A gluten-free menu may be confusing for many people, so it is important to understand how these markings can be helpful. If you have a menu that contains “GFA” for gluten-free available, for example, you may have to explain that a particular food is gluten-free. This may slow down the ordering process and cause confusion. Before launching a gluten-free menu, restaurant owners need to decide the type of menu they want to offer, and what information to include.
Restaurants with gluten-free menus may not always have to offer a full list of gluten-free menu items, but it is better than nothing. Gluten-free options are available in many forms, including desserts, beers, and appetizers. The key, however, is to avoid hidden gluten. Many seemingly benign foods contain hidden gluten, which can cause a reaction in people with Celiac Disease. If you can’t find a restaurant with a gluten-free menu, call ahead and ask.
Another restaurant with a fully gluten-free menu is the Marea Restaurant in New York City. Known for its seafood, this restaurant serves an extensive menu of gluten-free pasta and other dishes. It offers a seafood tasting menu for $95 and even offers a gluten-free version of the regular menu. It is a good choice for lunch or dinner and has excellent reviews from both gluten-free and non-gluten eaters.
Foods with gluten-free options include all meats and fish. Plain dairy products are gluten-free, but flavored milk may contain gluten. Vegetables and fruits are also naturally gluten-free, as are most beverages. However, beer, wine, and spirits are generally not gluten-free. As a result, a gluten-free menu may be necessary for a person with a gluten-free diet. In addition to being easy on the stomach, a gluten-free diet can benefit those with digestive issues.
Other popular fast-food restaurants have a gluten-free menu. McDonald’s doesn’t keep an official gluten-free menu, but the company’s website lists ingredients. Generally, the menu is gluten-free, but the company does not specify whether prepared salads are gluten-free. Some restaurants use wheat-free buns. Those who follow gluten-free diets will also find that Arby’s offers a fully gluten-free menu as well.
The original owner of the Chelsea Market Cafe had celiac disease and developed a menu that is mostly gluten-free. The pastrami sandwich, which is a staple of American food, is one of the standout items on the menu. In fact, Chelsea Market Cafe is one of the few places in the city with a full-service gluten-free menu. There are seven locations in Manhattan and Greenwich Village. The menus and prices of the Chelsea Market Cafe can vary, but there are options for people with dietary restrictions.
Dana’s Bakery, a dedicated gluten-free bakery, is located in Long Island City. The bakery focuses on healthy baking with minimal sugar. The bakery offers gluten-free macarons, and also a wide variety of other delicious gluten-free baked goods, including “Mookies.”
