Not Your Average Joe’s has had a gluten-free menu for sometime now, but they recently revamped their menu to include gluten-free buns!  The buns are both gluten and dairy-free (contain egg whites and soy) and are made in a dedicated gluten-free, tree nut and peanut-free facility.  There are three different sandwiches to go along with the buns and also offered on the menu are plenty of entrees, salads and appetizers too.

The childrens’ menu features Grilled Salmon, a Sirloin Burger or a Grilled Chicken Sandwich with a choice of vegetable, fresh fruit (nice to see!) or mashed potato (avoid the fries here, no dedicated fryer!).

On our visit we tried the Turkey BLT with the greens and the kids had the Sirloin Burger.  One of whom didn’t care for the choice of sides or the thought of  ’eating a cow’ and ended up with only a plain roll- thanks Joe for not charging us $9 for that one roll!  Their meal also came with a Hoodsie, but raspberry sorbet could be substitited if dairy is an issue.  Most of the items at Joe’s are made to order so accomodating other food intolerances may be possible.   

Be sure to ask for the gluten-free bread for dipping in their flavored oil prior to your meal.  We were not aware of this treat until reviewing the menu later which reads  ”Each meal begins with a gluten-free version of Joe’s legendary bread and dip.”  Oh well, I guess another visit is necessary! 

UPDATE:  Since this post was written, there has been a change in the bun purveyor. They are currently using Buckwheat’s  Gluten-Free Burger Rolls which are made in a dedicated facility. 

Chocolate Decadence Cake

While looking for a place to get a special treat with my gluten intolerant, nut allergic daughter we discovered  The Danish Pastry House with terrific results!  Located in Medford (also in Watertown) we were delighted with the European feel and lively environment.  From the hustle and bustle of  Tufts University students to the gathering of life-long residents, it was nice to see them sharing space as they appeared to be catching up over steaming cups of coffee and tea.  Oh yes, they also had some scrumptuous looking food on their plates too!  The tempting foods are artistically displayed behind large glass cases.  When I asked about gluten-free items the cashier readily pulled out a list.  The Hazelnut Nougat Balls, Almond Kranzel and single layer Florentine were all gluten-free but contained nuts.  We wisely chose the gluten-free, nut-free Chocolate Decadence Cake (contains eggs and butter) for it was absolutely perfect. Described as fudgey and indulgent with a hint of raspberry, it was so rich it had to be shared! 

After contacting  co-owner Kathleen, I learned that the coconut macaroons and truffles are also gluten-free and that, potentially, more gluten-free items will debut this winter.  I hope so!  In regards to cross-contamination she is very concious to maintain excellent standards.  All products are baked in the Watertown location and although the bakery is not exclusively gluten-free, precautions are taken to decrease contamination risk such as washing all pans and wrapping items before transport as they share the same vehicle as the gluten containing items. 

  Not only is it a bakery but also a cafe where various salads are available for lunch including the tuna and chicken salad.  On Sundays brunch is served from 9am-1pm with fruit, yogurt, scrambled eggs, cranberry nut granola and bacon as gluten-free options.

They also offer gluten-free ravioli!  Gluten-free chicken parm, marsala, etc. are available by substituting wheat four with rice flour. There are also many naturally gluten-free salads as well as  fish and meat entrees that are both dairy and gluten-free such as the Haddock Livornese or the Pork Chops & Vinegar Peppers.  The Lawrence location boasts the ability to hold functions for smaller groups of 25 or up to as many as 500 guests.