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.

We know that certain Thai dishes  are naturally gluten-free but sometimes we are reluctant to order if restaurants are not aware of food allergy concerns.  Happily, Mango II Thai Cuisine  is aware and boy, did we enjoyed our meal!

Located in an obscure strip mall in Tewksbury, the charming interior was well lit and adorned with Thai trinkets and lovely hanging lights.  Our server was aware of gluten but brought her colleague to us as he was well versed in what was gluten-free, or what dishes could be made gluten-free.  I was also impressed with his concern over any other potential food intolerances or allergies we may have had. 

Most of the food is made to order so it could be made gluten and allergen-free (watch for fish sauce and nuts, common Thai ingredients).  Some of the appetizers are pre-assembled, and therefore, not modifiable.  We tried the Satay Chicken, which came with delicious peanut and cucumber sauces.  Another appetizer ordered was the Golden Dices which was sauteed cubes of tofu (soy) that was accompanied by a sweet and sour peanut sauce. 

Picking an entree was a difficult decision for there were many choices.  All of the curry dishes are gluten-free and all of the rice noodle and fried rice dishes can be made gluten-free by omitting the soy sauce.  We decided to share the Chicken Mango Curry.  We truly enjoyed the sweetness and spiciness of the dish.  My friend just couldn’t get enough of these exquisite flavors yet she couldn’t possibly fit in another bite so I guess another visit to Mango II Thai Cusine  is in order!

Enchilladas

Recently I met my friends at an old stopping ground that we frequented when I was able to eat gluten.  I was a bit hesitant to go as I didn’t have the time to call ahead and could only recollect my all time favorite-the flour tortilla filled California Burrito.  Alas, there was no reason to hesitate.  I was so well taken care of by the chef!  This is not what I expected to happen at Oscar’s Pinatas on Route 38 in Tewksbury, MA., but was so pleasantly surprised with the experience I thought it worthy of a post.  Inititially when trying to figure out what I could eat,  I noticed that my usual ”safe” choice of salad was on the menu, but I also noticed that there was a LowFat/Low Carb portion to the menu that had some items which were gluten-free, or had the potential to be.  The Pinatas Burrito has all the fillings of a burrito, but without the tortilla.  The Pinata Veggie Burrito is a gluten-free, vegan meal consisting of sauteed peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini and squash and is served without a tortilla.  After explaining my needs to our sweet server Debbie (she was aware of gluten-free!), I opted for the Enchillada which was a delicious corn filled tortilla.  A few substitutions had to be made to make it gluten-free and Debbie was great to return to our table numerous times to inform me. Rather than the Mexican Sauce, a Ranchero Sauce had to be  used and a double portion of refried beans was put on my plate because the rice was not safe for me.  The chef even double stacked my plates to help ensure no mix up with my friends’ entrees.  Anything fried should be avoided as the fryer is shared, so things like the corn tortilla Flauta would not be an option.  The dishes are made to order (though not some of the sauces) so it is relatively easy to make substitutions if you’re needing dairy or gluten-free foods.  Knowing that the Chef did such a wonderful job on a busy Saturday night encourages me to return.  Maybe even with the kids-they eat at half price Monday-Wednesday from 4-8pm!