Gluten-Free Menu

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is a beautiful and quirky city alongside the Baltic. Some may say it shrinks in comparison to Stockholm and other Scandinavian capitals flourishing with personality, but Helsinki has its own charm (especially in the summer months). With the sun rising at 4am and setting after 11pm, this city literally never sleeps at night. It has many pockets of history– beautiful cathedrals and churches and ornate buildings– that contrast its avant-garde design district. And Helsinki flaunts the well-preserved sea fortress and World Heritage Site, Suomenlinna, just a 15 minute ferry ride away. But to gluten-free eaters, Helsinki is more than just a city with a charming harbor, it is paradise. With all the menus labelling gluten-free options with a ‘G’, most cafés offering gluten-free breads and pastries and cakes, and all waiters and servers being extremely knowledgeable about Celiac Disease, Helsinki is a gluten-free haven.

When exploring Helsinki’s Esplanade, you can grab a bite at the renowned cafe and restaurant, Kappeli. Kappeli sits right in the heart of Helinski across from an outdoor music stage, making it a great summer venue. From their curry chicken salad to gluten-free sandwiches and raspberry macaron cake, there are plenty of yummy gluten-free options. Moreover, as you discover the city, be sure to stop in the cafe Karl Fazer— coined Finland’s most valued brand. There are many Karl Fazer cafes spread across the city, and they offer gluten-free open-faced sandwiches and a variety of desserts (a whole shelf was dedicated to gluten-free desserts!). Right along the water, you can find Old Market Hall– the Quincy Market or Reading Terminal Market of Helsinki. With more than twenty vendors, there are numerous gluten-free options. Be sure to check out Story which has a delicious gluten-free creamy salmon soup (salmon soup is local specialty!) and Mari’s Smoothie and Cafe which has a selection of gluten-free sandwiches and pastries. If you’re looking to try some traditional Finnish food, I’d recommend Aino, an upscale restaurant on the Esplanade. In its select menu, Aino does offers gluten-free entrees including sautéed reindeer with mashed potatoes and lingonberries (reindeer tastes a lot like mutton, for those who were wondering). Finally, if you choose to board a Viking cruise ship to take a day trip to Tallinn or visit St. Petersburg, even the ship’s restaurants have many gluten-free options!

With that, all I can say is that this beautiful city has been by far the most accommodating and knowledgeable city when it comes to eating gluten-free– even more so than any city the US. So if you visit, do indulge in the exquisite Finnish cuisine and gluten-free treats! Make the most of paradise!

Cheers,

Anika

Raspberry Macaron Cake at Kappeli
Apricot Cake on the Viking Cruise
Almond Torte on the Viking Cruise
Mozzarella Tomato Sandwich at Karl Fazer
Budapest at Karl Fazer
Gluten-Free Shelf at Mari’s Smoothie and Cafe
Vanilla and Cinnamon Pastries at Mari’s Smoothie and Cafe
Smoked Salmon Sandwich at Mari’s Smoothie and Cafe
Creamy Salmon Soup at Story

 

 

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

The Cheesecake Factory

As much as I love originality, there’s something comforting about falling back onto known territory. Although eccentric french cafes and family-run diners may receive acclaim for their truly distinct tastes and flavors, when it comes to eating gluten-free, chain restaurants are a safe haven like no other. This may seem surprising and of course, there are exceptions, but all in all, I stand by that statement.

They are reliable. Earlier this month in Providence, I rediscovered The Cheesecake Factory. Because of their infamous “no reservations” policy, I had kept my distance these last few years. And prior this gap, I had terrible experience with their gluten-free options, but I suppose that was a different era- when people were in the dark as to what “gluten-free” meant. Anyways, I was delightfully surprised to learn that they have an extensive gluten-free menu. From pastas to salads and tacos to burgers, they have nearly anything and everything you could imagine! They even have a gluten-free cheesecake- Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake, if memory serves me right. It is by far the biggest gluten-free menu I’ve laid eyes on. I suppose I have to account for the fact that their regular menu is nearly a short novel; however, that doesn’t take away from the fact that I was truly impressed. As for specifics, the next time I return, I will be sure to order their pasta- maybe the shrimp and fusilli or the pasta with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes? And we’ll see if it lives up to Maggiano’s wonderful GF pasta. On to the salads, I did in fact have the pleasure of trying the French Country Salad. If beets, candied pecans, asparagus, and fresh goat cheese is your thing, then this salad is you thing. I promise. Last but not least, burgers. Now, I personally don’t eat beef, so I was pleased to learn that they offered a turkey burger as well as a vegetarian burger option. And yes, when I say burger I don’t mean a pattie with condiments sitting on a white plate, I mean the whole package (gluten-free rolls included!). I can’t exactly vouch for them as I have not tried them, but if any of you do try it before I do, please let me know! There are many dishes that are yet to be eaten at this restaurant and fortunately…

They are ubiquitous. Whether you’re in Pennsylvania, Oregon, or Rhode Island, chances are, you’ll cross paths with The Cheesecake Factory. It’s one of the reasons that chain restaurants really make having a gluten-free lifestyle that much easier. You already know what options they offer and if the staff and kitchen have an awareness of cross contamination and what “gluten-free” means. All in all, it means that there is no need for experimenting. Yes, we all like variety, but it’s great to have a safe option in your back pocket.

And with the inevitable end of summer hurtling towards us, keep in mind, it’s always summer somewhere!

Cheers,

Anika

Tango

Howdy y’all! It’s like Christmas all over again! (minus the snow, the tree, the festive lights, and the caroling) Just add some cake and candles and there you have it folks… a few (okay, more than a few) days back, I celebrated my birthday!

My family and I went to a lovely restaurant on the mainline called Tango. Coincidentally, (or not so coincidentally) this happens to be my brother’s favorite restaurant. Although the contemporary American cuisine can be both exciting and risky in the more-so adventurous choices, it’s the location of the restaurant that really adds an edge. Tango is located just off the train tracks of the Bryn Mawr train station. And what’s really cool is that the restaurant features a Train room that is similar to a dining cart as the trains zoom by the window. You can even feel the tables shaking when a train speedily passes by!

Let me start off by giving kudos to Tango for having a gluten-free menu that corresponds with their complete dinner menu. I was very intrigued by the Shrimp Dumplings, for an appetizer, as I’ve never had GF dumplings before. And I’m happy to say the first time left a good impression! The Shrimp Dumplings didn’t resemble your typical steamed-pork dumpling when taking out Chinese food, but rather it had a crunchy, fried outer coating filled with minced shrimp. Although they were delicious, according to my brother, they were not quite dumlping-like. For my entree, I settled on the grilled rainbow trout served with basmati rice and sugar snap peas. The combination of toasted almonds, lemon, and capers to top the grilled fish added flavor and a zing to it. Believe me, I’m usually criticizing a piece of meat or seafood for being too bland! This is a dish I’m looking forward to recreating at home with my own twist.

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If you do get a chance to go, I recall wanting to try the fish tacos (don’t worry, they use corn tortillas!). However, the trout is definitely worth a try.

Cheers,

Anika

Legal Sea Foods

This is by far my favorite seafood restaurant in town, when it comes to gluten free options. They have a wonderful gluten-free menu (the menus are all online, by location) packed with many originally wheat-filled options!

I would even consider some of my favorites as my comfort foods. From the Hot Lump Crap Dip to the Crispy Montauk Calamari, their selection never disappoints! Additionally, they have excellent gluten-free poppy seed rolls that your server will bring out along with the wheat rolls to start you off. After my meal, I usually order a dozen of these buns to take home because they are so great! Although most of their dishes never fail to please, I would not recommend the Lite Clam Chowder if you are expecting a creamy, thick, New England-style chowder. When they say “lite”, they mean it. This is a thin, almost watery soup. Overall though, it’s one of my regulars, for sure.

P.F. Chang’s

P.F. Chang’s has been a family favorite for years as it brings back fond memories. Every time my cousins visit Philly or we fly down south, we always manage to find time to have one meal at this restaurant. It’s the place where we tried to teach my left-handed cousin how to eat with chopsticks and where I celebrated my 12th (or was it 13th?) birthday with a couple of gals. It’s the wonderful memories and experiences that keep us coming back.

Anyways, to what you’re really interested in, “what’s in it for me? gluten-free?” Well, they have an excellent gluten-free menu (check it out!), which they do update as they discover new gluten-free dishes. And the servers are very well informed. And sometimes when it’s a large party, they serve the gluten-free foods on black-trimmed plates with the P.F. Chang’s trademark, so it’s easily distinguishable which is a nice touch.

From much past experience, I can say the GF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps are my go-to appetizer, and the GF Philip’s Better Lemon Chicken and GF Chang’s Spicy Chicken are entrees that never disappoint. I have heard that the GF Chang’s Spicy Chicken is comparable to the glutinous General Tso’s Chicken that one can order at nearly any Chinese takeout restaurant. The taste and texture of PF Chang’s GF chicken is as close as it gets to the flavors of the breaded favorite. At least that’s what my brother claims.

Now to dessert, I don’t even glance at the menu for this course! The GF Flourless Chocolate Dome is rich and chocolately in taste. It is heavenly with a raspberry sauce drizzled along the side. I would highly recommend it, but remember to save room!

Cheers,

Anika