Surprisingly, this Italian restaurant doesn’t offer gluten-free pasta but does serve many hearty entrees (most feature meat,  but hopefully vegetarians can be accomodated with the Wild Mushroom Risotto).  Also on the menu are Assaggi or “small plates”, Antipasti and Salads. The latter have the option of being prepared with some protein such as Rosemary Hanger Steak, Wood Grilled Salmon, Giant Grilled Shrimp or Rosemary & Garlic Grilled Chicken.  We were pleased to see the nice selection of sides, especially the Truffle Parmigiano Fries.   However, upon further investigation, we discovered these are cooked in a shared fryer and therefore  NOT an option for my family.

Oh well, I do think it is still worth the trip to check out this magnificent, two-storied restaurant with roaring fireplaces.  Sometimes, ambiance is as much of a draw as the cuisine!  If you plan to visit, be aware that reservations are only allowed for parties of seven or more.  Call ahead seating is available for smaller parties.

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

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!

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!

Delicious, healthy foods are available at Sol Bean Cafe  in Middleton, Ma. Soups, salads and sandwiches are served and the latter can be made with gluten-free, dairy-free bread!

Soups vary each day but there is often a gluten-free choice. Some of the gluten-free varieties include the Lentil (dairy-free too), Roasted vegetable (vegan), White Chicken Chili, Chipoltle Sweet Potato (vegan) and the Tomato Feta.   

On our visit we tried the very popular Meg Melty sandwich. It was made with avocado, grilled chicken, tomato, jack cheese and honey mustard. Unfortunately, there is not a dedicated toaster or panini press for these sandwiches, however, they will double wrap the sandwich in foil before pressing in the panini grill. I was hesitant but this worked out very well for us.  Still, I can see how this may not sit well with some people.  Another option is to just have the bread thawed (wrapped in microwave) for your sandwich. 

If you are a practicing vegan, you might enjoy a sandwich called the Vegan Style a la Sarah. This includes tomato, spinach, vegan cheese (contains soy), avocado and onion. There are also other items that can be made vegan by omitting cheese or substituting with the vegan cheese.

There are also gluten-free bars, muffins and other sweets brought in from a local gluten-free baker. We  purchased a gluten and dairy-free Craisin Oatmeal Bar (contains eggs) which was big enough to divide by four and it was like a big ole soft oatmeal cookie!

Also featured are raw, vegan treats for dessert. Try the chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate mint vanilla or  raspberry chocolate cookies.

Closed Sunday & Monday

How about trying the BLT Sandwich made with eggplant “bacon” and spicey “mayo” (contains cashews) or the Chickenless Salad made with zucchini, celery, apples and grapes with a “cheese” sauce (contains tree nuts). These can be served  with a side of “cheesy” Kale  Chips (contain cashews), or Spicy Chick Peas.  Salads and soups are available daily and varieties frequently rotate. Other creative, healthy items are offered too (not necessarily posted on menu) such as the rice paper wrapped Spring Roll. It’s filled with avocado, cucumber and spinach along with a Thai dipping sauce.

For something sweet, there is Richardson’s Ice Cream, or gluten-free, vegan brownies, muffins, sandwich bread, lemon pound cake and cinnamon bread. Some of these are brought in from a dedicated gluten-free baker, while others are made in-house such as the Chocolate Dream dessert. It’s made with raw cocao, coconut, avocado and cashews, but I’m told you’d never guess!

Smoothies are made with organic, grass-fed, no-added sugar yogurt.  For a dairy-free version, almond milk or coconut milk can be substitiuted. I’ve heard positive things about the Green Juice and is one I plan to try.   It’s made with the juice of cucumbers, celery, apple, lemon, spinach and ginger.  This can be upgraded with a boost of rice protein powder or sweet wheatgrass (it’s ok!).

They also offer many culinary classes, live music and meet-up events.  Needing healthy food for a crowd? Call ahead if you’d like a full-sized version of a favorite dish-they may be able to accomodate you!

Enjoy a cup of organic, free-trade coffee or tea while taking advantage of their free WiFi!

Closed Sundays

Thanks to the suggestions from friend Tom and Freedom to Dine reader Nina, I made a trip to the Green Land Cafe in Salem, Ma.  I’d been wanting to try this place for quite sometime and, after discovering that they began noting gluten-free and vegetarian dishes on their menu, the time was right!

Upon mentioning my food needs, the server made note and the manager soon sat down with us to go over the choices. She was clear to ask about any other food issues and quelled any concerns by stating that my meal would be carefully prepped and separately prepared using designated items.

We began our meal by sharing one of the Warm Tapas. We chose the Seared Nantucket Jumbo Scallops and “Bacon” which included two perfectly cooked scallops, crispy pork  belly and a fennel puree, and when eaten together tasted amazing!  For an entree, we chose the Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop which was served with whipped potatoes, sauteed spinach and a not too sweet brandied cherry relish.  It was so fulfilling that we didn’t have room for dessert, but it was nice to know there were options available. Vanilla Mascarpone Panna Cotta (contains dairy), a Fresh Fruit Plate, which on our visit was a collage of fresh berries, and a variety of Gelato and Sorbetto are offered for dessert.

Besides the clearly marked gluten-free choices listed on the menu, there are actually other dishes that, with minor alterations, also qualify as gluten-free.  For instance, the Grilled Rack of Lamb is served with a cherry vermouth sauce, dandelion greens and a sundried tomato and basil couscous. By switiching out the couscous for another side such as rice or potatoes, the dish becomes gluten-free.  Keep in mind that the menu is seasonal and you may find different foods offered, but I’m confident you’ll be pleased with the choices!

Just as we were leaving the entertainment arrived!  How surprised were we to see this on a Monday night!   Whether sitting at the bar (they have gluten-free beer) or at a window side table, this place gets busy!  Reservations are recommended.

Well, it’s no wonder that the Green Land Cafe was nominated in the Salem Chamber of Commerces’,  ‘Celebrate Salem Awards’   event.   This restaurant is clearly a winner!

Appetizers, salads , entrees and desserts are served daily from 9am -7 pm, with limited hours on Sundays, 12-5 pm.

If you’re a fan of Raw Eating or would like to learn more, Revitalive Health & Wellness offers Raw Living Foods education at the center and also holds community events from time to time.

This award winnning beer is sorghum based and is sold for the same price as the others (currently, $4.00).  Choose the Celia Framboise and the Celia Saison if you need gluten-free. 

There isn’t a gluten-free menu, but staff is well aware of the gluten-free items (I’m told the owner has a family member living with Celiac), or those that can be modified.  For example, a few sauces contain wheat flour.  The burgers and quesadillas as well as the sandwiches are available on gluten-free bread or gluten-free rice tortillas.

Catering and seasonal outdoor seating are offered too! 

Many salads are available, just be sure to request no croutons and inquire about specific dressings.  More good news is that the BBQ Ribs and Wings are gluten-free too!

 Free delivery to Salem, NH and some parts of Windham and Methuen, MA.