The brunch bunch
Guest blogger Ben Boudreau is the local community manager for Yelp.com, a website featuring restaurant reviews by ordinary diners. Once a week, …
Going without gluten
By Ben Boudreau | Jul 25, 2012Tags: food, gluten-free, health, restaurants
Guest blogger Ben Boudreau is the local community manager for Yelp.com, a website featuring restaurant reviews by ordinary diners. He joins us to share some Halifax highlights.
Evan's Seafood. Photo: Yelp Halifax
“I’m gluten free.” Those three words used to strike fear into the hearts of foodies.
But this allergy that once put a damper on dining plans is quickly becoming a culinary consideration embraced by more local restaurants than you’d think. Whether you’re a celiac or simply an equal- opportunity eater, we’ve got the wheat-less ‘what’s up’ on gluten-free meals ready to curb any craving.
Breakfast/Brunch
If you’re digging a diner breakfast, Mary’s Place Café II has got you covered. Lisa M even found the staff “will help you piece together a gluten-free meal if you don’t see something on their gluten-free menu that is exactly what you want.” Fancy a little fancier? Jade B subbed in a gluten-free crepe to her “fantastic and reasonably priced” brunch at Chez Tess in the North End.
Pizza/ Pasta
Think pizza’s prohibited? Guess again. Kimberley M gets her flat-breaded feast at Morris East where a gluten-free crust lets her enjoy the “simply ah-maze-ing” peach and prosciutto pizza with goat cheese. On Quinpool Road, Nick B found wheat-free ‘zas at Bramoso where “they’ll bake them there for you in the wood oven on parchment to help prevent cross-contamination.” Even pasta is on the menu at Il Mercato where gluten-free options make Becky F “love them even more.” The mushroom ravioli will give you “an A-ha moment!”
Pub grub
Fresh from Pubnico to the Dartmouth waterfront, the fish and chips from Evan’s are so good that most people don’t even realize they’re gluten-free. Laura H inhaled the hand-cut fries before hitting the “perfect crunchy deliciousness” that is the wheat-free batter. It isn’t just the “three hours of happiness” drink specials that keep Eleanor B coming back to Tom’s Little Havana, although it certainly doesn’t hurt. It’s the fact that almost half the menu can be made gluten-free that makes for an extra happy hour.
International
So, “a sushi rookie, a celiac and a couple sushi pros” walk into Happy Sushi. Nah, it’s not the start of a joke – just a great spot where Katie M gets her sushi fix. Just let your server know before your all-you-can-eats get started. Cha Baa Thai slings terrific Thai for all types of eaters, says Nick N. With all dishes available gluten-free (except spring rolls), he got to enjoy the cashew chicken with a side of rice – without side effects. Emmanuel C insists you “can not go wrong” with the Korean Tacos at Indochine Banh Mi. “Fresh sprouts, carrots, cucumber,” and your choice of filler in a gluten-free tortilla make for a magnificent meal.
Of course, this is just a delicious taste of the many gluten-free tips that the Yelp community has to offer. We haven’t even gotten into the classic staples like the Heartwood, the Wooden Monkey and Jane’s On The Common. So go ahead – Yelp it up with our free mobile app and dive into our collection sensational celiac secrets. Just remember to review your own local favourites as you find ‘em.
(Please note: as with all serious allergies, it’s important to play by your own rules when it comes to what you eat. Be sure to ask questions to your servers and know the limits of your own sensitivities. For more information, feel free to contact your local chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association.)
Great article. I am recently gluten-free, not due to celiac or allergy, but it just makes me feel better. Interestingly, found very few gluten-free options at Wooden Monkey, much to my surprise. Really enjoying options at Chabaa Thai and the gluten-free pizza at Morris East. I am also learning to recognize menu items that are unofficially gluten-free or near gluten-free, even if they are not labeled as such (keeping in mind that I do not have celiac or allergy, so can tolerate a misstep or two). I am finding most gluten-freers are not doing it for medical reasons, but because it makes them feel better.
Great article – and guide for celiacs. We personally love Heartwood when we visit Halifax.
Cheers,
Tracey Allen
Author of Easy Gluten-free Lunches and Snacks: Simple Cookbook
Thanks for this great list! I *have* to mention another awesome place with gluten-free service: Edible Matters (Cafe and Bakery, on the Hammonds Plains Road: not only do they make, serve and sell EXCELLENT gluten-free bread, but they are extremely conscientious to ensure that not even the smallest portion of gluten get mixed into your meal. One day a new staff member forgot my gluten free request, and when they realized the mistake, they apologized profusely, (both manager and staff!), paid our food bill, gave us gluten-free desserts, and gave me a gift certificate for next time.
They understood how very sick a small amount of gluten can make someone, and they took my health seriously. As a result, they’ve earned my repeat business and loyalty. Heads up, gluten-free-Halifax, EM is great, especially the awesome brunch served on the weekends!