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From Left to Right: Danielle Workman, Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber Membership Manager ; Maria Medoro, Cucina Medoro; Joyce Weiss, Joyce Weiss Training and Development |
It all started with a status update on Facebook raving about the
gluten-free options at Cucina Medoro, a small café with freshly prepared
Italian specialties by owner Maria Medoro. But with Birmingham Restaurant Week this week and next, a number of people have asked me about restaurants
that understand food allergies and the growing concern of gluten intolerance.
My own journey navigating dining out with a gluten-free diet started three years ago, and has certainly become easier as restaurants have addressed diners’ dietary needs. But to aid in this story, I have inquired about the gluten-free trend to some Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber Member restaurateurs.
My own journey navigating dining out with a gluten-free diet started three years ago, and has certainly become easier as restaurants have addressed diners’ dietary needs. But to aid in this story, I have inquired about the gluten-free trend to some Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber Member restaurateurs.
When asked how often diners are requesting gluten-free menu
options, nearly every restaurateur responded emphatically that they are being
asked multiple times daily to serve or modify menu offerings for the gluten
intolerant. This is a good time to address the distinctions about the
level of gluten sensitivity, since wheat flour and other ingredients containing
gluten can become airborne and cross-contaminate gluten-free foods. Not a
single restaurant responding indicated that their restaurant was certified
gluten-free, rather that they take precautions to avoid contact with
gluten. A person with any severe food allergy should call ahead before
dining out.
Noodles & Company shared that they always retrieve gluten-free ingredients out of
the walk-in pans and utensils direct from the dishwasher to avoid exposure to
allergens and The Stand Gastro Bistro utilizes a “prep kitchen away from
any gluten containing products to avoid cross contamination,” said Chef Paul
Grosz, whose sister has Celiac’s disease, heightening his awareness of the
illness and leading him to state, “I am very pleased to accommodate anyone with
any special dietary need, so as to make their dining experience special and
enjoyable.”
I’ve always found it best to inquire upfront about the
availability of gluten-free options, and restaurants are catching on by
designating GF or with a wheat-free symbol on their menus, offering a separate
allergy guide, training servers to assist with modifying dishes or even sending
the chef right to the table as Maggiano’s in Troy does to ensure their
scratch recipes are modified to contain no gluten ingredients.
Dessert is also an option in places like Bella Piatti, where
gluten intolerant and diabetic Chef de Cuisine Matt Cassell, offers a flourless
chocolate cake or can create any menu item free of garlic, onions, olive oil,
nuts, dairy, cheese or gluten because of allergies. Or visit SweetEarth to create your own gluten-free, non-dairy, vegan, nut or other
allergy-free frozen yogurt with one-on-one customer consulting from highly
knowledgeable and trained staff.
Pizza is also not a forbidden food for those with gluten
issues. Newcomer Extreme Pizza offers a great gluten-free crust
and some rather unorthodox topping combinations, but you might have guessed
that from the name. Ordering is easy with their online and mobile app
options. Or if you have any questions before ordering, you can give them a
call. While salad is often the way to avoid gluten at restaurants that
don’t generally cater to food allergies, you do have to be careful about
dressings containing traces of gluten. Not so at The Big Salad
where they are proud to offer many allergy free options including gluten-free
soup and a large variety of dressings that fit the bill.
Chefs Shawn Wright and Lea Schofield created the menu at CaféML with gluten-free and vegetarian diners in mind. Chef Nick Janutol at The Forest Grill offers many gluten-free entrees or can modify recipes for vegans,
vegetarians and those with various dietary needs. Manager Nickolas Scott
said that Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse offers an extensive gluten-free
menu and will send chef or manager to the table to confer with the guest before
their meal is prepared.
Often, I am simply floored by the extra mile some restaurants will
go to assure a great gluten-free experience, even for a plated business
meeting. The Chamber Board of Directors met last week at Fleming'sPrime Steakhouse & Winebar and upon learning of my gluten intolerance,
the server brought me a beautifully wrapped box of truffles especially prepared
with my dietary concerns in mind. The Townsend Hotel and The Rugby Grill and The Corner Bar have always taken good care of me and
other guests at events whether gluten-free, vegan, Kosher, or any other special
dietary consideration. It’s always best to notify the venue or event hosts
ahead of time since plated meals for large groups require advance preparations.
Gluten-free substitutions can vary greatly, from the use of corn
tortillas at ROJO or rice flour for rouxs, bread and pasta at The
Stand, which also reports use of gluten-free soy sauce on their braised
short ribs.
Danielle Workman is the membership manager of the Birmingham
Bloomfield Chamber. She welcomes feedback at daniellew@bbcc.com.
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