Gluten Free dining in the North End Boston, MA

Just a quick note to some great readers who wrote some wonderful comments over the past year...I just read them and hit the publish button. Thank you for taking the time to write, and I am so sorry I did not respond! I forgot I put an approval for them to publish. I had been getting so much spam, I had to stop that somehow. Thank you so much for all your comments and contributions. I will try and check them more often. You also have inspired me to write a post...here's to you... 

 I just came back from a wet, but glorious time in the North end. If you don't know about it..let me fill you in. It's the Italian district in Boston. The freedom trail runs through there. (the magic red line on the sidewalks that bring all over the city to see the historical sites.) This is the place where Paul Revere rode through the night to have them put the lights in the North Church to alert the patriots which way the British soldiers were approaching, one if by land, two if by sea. But you didn't come here for a history lesson, You came here for the food, and now the North End is starting to deliver. Modern Pastry Shop has a few gluten free and dairy free goodies in the counter, whoopee pies, muffins, cannolo, and just maybe some biscotti. I talked to the owner and she said she started making these since one of her daughters (or did she say all of them?) has to eat gluten free and dairy free. Hop on in, grab an espresso and a sweet treat! I went to Benevento's for lunch and they offer gluten free pizza and pasta. The pizza was okay. I think it was a French Meadow Bakery crust. I appreciate the effort and the ability to eat with everyone else. The toppings were excellent. I wish they would get Joan's Gluten Free Great Bakes crust, then this would be the spot! Next time, I would try the pasta, just because I am curious. I would go again with my family just to be able to share a meal together and look forward to the delicious cheese, toppings and know the crust isn't the highlight. Next up, dinner at Marco's. Love this place..the food was delicious. If you notify them ahead of time, by about 24 hours or call when you make reservations, they will try and make some gluten free bread for you. Great to dip in the fabulous gravy. Gluten free pasta is offered here as well. Cannot wait to go again! I had breakfast at Caffe Nuovo, an omelet and home fried potatoes. She skillet fries the potatoes, so they are safe. Just let your server know you are gluten free, and they will accommodate you. My mother went crazy over the truffles scrambled eggs, I was very happy with my generous western omelet. Make sure you eat at Familio Georgio’s on Salem Street. Fresh gluten free pasta, gf pizza, so much it’s amazing. Great for the whole family.  There are other restaurants in the North end that do gluten free, I just did not go to them. Nebo keeps popping up, but I have yet to try it. If you have, leave a comment and let me know if I need to get over there,. I am getting hungry just reviewing all this great food. When can I go again??? Cheers, Mrs. GF

Triumph Dining: A Review for a Gluten Free Resource

I started this awhile ago, and never got the chance to finish it. Here is my honest review.

Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I don't know about you; but when I started off having to eat gluten free, I used resources and the web a lot. I came across something called "triumph Dining Cards" but never thought much about it. I didn't think I needed that. You see I thought my eating out experiences would be very limited, or not happen at all.

So why bother?

Why bother indeed? I got contacted by a woman named Jennifer who asked if I would review the latest copy of the Triumph dining. I do not get paid for this or have any agenda or financial interest in this company. I don't want to be paid, otherwise I couldn't say exactly what I feel. I am not tied to anything, except myself and my character; I prefer to be an honest, reliable person. That you can count on.

I procrastinated sending her the info, and then said, "Sure. Why not?" My goal for this blog is to share gluten free food options, and this fits right in.

Well, I just looked at it about two hours ago. And already I love it, and wish I bought one sooner. I think that it is an amazing resource to have, very handy to keep in the car, or bring on a road trip.

There was something that I found amazing.

Gluten Free Pizza. In a town close-by; where we visit often. Where we have family. Where we have ordered pizza for everyone else while I got sushi. Where I can go and eat pizza with my family (they do not need to eat gluten free) and be included.

And. I. Never. Knew. About. It.

Until I got this book. Right there. It would be worth it. And my husband is so excited he is trying to find a day for us to go out there and eat. And this is a man you used to think traveling for just food is crazy.

Funny how things change.

The book now stays in the car, or checked before we travel. Sometimes I bring it along. They have a website now, and a place to add any restaurants you go to to add to their next edition. Go there, check it out, and share the information.

www.triumphdining.com

Cheers!
Danielle

Great Website to Explore

Hello all,

I hope that life is treating you well. No recipe tonight, just an interesting website that warrants a closer look...Urbanspoon.com. I have it connected to what I was looking for, a different or new gluten free restaurant in Boson, Ma. I do not know how or where they get their info, I know nothing about it really, but I may be trying a new restaurant tomorrow based on it.

Check it out, www.urbanspoon.com, and let the rest of us know what you think.

Cheers!
Danielle

Gluten Free Dining in New England: New Hampshire, Boston and In Between

I am a New England girl, born and raised. I grew up in Massachusetts, and have settled here in New Hampshire. I have a few, not many, restaurants that have gluten free menus, or are very amenable to gluten free eating, that I love to go to. That I count on when I need to get out. I thought a list here would be great for people driving through, or traveling to this part of the country. I am also keeping this list for myself, it's nice to have a full reference compiled.

I would also recommend to call ahead if possible. Even though a lot of these places I say that I don't need to call ahead, I do if I am making plans ahead of time. If we have a last minute plan, I know I can still eat there.

Here goes:
Concord, New Hampshire Gluten Free Restaurants

The Common Man (various locations in New Hampshire) ~ There are a string of the Common Man restaurants up and down Route 93, usually right off a highway exit. They make it an easy place to stop when traveling. I have a good time at these restaurants, there is always something to eat. I find the dinner menu more comprehensive than the lunch menu, and the wait staff attentive. Actually, there isn't a printed gluten free menu, you ask the wait staff for a printed up list as to what is currently gluten free on the menu. If you go to the Italian Farmhouse restaurant up in Plymouth, NH, call ahead so they can prep your pasta ahead of time for you, otherwise you may have to wait just a bit extra for your food to be served.

Centennial Inn ~ The Granite Room Restaurant ~ This is an upscale restaurant located past the center of town in Concord, near where the old state hospital used to be. It is contemporary cuisine, with a flourish. There isn't a gluten free menu, but again the wait staff knows about gluten free eating, and cal tell you what you cam have. I usually have a few great things to choose from.

Nonni's ~ I have not yet gotten a chance to eat here. I am planning on going soon. I met the head chef at a fundraiser, and asked if they had any gluten free offerings. They do!! I have heard wonderful things about this restaurant, so I was so pleased the hear that they have gluten free pasta, as well as gluten free pizza crusts.

Uno Chicago Grill ~ I had heard that they were testing out gluten free pizzas, cheese or pepperoni, as certain locations. I don't know if that is true, but the one in Concord does have them, and I did run out and try one. It is a thin crust, and tastes great, although a bit expensive..it was about eleven dollars. The opportunity to eat pizza out with my children? Priceless.

Outback Steakhouse ~ There is something a little special about the Outback Steakhouse in Concord, NH. And, it is a bit of a secret. You see, the manager has worked out something with a local gluten free baker to supply bread for his gluten free customers. That means you get your own gluten free loaf to eat before dinner, and buns for hamburgers

Manchester, New Hampshire Gluten Free Restaurants

Z's ~ The decor and food make me feel like I am somewhere hip and happening, which sometimes in NH..it gets hard to feel that way. The food is excellent and the staff attentive. The chef (shout out to Tom!! Hi!!) makes some great food. There isn't a gluten free menu, but they all know about gluten free eating, and are willing to make some modifications to make dishes work for you. I always have a few things to choose from.

Gauchos ~ I have not eaten here since I have been gluten free. I did make a call when I was planning on going (plans fell through), and they told me all their meats were gluten free except for the sausage. The food was delicious, and it is a fun restaurant. I plan on calling and trying it as a gluten free eater. If you go, or have gone, let me know how it went!!

Cotton ~ I went here with friends. You don't have to call ahead, and the wait staff is very well informed. There isn't a gluten free menu, but with all restaurants that prepare their own food, they can modify as needed. This restaurant has gotten some great reviews and is worth a visit.

CJ Sparks~ I hate to say 'ditto', but I will have to in this case. CJ Sparks service was akin to Cotton. (see above)

Bedford Village Inn ~ I went to this restaurant with my husband and a work party. Again, no gluten free menu, but a great gluten free meal was prepared for me. I did not have to call ahead, and the wait staff was great.

Boston, Massachusetts Gluten Free Restaurants

Marco's, North End (the Italian section of Boston) ~ I just heard about this, but have not been yet. I am so excited to try this out with my husband. We had our first date in Boston and the North End. I heard that if you notify them a day ahead of time, you will even have gluten free bread to dip into the olive oil at the table.

Wagamama, Fanueil Hall, Boston ~ I went here once. they only had 2 or 3 meals that were gluten free.But it was delicious. I had it to go and sat outside with my family. (They got pizza!)

Legal Seafoods (various locations) ~ They have a gluten free menu. Good seafood, good locations.

Joe's American Bar & Grill (various locations, in various states) ~ It has been awhile since I have been here, and I cannot remember if they had a gluten free menu. I got a salad, and it was good. This restaurant has a great location on the water. Nothing beats eating outside on a beautiful day here.

P.F. Chang's (various locations, various states) ~ I think everyone already knows about this restaurant!! :)


Other towns in Massachusetts

Burton's Grill - (various locations) I went to the one in Andover, MA with my parents and children. I had calamari. Fried. Delicious. Even my Mom thought it was wonderful. I also ate a delicious gluten free pasta here, and enjoyed every bite. They have an entire menu here for gluten free eaters, not just an entree or two.

Life Alive (Lowell, MA) ~ Great little cafe. Vegan. Health Food. Gluten Free options. Need I say anymore? But I will. I had a lovely soup from this cafe. Thick creamy broccoli soup. I do not remember the other options offered, so there may be more than soup available.

Not Your Average Joe's (various locations) ~ I visited the location in Newburyport, MA. It was delicious. There was a menu printed out for gluten free eaters, with modifications that were needed right on the menu.

Other towns in New Hampshire

Flatbread Pizza (various locations) ~ Portsmouth, NH is where I first went out for pizza with my family. To be able to eat pizza with my children out, was an amazing experience, I had tears in my eyes.

Polly's Pancake Parlor (Sugar Hill, NH) ~ I have not eaten here. I would like to, but have not yet made my way there. If you have had a gluten free experience here, please leave a comment and let us know how it was!!

Rafferty's Restaurant and Pub (North Conway, NH) ~ An entire gluten free menu. I was able to have gluten free onion rings with my daughter. I salivated over the entire menu, it was so difficult to choose. If you are craving gluten free pub grub and you are near here - GO!

Bellini's (North Conway, NH) ~ An Italian restaurant. I have never been here, but know they have a gluten free menu. Enjoy!

Cheers!!!
Danielle

Old Quebec City - Gluten Free

My husband, I call him Navy Boy here, surprised me with a short trip for our anniversary this past spring. We had never taken a trip just to go somewhere without the children since we had them. (My oldest is 6.) We went away once for a wedding, and that was this past fall.

Navy Boy was planning on telling me the day we were leaving, but a bizarre convergence of events made him spill the beans reluctantly a couple of days prior to our departure. I was glad. It gave me an opportunity to get the house ready and things in line for the children's care before we left.

This was my first trip going gluten free. I didn't do any research. Since my husband was planning it, he researched and contacted people and got a list of restaurants. When he handed me that list in the car, I felt so loved.

We are close enough that we can drive there, and one thing my dear husband did not think about was lunch on the way up. I had time to think about it, and had food in the freezer, and I had my Mr. Bento that I purchased to take my food wherever I needed to. (Mr. Bento is a food storage system from Japan that has separate little containers for food - and it keeps the food hot, cold warm or room temperature. I adore it.) I was able to pack us each some lasagna and two salads and cheese and crackers for our lunch picnic that we had after a couple of hours of driving. I love my Mr. Bento.

We arrived and checked into our adorable inn, then ran outside the door to ...freedom..no children, just us and two full days to play. And then...

I stopped. I stood in the square in front of the Frontenac, and froze. I realized at that moment, travel would be different for me, forever. I couldn't travel the way I had. It was in between mealtimes and normally, we would have walked across the square to an outdoor cafe, gotten a coffee and a croissant..maybe a ham and cheese one and a chocolate one to split, watch the people go by and plan out our evening together.

I couldn't do that anymore.

Poor Navy Boy. I was just standing there, literally. For about 10 minutes, frozen to the spot, processing. Ten minutes doesn't seem very long, until like Navy Boy, you just stand there and have to wait to see what happens.

What did happen?

I woke up. I made a plan, and walked away from that spot knowing that I was different, would have to be, and would always be. I said good-bye to something, a freedom, and walked back to the room with my husband.

We opened a bottle of wine and ate the nuts and leftover cheese we had brought with us. We walked all around with the list, in the upper part of Old Quebec, saving the lower city for the next day, trying to find a restaurant. We couldn't find one, but had fun exploring. We ended up eating at our hotel's restaurant, we were the only ones there for a bit, and got great attention, a fabulous meal and I did not get glutened.

But I have to tell you about a great restaurant. Great in the fact that it was unique in Old Quebec, and it was fancy Canadian food. Why was it unique?

When we asked if they could accommodate gluten free, they came out with a PRINTED GLUTEN FREE MENU. Printed. Telling what I could have safely. This cute, adorable, local, and might I say absolutely packed restaurant on an off season weekday night, had a menu for me.

When the waiter handed us this menu, we didn't even look at it and said, "We're in."

We sat on the outdoor patio, with heaters above us and warm plaid fleece blankets around us, after all it was a cool May evening. We drank wine, and chatted and breathed in the atmosphere, the delightfully adult atmosphere.

This amazing place? Lapin Saute.

If you go up there, go there. It was beautiful.

Gluten Free Travel , Flying and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

This was my first time traveling gluten free. I went for 4 days, we flew, and went to stay with my in-laws with children in tow. Months before we left, I was panicking, thinking about what on earth I was going to do. I would think about how this gluten free life was changing me, and would change how I would travel too. No just stopping in diners for quick breakfasts or lunches. No just trying a restaurant, or going out for the day without food prepped and ready.

And every time I thought about it, something would tighten in my chest, and I would start to cry. I loved to travel, and I wanted to travel the same way I always did. I put travel off while my children were young, and I wasn't feeling well, and now, I am feeling better, the kids are a great age, and now, I have to worry about my food.

Then I decided to forget about it, and let it just happen. And, it did, it was wonderful. I didn't get glutened once, and we ate out twice, and I shared a kitchen with a bunch of gluten eaters as well.

My mother-in-law was incredible - planning her menus around what I could eat. She even bought an all purpose gluten free flour and made a banana bread for us. My mother-in-law is awesome. I was really touched by her efforts and understanding.

I wanted to share a great restaurant we went out to eat at, the Old Oyster Factory right on Hilton Head Island. I called ahead, and was treated wonderfully, and most importantly, I was not served anything with gluten in it, or on it. I apologize for not taking pictures, I forgot my camera. I consulted with the waitress and she communicated with the chef, and I got blacked mahi-mahi with veggies with olive oil and lemon. It was fabulous. Go there if you are in Hilton Head, it was wonderful, and child friendly.

Of course I brought my own food for the plane ride, and we all know what to do for that; it was a short flight so I didn't need too much. I was lucky that Logan Airport, in the gates for Delta, had a Wendy's. I got a baked potato and chili to carry on board for lunch.

My family is planning to go to Ireland in June; this was a good practice run since that one will be a longer flight, and a longer trip. I really wanted to post this since when I googled Hilton Head and gluten free nothing came up; I am hoping that this helps some one else.