Continue reading »]]> When we walked into the Saranac Public House on a Wednesday night, our back-up plan after the first place we tried was booked up by other Spokane restaurant week (SRW) patrons, we were surprised to see every seat in the house full. After only a short wait, we found a spot and settled in to study the long menu. Their SRW menu includes three different choices for each course, but there is only one gluten-free option per course, which turned out fine for us that night since the enticing descriptions would have made it too hard to choose. We asked if the restaurant was normally this busy on a Wednesday, and we were told that it was largely a SRW crowd. The Saranac made the choice to serve each course as it would normally come on the menu and keep the price down to $18 to attract more customers, and it looks like their plan worked.
The first course was a generous portion of baked polenta topped with fresh basil, sautéed mushrooms, and just a touch of tomato sauce. More filling than a salad, but still fresh and delicious.

perfect polenta

The second course was jalapeno glazed salmon. I don’t know if it was because salmon was the only gf choice and I’m not a huge salmon fan, or if I was distracted by good company, but I missed the part about the jalapeno’s, which I also do my best to avoid. It came out drizzled with a greenish sauce and lightly grilled jalapenos on top. I was a bit nervous to say the least and had each person at the table try it to test the level of spice. My table mates ate all of the jalapenos, which was okay by me. I took a trepidatious bite and was taken aback by how much I loved the flavor. The spice was balanced to compliment the salmon. It honestly may have been the best salmon I’ve ever had (good thing my family doesn’t read this, they might be offended). The dish was also served with sweet coconut rice, which mellowed out the light spice of the jalapenos, and a mouth soothing coleslaw salad.

jalapeno loaded salmon

To top off an already stuffed stomach, we had the final course: the panna cotta for dessert. The top was a pineapple gelee that was perfectly sweet to compliment the creamy panna cotta. An awesome end to a delicious dinner. Not a bad back-up plan.

panna cotta

My mom’s catch

Continue reading »]]> We have been to Italia many times and love their lunches. What caught our eye about the Spokane Restaurant Week menu was the gluten-free ravioli as a main course choice. That’s one food item that has been off the list since going gluten free. So tonight was going to be a first in many years, but when we sat down and looked at the menu, we noticed it had been replaced with an equally delicious sounding item: polenta lasagna When we inquired about this change, we got an impassioned story from the owner Beth about how hard they tried to make a gf ravioli pasta that would hold together. They tried repeatedly to make it happen, but to no avail.

The great thing about Italia is that they always come up with something thoughtful and delicious. We started with the chickpea fries, with little pieces of sundried peppers, arugula and a little bit of a mild pesto, all stacked together. The delicate dish was easy to savor and we made it last. The fries were fat, and crispy, with the cool lettuce to balance the warm and crispy ingredients.

chickpea fries

The polenta lasagna that replaced the ravioli was layered with warm polenta and sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Marinara smothered the tender layers. Cheese oozed out as my fork cut into each mouth-melting bite. It may have been the best gluten-free dish I’ve ever had there.

polenta lasagna

The cake arrived shortly after the clean lasagna plates were removed. The large piece of cake was topped with a rich whipped crème and came with a carmel dipping sauce and almond slices that gave it a little crunch. The cake itself was rich enough that half of it had to be boxed up because I couldn’t take another bite. Italia his it out of the gluten-free park with their substitute restaurant week offering. It’s amazing and well worth the $28 price tag.

flour-less chocolate almond cake

Continue reading »]]> We have been wanting to try Clover for a while and figured opening night of Spokane Restaurant Week was a great excuse. In addition to the gf option on the restaurant week menu, we were happy to see items on the regular menu marked gluten free. The server seemed proficient gluten free lingo and was able to recommend gluten-free cocktails made with  pure, unflavored liquor and fresh juices.
We started with the Clover House Salad: light greens with a subtle crunch topped with candied pecans that cracked with sweetness in my mouth and Parmesan pungentness to balance it all out. The tangy citrus vinaigrette added to but didn’t overpower the flavors.

We thought the main dish might be smaller than a normal entree, due to the special menu, but we were pleasantly surprised The stuffed chicken sounded fairly plain described in bare-bones terms on the menu, but. this full breast of chicken came rolled and wrapped in bacon, stuffed with pesto and peppers, and sliced into rounds and laid out in a light and creamy sauce across the plate. The chicken was accompanied rich, creamy mashed potatoes and a filling helping of roasted root veggies that were as interesting as they were delicious: thin slices of rutabaga, turnips and carrot, and shards of caramelized cabbage and onion. More than enough to fill up a healthy appetite.

The gluten free option for dessert was creme brule and came out in a little cup on a plate splashed with sweet caramel sauce. It was thicker than most creme breles, almost like a custard with a sugared crust, and totally delicious.

Continue reading »]]> Spokane Restaurant Week is new to Spokane but the idea of rallying people to try new local restaurants has been around for a while and is widely poplar in other big cities like Seattle and San Francisco. Spokane Restaurant Week kicks off February 22 and continues through March 3. Judging by the response from participating restaurants we’ve talked to about gluten-free options, this culinary event should be great opportunity for those of us with gluten dietary restrictions to try some new restaurants that might not be one of your go-to gluten-free standards. As of writing this there are 53 participating restaurants and at least 13 have a gluten free menu. Considering the event is 10 day’s long, you can hit at least one a day!

Here’s how it works: each menu is pre-set (see below) and offered for either $18 or $28 for three courses. Some restaurants have more than one choice in each of the three courses, but most places only have one gluten free option in each category. As always, make sure to confirm gluten free and let them know your allergy or celiac so they can pay close attention in the kitchen.

We have looked through the menu’s online, made some phone calls, and tracked down more than one chef to help give you a better idea where to head for the best gluten-free Spokane Restaurant Week options. We are excited to hit a few of our regular favorites, but even more excited to try a few new places we’ve been curious about.

For each restaurant listing below, we highlight the choice for appetizer, main entrée then dessert. For more information about each restaurant, click the link to head out to the Spokane Restaurant Week website.

Were giving special attention to these first six restaurants that went to the effort to include a gluten free option on their Restaurant Week menu. This is a good sign that they take gluten free seriously, and are more likely to avoid cross contamination and unfortunate ingredient mix-ups:­­

With one of Spokane’s most extensive gluten free menus, this place is a sure bet.
Rusty Moose $28
Cesar salad or Lodge salad
Black Magic Steak or Cedar Plank Salmon
Creme Brulee
Website 

Spokane’s best Italian food, and please notice the house made gf raviolis. This is a great opportunity to try Italia if you haven’t already.
Italia Trattoria $28
Mini polenta lasagna
House made gluten free raviolis
Pot de crème
Website 

I’ve been waiting to try Clover, and this menu looks like a great opportunity to give them a try.
Clover $28
Ceasar Salad (minus crutons), the Clover Salad or the Tomato Bisque
Stuffed Chicken Breast or Grilled Salmon
Crème Brulee
Website  

One of the first restaurants to list their gluten free items, although make sure you ask about the Chineese Lacquered Pork; we were unable to verify the hoisin sauce is gf.
Saranac Public House $18
Polenta or Chinese Lacquered Pork
Jalapeno Glazed Salmon
Panna Cotta
Website  

Top on our list of gluten-free restaurants in Spokane, this is a great one to try some new tastes!
Manito Tap House $28
Balsamic-infused Grape & Goat Cheese Tart
Black Boar Truffle Risotto
Chef’s Choice Crème Brulee
Website 

Just a quick trip out near the airport! This is on our list of places to try.
Remington’s Ramada $18
Soup or salad (hold the croutons)
Pepper crusted Jack Daniels New York Steak or Sweet Hickory Chicken & Shrimp or Lemon Pepper Swai Fish
Not yet listed, a gf dessert will be available.
Website 

These two restaurants have confirmed gluten free options, but have yet to mark them “gluten free” on the website:

The Steelhead is always good for a plate of nachos, but this full menu is a great price and worth the try.
Steelhead Bar & Grille $18
Mixed green salad with wasabi vinaigrette
Burbon Glazed Steelhead or Wiskey & Shitake Grilled Salmon
They are working on making a special gf dessert.
Website

We have tried Central Food a few times, and they serve up some amazing dishes. They are also becoming famous for their wheat bread, so if you’re super sensitive to gluten, watch out for the flying crumbs (no joke).
Central Food $28
Thai Beef Carpaccio
Idaho Sturgeon
Curry Chocolate Cake
Website  

These next few were happy to confirm gluten-free options, but without one of the three course options or modifications to make a complete dinner possible:

Herbal Essence Café $18
Yucutan Chicken Tostadas or the Hummus Platter
House Salad or Caesar Salad
Seafood Baked Salmon
Website 

Casper Fry $28
Bib Lettuce Garden Salad
Josper Roasted ½ Chicken
Not on the menu, but they are willing to sub in the Peach crème brule.
Website 

Downriver Grill $28
salad minus croutons
steak gf upon request
no dessert.
Website 

Clinkerdagger $28
Salad (hold croutons, ask for separate bowl)
Rock Salt Roasted Prime Rib or Hazelnut Salmon (with modifications)
Burnt Cream
Website 

Mustard Seed $18
Green beans or Thai Ceasar Salad can be made gf (make sure to tell them you are gf)
Regular Osaka is on the menu, but they have a special version gf upon request. The Chicken Pad Thai Noodles are always gf.
They don’t offer a gluten free dessert on the special menu, but they do have a gf dessert on the regular menu.
Website 

These restaurants have a regular gluten free menu, but we were unable to confirm gluten free options for Spokane Restaurant Week. Check out the menus on the links and let us know what you find out!

Anthony’s at Spokane Falls $28
Website  

Twigs, All locations: $18
Website  

Max at Mirabeau $28
Website 

Rock City Grill $28
Website  

Luigis Italian Restaurant $28
Website  

MacKenzi River Pizza, Grill & Pub $18
Website  

Continue reading »]]> Every time anyone with celiac disease or a serious gluten allergy steps into a restaurant to eat, they take a risk. It requires putting trust in the server and the chef to look out for the health of your body and your quality of life. Of course anytime you can find a restaurant kitchen with less flour and gluten ingredients, the odds of getting sick and anxiety from worrying about getting sick go way down. When I ventured into the new kitchen at Boots Bakery & Lounge (24 W. Main, Spokane) a few months back to ask a question about the gluten free options in the case, I ended up meeting the owner Allison, and we had a long conversation about how she uses mostly gluten-free ingredients and runs the tiny kitchen to prevent cross contamination.

I found out that the first thing she does is source most ingredients with gluten-free options. Every noodle in house is gluten free. The TVP she uses in her vegan dishes as a meat substitute is organic and gluten free. The tamari is gluten free. In fact, almost every ingredient is. The few things that have gluten are for baking, and only a few cupcakes have wheat flour. 

So what about cross contamination? When she does bring out the gluten flour, she explained, she is hyper aware and makes sure that everything gets cleaned up quickly. She is actually so aware and concerned about the safety of her food that she told me that anyone with celiac disease might not want to ear there. Being celiac myself, this just made me trust Allison and the food at Boots even more. 

After several meals there, and numerous cupcakes, I can say with confidence that Boots is as safe as a restaurant can be. Allison came from a well-established restaurant in town and the flavors she creates reflect a deep understanding of food. Each dish in the case has a little sign that marks if it’s vegan, contains soy or is gluten free.

salads case and bakery case

I usually get the “trio option” where you get to pick three different things on the same plate because I want to try them all and can never pick just one. I always go for the spicy rice sticks for sure; they’re loaded with cabbage and broccoli and come with a sauce spicy enough to make my eyelids sweat a little. Last time I was there I also had the mac & cheese and the parsnip apple gratin. The mac and cheese was good, with fat elbow noodles covered in a rich, delicious sauce that made me seriously wonder how it could also be vegan (but it is). The best part of the mac & cheese? Mushrooms. Tasty halves of mushrooms that burst in your mouth.  The parsnip and apple gratin was my adventurous choice, since I don’t eat parsnips often. I didn’t know what to expect, but figured it might be a bit sweet. Nope. Totally savory and with a distinctly fall flavor. The slices of parsnip were al dente, and though I’m sure the apple added to the flavor, I couldn’t really taste them. Little flakes of fresh parsley and the sauce tied it all together perfectly.

tro plate

Boots is a great spot for lunch or dinner, but one of the shining glories are the cocktails. Again, no menu, but just tell Allison what you like and she will mix a bit of this and a pour of that and the next thing you know, it’s an amazing, handmade cocktail that might even be good for you. I recommend enjoying your beverage with some food, as they can be as powerful as they are delicious.

summer patio

Continue reading »]]> Tucked away just northwest of downtown Spokane in the Audubon neighborhood, Downriver Grill (3315 W Northwest Blvd) offers up a handful of fine dining quality gluten-free options in a comfortable atmosphere.

Gluten Free Options

Being a bit more in the mood for a drink than normal, we’d hoped for a better gluten-free beverage selection than the Spire cider and Red Bridge beer bottles they had to offer.  But on the bright side it turned into a nice conversation with the server about all the great new gluten-free drink options out there these days, and he seemed authentically interested in trying to track down a better gf beverage selection at the end of it all.

Once we’d tipped them off that we were gluten free customers, the server asked immediately if we were Celiac or intolerant (a good sign). We explained our situation, Shallan having Celiac and myself with no diagnosed or noticeable gluten allergies, and that we’d be ordering everything gluten free so we could share it. Since our options were rather limited, steak and salmon were the only gf mains on the menu and only a couple salads and no appetizers were gf, we didn’t spend a lot of time pouring over all they had to offer. We picked a medium rare steak, stir-fried veggies, spinach salad, and two soups and dreamed of Omission pale ale while we waited. They also noted that they are willing to make other items on the regular menu gluten free that aren’t marked if you’re more adventuresome than we were.

The shrimp bisque came first and was so good I would go back just for that. It was so good I caught myself wishing it was Kosher to suck up the unreachable remants in my bowl with my water straw. All fantasises of making my own bisque at home were vanqished when Chef Ryan stopped by our table to check on our gluten-free meal. He informed me that it takes 3 hours to prepare this particular reduced shrimp bisque versus the wheat flour thickened versions many establishments rely on. Bummer, but great to know that there are places that are still willing to take the time to not only make such a superb dish right but also gluten free. We split the bisque along with the sweet potato curry soup, which didn’t have a fair chance against its running mate, but, was nevertheless thick and comforting with a mellow coconut curry taste packed into a hearty sweet potato base.

Sweet Potato Curry and Shrimp Bisque

Soup finished, our meal arrived. Since the starches were off limits because of some gluten ingredient in the potatoes that normally come with the steak, we opted for stir fried vegetables that were deliciously seasoned, perfectly cooked, and awesome. The spinach salad, with pine nuts, bacon, and a vinegrette, was equally flavorful yet somehow still fresh and light.

Fresh Salad

Referring to that beautiful piece of meat on our plate as a mere steak also seemed kind of a crass after we cut into its pink interior and tasted the first bite. It was an amazing sauce-topped piece of melt-in-your mouth beef and nothing less. The sauce, a balsalmic, peppercorn veal juice conconction known as jus-de-veau, was incredibly complimentary without overpowering the beef.

Perfectly seasoned and grilled steak.

By the end of it all, we were satisfied and on our way to feeling full but couldn’t pass up the gluten-free Pot de Crème, a chocolate moose-like dessert with amaretto, that would also be impossible to ignore on any future visits to Down River Grill.

Check them out and let us know about your experiences and what other gluten-free options you discover on the regular menu.

By Derrick Knowles

Continue reading »]]> New restaurants are exciting, especially in this new age where gluten free is becoming commonplace. We generally like to give them time to work out the kinks and get their systems down before testing them with a review. This sneak peak open house of the West Central/Kendall Yards neighborhood’s newest eatery, Central Food, was just to check it out, enjoy the spectacular view of the city and an Omission Pale Ale, and ask some questions before their opening night.

fresh food with a city view

window to the walk-in

I quickly found a sample copy of the menu and noticed that no gluten-free items were listed. I asked owner and chef David Blaine about what people who eat gluten free could expect from his menu, and his response is one that I really appreciate. As a chef who is also gluten free, he knows the importance of providing safe, quality food for customers. He openly says that the items are not marked because his desire is that the question of gluten free will start a conversation and a relationship with each person. His staff is also well versed in the gluten-free lingo. I still urged him to mark items that are gluten free  like he has the vegan options marked as that visible reference is an important statement. I left our conversation feeling confident that Central Food will be a safe, amazing place to eat. We still want him to mark which items are gluten free, as he has with vegan options.

an uncontaminated kitchen

no fillers in these spices

As for the food, we are excited to try it soon. To give you an idea (and from what we think can be gf) breakfast options include: Maple sausage and baked beans ($8), Root Vegetable Hash with potatoes, parsnips, celery root, carrots, spinach, onions and a fried egg ($8), and Chicken Tchoupitoulas with chicken, potatoes, onions, andouille sausage, roasted peppers and fried egg ($10).

Lunch has a few light options that looked to be gluten free, including Winter Squash Soup ($4) or the Lamb Skewer ($6) or full options like Cauliflower Curry with cauliflower, potatoes, onions, cilantro and cashews ($12), Korean Pork with pork shoulder, turmeric onions and shrimp mayo ($9) or Vegan Gumbo with potatoes, onions, parsnips, celery root and carrots ($12).

Dinner options are similar to lunch, but have a few heavier items such as Porchetta with pork roast, wild mushrooms, polenta and greens ($16), Beef Cheeks with mole braised beef, and roasted pumpkin ($17). Burgers and pasta are also on the menu, but they were still working on their gluten-free bread and pasta choices at the time of this pre-opener review. We also noticed a Flourless Chocolate Curry Cake ($5) on the draft menu, but since we have not verified that any of these options are gluten free, make sure you ask for yourself.

You probably noticed that the menu items listed here rely heavily on seasonal ingredients, and that’s because Central Food works with local farmers to source vegetables. What we found out after a little investigating is that the menu also changes daily, so don’t go getting your heart too set on a favorite dish. Check it out, be adventurous, and let them know that marking items gluten free makes a difference to you.

They are open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. To find Central Food, head west on Broadway, past the Court House. Turn left on Cedar and keep going until the road ends. And, if you feel like giving them a call about gf options or practices here is the number: (509) 315-8036.

]]> http://www.glutenfreespokane.com/central-food-brings-gluten-free-to-west-central/feed/ 0 http://www.glutenfreespokane.com/celiac-friendly-chinese-the-red-dragon-fills-a-niche/ http://www.glutenfreespokane.com/celiac-friendly-chinese-the-red-dragon-fills-a-niche/#comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:56:30 +0000 shallan http://www.glutenfreespokane.com/?p=1053

Continue reading »]]> by Derrick Knowles.
If you’ve been missing the classic American Chinese restaurant experience since going gluten-free—everything from the clanking dishes and spoons of people dining family style to a varied menu full of items ranging from savory to sweet—dust off your chopsticks and pay a visit to downtown Spokane’s Red Dragon.

Gluten Free and Vegan Menu’s!

As the lit-up lettered sign on the corner of the downtown restaurant notes, Red Dragon has full gluten-free and vegan menus. The gluten-free menu fills up most of a page in the main menu and has a long list of familiar dishes to choose from: sweet and sour chicken, pork fried rice, crispy teriyaki chicken, broccoli beef, general’s chicken, chowmein: the list goes on. Up top on the gluten-free page is a comforting acknowledgment that they only use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce in their gluten-free items. Our waitress seemed accustomed to fielding questions from people ordering gluten-free food and had quick, re-assuring responses when we queried her about what precautions they take back in the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination: “Of course, we always use clean pans for each new order.”

Egg Drop Soup.

We ordered sweet and sour pork ribs and a rice noodle dish with beef along with a cup of the gluten-free egg flower soup and some hot tea.  While we waited briefly for our meal, we kicked back in our spacious bench seats to enjoy the funky yet comforting atmosphere complete with an entertaining mix of genre crossing tunes that complimented the clean but eclectic diner feel.

Unique and Clean Interior

True to American Chinese restaurant form, our food came out fast, just as I slurped up the last of my soul warming, delicious soup, and the first thing we noticed were the little red dot stickers on our plates of gluten-free food.  A nice gesture of intention from the kitchen to the table.

Dot’s on the Dishes

The thick noodles were rich and tangy without being too saucy and were surprisingly reinforced with an abundance of firm and flavorful veggies and savory strips of tender beef.  We both took several turns with the serving spoon before the dish was empty.  The sweet and sour pork ribs on the other hand were way too sweet and drowning in thick gravy-like sauce.  The pieces of rib meat, some still needing to be stripped off the bone with your fork or tongue, were soft and satisfying, but even with some extra salt and a couple spoonfuls of rice to counter the overpowering sauce, this dish was a bit of a disappointment.  Maybe just an off night in the kitchen or a glitch in the recipe.

Perfect noodles

Sweet Ribs

With so many gluten-free items to choose from, and such awareness and attention to the needs of people with gluten-free dietary restrictions, we’ll be back again and again until we’ve worked the menu over.  And while we’re grateful to have a gluten-free Chinese restaurant within walking distance downtown Spokane (1406 W Third), it’s nice to know there’s a Red Dragon within striking distance of just about every corner of the city with locations in northeast Spokane and out in the Valley.  While we continue to explore their gf menu, let us know your favorites or items to avoid.  Check out their gf menu online under the take-out menu, where you can also order food to be delivered.

Continue reading »]]> Stella’s Cafe, a quaint little pastry and sandwich shop tucked between the north end of Riverfront Park and the Court House on Broadway (917 W) is worth hunting down. This mom and son operation is open for breakfast and lunch (7-4) and has a warm, comfortable atmosphere.

Although the bulk of their menu items are gluten filled, they have a delicious variety of gluten-free salads and soups. Made fresh daily, the salads are almost always gluten free (check to make sure). Soups though, I was told, are always gluten free.

I tried the lentil soup, and red quinoa salad. For as much as I love lentils, I rarely pick the lentil soup because most restaurants make it kind of bland. This bowl though, was packed with rich, savory flavor. The quinoa salad was light with slightly sweet roasted veggies. A perfect, tasty, filling, gluten-free lunch a short walk across the park from downtown.

Grilled vegetable salad

Flavor filled quinoa salad.

Stella’s is also happy to serve up the gluten-free tuna salad or egg salad on a bed of greens if you are looking for something more than soup and salad.

Continue reading »]]> This distinctly south hill destination lives up to its name. Located on 29^th and Grand, just under Ross, food rolls out with friendly service.  They’ve got a patio, interesting art on the walls, and a lively clientele on weekends.  Best of all, for those of you reading this review anyways, the servers I’ve encountered didn’t even blink when I asked about gluten free options. The regular menu clearly indicates what’s gluten free, vegetarian or can be made gluten free. On my last trip to Manito Tap House, the choice for food was an easy one, but the gluten-free beer selection was another thing.

I had tried all the regulars on the list: Redbridge, New Planet, Bard’s, Green’s, and New Grist. The top of the list featured two that I had not tried; both were from Widmere called Omission. The hostess explained that Omission is made from barley, but that they take the gluten out as part of the brewing process. I someone with Celiac disease, I admit that this freaked me out a bit. How the heck do they get rid of the gluten? She didn’t know, but was certain it was gluten free. Sometimes it pays to trust your server when you’re at the right place.

Longest gf beer list in Spokane?

The beer arrived, and we ordered as I poured the amber beverage into the glass. The Carne Adovada, gluten free upon request, had caught my eye from the moment I saw it on the menu: braised pork shoulder served with cabbage-cilantro slaw, cotija cheese and fresh salsa rojo. Wow.  They usually come with DeLeon tortillas, but the owners did their homework and discovered, as I had through my own research a few years back, that locally made DeLeon corn tortillas are unfortunately not gluten free. I was more than happy to settle for the backup gf tortillas, knowing that they’d cared enough to  ensure that all the ingredients were gluten free.

Sweet Potato Chips, gf appetizer.

As we waited for the food, I took my first sip of beer, and I almost spit it back into the glass. It tasted so much like the “real” beer I hadn’t had in years that I had flash backs to the first time I snuck a swig of my dad’s beer as a kid. You know, that strong, skunky beer flavor that makes you think “what’s wrong with grown up’s?”  But it’s a taste that you get used to as you get older, and it’s a taste you’ll also forget after several years of drinking only the occasional popular gluten-free beer brands. In this case it shocked me enough that I grabbed the bottle and looked for the gluten free label. I started panicking a bit as I search the label for any marking indicating the contents was gluten free. When our server came back with our food, I asked again if she was sure Omission was gluten free. She turned the bottle around in her hand and looked for some indication, but she knew what she was talking about and later let me know that it’s only labeled on the box. (When I looked it up, I found out that Omission isn’t allowed to say gluten-free beer because it’s made with barley. Evidently, I’m not used to the taste of barley. They insist they have removed the gluten and have each batch tested to less than 20 ppm.)

Omission beer on the patio

The Carne Adovada was as good as it sounded in the description. The heaping portions of pork over-filled the tortillas and was a bit salty and spicy, but melted in my mouth with the first deliciously tangy bite. While tortillas can be difficult to prepare, they can easily come out tough, or falling apart, these were heated up just right. I loaded the tacos up with the flavorful cilantro slaw and topped that with the fresh salsa rojo. The little dish of red sauce had huge heat, but without sacrificing flavors of tomato and peppers. The salad almost went un-touched, but a few bites revealed a sweet raspberry dressing on fresh greens that soothed my spiced out tongue.  It was also really refreshing to relax and enjoy such a quality gluten-free meal and have total confidence in the level of awareness and attention to detail in the kitchen and out on the restaurant floor.

Carne Adovada

Manito Tap House is an excellent value with highly gluten-free-aware staff. The only thing we could think of that was missing is a gluten-free kids menu. Maybe soon?