I contacted the Natick, MA location to inquire about measures taken to decrease the chance of cross-contmaination. I was told that the pizza is prepped on a clean, separate surface and is placed on a pizza-sized foil sheet so it never comes into contact with the oven surface. These crusts are prepackaged and the seal remains intact until an order is placed.  The ‘regular’ pizza  is pressed into the pan as opposed to being tossed in the air, in hopes of decreasing the presence of airborne wheat flour.  Also, specially designated utensils and pizza cutters are used for the gluten-free pizza. 

In addition, we’re waiting to hear more from the California Pizza Kitchen corporate office in regards to the issue of potential cross-contamination of toppings and shared pizza sauce ladles.  At this time, I was told that they are “working on their kitchen procedures in regards to gf pizza”, and that I should “stay tuned”!  Well, let’s hope to hear back from them soon.

The gluten-free menu has a nice variety of salads, sauces, entrees and dessert.  Available in a two-person serving size, these are ready for you to simply reheat and eat!  Call ahead to confirm exactly what is available, to discover the gluten-free special of the month, or to special order items.  Some dishes are rotated, or offered seasonally, such as the new addition for Spring 2011 – Gluten-free Chicken Articoke Lasagna (contains dairy).

Closed Sunday

Breakfast is served until 11 am while lunch is served until 4 pm.  Currently dinner is offered on weekends only.  The  seasonal menu  makes note of allergen-friendly choices. Everything is made in-house from scratch so there are no unknown ingredients. For breakfast try the homemade granola which is vegan and gluten-free and can be served with either soy or cow’s milk. For lunch, there are wraps and panini’s but these, unfortunately, must be made sans bread to be considered gluten-free.  There are many gluten-free appetizers and a decent amount of entrees.

Save room for dessert!  There are plenty of cupcakes, cakes, cookies, bars and tea breads which are gluten-free and some are vegan as well. Holiday cookie trays and tea breads are for sale too.

Delivery  available.

 Closed Monday

Raspberry Oatmeal Bars, Shortbread Cookies and Brownies are usually offered, however, on your visit you might get to try something else that Dee has concocted.  If you do, let us know!

The coffee is freshly roasted on-site and gluten-free.  A ‘Coffee of the Day’ is featured, while supplies last.  A sampling of the varieties include; the Kona Coffee, Viennese Roast and the Costa Rican La Amistad.  Organic coffees are also offered such as the Organic Papua New Guinea, Organic Ethiopian Yirgacheffe and the Organic Bali Blend. If you prefer decaf try the Guatemalan Decaf or the Sumatra Organic Decaf.

Tea is offered here too and is avaiable either hot or cold. All teas are organic!  Fresh fruit is also offered daily.

So. G. Coffee Roasters is commited to purchase from farms that use sustainable and fair labor practices.

Burton’s Grill recently opened their newest Massachusetts location which is conveniently located in the Northshore Mall in Peabody.   Just like the other locations, they have an outstanding gluten-free menu  which is endorsed by the Gluten Intolerance Group.

 They describe their food as contemporary American cuisine. On our visit we tried an appetizer, sandwich and a dessert. A manager brought over each delicious dish and all of the gluten-free items were served on square plates.  Some of the dishes, such as the Spicey Chicken Dip appetizer (contains dairy), is naturally gluten-free but still served on a square plate so all those involved in its preparation know to keep it clear from any gluten or allergen containing items.  The gluten-free rolls used for burgers and sandwiches are  also dairy-free (contain soy and egg).  We recommend the Steak Sandwich, it was tender and very tasty. Yet I’ve heard the Haddock Sandwich (battered in corn flour) is a real treat for those gluten-free folks missing battered or fried items.  Four items are listed on the dessert menu with sorbet being the only dairy-free choice. However, I’m told that additional desserts may be featured, depending on the season.

Vegetarian options are available too and they will do their best to accomodate other dietary needs. Foods are prepared from scratch so it is relatively easy to cater to other food issues. Their Food Allergy Commitment provides an indepth list of the procedures used to ensure minimal risk of cross contamination, whether it be for a gluten intolerance or food allergy.  This inclusive guide is truly appreciated. Thanks, Burton’s Grill!!!

For dessert, there are  Black Bean Brownies and Almond Macaroons which are brought in from the outside gluten, soy, peanut and dairy-free vendor, Dee’s One Smart Cookie. 

Entertainment plays an important role at this establishment with artists appearing weekly.  A diverse genre of music is offered as well as story telling and poetry reading.  Also be sure to check out the regularly rotating Artwork from local artists!

If you choose the pasta and have a soy intolerance be sure to inquire about the ingredients. On our visit we  were told that some of the gluten-free pasta varieties contained soy, while others, like the angel hair, did not.  

The pizza crust is also dairy-free (contains egg and soy), and can be ordered with the standard signature toppings (these vary by location).  We tried  Joe’s Italian Pizza which was a thin crust pizza topped with Italian sausage, tomato sauce, peppers, onions, rosemary and provolone and parmesan cheese. All gluten-free pizzas come in one standard size and, always a bonus, we were charged the same price as the ‘regular’ pizza.

Aside from these gluten-free items, quite a few standard items on the menu such as soups, salads and many grilled entrees were, or could be altered to be, gluten-free as well. On the day of our visit we were tempted by an offer of a gluten-free chocolate cake for dessert. Maybe next time!

Sandwiches are available as lettuce wraps or you can try the newest addition (not yet listed on menu) of a gluten-free roll which is also free of dairy, soy, egg, sesame and nuts!  These go great with the vegan ION burger, or on any of their signature sandwiches.  A vegan pizza crust is also in the works!

Events such as cooking classes, discounted organic wine days and psychic readings are offered regularly as is the ever-changing display of talented Connecticut artists that deck the walls.

They also offer delivery 7 days a week to your home or office through Waiter Wheels.  And don’t forget to come join in some of the  popular ‘What’s on Tap’ events.

Salads, soups, entrees, sides, desserts and smoothies as well as a selection of childrens’ dishes are featured on this menu.  Pasta dishes are made with zucchini noodles and often include nut cheese.  There are also sandwiches and wraps available.  If you want something crunchy to go along with your  BLT (consists of eggplant bacon, lettuce, tomato and almond herb cheese on onion bread), why not consider the kale or apple chips?  For dessert, there are over six selections to choose from including a traditional Brownie or a Cayenne Brownie!

I wish I lived closer to enjoy some of the events that take place monthly. They include bi-weekly pot luck dinners, food tastings and lectures.

Local free delivery is available ($15 minimum), and, I’ve heard, is appreciated by the area college students. Thankfully, for the rest of us, their products can be shipped nationwide by using the website or by calling 860-455-EATS.