner. This scone has a perfect texture with natural sweetness from the cranberries and a sugary sprinkled top. Scones are such a tasty breakfast pastry without being overly sweet and it is a welcomed surprise to see their triumphant introduction into the gluten free world. Immediately after trying these I began my search for gluten free scone recipes and cannot wait to give these a try, so stay tuned!

Next, Dan had picked out a chocolate cheesecake. I haven’t had a cheesecake in a number of years as the base of the cheesecake is full of gluten. Wildflour’s cheesecake was a chocolaty delight, free of a crust and smothered in a chocolate ganache. I split this with Dan and little one after dinner that night as I knew Dan, a cheesecake lover, would enjoy it as much as I would. After the first teaspoonful, I was instantly reminded of the beautifully light texture of cheesecake but surprised with the uniquely chocolaty flavor of this delight. Both Dan and little one devoured their portions as well, proving Wildflour’s ability to create gluten free food that tastes good and doesn’t carry the gluten free stigma With no room left after dessert, the remaining scone and cream puff just had to wait for the days that followed.

Chocolate cheesecake covered in chocolate!

After devouring the second scone for breakfast the next day I finally was able to try my last birthday surprise, a chocolate smothered cream puff for dessert the day following. Boy was this a tremendously good dessert worth the wait! Underneath the chocolate, was an oversize cream puff, consisting of just the right lightness and flakiness, filled with a deliciously sweet cream inside. It certainly was a perfect addition in my birthday pastry box! Thanks to Dan and Wildflour’s, my birthday this year has been the sweetest yet! Head to Wildflour Bakery/Cafe today and try them for yourself, take a look here to see many of the bakery treats that they offer!

Wildflour’s continues to raise the bar for gluten free cooking and baking. If only more restaurants took on the task to accommodate all diners in this fashion our dining world would become much bigger and more enjoyable. For now though, I look forward to my next trip to Wildflour’s and to see what tasty culinary experience I’m in store for. Thank you Dan and little one along with Wildflour’s for such a wonderful birthday surprise!

TIP: Search around in your neighborhood to see if you have a hidden gem like this one close by. Don’t be afraid to venture a little distance because you might just unveil a wonderful go to gluten free experience that you can indulge in from time to time.

Sincerely,

Lindsay

March 2, 2014

Happy Birthday Mommy and Daddy- A Review of Salt Creek Grille

The month of March is a very special month in our house as Dan and I share it as our birthday month and even better than that we share a birthday week! This year our little family ventured out to Salt Creek Grille. In addition to the food, the restaurant itself is certainly an experience. Both outside and inside Salt Creek Grille resembles that of a wooden ski lodge and is even equipped with cozy fireplaces. Their kitchen is open to the dining room so you can watch the hustle bustle of your food being prepped. But ultimately our biggest concern as gluten free eaters is what our gluten free menu will look like.

Salt Creek Grille does not have a separately designated gluten free menu, but instead they have highlighted items on their main menu that are inherently gluten free without any adjustments. After some discussion with our waitress we learned that most of the menu could be made gf with only a few adjustments. Their menu has quite a few options from soup and salads to seafood and steaks. You can take a look at their entire dinner menu here as well as the dessert menu (Yes they do have a gluten free dessert!).

On this particular occasion, I decided to order the wedge salad as well as the filet mignon, which was actually not marked gluten free on their menu. The filet mignon was gluten free except for the demi-glace sauce that usually accompanies it; to make this gluten free, I simply requested my go to steak sauce of choice, the béarnaise sauce, which I knew could be made gluten free from previous experience. Along with the filet, was a side of yukon gold mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. I have to mention that the béarnaise sauce is near and dear to my heart as I first and lastly enjoyed it at our wedding. Since going gluten free shortly after our nuptials, I have only been able to order a steak with béarnaise sauce when we have cruised but never at a normal restaurant on land. Unfortunately, many sauces are thickened with flour and thus chock full of gluten, this particular sauce is no different. Therefore when we dine at Salt Creek Grille I don’t miss the chance to indulge in this rarity.

While feeding little one some steamed veggies prepped at home, our appetizers were brought out. The wedge salad is definitely one of my favorite salads and this one was just right, picture perfect with a perfect proportion of blue cheese to bacon along with several cherry tomatoes to round it off. Just as we were licking our plates from our appetizers and little one doing the same of her veggies, our entrees were arriving. My filet was cooked well done, just how I like it, and the sauce was just what I wanted, reminding me of our wedding meal a bit. Everything was delicious and perfectly gluten free!

Although we’re not big on ordering desserts, I can’t resist when the opportunity actually exists, especially on our birthdays. Salt Creek Grille offers a flourless chocolate cake, actually something I’m trying to replicate later on for my own birthday. It is so perfectly fudgy and cakey at the same time with a delicious dark chocolate sauce on the side as well as chocolate ice cream. As my daughter was nibbling on her goldfish Mickey’s and Cheerios she kept eyeballing the chocolatey treat; I couldn’t help but give her a taste and as her mouth closed in on her little fork her eyes glistened with pure bliss. She certainly has an eye for the good stuff!

Salt Creek Grille is an excellent example of how a restaurant should be able to accommodate all of its diners. Every time we’ve dined here our entire family has always left full and satisfied! Such a wonderful way to celebrate our birthdays, Happy Birthday to us!

TIP: When making gluten free sauces, the best thickeners are either gluten free flour or cornstarch, both of which should do the trick. If a restaurant entree comes with a sauce that is not gluten free, inquire if either the sauce can be left off making the dish gluten free or as an alternative if the chef could provide a replacement gluten free sauce to accompany the dish.

Sincerely,

Lindsay

February 28, 2014

Delicious Vodka Rigatoni- A Review of Palermo’s Restaurant and Pizzeria

Ever since I can remember, one of my ultimate favorite pasta dishes has been Vodka Rigatoni. Sadly, gone are the days that I can enjoy my favorite meal from local Italian restaurants as many deter away from making a gluten free equivalent. The pasta of course is a big no-no and is full of gluten but the vodka can be as well, as many vodkas are distilled from wheat. Despite the overwhelming availability of gluten free pasta as well as vodka distilled from either corn or potato, a number of Italian restaurants have not quite caught on to the flexibility of altering dishes to be gluten free friendly.

Much to my surprise, after some googling I stumbled upon Palermo’s Restaurant and Pizzeria in Bordentown, NJ who offers an extensive gluten free menu.

Palermo's GF Menu Pg 1 — Palermo’s Gluten Free Menu Page 1

Palermo's GF Menu Pg 2 — Palermo’s Gluten Free Menu Page 2

Their menu offers a variety of dishes from pierogies and gnocchi to pizzas and burgers. When ordering gluten free at a non-gluten free restaurant I still approach eating with caution as many are sure to insert warnings on their gluten free menus indicating that there is always a chance for cross contamination. Although I appreciate honesty, this disclosure never leaves me at ease when eating out. When I do though, I try to make sure that everyone seems knowledgeable and understands my sensitivity so they might be a bit more careful (fingers crossed). During my round of 20 questions with the staff at Palermo’s, I was informed that the chef actually has a family member who has Celiac which immediately assured me that he understands the necessity for careful preparation and handling and also realizes the consequences of contamination.

I must admit with little one these days we mostly indulge in take out because of both the frigid winter we’ve been having and the brutal cold/flu season, so tonight was no exception. The food is always ready in a timely fashion and the staff couldn’t be friendlier, by now of course recognizing my husband as the gluten free family. As you can see, my Vodka Rigatoni was perfection! Gluten free rigatoni in a creamy vodka sauce with prosciutto!

Although I can appreciate and understand hesitation in allergy free cooking, I can’t help but hope other Italian restaurants would tackle the gluten free obstacle that exists and make many past and future patrons very happy. Hopefully someday we all can be treated to our classic Italian favorites when eating out at any local restaurant, but for now, I’m very appreciative of restaurants like Palermo’s who are making great attempts to make gluten free eaters feel welcomed!

TIP: Some restaurants may not have gluten free menus however they may still be able to accommodate by either swapping out pasta or changing a sauce so don’t hesitate to ask, it certainly can’t hurt to make a quick phone call before you stop in.

Sincerely,

Lindsay

February 27, 2014

A Hidden Gem- A Review of Wildflour Bakery/Cafe

After nearly three years of eating gluten free, I have finally found a completely gluten free restaurant where I could dine worry free of being “glutened”. The hidden gem I’m referring to is Wildflour Bakery/Cafe in Lawrenceville, NJ, home to a number of tasty gluten free pastries as well as a full service breakfast and lunch menu.

After a potential gluten incident on Valentine’s Day, my husband suggested a lunch at the Wildflour Bakery/Cafe. I was so excited to try out the newly advertised restaurant and eat worry free. With little one in tow we enjoyed one of the most relaxing lunches I’ve had in quite some time. I started off with the Pink Smoothie with strawberries, bananas, almond milk, orange juice, and agave.

Next up, I ordered the special which was an open faced sandwich made with their homemade baguette topped with eggplant spread and a little bit of mozzarella cheese. Along with my sandwich came a small house salad of mixed greens dressed with their house vinegarette and a cup of the sweet potato bisque soup. The bread was amazing and the eggplant spread was quite tasty too! One thing I have noticed in the past is that many gluten free breads tend to almost disintegrate when used in sandwiches, this one certainly surpassed this standard. It maintained it’s form as a baguette without falling apart and without getting soggy. It was delicious! Another item that I’ve never been able to order at a restaurant is soup as many of them do contain a source of gluten. The sweet potato bisque certainly was a welcomed surprise and hit the spot!

Wildflour Blog Pics (4) — Eggplant Baquette with Sweet Potato Bisque

My husband decided to order a bowl of the sweet potato bisque soup as well along with the grilled cheese sandwich which was served with a small salad. The orange sauce that you see on the side was a red pepper dipping sauce called muhammara. This was certainly as delicious as it looked (I tried a bite!). Dan is normally a “gluten eater” but has eaten his fair share of gluten free meals over the years, the least favorite of which has been our trials with breads, so he’s a pretty tough critic in that area in particular. That being said, he loved it too! In fact, he even said that had he not known that the sandwich had been gluten free he would’ve thought that it had been made with his glutenful bread.

Wildflour Blog Pics (6) — Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Our little girl had brought her own meal however certainly was eager to try one of the delectable desserts we eyed up when we walked in. Although we were quite full from our sandwiches, we ordered a couple treats to eat there and take with us for later. Little one picked out a chocolate chip cookie while Dan and I picked out the cranberry scone, brownie, and Brazilian cheese puff. My apologies but my daughter and I couldn’t wait to dive into our desserts so no pictures there but I did include pictures of the brownie and cheese puff. The scone tasted amazing and the texture was perfection! Little one gobbled up half the cookie before I could even try a bite and boy were her tastebuds right, it was delicious! The brownie was very fudgy and reminded me more of a flourless chocolate cake than a brownie, but still quite tasty! Finally, one of the highlights of our meal was the Brazilian cheese puff which was incredibly light and fluffy, two words that do not typically describe a gluten free item.

Wildflour Bakery/Cafe offers so much variety from sweet and savory crepes to special order cakes and breads and at such reasonable prices. To explore all of the options that they have to offer and menu pricing, here’s a link to their menu. In addition to the amazing food options I should definitely mention that the staff was incredible, overwhelmingly welcoming and knowledgeable, truly going out of their way to make you feel comfortable and enjoy your experience.

It certainly was refreshing to stumble upon a restaurant that I felt welcomed by both the staff and the food. All in all, we all left with full bellies and I in particular with dreams of our return!

Sincerely,

Lindsay