While gaining more understanding and acceptance by chefs and wait staff, maintaining a gluten-free diet while eating out can still be relatively tricky. Cross contamination of foods can easily occur, and ingredients that may include gluten (wheat, barley or rye) may mistakenly be used.
Unless a restaurant is certified gluten-free – a designation given by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) – it is imperative for an individual who has Celiac Disease or a gluten intolerance to inform a restaurant’s chef of their allergy. And while the GFCO has started a Gluten-Free Restaurant Awareness Program (GFRAP), searching the database for restaurant locations in Amherst, Mass., did not query any.
However, on a recent trip to what is known as the “Happy Valley” to celebrate the New Year, some quick research found a significant number of restaurants and small businesses that cater to the gluten-free breakfast, lunch and dinner crowds. The venues are located mainly surrounding the city’s Town Common and main thoroughfare of North and South Pleasant Street.
Here are a handful of places offering varying cuisines (contemporary American, Asian, breakfast/brunch, and pizza), along with some tips to make sure your meal is truly gluten-free.
Bistro 63
From casual lunches to dinners featuring steak and seafood, Bistro 63 at the Monkey Bar and Grill, lets patrons know they are part of a family. Host and wait staff are very friendly and well-versed in allergies. Upon introduction with the server, mention that gluten-free will be needed. The menu does point out the availability of gluten-free pasta, and there was no hesitation to change / accommodate any dish to be gluten-free. And for those with a sweet tooth, the chef does prepare a gluten-free ice cream cake roll.
Fresh Side Eatery & Teas
Asian foods can be tricky, especially if you require gluten-free, but the owners of Fresh Side Eatery make it rather simple. The expansive menu of Asian fusion, with heavy Thai and Japanese influences, features gluten-free pages. Appetizers include Chinese pickles to miso or kitsune noodle soup and various salads, like Thai noodle and citrus shrimp. Entrees vary, but a variety of rice and noodle dishes are offered. Open for lunch and dinner.
The Lone Wolf
Open the door to Lone Wolf and you walk into a quaint, 55-seat eatery that flourishes with activity. A fully loaded breakfast / brunch menu offers a variety of traditional fare, with organic, heart-healthy and vegan selections. When seated, mention to your server that you require gluten-free, as menu items are not specifically labeled. Wait staff is very knowledgeable on particular food items, and was quick to note which items were gluten free (home fries) or could be made gluten free. Open for breakfast/brunch and lunch.
Hillside Pizza
As community-area restaurant, catering and fundraising company, Hillside Pizza goes above and beyond providing gluten-free options for their pizzas and desserts. They also promote and support other local businesses and farms. Pizzas are created made to order in a “build your own” fashion, with both traditional and non-traditional toppings such feta, broccoli, and turkey sausage. A dairy-free topping of soy cheese is also offered. While not a gluten-free facility, Hillside says they make all efforts to avoid cross-contamination. And through a local delivery service, all menu offerings can be enjoyed throughout the area, including Amherst (which is roughly 5 miles away from Hillside’s South Deerfield, Mass., location).
Frequent traveler? For additional gluten-free dining options in Washington, DC, consider Dupont Circle or Adams Morgan or Chinatown.
