This newly opened eatery is tantalizing us with some imaginative dishes we don’t often see in the suburbs. Some include the house-made sage & apple sausage patties used in their breakfast sandwich, or the Mango Coconut Chicken, Pulled Pork Tacos entrees and many soups such as the Roasted Veggie, Lasagna Soup, Butternut Pear Soup, Country Onion Soup topped with pumpkin bread croutons, or the French Onion Soup topped with toasted bread and Gruyere cheese (dairy-free cheese is available too!).

Moving on to the diverse baked goods we can choose from Corn Muffins stuffed with fig jam, cinnamon drizzled Banana Coconut muffins, Blueberry muffins and numerous pies (Blueberry, Dutch Apple, Coconut Chocolate Ganache Pie, to name a few..).  Carrot Cake, Rice Crispy Treats, Chocolate Crackle Cookies and peaNOT Butter bars are just a sampling of what might be offered on any given day. 

Find them in Millis, MA at the Roche Brothers Plaza.

Phone:  (508) 376-1163

The Tew-Mac Tavern, located within the Tewksbury Country Club , is quite accomodating when it comes to helping customers with food concerns as each dish is made to order.

The impetus for our visit was the successful substitution of a gluten-free meal during a function I’d attended.  How surprised I was to discover that the Tew-Mac tavern actually had a gluten-free menu (not available online)! Though the selection is limited, there are salads,  seafood, chicken and vegetarian options.   The real prize here though seems to be the daily specials, some of which are gluten-free!

Our eggplant dish was listed as one of the daily specials and noted as gluten-free. It consisted of thinly cut eggplant slices that were ” battered” with egg and parmesan cheese. Between each layer was fresh mozzarella cheese and tomato slices. This was topped with a balsamic glaze. Delish!  I wish they’d include this every day on their standard gluten-free menu!  Other dishes that have been listed as daily specials include the Seared Herb Crusted Salmon (farm raised salmon served on a cauliflower puree with fingerling potatoes and lemon butter sauce), Tuscan Pork Chops (2 grilled center cut pork chops topped with cipollini onions braised in a red wine & honey reduction served with mushroom risotto) or the Lobsters & Steamers (Yes, gluten-free, obviously, but still worth mentioning.  This includes 1.25 lb pre-cracked lobster and 1 lb of Maine steamers and an ear of corn).  It’s best to call ahead to know what the daily specials are, or to find out what’s in the pipeline for a future visit.

Seasonal outdoor dining is available on their patio with incredible views of the golf course while charming fireside dining is available during the off-season.

The burgers and sandwiches are made with rolls from a dedicated gluten-free bakery (Gillian’s) and are also dairy-free (contain soy, egg whites and yeast).  Fries are available and these are cooked in a dedicated fryer! Important to note is the Morningstar Farms Veggie burger, which is not gluten-free.  This was erroneoulsy pulled over from their standard burger menu and, I was told, will be removed from the gluten-free menu.  Let’s hope they find a suitable replacement.  A veggie burger is always a welcome menu item and often a necessity for some!

Organic, local foods are offered whenever possible. The sandwiches are available on a gluten-free focaccia bread (wheat based breads are served here also). They do a fine job altering traditional recipes into gluten-free versions such as the Spinach “Tabbouleh” Salad where they replace gluten laden couscous with quinoa. The Lasagna is made from layers of zucchini, spinach, cashew cheese, mushrooms and a basil marinara sauce, while the Butternut Angelhair is a pasta dish made by using the squash as the ‘pasta’.  Both of these entrees are raw as well.  Another dish that I haven’t yet seen at any restaurant (in a gluten-free version, that is) is the Panzanella with Rosemary and Almond Pesto.

For dessert there are usually a few chocolate based items and cheesecakes offered (however, most seem to contain nuts). At the time of this writing, there was a nut-free ice cream on the menu.  Hopefully, I’ll make a trip out there soon to try this healthy, innovative food as I hear the menu changes seasonally!

Closed Sundays

The Blue Moon Grill in Wakefield, Ma offers breakfast and lunch daily with many gluten-free friendly choices..including pancakes!  These pancakes (contain milk), are generously served (three per order) and are available in the following flavors;

Plain, Apple Cinnamon, Banana Nut, Blueberry, Cranberry, Strawberry, Strawberry Banana, Chocolate Chip, Raspberry and Corn.  These are prepared on a separate, designated gluten-free griddle! 

Also offered on the menu are a plethora of omelettes, frittatas and house specialties which are gluten-free.  We tried the Irish Eggs Benedict which was somewhat like a traditional eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce,  but corned beef hash was substituted for the Canadian bacon and potato skins took the place of the English muffins.  Feeling rather gluttonous after this meal, there was no need (nor desire) to eat the rest of the day!! 

This cozy restaurant tends to get quite busy. We did well going  after the  morning rush.  If inclement weather presents, you’re encouraged to leave your cell phone number at the door if there is a wait.

The Blue Moon Grill

 Our visit to Trattoria Bella Mia in Beverly began simply as a way to see the entertainment scheduled for the night ( Just The Two of Us), but it quickly turned into a meal when we were told gluten-free linguini was available to substitute in most of the pasta dishes!

Our meal began with the tasty Roasted Pear and Gorgonzola Salad (a mesculin mix with an orange vinaigrette topped with roasted pears, gorgonzola cheese and walnuts.  Next, however, we did not end up choosing pasta for our entree!  Once we saw the words ’white chocolate’ on the menu, we decided to go with the Jumbo Sea Scallops which were served with asparagus, white chocolate risotto (yum!) and drizzled with a Limoncello sauce.  Our server was great to check with the chef regarding our choices and made note on the check to avoid flouring our scallops before searing.

There are plently of other modifiable entrees to choose from. Most items are made to order and, as already mentioned, most of the pasta dishes can be served with  gluten-free pasta (with the exception of the lobster ravioli and tortellini).  If you’re planning on the gluten-free pasta, I suggest you call ahead to be sure they have it available.

Opps! Sorry we didn’t ask about dessert. Our meal was so satisfying that something sweet wasn’t desired (the white chocolate risotto took care of that matter)! 

House made vegan cheese is available as are soy and rice milk.

Here are some of the sandwich offerings:

The Club- grilled tempeh bacon, smoked tofu, balsamic toasted tomato, tomaine, pickled red onion, tarragon basil pesto and roasted garlic mayo.

Smoked Ruben- grilled house smoked tofu, sweet and sour pickled cabbage, swiss cheese, basil, horseradish russian mayo.

Melt- Spicy tofu & vegetable salad, pickled carrot, baby arugula, cheddar cheese and dijonaise.

BLT- grilled homemade tempeh bacon, balsamic rosted tomato, roamine, basil, mint and roasted garlic mayo.

Currently, vegan puddings and ice cream are the only gluten-free dessert options, but I hear they are planning to expand the list!

The Bittersweet Cake Shop is a small take-out establishment with a storefront located in Cummings Park in Woburn, MA.  Currently only open on Fridays from 8am-2pm, they regularly offer vegan and gluten-free baked goods and bread for sandwiches.

Operated by two sisters, this European style bakery avoids the use of preservatives and artificial flavorings in their enticing treats. They offer brownies, cookies, banana bread, tarts, scones, and more!  They’re kept in a separate case labeled “gluten-free”.  A separate room and equipment are used to make the gluten-free products and they are baked on different days than the ‘regular’ products.  

On our visit, we tried the Pear Almond Tart, Vanilla Cup Cake and the White Chocolate Cranberry scone.  Perfectly textured and not too sweet, these products were superb!  Other gluten-free scone flavors available are Cinnamon Chip, Dark Chocolate Cherry, Earl Grey Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter and Toffee Chip. We also got a sandwich to go.  Of the three sandwich choices listed that day, only one was marked ’gluten-free’.  It was the Cranberry Chicken Salad, which was made with bread brought in from an outside source  (looked like Rudi’s to me).   As with the baked goods and the sandwiches, you never know what you’ll find each Friday.  Call ahead not only for the day’s choices, but also to request items be put aside for you.  We arrived by noon to find many items gone , or put aside for others.  Also, you can contact them a day or so ahead to ensure an adequate supply. (Phone: (781) 995-3398  Email: info@bittersweetboston.com)
Custom cakes and catering available as well as shipping nationwide!

They serve gluten-free breakfast, lunch and dinner and all sandwiches can be made on gluten free bread. They  also accomodate vegan  diets and “no sugar” requests ( no high fructose or corn syrup allowed here!). You won’t find fries on the menu but more healthy side  choices like kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts and plantains. Don’t miss out on the seasonal specials!

Custom orders are available with two days’ notice. These include cakes, cup cakes, cheesecakes (almond crust) and an assortment of savory dishes like quiche, lasagna and pot pies ( vegetable, chicken or turkey).

The Scottish Bakehouse acknowledges that because they are not a dedicated gluten-free bakery, they are careful to thoroughly wash all the equipment and utensils and prep gluten-free foods separately from “regular” orders. Items also available as take-out. Open year round!

Thanks to Danielle for the suggestion to check out Ob La Da Baking in Marshfield, MA. This family owned company specializes in gluten-free baking. While not an exclusively gluten-free bakery, almost all of their products can be made gluten-free or vegan!

All items are made to order and natural, organic ingredients are used, when available. They are also known for using locally sourced eggs and butter. For gluten-free orders, they use Bob’s Red Mill brand flours. Their products can be purchased at The Corner Cafe, online and at local farmer’s markets (Cohasset and Marshfield).

Below is a list of cupcake flavors.

Feel free to choose 2 flavors per dozen ordered.

• Plain ol’ vanilla: vanilla cake topped with your choice of vanilla or chocolate frosting.
• Plain ol’ chocolate: chocolate cake topped with your choice of vanilla or chocolate frosting.
• Lemon Meringue: lemon cake, lemon curd filling and meringue topping.
• Salted Caramel: caramel cake, caramel buttercream with a swirl of fleur de sel caramel sauce on top.
• Red Velvet Underground: red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting.
• Tie Dye: rainbow vanilla cake with bourbon vanilla bean frosting.
• Coconut: coconut cake, cream cheese frosting and flaked coconut.
• Carrot: carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.
• Cookie Monster: vanilla cake, cookie dough filling, blue vanilla frosting topped with chocolate chips.
• Bananas Foster: banana cake, rum caramel filling and vanilla frosting.
• Cookies and Cream: chocolate cake with a vanilla and gluten-free cookie frosting, topped with a gluten-free cookie.
• Peanut Butter Cup: Chocolate cake, peanut butter filling, chocolate peanut butter frosting.

We picked up a 1/2 dozen Peanut Butter Cup cupcakes on our way down to the Cape recently. Thanks to co-owner Kevin for making our order in less than 24 hours (typically, they require 48 hours notice)! These delicious cupcakes had a peanut butter center and were covered in a decadent chocolate ganache and topped with a mini peanut butter cup.

Though we picked up our order at The Corner Cafe, the bakery products are actually made in a certified home kitchen. When gluten-free items are requested, the kitchen and pans, bowls, utensils etc, are thoroughly washed and items are baked separately from any “regular” orders. We were pleasantly surprised to find our order with a generous amout of plastic wrap covering the pastry box. This was to decrease the chance of any cross-contamination while our order was awaiting pick up.

What delicious cupcakes and terrific customer service~looking forward to trying other flavors!