Celiac Snack » Restaurants

Da Lucianos – Gluten-Free Menu, Family Style

Michael Kiser — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:00:07 +0000

The Libreri family recieved a wake-up call when they found out that their four youngest daughters were Celiacs. The owners of a traditional Italian restaurant, much of their own menu was suddenly off-limits. But they didn’t let that stand between them and their love of Veal Parmigiana, Pasta Primavera and Pizza.

Featuring one of the most comprehensive gluten-free menus we’ve seen, Da Lucianos is very aware of gluten-free needs and even have plans on starting a gluten-free frozen foods store (with Web ordering) soon.

We’ll be making the trip to River Grove soon. But in the meantime, tell us what your experience was like! Drop us an emial or leave your review in the comments.

Da Luciano Gluten-Free Menu

Balanced Kitchen – Have you Been?

Michael Kiser — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:31:18 +0000

We’ve recently heard about a new restaurant/store concept on Chicago’s north side, called Balanced Kitchen. Anticipation seems to be just as high around the architecture, as for its food. Designed by 2 point perspective, the space is LEED certified to be “green,” and they claim the same about the menu. Both vegan and gluten-free, the restaurant is an outgrowth of G-Free-V LLC, a company deeply committed to gluten-free foods. Under the mantra “Food Without Limits, for People Living Without,” the company conducts gluten testing and certification as well.

A restaurant willing to go completely gluten-free is a refreshing idea. When you walk in the door, you know that everything is safe. Peace of mind for sure.

Have you been to the Balanced Kitchen? If so, let us know. We’ll be posting a formal review soon, and we’d love to know what others thing as well. Please comment by clicking on the link above…

Review – Adobo Grill

Bill — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 01:17:13 +0000

Mexican food, which prior to my diagnosis was not a favorite of mine, is often a relatively easy go-to food for celiacs. Many of its staples are naturally gluten-free (save the flour tortillas), and if done right can be an eclectic meal. That being said, I’ve had more than my fair share of Chipotle burrito bowls, so I’ve been looking for something a little more tantalizing.

Enter Adobo Grill, a daVinci Group restaurant with locations in Chicago, Lombard, IL and Indianapolis. During my recent meal at Adobo’s Wicker Park location, I was pleased by the dedicated gluten-free menu, as well as our server’s knowledge of – and respect for – the GF menu and its patrons.

The table ordered some guacamole, which was made table-side and the best I’ve had since my trip to Mexico in 2005. While the gluten-abled friends enjoyed the corn chips (which the server told me were not gluten-free) I tried jicama chips for the first time. They were actually very refreshing, and I dare say I preferred them over GF chips I’ve had in restaurants.

After perusing Adobo’s extensive gluten-free menu, I narrowed my options down to the chicken skewers. Prepared with a tamarind-chipotle salsa, the dish itself was delicious and beautifully presented. My only gripe was the portion size, but I reminded myself I didn’t order from the Platillos Principales section of the menu. Much like Ben Pao, our server delivered my meal with, “your gluten-free chicken skewers”, which is a small but nice touch and let me just enjoy the meal with my friends.

Last but not least, I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention their margaritas. With dozens of 100% agave GF tequila variates in stock, one can easily find a marg to their liking. Of course, you have to be careful with some mixers, but the bartender was just as knowledgeable as the server and assured me my Cazadores margarita was gluten-free.

I hope to go back soon to try their other intriguing GF menu options. When I do I’ll let you know what I find!

Adobo Grill’s Gluten-Free Menu [Adobo Grill]

Gluten-Free Restaurant Cards

Michael Kiser — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:24:14 +0000

For those that are uncertain how to explain Celiac Disease to waitstaff, or wonder if the message ever makes it to the kitchen, here’s an interesting idea. Roger and Lyndsay from Celiac Travel have created cards to keep on hand when dining out.

These Celiac Travel.com gluten free restaurant cards are for you to print out and take with you when you dine out at a restaurant, either at home or abroad. The great thing about being able to print your own is you can give them to the waiter or waitress to take to the kitchen. The most common problem with getting gluten free food when dining in restaurants is that your message gets lost or corrupted on its way to the kitchen.

Gluten-Free Restaurant Cards

Unique Gluten-Free Menu

Michael Kiser — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 19:48:36 +0000

Founded on the raw foods philosophy, Cousins Incredible Vitality is a restaurant where you won’t find any gluten on the menu, because you won’t find a single processed food in the place. According to the owner and chef, 50% of the ingredients are green, 25% fruits and 25% nuts. What does that get you? Cousins’ restaurant, on Irving near Sacramento in Chicago , provides a unique food experience that retains all the nutrients usually lost in the cooking process.

Even their crackers are made from flax seed, ground vegetables and nuts, then formed and dehydrated into a crispy crust for many menu items. The owner has a medical background and is used to patrons coming in with a long list of allergies and dietary restrictions. According to her, many actually find that after following her eating plans and frequenting the restaurant, many sensitivities disappear.

Cousins I.V. also offers many unique drinks, smoothie-like concoctions, that will inspire you to explore their menu further each time you visit.