Freedom to Dine

Sweet Basil~Awesome Allergy Awareness

Freedom to Dine — Fri, 18 May 2012 22:11:10 +0000

We jumped at the chance to sample some tasty dishes at Sweet Basil in Needham Center. Upon arriving, we were astonished at the abundance of choices. Just about ninety percent of their menu is available gluten-free!

Since the kitchen keeps gluten-free ingredient substitutions on hand, many dishes are available gluten-free. Rice flour is available to replace wheat in a number of items. For example, the Chicken Scaloppini, Chicken Parmesan, Lamb Shank, Veal Scaloppini, etc are all dredged in rice flour for gluten-intolerant guests! A small number of dishes are destined to contain gluten. The meatballs and fried calamari are in this category (though the calamari can be sauteed instead, and a gluten-free coating is said to possibly be in the works!).

Sweet Basil is one of the few places in Massachusetts to serve house-made, gluten-free pasta. Chef Dave Becker has developed a most incredible chickpea pasta that can be served with any of the sauces on the menu! With advance notice, it can also be made into a variety of shapes. Dave pointed out that fresh water and a clean pot are used for the chickpea pasta orders, yet he also wants his guests to be aware that the pasta extruder is shared with the traditional pasta. However, it is thoughly cleaned and sanitized between uses.

Chef Dave wants everyone to feel welcomed at Sweet Basil . He and his staff are clearly comfortable accomodating diners with food allergies and intolerances. Even if you have an aversion to the taste of garlic, he’s willing to work with you! A call ahead of your visit is recommended, but not necessary. With pre-planning, some dishes are modifiable. For instance, the polenta normally contains some semolina flour, but for a gluten-free diner, a semolina-free batch may be put aside earlier in the day. For those avoiding dairy, he can also omit the cheese. Another example is the dipping pesto which is served upon seating. It is made without cheese (or pine nuts), but this can be added in after a patron’s needs are known. He even keeps eggless pasta on hand (contains gluten) for his egg-free guests! He truly undestands the importance of avoiding cross-contamination and he stores some products separately from the main kitchen (soy and nuts).

On our visit, we were lucky enough to meet the enthusiastic and talented Chef Dave (who also happens to have authored a cookbook!). He encouraged us to sample many dishes to showcase the range of flavors in his gluten-free dishes. We began with the Nut-Free Pesto which would normally be served with bread. Instead, ours included crudite that consisted of grape tomatoes, pepper and zucchini strips. We actually preferred this rather than bread and, of course, it’s an easy and delicious way to work toward fitting in your veggie allotment for the day! Next was the Caprese Salad served with a balsamic drizzle. This, too, was incredibly fresh and well balanced and the touch of glaze perfectly complemented the salad greens and fresh mozzarella! Along with the salad, we were presented with the most incredible Vegetable Risotto which included roasted eggplant, carrots, onion and spinach. It was fantastic! Surely, the best risotto we’ve ever tasted! I would guess this is partly due to the high quality ingredients that go into the dishes as well as the talent of the kitchen staff. Using local and organic ingredients is a top priority at Sweet Basil. They often procure produce from the nearby Natick Community Organic Farm.

As we moved onto entrees, we tried the savory yet slightly sweet Chicken Marsala which was made with port, mushrooms, figs and spinach, and then the Braised Chicken which included large pieces of extremely tender chicken, port wine, balsamic glazed peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms. This was served over perfectly cooked chickpea pasta which had just the right texture and a mild flavor (unlike some bean-based pastas). We also tried some polenta with mascarpone and sweet corn. Words can not adequately describe how deliciously tasteful and creamy it was! And, finally, we were offered the gluten-free version of the Steak Bomb Sandwich (bunless). This thinly sliced, tender steak was mixed with gorgonzola, onions, mushrooms and roasted red peppers. Sandwiches are normally served with french fries (but the fryer is shared) or with some mixed greens. Believe it or not, we could not single out a favorite dish! We’ll definitely be returning to try some of these again, as well as some others too!

Don’t forget to inquire about the daily specials and please note the BYOB and cash/check only policy.

Speaker’s Corner Restaurant @ Crown Plaza

Freedom to Dine — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:14:07 +0000

There is so very much to choose from on the gluten-free menu at Speaker’s Corner Restaurant! Located within the Crowne Plaza, in Nashua, NH, they offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch. However, your best bet may be to dine during lunch and dinner when there are the most choices.

Breakfast and brunch offer seasonal fruits, eggs, breakfast meats and, sometimes, the entree portion of brunch is gluten-free (these vary so call ahead), but you won’t find gluten-free danish, muffins, etc.

We were fortunate to visit for dinner and were immediately served deliciously warmed rosemary bread brought in from an outside vendor. After this, the kids enjoyed Chicken Tenders with Buffalo sauce (also could have orded this with a Mustard dipping sauce), burgers & chips (no dedicated fryer here) and a Chicken Alforno that was served with brown rice penne, broccoli and adorned with a precious flower. What a large portion! We enjoyed everything and look forward to another visit to try some of the other starters, salads (list of gf dressings is right on menu), entrees and maybe even a dessert, or two!

If you have other dietary concerns, call ahead. They are very willing to accomodate other food restrictions and appreciate advanced notice. I’m told this gluten-free menu came to fruition due to the efforts of a mom with two children living with Celiac Disease, and, thankfully, a receptive Executive Chef! All dishes are prepared to order and precautions are taken to avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen. So, your food may take a while longer to arrive (ours did), but safety is worth the wait!

Sweetpeas Bakery

Freedom to Dine — Mon, 07 May 2012 11:26:26 +0000

Sweetpeas Bakery in Westford, MA, offers custom cakes and cupcakes made with mostly organic and local ingredients and has a new gluten-free line of treats! These include cookies, cupcakes, and cakes!

And, these are also free of dairy, peanut, tree nuts and soy. There is even a vegan chocolate frosting available!

Although the actual prep area is the same kitchen as the regular orders, the gluten-free dry ingredients are kept in a separate storage area and there is separate equipment specifically designated for gluten free use. These include the mixing bowls, mixer, measuring cups and spoons, cupcake trays and cookie sheets, etc. However, a few of the cake pans are shared though I’m told that these are thoroughly washed and sanitized between uses. Gluten free orders are always baked first thing in the morning and then everything is cleaned and put away before preparing and baking the regular orders of the day.

For special occassions, cupcake displays are available for rent!

For gluten-free orders, call ahead or use their handy online ordering form.

40 Paper Italian Bistro & Bar

Freedom to Dine — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 13:31:05 +0000

Located in scenic Camden, Maine, 40 Paper Italian Bistro & Bar is the go-to place for romantic dining. Yet even those romatically challenged will find contentment from the delicious dishes that highlight fresh, local foods and as well as grassfed meats whenever possible, and most of the menu is available gluten-free!

While many dishes are naturally gluten-free, others may need to be slightly modified. For instance, gluten-free pasta is substituted in the Orecchiette with panna di pomodoro & fresh basil dish as well as in the Pappardelle with Grass-fed Lamb Ragu with rosemary & Parmigiano,or the Bucatini Carbonara with guanciale & baby peas, to name a few. Entrees include Shortribs, Rainbow Trout, Quail and Natural Angus Hanger Steak. I’m told the Shortribs which are braised with green chilies and served with creamy polenta and local kale with garlic are not to be missed! Gluten-free bread is available.

Their dessert menu is entirely gluten-free thanks to their gluten-intolerant pastry chef who, by the way, authors a blog on gluten-free living which includes some of her indulgent recipes! Having her on staff has also instilled in the staff the importance of food prep, etc. to decrease the risk of cross contamination issues. The Italian theme continues through dessert with Ricciarelli Cookies (contain almond), Budino (pudding type dish) and gelatto. But there are many other sweets to end the meal here too and vary according to seasonal ingredients and the whim of the chef.

Multiple seating options include the bar, two dining rooms, a lounge area or the seasonal patio. Open 7 days per week. Drinks from 4-11pm (Greens Belgian Amber available). Dinner from 5-10pm.

GrassFed Burger Bar~JP

Freedom to Dine — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 20:32:24 +0000

The newly opened Grassfed Burger Bar on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain (occupying the former site of Bon Savor), offers 100% certified hormone and antibiotic-free, grass fed beef! Though there are no gluten-free buns on the menu, one is able to order their burger “On The Grass”. With this option your burger arrives on a bed of salad greens.

Besides beef burgers, the ground chicken and turkey burgers are also gluten-free (unfortunately, the chickepea and mushroom burgers have breadcrumbs). These can be ordered plain, or with a variety of toppings including multiple types of cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickled jalapenos, avocado, bacon or even a fried egg! If choosing from the array of toppings is a bit overwhelming, then I suggest picking one of their Specialty Burgers. The Cali Burger consists of a 5oz beef patty topped with avocado, pepper jack cheese, mesclun, red onion and a cilantro-lime aioli, while the Italian Stallion Burger is made of ground chicken, mozzarella and pesto. All of the condiments are housemade with organic ingredients!

If you desire fries, these can be specially prepared in their dedicated fryer for you! These hand cut potatoes are served as ‘traditional’ with sea salt, as Truffle-Parm fries or as Spicey Fries. Or, for a change, try the beet fries! (AT THIS TIME, THE SEPARATE DEDICATED FRYER HAS NOT YET BEEN INSTALLED, but they tell me it will be very soon).

Beverage choices include gluten-free beer, organic wine, milkshakes and “adult” milkshakes (spiked with cordials).

Wahlburger’s in Hingham, MA

Freedom to Dine — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 20:00:30 +0000

We’re so happy to report that Wahlburger’s have come through with their promise to accomodate gluten-free diners! They’ve started offering gluten-free hamburger and hotdog buns. These buns are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility and are free of soy and dairy ingredients as well.

It’s quite appealing to find upscale burgers at a “fast, casual” place (i.e. child-friendly), and here you have a choice of a hormone and antibiotic-free beef, turkey or a Portobello Mushroom Cap burger , or an all beef hotdog. The kid-sized version is called the “Smahlburger”.

Sides available include the Yukon Gold Fries, Tater Tots and Sweet Potato Tots which are cooked in a dedicated fryer! Oh, and they carry gluten-free beer too..

Grumpy Doyle’s~Irish & American Fare

Freedom to Dine — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:23:12 +0000

Lettuce Wraps

Wow! We were surprised to find gluten-free symbols on the standard menu at this Irish pub! Grumpy Doyle’s is a family friendly restaurant and bar serving traditional Irish food as well as gluten-free alcohol (Redbridge, Magners and Strongbow Cider) and American fare too!

Sherpher’d Pie, Fish n Chips, Grilled Jameson Steak tips and Colcannon are just a few of the Irish offerings. Daily specials may offer even more!

Rather than Irish fare we decided to sample a more Asian inspired dish~ the Lettuce Wraps. I must admit that part of the reason for our choice was due to the uncertain response from our waitperson as to whether the fried items were cooked in a dedicated fryer. But, later, after speaking with the chef, we found that there is indeed a dedicated fryer for French fries and this is also used for gluten-free fried orders. The Lettuce Wraps consisted of tender pieces of marinated, grilled chicken served with garnishes of water chestnuts, mushrooms, scallions, cashews, rice noodles and lettuce for assembly, along with two dipping sauces (a red chili sweet sauce and a peanut sauce). Normally offered as an appetizer, we were satisified to have this as our entree!

The Chef also emphasized that while he will do his best to provide a gluten-free meal, there is no separate prep area in the kitchen. I suggest going at a less busy time of day.

Shuttle service and seasonal outdoor patio dining available.

Check out their sister restaurant, The Port Tavern, in Newburyport, Ma!

Root in Bethlehem, NH

Freedom to Dine — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:25:16 +0000

All dishes are made from scratch at Root and, therefore, I’m told, most of the items offered on the menu can easily accomodate a gluten-free diner! They also cater to vegetarian and vegan patrons as well.

Their menu changes often because of their much admired Farm to Table approach. Foods are purchased from local farms and sustainable products are used as often as possible. Fantastic dishes appear seasonally such as the Wine Steamed Cockles with Sausage and Fiddleheads, and the Maine Shrimp Stuffed Fluke with Baby Potatoes and Creamed Nettles. Desserts vary from the more commonplace Creme Brulee and Flourless Chocolate Torte to the risky, but oh so addictive, Szechuan Peppercorn Ice Cream!

Some of their local and/or sustainable sources include:

Blue Mountain Elk Farm
Maple Meadow Farm
Meadowstone Farm
Northeast Family Farms
Pinestead Farm
Schilke Organic Farm
Small Axe Farm
Northwoods Farm
Jess Snow
Nitty Gritty Grain Company
Vintage Baking Company

Open Tuesday- Saturday with the bar opening at 4 pm and dinner service beginning at 5 pm.

Six Burner Bistro

Freedom to Dine — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:07:23 +0000

Located in Plymouth, NH, the Six Burner Bistro will prepare one of their delectable sandwiches on gluten-free bread for you! Their ever-changing menu offers soup, salads and sandwiches for lunch while dinner adds appetizers and entrees to the line up. Dessert staples include Chocolate Lava Cake, Grand Marnier Chocolate Mousse, Creme Brulee and Gelato, but, as with all the dishes, daily specials are offered so call ahead.

The lunch and dinner menus change frequently to ensure the freshest ingredients are utilized. When available, they are purchased from a local, organic farm. Even their meat is locally sourced! For this, they’ve received Applaud Magazine’s award for ” Best in Local Food 2011″.

Lunch is offered in a more casual manner with counter service and indoor or out door seating on the patio. Full service dining is offered for dinner which begins at 5 pm.

Winsor House Inn

Freedom to Dine — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 14:33:06 +0000

Picture yourself in front of a cozy fireplace in a quintessential historic New England Inn. You can be transported to another moment in time at the Winsor House Inn located in Duxbury, Ma. where gluten-free choices are included on both the Pub and Dining menu (gluten-free choices are marked with an asterisk).

Soups include the Tomato Cognac (contains milk), and, depending on the variety, the Soup of the Day. Most of the salads are gluten-free, including a perfect winter salad; the Winsor Salad. This salad is made of spiced, baked butternut squash, baby spinach, pumpkin seeds, candied cranberries and laced with a maple bacon vinaigrette. Other choices include a Wedge Salad and a Seared Tuna Salad.

For entrees, there is a choice of Roasted Duck Breast, Pumpkin Risotto, Shepherd’s Pie and Grilled Shrimp or Grilled Mahi Mahi corn tacos. Some of the entrees can be modified to become gluten-free so ask if you are tempted by something on the menu! Don’t forget the daily specials which commonly accomodate gluten-free appetites. Call ahead to see what they are offering. This applies to desserts as well. On occassion, one is treated to housemade panna cotta, chocolate lava cake or pavlova!

Seasonal patio dining and Fuction rooms available!