Eats option for gluten-free: Where are they?

[Robin Garr]

Helping gather a list of places to dine in Louisville and Southern Indiana that have gluten-free menu items. Also for favorite locally-owned grocers who have gluten-free grub for packing your lunch pail.

I'm not sensitive so gluten isn't an issue for me, and I'm not particularly aware. But it's important to allergic individuals, so a list would be a good thing to have. Post 'em if you've got 'em!

For groceries the best I've found are: Meijers in New Albany and Whole Foods.

Restaurants:

Chains:
California Pizza Kitchen, Carrabbas, PF Changs, Outback, Longhorn, Ruby Tuesdays, Bonefish, Mitchells.

NonChains:

Pretty much any local fine dining is a sure bet. Seviche is great for it. As are most steakhouses.

Rainbow Blossom has lots of great gluten-free items. I'm not gluten-sensitive, but I've bought items there for other people. In particular, I enjoyed eating some gluten-free chocolate cookies I purchased there.

North End Cafe has a number of gluten-free menu items, including gluten-free pancakes.

My son has been gluten free for 14 years. Kroger now has Kinick Kinick bread and Vans waffles plus a bunch of other options. All the health food stores have lots of options. Bobs Red Mill products are good and Betty Crocker is now making a gluten free cake mix.

As for restaurants its not as hard as you think: You can pretty much eat anything but pasta and bread. Meat, veg, potato, rice, French fries (but you need to ask if they have a flour coating)

Will, I know my mom is so sensitive that she can't even eat anything that's been fried in the same fryer if they use anything coated with flour in it.

Will, I know my mom is so sensitive that she can't even eat anything that's been fried in the same fryer if they use anything coated with flour in it.

That can be an issue. Then I would just stay away from the fryer. Lots of other choices at the restaurant.

Sweet Surrender offers several Gluten-free dessert options.

They include:
-Flourless Chocolate Torte
-Pecan Crusted (or no crust) Cheesecake
-Lighter-Than-Air Chocolate Cake
-Mocha Concord (available in other flavors as well)
-Salted Caramel Coconut Torte (also known as the Samoa Cake)
-Yellow Cake
-Coconut Macaroons
-Meringues
-Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
-French Macarons (assorted flavors)

We always have at least a couple of these options available at the cafe, but it's always best to special order gluten-free desserts if looking for something specific.

We are constantly experimenting with and looking for new gluten-free recipes. We recently eliminated the majority of our lunch menu, but still offer our gluten free Spinach and Goat Cheese Frittata, and our Roasted Garlic Hummus served with carrots instead of pita.

Somewhere near a third of our (J. Gumbo's) menu is gluten free. Our take-away menus are marked with "GF" next to gluten free items, or you can ask your friendly (they better be friendly or you come and tell me) J. Gumbo's counter-person for allergen information before you order.

Off the top of my head:

Voodoo Chicken
Bumble Bee Stew
Creole Ratatouille
White Chili
Red Beans
Chicken Zydeco

are all gluten free.

Volare does not specifically have items listed on our menu as 'gluten free', but Chef Josh is always happy to help accommodate guests with this allergy as it has become more and more prevailant. We also offer a gluten free pasta that can be substituted. A simple request to your server or a phone call ahead of time and we will make sure they are well taken care of!

On a personal note, I was recently at FreshMarket and noticed they had many options in every aisle.

[Robin Garr]

Add El Mundo to the list of eateries where it's easy to make a gluten-free choice. The tamales are made with masa and smothered in house-made red chile sauce, both gluten-free. Guacamole, salsa, bean dip, Southwest enchiladas, any Enchiladas are made with corn tortillas, the Q plate. On just about any entree, just request red chile sauce vs. green (which is made with a roux), or corn tortillas in place of flour. Much of El Mundo’s menu is by nature gluten-free. Including the fish tacos. And of course Margaritas!

This is a great topic! We've been considering going GF with our son, and it's nice to know there are many options. Of course, he'd actually have to eat something other than string cheese and toast..but when he does, at least I know where we can go!