Boston

Sweet Bakery

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”

2015. A new start, another chance to do or be something great. Taking that mentality in stride, throughout this year, I’ll be blogging about places I have eaten at or traveled to during 2014 that I did not have the chance (or rather time) to blog about. In other words, 2015 will bring #throwbacktravelposts consisting of restaurants, bakeries, and eateries with great gluten-free options when traveling the world! This way, I can share all the wonderful, hidden GF options the world has to offer (see the travel section).

This past summer, I spend the tail end of break road tripping across the east coast with my family. As we traveled from city to city, I was honestly surprised by the visibly growing awareness of celiac disease and eating gluten-free. Early on in the trip, we visited “the Hub”. I hadn’t been since I was five – and my only vivid memories were of “quacking” while on the duck boat tours and buying a jellyfish stuffed animal from the aquarium. So obviously we had no choice but to experience Boston the touristy way this time around. So day one we walked the Freedom Trail from start to finish. And you’ll be surprised by the numerous gluten-free options along the trail. There were a couple Clover food trucks scattered throughout and nearby the trail, but the real treat was the delicious GF cupcakes from Sweet Bakery.

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Sweet Bakery has six locations spread across Boston. As I passed the Downtown cupcakery while walking the Freedom Trail, I spotted a sign on the window saying “we have gluten-free cupcakes!”. Of course we had to pop in and try the cupcakes- it would literally be a crime not to. Since Sweet Bakery does not have a dedicated gluten-free bakery, they get their GF cupcakes from an alternative gluten-free bakeries to prevent cross-contamination. I ordered two mini GF red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. These cupcakes were from a local Boston bakery called “Glutenus minimus”. I might be slightly biased because red velvet is my absolute favorite, but these gourmet cupcakes were exquisite. You can find Glutenus minimus baked goods in their bakery in Belmont, MA or many other bakeries located in Massachusetts. So if you ever find yourself in Boston, enjoy the rich history the city has to offer with a sweet cupcake in yourself hand!

Cheers,

Anika

Clover

“The Earth is what we all have in common”

Earth. It’s the only home we have. So, why don’t we all do something nice for the Earth and ourselves, shall we? Have you ever heard of “clean flavors”? It’s food that not only tastes good, but it feels good. It’s food that you can savor the aftertaste. But it also refers to food that you don’t need to be a chemist to make. Food that is not factory-made, processed, or enhanced in any way, shape, or form. So where can I get this oh-so-delicious and Earth-friendly food?

Clover Food Lab is the latest addition to the Boston food scene. It’s hip, innovative, and happening. As I described above, the food is “all natural”, largely organic, and always fresh. Your food is cut as close to the time you’re going to eat it as possible. Additionally, the menu changes day-to-day based on the fresh ingredients on hand. Their “no freezer” policy means that the menu is limited and constantly revised. And food runs out. I suppose that’s the price to pay for a happy Earth and a happy you! It’s truly a progressive philosophy.

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When traveling, although presumably convenient, I typically avoid food trucks. Gluten-free and conventional food trucks just don’t go together- the lack of time for a thorough inquisition as well as the increased likelihood of cross contamination just don’t make it a suitable option. However, when I was in Boston this past summer, I was introduced to the Clover food trucks. With trucks and restaurants situated from MIT to Harvard Square, Clover is spread out far and wide across Boston. Each truck is adorned with a whiteboard with a few select food items and drinks. The later in the day you come, the more items will be crossed out. Alright, so onto the gluten-free choices. Any sandwiches can be made gluten-free- it simply has no bread and is called a “boat”. I would highly recommend the chickpea fritter “boat”; it is essentially falafel-based with carrots and purple cabbage with a subtle horseradish-esque sauce. Additionally, the rosemary fries were what I like to call “stick fries” (by shape). They were healthy and well-seasoned. I believe they had a pinch of sea salt, but don’t quote me on that. If only they hadn’t run out of the blueberry lemonade when I was at the truck! It was delicious, and it is real food (and everything was compostable if you must know: +1 for Team Earth!).

Also, check out this little cheat sheet Clover gave me! Oh, how I love gluten-free menus!

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I know this foreword-thinking movement will set off a spark and inspire other eateries. So why wait? There are nearly a dozen Clover locations in Boston, so next time you’re in town, give it a try!

Cheers,

Anika