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.

Burger on a Gluten-Free Bun

The Ninety Nine restaurants have started serving  delicious gluten-free buns to accompany their steakburgers. These buns are made from a mix of rice and tapioca flours and are free of dairy (contain eggs, soy and yeast) and are manufactured in a gluten, tree nut and peanut-free facility.

On our visit,  I was planning to order a salad, but as soon as the server mentioned that they now carry these buns I just had to give them a try. I’m so glad that I did.  The bun was warmed perfectly and not a bit crumbly.   Another surprise was to find that the fries (contain soy) were cooked in a dedicated fryer!  I dined at the Wilmington, MA location so if you plan to order the fries elsewhere, please make sure to ask if your location has a dedicated fryer. 

The Ninety Nine’s has had a gluten-free menu for sometime now as well as a great Allergen Info chart on their website (increase magnification of this chart for easy viewing).  This chart is helpful to find other allergens that may be lurking in items on the menu. For instance, the mashed potatoes, not surprisingly, contain milk but they also contain soy.

When looking at the chart , I noticed some items were gluten-free but not listed on the current gluten-free menu.  For example, the Chocolate Molten Lava Cake (contains soy, dairy, eggs)  is free of gluten but not available on the menu. My server did confirm that it was indeed gluten-free but she was not comfortable offering this to me because she wasn’t sure the staff had been properly trained about plating it and wanted to ensure minimal risk of contamination, which I appreciated. I contacted the corporate office for more information and they confirmed that the Chocolate Molten Lava Cake is gluten-free, however, it is processed in a facility that is not a dedicated gluten-free facility. When I inquired about the discrepancy between the items on the gluten-free menu and those items on the Allergen Info list that were free of gluten, I was told that these items are being reviewed in anticipation of a new and improved gluten-free menu to debut in the early fall of 2010.  And yes, the Chocolate Molten Lava Cake will be featured!

 Update:  The gluten-free menu now includes a child-sized burger with a gluten-free bun.

Gluten-free, vegan items like the Portobello Polenta, or Vegan Platter (hummus, eggplant and cucumber salad-omit pita bread) are served as well as many salads and naturally gluten-free entrees like the London Broil or Salmon, to name a few.  There is a dedicated fryer for the French fries and even a vegan chocolate cake (sorry, NOT gluten-free) for dessert. Currently, the only gluten-free dessert would be the for the dairy tolerant as well, the Banana Split, but I’m told that gluten-free muffins and pastries may be making their debut in the future.  Some menu items are updated seasonally but gluten-free, vegan choices are always available. 

Take-out and free local delivery is offered too!

If this menu entices you, be sure to check out their sister restaurant endorsed by the Gluten Intolerance Group, the Shoreline Diner & Vegetarian Enclave  in Guilford, for similar options.

There is also a nice variety of omelets and breakfast sandwiches.  For lunch there are numerous sandwiches that can be served on gluten-free bread.

Please be aware that nut ingredients are included in some of the breakfast dishes.

Shopping has just become more enjoyable.  Nordstrom’s  Blue Stove and Cafe Bistro will deliciously and affordably accomodate gluten-free diners!

When we went to Cafe Bistro at the Nordstrom’s in our local mall, I was not expecting to have anything more than my ususal “safe” salad but was pleasantly surprised to find that they had a menu marked with gluten-free choices.  And the choices were abundant!   My dining partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our meals. I chose the braised short ribs & polenta which consisted of tender boneless beef short ribs, roasted mushrooms, natural jus and creamy white cheddar polenta.  My sister had the Roast Chicken Pommes Frites and the ‘Frites”, or fries, were cooked in a dedicated fryer!  The food was so delicious and ordering was uncomplicated.   

Other gluten-free items on the Cafe Bistro menu; Blue Cheese & Pear Salad , Warm Asian Glazed Chicken Salad (skip crisp wontons), Cilantro Lime Shrimp (skip tortilla chips), Caesar Salad with Roasted Chicken (skip croutons), Nicoise Salad with Salmon, Vine Ripe Vegetable Salad, Chicken Artichoke & Goat Cheese Salad, Bistro Steak Pommes Frites, Roast Chicken Pommes Frites, Salmon with Gazpacho Salsa and Oven Roasted Scallops.                                             

Another mall visit led us to the Blue Stove, also located at (a different) Nordstroms.  This restaurant serves many mini-plates, or tapas.  Upon entering, I inquired about a gluten-free menu and although there was not one premarked, the hostess knew what my needs were and immediately brought a menu to the chef.  He painstakingly reviewed the menu and noted which items were safe options. Again, I was impressed with the abundant choices.  We started off with the Crispy Parmesan Polenta & Arugula Salad.  Crispy coated, melt in your mouth cubes of polenta shared the plate with shavings of parmesan cheese and a tangy dressing that offset the slight bitterness of the arugula.  To follow, we had Black Pepper Caramel Chicken Wings and they were spicy!  To ameliorate the delightfully burning sensation left on our palate, we chose to sample the Chocolate Banana Creme Brulee. This included a small pot of warm chocolate sauce to drizzle over the dessert.  Exquisite!

Some of the other gluten-free items on the Blue Stove menu;  Frisee Salad with Manchego Cheese & Quince Vinaigrette, Chopped Vegetable Salad with Sherry Vinaigrette, Seared Tuna Loin with Napa Cabbage Slaw, Caramel Clay Pot Chicken (soup), Crisp & Spicy Dark Cherry Glazed Beef, Roasted Garlic Chicken with Corn & Arugula, Lemon Scented Risotto with Seared Scallops & French Beans,  Strip Steak with Romesco Sauce (nuts) & Balsamic Roasted Onions, Lemon Caper Glazed Shrimp, Brussel Sprouts with Spanish Chorizo, Seared Wild Mushrooms & Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest, Fresh Grilled Corn Sauteed with Lobster, and Grilled Risotto Cakes with Roasted Oyster Mushrooms.

Please keep in mind that these menus are seasonal and may vary by location. Enjoy!