546 College Street
Toronto, Ontario
416.923.4138
Type of cuisine: Brunch
Date of Review: October, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Good
Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Reasonable
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Comfortable
Description: Fortunately there was no line-up for this pre-matinee brunch visit. A seat was available and our server was with us quickly. The menu was typical for brunch, with omelettes, French toast, and so forth, but also included some salads, wraps and naan bread open sandwiches. We started with fresh orange juice, a nice sunny start. This morning three of us had omelettes, with two having the delicious (if a bit salty) smoked salmon. The chevre and snow pea omelette was also very good. Each came with delicious, GF-friendly, herbed home fries and fruit (with toast for those so inclined). The French toast was very good, with good fresh bread, although the side of ham was declared quite tasteless by two diners.
Service was zippy and friendly. The restaurant itself is quaint, with lots of wood, old chandeliers, and ornamental flourishes in the plasterwork. By one popular measure, it has been declared the most romantic place for a first date, and some of that may be attributable to the decor.
This was a tasty bite, and I'm curious to check out dinner when the opportunity presents itself.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Quatrefoils
16 Sydenham Street
Dundas, Ontario
905-628-7800
Type of cuisine: French
Date of Review: September, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Excellent
Cost: Expensive
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Good
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Comfortable
Description: Yes, you can get darn good food outside of Toronto. After apparently struggling with regulations and sinking a pile of money into the establishment, Quatrefoils is now earning kudos from its patrons.
The menu is tight, not unnecessarily long. It met my preference for a focused, fresh sampling with good food turnover rather than an 8-page "please everybody" menu. No, the menu is not vegetarian focused, but yes, a vegetarian could find a satisfying meal here with a soup or salad and gnocci. Otherwise, fish and meat reign and most of the menu can accommodate the gluten-free eater.
The four of us shared a nice Domaine des Anges 2006 Ventoux, which matched our food nicely. For those inclined, the crispy rolls were very nice. As an appetizer, we tried the heirloom tomoto salad with arugula and pesto, which was perfectly ripe and a perfect room temperature. The Foie gras torchon, which I took without the toast, was well portioned (i.e. small) and came with cherries, lettuce, and a sherry jelly--no toast required. It was a delight.
For the main, I had the flank steak and frites--something I'm frequently tempted to do when the fries are not cross-contaminated--and was happy on both accounts. The steak was excellent and the frites top notch, although I'm afraid cholesterol pills don't come as a side. A fellow diner went with the duck with an orange sauce, and had no regrets. It was nicely done and nicely accompanied. One tablemate did have the lightly herbed gnocci with sweet baby squash and found it satisfying but not overly heavy. Another had the rack of lamb with home made lamb ravioli and declared himself a very happy and contented diner, though he was generous enough to share.
Settling in for the final chapter, two of use shared the baked chocolate mousse, which was rich and excellent. Our partners shared the blueberry lemon cake and were equally happy.
Service was top notch. Making everything from scratch, the kitchen had no difficulty with gluten avoidance. The physical space was clean and refined, with interesting sconces evoking both a nod to Hamilton metal working and an update on the traditional crystal variety. It is evident they dropped some coin on the place. The patio was also beautiful, and I hope to return in warmer days.
Quatrefoils is a great restaurant. May it thrive and grow roots in this great community.
Dundas, Ontario
905-628-7800
Type of cuisine: French
Date of Review: September, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Excellent
Cost: Expensive
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Good
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Comfortable
Description: Yes, you can get darn good food outside of Toronto. After apparently struggling with regulations and sinking a pile of money into the establishment, Quatrefoils is now earning kudos from its patrons.
The menu is tight, not unnecessarily long. It met my preference for a focused, fresh sampling with good food turnover rather than an 8-page "please everybody" menu. No, the menu is not vegetarian focused, but yes, a vegetarian could find a satisfying meal here with a soup or salad and gnocci. Otherwise, fish and meat reign and most of the menu can accommodate the gluten-free eater.
The four of us shared a nice Domaine des Anges 2006 Ventoux, which matched our food nicely. For those inclined, the crispy rolls were very nice. As an appetizer, we tried the heirloom tomoto salad with arugula and pesto, which was perfectly ripe and a perfect room temperature. The Foie gras torchon, which I took without the toast, was well portioned (i.e. small) and came with cherries, lettuce, and a sherry jelly--no toast required. It was a delight.
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| Foie Gras Torchons - That'll be three slices of Yum! |
For the main, I had the flank steak and frites--something I'm frequently tempted to do when the fries are not cross-contaminated--and was happy on both accounts. The steak was excellent and the frites top notch, although I'm afraid cholesterol pills don't come as a side. A fellow diner went with the duck with an orange sauce, and had no regrets. It was nicely done and nicely accompanied. One tablemate did have the lightly herbed gnocci with sweet baby squash and found it satisfying but not overly heavy. Another had the rack of lamb with home made lamb ravioli and declared himself a very happy and contented diner, though he was generous enough to share.
Settling in for the final chapter, two of use shared the baked chocolate mousse, which was rich and excellent. Our partners shared the blueberry lemon cake and were equally happy.
Service was top notch. Making everything from scratch, the kitchen had no difficulty with gluten avoidance. The physical space was clean and refined, with interesting sconces evoking both a nod to Hamilton metal working and an update on the traditional crystal variety. It is evident they dropped some coin on the place. The patio was also beautiful, and I hope to return in warmer days.
Quatrefoils is a great restaurant. May it thrive and grow roots in this great community.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Bangkok Spoon Deluxe
57 King St. West
Dundas, Ontario
905-628-8808
Type of cuisine: Thai
Date of Review: Sept, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Okay
Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Reasonable
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Comfortable
Description: Taking over from the Deluxe Restaurant, which closed in 1979 and sat empty for over a quarter century, Bangkok Spoon Deluxe retains a piece of that history while largely moving on.
The menu is fairly extensive, but in a rare letdown, gluten-free eaters can not have either the green or red curry, as the kitchen uses a gluten containing oyster sauce in them. Similar to other Thai and Vietnamese restaurants, some of the dipping sauces are also a no go. Noting that, we started with a green mango salad. This was generally reviewed as being good, although one diner found it a little heavy on the fish sauce. We also shared the Mieng Goong, a wrap-it-yourself shrimp, ginger, peanut and lettuce affair which was quite tasty and fresh.
For main dishes, we shared the (gluten-containing) green curry chicken, which was good but lacked a spicy punch. The stir-fried scallops were a little plain, though generous. Conversely, the pad Thai, while tasty, was a little short on protein content. The tiger shrimp with pepper, orange and cashew nut in a chili paste was good but perhaps not as flavourful as hoped. The sticky rice and coconut rice were both very good. We washed all this down with a reasonably priced (for Ontario) Yellow Tail Shiraz. The desserts, which in our case were largely ice cream, were considered quite tasty, with actual coconut chunks in the coconut flavour. Remind the waiter not to give you the complementary cookie.
The service was pleasant, timely, and helpful, and the restaurant was well staffed. The decor is a departure from the old days of the diner, having a clean, bright, and modern look.
Bangkok Spoon is a decent restaurant, and I would return if it came up. It is unfortunate that the curries are off limits for the gluten averse, and the spice level might have been overly diluted for us North Americans. If you live in the area, consider Pomelo as an alternative.
Dundas, Ontario
905-628-8808
Type of cuisine: Thai
Date of Review: Sept, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Okay
Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Reasonable
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Comfortable
Description: Taking over from the Deluxe Restaurant, which closed in 1979 and sat empty for over a quarter century, Bangkok Spoon Deluxe retains a piece of that history while largely moving on.
The menu is fairly extensive, but in a rare letdown, gluten-free eaters can not have either the green or red curry, as the kitchen uses a gluten containing oyster sauce in them. Similar to other Thai and Vietnamese restaurants, some of the dipping sauces are also a no go. Noting that, we started with a green mango salad. This was generally reviewed as being good, although one diner found it a little heavy on the fish sauce. We also shared the Mieng Goong, a wrap-it-yourself shrimp, ginger, peanut and lettuce affair which was quite tasty and fresh.
For main dishes, we shared the (gluten-containing) green curry chicken, which was good but lacked a spicy punch. The stir-fried scallops were a little plain, though generous. Conversely, the pad Thai, while tasty, was a little short on protein content. The tiger shrimp with pepper, orange and cashew nut in a chili paste was good but perhaps not as flavourful as hoped. The sticky rice and coconut rice were both very good. We washed all this down with a reasonably priced (for Ontario) Yellow Tail Shiraz. The desserts, which in our case were largely ice cream, were considered quite tasty, with actual coconut chunks in the coconut flavour. Remind the waiter not to give you the complementary cookie.
The service was pleasant, timely, and helpful, and the restaurant was well staffed. The decor is a departure from the old days of the diner, having a clean, bright, and modern look.
Bangkok Spoon is a decent restaurant, and I would return if it came up. It is unfortunate that the curries are off limits for the gluten averse, and the spice level might have been overly diluted for us North Americans. If you live in the area, consider Pomelo as an alternative.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Harbord House
150 Harbord St.
Toronto, Ontario
647-430-7365
Type of cuisine: Pub
Date of Review: Sept, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Excellent
Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Somewhat restricted
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously Comfortable
Description: A self proclaimed gastro pub, Harbord House takes it's food more seriously than most North American pubs. The liquid refreshment is not the only draw here. Although the menu is a little tight for gluten free eaters, it appears quite appealing on the comfort food side, and you don't pay top dollar. Note that the fries are off limits on account of floured foods sharing the same oil.
First, if you are of the persuasion, the bread was rated as good. The oysters were also fresh and yummy. For an appetizer, I tried the buffalo mozzarella salad with chorizo. A touch on the too cold side, this was nonetheless a fruity, fresh, and tasty start. A culinary comrade took up with the cobb salad and was pleased. Oddly, perhaps, it included onion rings, but these were light and crisp.
Part of the team continued on with the tomato soup, which was reported to have a rich roasted tomato flavour with hints of garlic. The arctic char with hazelnut gnocci and pickled radish was chosen by three diners, and rated highly by all. I went with the halibut, which came with chorizo and a smokey harissa sauce, and I cleaned the plate with delight.
Service was friendly and patient, although our waiter was quite busy. The decor was comfortable while not being overly dark.
In sum, this would be a fine place to have in your neighbourhood. Although the menu is somewhat restricted for the GF eater, the food is prepared with care and the prices are reasonable. Cheers.
Toronto, Ontario
647-430-7365
Type of cuisine: Pub
Date of Review: Sept, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Excellent
Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Somewhat restricted
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously Comfortable
Description: A self proclaimed gastro pub, Harbord House takes it's food more seriously than most North American pubs. The liquid refreshment is not the only draw here. Although the menu is a little tight for gluten free eaters, it appears quite appealing on the comfort food side, and you don't pay top dollar. Note that the fries are off limits on account of floured foods sharing the same oil.
First, if you are of the persuasion, the bread was rated as good. The oysters were also fresh and yummy. For an appetizer, I tried the buffalo mozzarella salad with chorizo. A touch on the too cold side, this was nonetheless a fruity, fresh, and tasty start. A culinary comrade took up with the cobb salad and was pleased. Oddly, perhaps, it included onion rings, but these were light and crisp.
Part of the team continued on with the tomato soup, which was reported to have a rich roasted tomato flavour with hints of garlic. The arctic char with hazelnut gnocci and pickled radish was chosen by three diners, and rated highly by all. I went with the halibut, which came with chorizo and a smokey harissa sauce, and I cleaned the plate with delight.
Service was friendly and patient, although our waiter was quite busy. The decor was comfortable while not being overly dark.
In sum, this would be a fine place to have in your neighbourhood. Although the menu is somewhat restricted for the GF eater, the food is prepared with care and the prices are reasonable. Cheers.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Sejuiced
1958 4th Avenue West
Vancouver, BC
(604) 730-9906
Type of cuisine: Vegetarian
Date of Review: May, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Good
Cost: Inexpensive
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Somewhat restricted
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously Comfortable
Description: Sejuiced is not an obvious place, and as our retail advisor indicated, it was a bit of a hidden gem. Located in a small space alongside other store fronts, it is unobtrusive enough that you might not think to enter. The theme here is organic and vegetarian, with plenty of juicing going on. But it seemed to offer GF options, so we gave it a go.
My dining partner went with the “Ecstacies of Freshness” salad with a piquant Super (veggie) Burger. Both fit the bill and fulfilled the vegetable craving. On placing my order at the counter, the server knew about the soy sauce issue and helped me to steer clear of danger. I ventured the Swami-G bowl with tahini sauce, crispy fresh vegetables, tofu, and brown rice. The sauce was simple and I could have used a bit more spice or mouth flame, but the combination was comfortably filling and I left suspecting I’d gained a couple of years of healthy life. They also have GF bread on hand, from a bakery I did not recognize. The bread was mouth-sucking dry—average for mass-made GF bread—but the very fact they had it in store scored them points.
If you are looking to extend your shopping or business efforts with a healthy fill-me-up, give these guys a try.
Vancouver, BC
(604) 730-9906
Type of cuisine: Vegetarian
Date of Review: May, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Good
Cost: Inexpensive
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Somewhat restricted
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously Comfortable
Description: Sejuiced is not an obvious place, and as our retail advisor indicated, it was a bit of a hidden gem. Located in a small space alongside other store fronts, it is unobtrusive enough that you might not think to enter. The theme here is organic and vegetarian, with plenty of juicing going on. But it seemed to offer GF options, so we gave it a go.
My dining partner went with the “Ecstacies of Freshness” salad with a piquant Super (veggie) Burger. Both fit the bill and fulfilled the vegetable craving. On placing my order at the counter, the server knew about the soy sauce issue and helped me to steer clear of danger. I ventured the Swami-G bowl with tahini sauce, crispy fresh vegetables, tofu, and brown rice. The sauce was simple and I could have used a bit more spice or mouth flame, but the combination was comfortably filling and I left suspecting I’d gained a couple of years of healthy life. They also have GF bread on hand, from a bakery I did not recognize. The bread was mouth-sucking dry—average for mass-made GF bread—but the very fact they had it in store scored them points.
If you are looking to extend your shopping or business efforts with a healthy fill-me-up, give these guys a try.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Salpicon
1525 N Wells St.Chicago, Il
312-988-7811
Type of cuisine: Mexican
Date of Review: June, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Excellent
Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Good
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Comfortable
Description: This was our second visit to Salpicon, and we would certainly return. A more upscale Mexican restaurant, Salpicon offers a good variety for the GF eater. Typical to many Mexican establishments, corn often serves as a safe alternative flour for wheat.
To get into the Mexican groove, I went for a straight-up tequila. A Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Anejo, it had a nose of ripe strawberry and caramel. In the mouth, it was rich and reminiscent of a good scotch, rounded out with an oaky smoothness.
We tried three appetizers. The first was a trio of tamales, a soothing and homey corn grain set out in three sauces. The second was a soft shell crab. Pan fried, it was very garlicky but fairly oily with a texture short of satisfyingly crisp. The third was a another trio, thick tortillas with shredded chicken and three different spicy mole sauces.
As a principal plate, the pork in a traditional sauce was both earthy and spicy hot and was nicely offset by simple rice, pineapple, plantain, and sweet potato. We also tried the two vegetarian stuffed peppers, one with cheese in a tomatillo sauce and one with a tomato red pepper sauce. Both were very good. Finally, we shared the flan for dessert. It was light and not overly sweet and was served under a lacy sugar dome.
Service was friendly and well paced, with plenty of water refills and check-ups on our well-being. Salpicon is renovating its first floor at present, but the second story was still a pleasant space, if rather loud.
Mexican food is often a good option for the GF eater, and if you have a hankering for something different from tacos and burritos, Salpicon offers a great experience.
C5 at the Royal Ontario Museum
100 Queen’s Park
Toronto, ON
Toronto, ON
416-586-8000
Type of cuisine: Bistro
Date of Review: June, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Excellent
Cost: Expensive
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Somewhat restricted
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously comfortable
Description: Heading to a place like C5 at the ROM brings expectations, and these were largely met, with a couple of minor food demerits. On this Saturday evening, the restaurant was fairly empty, although it is a good size restaurant. The menu has a good variety of options with a few restrictions for those who must go gluten free. Some group offerings are also included, although we did not partake.
For the GF lovers, the bread was rated highly, and looked great. Good tasting bread often looks good too, it seems. The amuse bouche this evening was pickled watermelon rind with watermelon juice and watercress. It sounds odd, but it worked, and I’d love to pop one of these guys after a good run. Appetizers were varied. Two of us chose the charcuterie, which had a nice variety of meats and pates, although the GF eater’s marker of a really good restaurant—a bit of GF cracker or sliced apple in lieu of toasts—was not provided. The mushroom green salad with mushroom puree was a hit, and the soft-shelled crab salad was delicious without being oily. For a bottle, we opened with a Gruner Vetliner Austrian white, which was full bodied and worked nicely against any lingering Austrian wine bias.
We sampled some breadth of the mains. My boar on the fatty side even for non-industrial beast. Nevertheless, it was delicious, not overly gamey and came with a soothing pear and maple celeriac hash and salty-zippy little boar pancetta bits and wilted greens. I’d do it again. One fellow diner had the bass, which was good and garlicky. Another had the lamb two ways with a yummy goat cheese mash. The lamb chops were a bit tough but the braised lamb was rich tasting and wonderfully tender. Our fourth member went with the surf and turf, which appeared as prawn terrine and steak with a bright piri piri dressing (a parsley, chili, and onion salsa encountered in Argentina, but reportedly more of Portuguese or Mozambique origin); it was ranked highly. The accompanying wine for this round was an Argentinian malbec with a fruity nose but which was thin on the palate.
With great fortitude and in the name of research, we hit the dessert menu. The chocolate log with dark chocolate and rhubarb did not last very long. The chocolate and butterscotch pudding with little donuts contributed to silence at the table while the lemon olive oil cake with honey sorbet and marscapone cream was graded delicious. Two of us also shared a cheese plate with fabulous Quebec numbers accompanied by addictive candied nuts and dry fruits.
The wait staff was very friendly and helpful, from dietary issues to wine recommendations. Service moved along at an appropriate clip. The physical space, were it studied, might actually prove good for the brain. As the upper part of the Libeskind’s Crystal, the walls bent off at wonky angles and the windows were large and afforded great light and satisfying local views.
C5 puts a hip name on a hip space. The service is great and only a couple of minor food slips keep the restaurant from being outstanding.
Pho Dau Bo
15 Cannon Street East, Unit #2
Hamilton, Ontario
905-525-0100
Type of cuisine: Vietnamese
Date of Review: June, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Good
Cost: Inexpensive
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Somewhat restricted
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously comfortable
Description: Our visits to Pho Dau Bo are frequent enough that it is shameful they have not featured on this blog. And we were not the only ones there. On any night, a number of tables are occupied. The menu is somewhat limited for the GF eater, and there is something of a language barrier, but you can back for Pho (a Vietnamese soup) again and again. The broth is made in the kitchen without bouillon added (noting that bouillon cubes and the like are often filled out with flour, a problem that can also extend to the broth used when making rice). The broth is rich, the meat is of good quality, and the basil is fresh and fragrant. Both the chicken and beef Pho are as comforting as they are tasty. The salad rolls contain nice fresh basil, lettuce, and shrimp (or whatever you wish) and are not simply overloaded with rice vermicelli. Remember to ask for fish sauce for dipping in lieu of the peanut sauce (which is wheat containing).
Service is more or less perfunctory, but not unpleasant. There is little wait for food. The decor is not the draw, but upscale would be out of place, and it is bright and comfortable.
Pho Dau Bo is a great after-work pit stop, it’s a great place to visit before a show, it’s a comforting place to drop into during the weekend….. well, you get the idea. There is a second location in Stoney Creek.
Hamilton, Ontario
905-525-0100
Type of cuisine: Vietnamese
Date of Review: June, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Good
Cost: Inexpensive
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Somewhat restricted
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously comfortable
Description: Our visits to Pho Dau Bo are frequent enough that it is shameful they have not featured on this blog. And we were not the only ones there. On any night, a number of tables are occupied. The menu is somewhat limited for the GF eater, and there is something of a language barrier, but you can back for Pho (a Vietnamese soup) again and again. The broth is made in the kitchen without bouillon added (noting that bouillon cubes and the like are often filled out with flour, a problem that can also extend to the broth used when making rice). The broth is rich, the meat is of good quality, and the basil is fresh and fragrant. Both the chicken and beef Pho are as comforting as they are tasty. The salad rolls contain nice fresh basil, lettuce, and shrimp (or whatever you wish) and are not simply overloaded with rice vermicelli. Remember to ask for fish sauce for dipping in lieu of the peanut sauce (which is wheat containing).
Service is more or less perfunctory, but not unpleasant. There is little wait for food. The decor is not the draw, but upscale would be out of place, and it is bright and comfortable.
Pho Dau Bo is a great after-work pit stop, it’s a great place to visit before a show, it’s a comforting place to drop into during the weekend….. well, you get the idea. There is a second location in Stoney Creek.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Pomelo
2405 Fairview Street, Unit 3 Burlington, Ontario
Tel: 905.681.8080
Type of cuisine: Thai, Vietnamese
Date of Review: April, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Excellent
Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Good
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Comfortable
Description: Pomelo is a new kid on the block and they are making every effort to impress. The menu offers an extensive variety without going overboard. Thai (the cuisine dominating this menu) and Vietnamese food is generally friendly for the gluten-free diner, and the wait staff were accommodating.
The food was impressively fresh. They obviously beat my chain grocer to the food terminal. We started with the mango salad, which was crisp and fruity with a light, sweet dressing. Topped with fresh mint, it was rendered substantial by a nice toss of roasted cashews. The Pad Thai, of which there are several varieties, was again fresh, tasty, and not goopy. Somewhat exotic to us in a Thai restaurant was the duck curry with fruit, basil, raisins and coconut milk. How do you say "yum" in Thai? To assuage our guilt, we added the spicy asparagus, which was replete with mushrooms, carrots, tofu, and plenty of garlic. While not the highlight, it was a pleasant addition.
The service was friendly and they were helpful and reassuring with respect to gluten. One must always play safely, but fresh Thai is a better starting point than most. (Note, for example, they do have oyster sauce on the menu, which is typically wheat containing.) The restaurant itself was more upscale and chic than is typical for Thai in this area. While not requisite, it was more than pleasant.
Pomelo has done a great job of bringing fresh Thai to Burlington. I look forward to returning.
Tel: 905.681.8080
Type of cuisine: Thai, Vietnamese
Date of Review: April, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Excellent
Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Good
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Comfortable
Description: Pomelo is a new kid on the block and they are making every effort to impress. The menu offers an extensive variety without going overboard. Thai (the cuisine dominating this menu) and Vietnamese food is generally friendly for the gluten-free diner, and the wait staff were accommodating.
The food was impressively fresh. They obviously beat my chain grocer to the food terminal. We started with the mango salad, which was crisp and fruity with a light, sweet dressing. Topped with fresh mint, it was rendered substantial by a nice toss of roasted cashews. The Pad Thai, of which there are several varieties, was again fresh, tasty, and not goopy. Somewhat exotic to us in a Thai restaurant was the duck curry with fruit, basil, raisins and coconut milk. How do you say "yum" in Thai? To assuage our guilt, we added the spicy asparagus, which was replete with mushrooms, carrots, tofu, and plenty of garlic. While not the highlight, it was a pleasant addition.
The service was friendly and they were helpful and reassuring with respect to gluten. One must always play safely, but fresh Thai is a better starting point than most. (Note, for example, they do have oyster sauce on the menu, which is typically wheat containing.) The restaurant itself was more upscale and chic than is typical for Thai in this area. While not requisite, it was more than pleasant.
Pomelo has done a great job of bringing fresh Thai to Burlington. I look forward to returning.
Sanafir
1026 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L5
(604) 678-1049
Type of cuisine: Asian Fusion
Date of Review: May, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Good
Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Reasonable
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously Comfortable
Description: A fusion restaurant with a heavier weighting on Indian and Middle-Eastern cuisine, Sanafir provided good food and reasonable entertainment on this Thursday evening. The menu is divided into trios and meals for one. The trios will take one foodstuff—prawns, lamb, or the like—and serve it three ways. So, for example, chicken may come on a kebob, as a mild Asian dish, and as butter chicken. The dishes were good, if not stellar. Our little trio ran four Sanafir trios, including lamb, chicken, prawns, and sablefish. There is sufficient variety on the menu for the gluten-free eater, although not all dishes in each trio were safe. The drink menu includes several entertainingly named beverages such as the pink samurai and memories of a geisha, the latter having a nice ginger buzz.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L5
(604) 678-1049
Type of cuisine: Asian Fusion
Date of Review: May, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Good
Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Reasonable
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously Comfortable
Description: A fusion restaurant with a heavier weighting on Indian and Middle-Eastern cuisine, Sanafir provided good food and reasonable entertainment on this Thursday evening. The menu is divided into trios and meals for one. The trios will take one foodstuff—prawns, lamb, or the like—and serve it three ways. So, for example, chicken may come on a kebob, as a mild Asian dish, and as butter chicken. The dishes were good, if not stellar. Our little trio ran four Sanafir trios, including lamb, chicken, prawns, and sablefish. There is sufficient variety on the menu for the gluten-free eater, although not all dishes in each trio were safe. The drink menu includes several entertainingly named beverages such as the pink samurai and memories of a geisha, the latter having a nice ginger buzz.
The wait staff was friendly and patient. Gluten knowledge was incomplete, and there was a few moments of anxiety as we sorted out that the papadums did not contain wheat flour but rather only “might contain traces of wheat” as per the typical informative label. But as dishes came out, the danger dishes were pointed out.
The décor is fun and funky. With a ceiling over three stories high, this might have been part of an old theatre. Long dramatic light fixtures hung down, with candles set high up the wall. We were able to sit right along the opened front of the restaurant, and dined enjoying the fresh spring air. Upstairs, for a minimal table charge, are several large platform couches that can be enjoyed by a party of lounging diners; think of a picnic in a club-like atmosphere.
Overall, Sanafir offers good food and an entertaining environment. You might just enjoy the clubby feeling without the pretense.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Saigon on Brant
474 Brant Street, Burlington, Ontario
(905) 633-9262
Type of cuisine: Vietnamese
Date of Review: April, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Good
Cost: Inexpensive
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Somewhat restricted
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously Comfortable
Description: There is something comforting about a small, family-run restaurant. As a starting point, my bias is in favour of these establishments. But Saigon on Brant delivers on the promise.
The menu, to be honest, is quite restricted for the GF eater. As you flip through the miscoloured orange photographs of the various dishes, you may find yourself restricted to the pho, a stir-fry, rice, and a couple of other dishes. Most of the marinades and sauces contain wheat. If you can eat more broadly, your choice will include grilled meats (a bit fatty, some of it), spring rolls, and so forth.
The salad rolls are fresh, with crispy lettuce and firm noodles. Note that the usual dipping sauce is tasty but not GF, so opt for the fish sauce if gluten is an issue. The pho is comforting, with a tasty home-made broth and tender, non-gristly meat, in both beef and chicken versions. It comes with consistently fresh basil and sprouts. On previous visits, I have had a respectable stir-fry, with a sauce reminiscent of too-thick Chinese food sauces. As a GF eater who eats Chinese food very rarely, this is not a problem.
The service is straightfoward, friendly, and enthusiastic. I have always talked with the same gentleman, and he is patient with questions. The restaurant itself is simple and kitchy but comfortable.
Despite having a limited selection, the fresh food and enthusiasm of the owners keep us coming back to this little bit of Saigon.
(905) 633-9262
Type of cuisine: Vietnamese
Date of Review: April, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Good
Cost: Inexpensive
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Somewhat restricted
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously Comfortable
Description: There is something comforting about a small, family-run restaurant. As a starting point, my bias is in favour of these establishments. But Saigon on Brant delivers on the promise.
The menu, to be honest, is quite restricted for the GF eater. As you flip through the miscoloured orange photographs of the various dishes, you may find yourself restricted to the pho, a stir-fry, rice, and a couple of other dishes. Most of the marinades and sauces contain wheat. If you can eat more broadly, your choice will include grilled meats (a bit fatty, some of it), spring rolls, and so forth.
The salad rolls are fresh, with crispy lettuce and firm noodles. Note that the usual dipping sauce is tasty but not GF, so opt for the fish sauce if gluten is an issue. The pho is comforting, with a tasty home-made broth and tender, non-gristly meat, in both beef and chicken versions. It comes with consistently fresh basil and sprouts. On previous visits, I have had a respectable stir-fry, with a sauce reminiscent of too-thick Chinese food sauces. As a GF eater who eats Chinese food very rarely, this is not a problem.
The service is straightfoward, friendly, and enthusiastic. I have always talked with the same gentleman, and he is patient with questions. The restaurant itself is simple and kitchy but comfortable.
Despite having a limited selection, the fresh food and enthusiasm of the owners keep us coming back to this little bit of Saigon.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
It's All Greek To Me
1811 Main St. W
Hamilton, Ontario
905-527-0003
Type of cuisine: Greek
Date of Review: April, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Good
Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Reasonable
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously Comfortable
Description: Ranking a restaurant when you've inadvertantly eaten gluten is tough. In this case, I feel both stupid and angry. Take this as a lesson as to why you must ALWAYS err on the side of being a questioning pain in the posterior. In short, in this case I ate the rice without verifying the broth. It's All Greek uses prepackaged seasoned rice, and of course wheat is listed right on the box. I was a fool for not asking up front. The restaurant loses a point for using packaged junk, and it is taking a good deal of self control not to rank them as just 'okay' on account of it. The food industry loses two points for adding wheat to rice. Rice, for the record, doesn't need wheat--or anything else for that matter--to taste good.
If you can skip the rice, or if gluten-free eating is irrelevant to you, then this restaurant is good. You will find better Greek food, but you won't find a lot of Greek food at all in the Hamilton area. The menu has a reasonable variety for most eaters, and--with the removal of rice from several dishes--the GF eater can partake.
In this case, my dining partner had the fries. GF types beware, there will be breading in the oil on account of breaded calamari in the fryer. The fries were respectable if not fabulous, and the feta topping was a nice addition. Greek poutine lite? The gigantes, a dish of oversized beans in a beany tomato sauce with more feta was quite nice. The grilled octopus was tender, not chewy, and was richly grilled, seemingly over coals. The lamb chops were also well grilled and tasty, although they were a fairly fatty cut. They came with poisonous rice and a light salad with an herbacious dill dressing. The Psari Plaki was a nice white fish with a light tomato sauce but be warned that it sits on a bed of rice. Alcohol not being an option, I had the usual Canadian hypersweet ice tea. (If you travel to the USA, enjoy their superior natural ice teas, all of which are detained at Canadian customs.)
Service was pleasant, although the gluten issue was not familiar to our server. The setting is simple but comfortable, and we enjoyed a booth for this evening's dinner.
In short, I can imagine returning here, but I am angry at the unnecessary short cut the restaurant has taken in their rice. Rice is simple. Mixes are a sign of laziness. It's All Greek to Me should at least make themselves acquainted with a quality rice machine.
Hamilton, Ontario
905-527-0003
Type of cuisine: Greek
Date of Review: April, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Good
Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Reasonable
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously Comfortable
Description: Ranking a restaurant when you've inadvertantly eaten gluten is tough. In this case, I feel both stupid and angry. Take this as a lesson as to why you must ALWAYS err on the side of being a questioning pain in the posterior. In short, in this case I ate the rice without verifying the broth. It's All Greek uses prepackaged seasoned rice, and of course wheat is listed right on the box. I was a fool for not asking up front. The restaurant loses a point for using packaged junk, and it is taking a good deal of self control not to rank them as just 'okay' on account of it. The food industry loses two points for adding wheat to rice. Rice, for the record, doesn't need wheat--or anything else for that matter--to taste good.
If you can skip the rice, or if gluten-free eating is irrelevant to you, then this restaurant is good. You will find better Greek food, but you won't find a lot of Greek food at all in the Hamilton area. The menu has a reasonable variety for most eaters, and--with the removal of rice from several dishes--the GF eater can partake.
In this case, my dining partner had the fries. GF types beware, there will be breading in the oil on account of breaded calamari in the fryer. The fries were respectable if not fabulous, and the feta topping was a nice addition. Greek poutine lite? The gigantes, a dish of oversized beans in a beany tomato sauce with more feta was quite nice. The grilled octopus was tender, not chewy, and was richly grilled, seemingly over coals. The lamb chops were also well grilled and tasty, although they were a fairly fatty cut. They came with poisonous rice and a light salad with an herbacious dill dressing. The Psari Plaki was a nice white fish with a light tomato sauce but be warned that it sits on a bed of rice. Alcohol not being an option, I had the usual Canadian hypersweet ice tea. (If you travel to the USA, enjoy their superior natural ice teas, all of which are detained at Canadian customs.)
Service was pleasant, although the gluten issue was not familiar to our server. The setting is simple but comfortable, and we enjoyed a booth for this evening's dinner.
In short, I can imagine returning here, but I am angry at the unnecessary short cut the restaurant has taken in their rice. Rice is simple. Mixes are a sign of laziness. It's All Greek to Me should at least make themselves acquainted with a quality rice machine.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Delux
92 Ossington Ave
Toronto, ON
(416) 537-0134
Type of cuisine: French Bistro
Date of Review: March, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Okay
Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Reasonable
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously Comfortable
Description: It was a Saturday night when we hit this energetic bistro at the border of Little Portugal and Little Italy. Eventually, we were taken past the booths at the front to our table at the less hectic back section of the restaurant.
Looking at the menu, the selection seemed reasonable and offered typically attractive French options. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived--which wasn't late--the goat cheese salad and the gnocci had both been consumed. As she helped us navigate our selections, our waitress was friendly. While she had heard the term 'gluten-free', she was not familiar with the meaning.
As for the eating, the bread, which should be a French staple, was dry and seemed a bit old. By contrast, an order of the fresh Massachusetts oysters went down clean and tangy. The pear and blue cheese salad appetizer was quite good and the charcuterie also earned kudos, particularly the pork roulette.
For the mains, two diners chose the bouillabaisse. It was agreed that the fish and scallops were very fresh, but one diner felt the dish was too salty. The steak frites were reported to hit the spot. My cassoulet was very good, with tender duck and a fresh and bright-tasting house-made sausage. The wine, a Weinert 2004 Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, was very good.
In part for reasons of time, we did not venture into dessert. As I think of it, the consumption of dessert tends to be a marker of restaurant quality. With divine food and good service, the dining winds will usually carry me to the island of sweets even when my overloaded stomach is warning of rocky shoals. If either food quality or service is off, the spell of the food can be broken, and we start thinking of the next item on the evening's agenda.
As mentioned, the wait staff were friendly, and water refills were steady. The biggest challenge from the service perspective was time. Out reserved table was not ready for perhaps 10 minutes, which is no crime on a Saturday night. But we were not able to place our order for a further 30 minutes, and the delivery of the main courses was substantially delayed after the appetizer. A leisurely pace is good for conversation and digestion, but when you begin to marvel at the passage of time, you have arrived at another pace entirely.
The ambiance was mixed. I confess that I am not one for loud restaurants, and the music and competing voices of the patrons were uncomfortable. In the front of the restaurant, we would have been yelling our conversation, while at the back it was more reasonable. Apart from not being relaxing, communication is important for careful gluten-free dining, so if you come on the weekend, ask to be at the back.
The atmosphere is casual and spare, with a touch of chic. The booths in the front looked comfortable, and the hanging fireplace in the back was 1970 groovy. The music was good, although too loud.
Would I come again? Yes, but probably only at somebody else's request. And ideally it would be on a weekday, when audio volume might be toned down and the service speed might be toned up.
Toronto, ON
(416) 537-0134
Type of cuisine: French Bistro
Date of Review: March, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Okay
Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Reasonable
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously Comfortable
Description: It was a Saturday night when we hit this energetic bistro at the border of Little Portugal and Little Italy. Eventually, we were taken past the booths at the front to our table at the less hectic back section of the restaurant.
Looking at the menu, the selection seemed reasonable and offered typically attractive French options. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived--which wasn't late--the goat cheese salad and the gnocci had both been consumed. As she helped us navigate our selections, our waitress was friendly. While she had heard the term 'gluten-free', she was not familiar with the meaning.
As for the eating, the bread, which should be a French staple, was dry and seemed a bit old. By contrast, an order of the fresh Massachusetts oysters went down clean and tangy. The pear and blue cheese salad appetizer was quite good and the charcuterie also earned kudos, particularly the pork roulette.
For the mains, two diners chose the bouillabaisse. It was agreed that the fish and scallops were very fresh, but one diner felt the dish was too salty. The steak frites were reported to hit the spot. My cassoulet was very good, with tender duck and a fresh and bright-tasting house-made sausage. The wine, a Weinert 2004 Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, was very good.
In part for reasons of time, we did not venture into dessert. As I think of it, the consumption of dessert tends to be a marker of restaurant quality. With divine food and good service, the dining winds will usually carry me to the island of sweets even when my overloaded stomach is warning of rocky shoals. If either food quality or service is off, the spell of the food can be broken, and we start thinking of the next item on the evening's agenda.
As mentioned, the wait staff were friendly, and water refills were steady. The biggest challenge from the service perspective was time. Out reserved table was not ready for perhaps 10 minutes, which is no crime on a Saturday night. But we were not able to place our order for a further 30 minutes, and the delivery of the main courses was substantially delayed after the appetizer. A leisurely pace is good for conversation and digestion, but when you begin to marvel at the passage of time, you have arrived at another pace entirely.
The ambiance was mixed. I confess that I am not one for loud restaurants, and the music and competing voices of the patrons were uncomfortable. In the front of the restaurant, we would have been yelling our conversation, while at the back it was more reasonable. Apart from not being relaxing, communication is important for careful gluten-free dining, so if you come on the weekend, ask to be at the back.
The atmosphere is casual and spare, with a touch of chic. The booths in the front looked comfortable, and the hanging fireplace in the back was 1970 groovy. The music was good, although too loud.
Would I come again? Yes, but probably only at somebody else's request. And ideally it would be on a weekday, when audio volume might be toned down and the service speed might be toned up.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Asahi
200 Carlton St.
Toronto, ON
(416) 962-6565
Type of cuisine: Japanese
Date of Review: March, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Okay
Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Somewhat restricted
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously Comfortable
Description: We stopped into Asahi for a quick bite before hitting the Pheonix for a concert, and in short, I would not otherwise consider it a destination.
The menu is fairly typical of Japanese, and for the gluten-free eater, the restrictions are the usual: no teriyaki as it contains soy sauce (which typically contains wheat), no tempura, rarely an appetizer as the sauces often contain soy sauce, and the usual caution even with the salad dressing (which here did contain soy sauce). I am near to the point of bringing salad dressing along with my wheat-free soy sauce on my Japanese dining excursions. Note that miso soup is also a hazard. Red miso can contain barley, and most restaurants are uncertain of their source.
As for the food, our edamame were fine if not perky. I stuck to sushi, and it was fine, although not the freshest I've had. My fellow diner was served a borderline mushy yellowtail, and it did not sit very pleasantly in the stomach. Her miso was standard and her tempura respectable.
The waitress, while pleasant, was not gluten aware. She was also in a rush, wrote nothing down, and so served my fellow diner her only allergen, avocado. (This did have the advantage of allowing me to play garbarator.)
Smelling mildly of cooking oils, this smallish restaurant is arranged in comfortable booths. The decor is simple.
In sum, this is not a sushi destination, but might be suitable for a bite before a concert when time is short.
As a sidebar, the concert that night absolutely rocked. Rodrigo y Gabriela originate from Mexico, have heavy metal roots, and now play as an edgy latin acoustic duo. These guys make latin rock, and they exude enough energy to power a city (or at least a good size concert venue).
Toronto, ON
(416) 962-6565
Type of cuisine: Japanese
Date of Review: March, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Okay
Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Somewhat restricted
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously Comfortable
Description: We stopped into Asahi for a quick bite before hitting the Pheonix for a concert, and in short, I would not otherwise consider it a destination.
The menu is fairly typical of Japanese, and for the gluten-free eater, the restrictions are the usual: no teriyaki as it contains soy sauce (which typically contains wheat), no tempura, rarely an appetizer as the sauces often contain soy sauce, and the usual caution even with the salad dressing (which here did contain soy sauce). I am near to the point of bringing salad dressing along with my wheat-free soy sauce on my Japanese dining excursions. Note that miso soup is also a hazard. Red miso can contain barley, and most restaurants are uncertain of their source.
As for the food, our edamame were fine if not perky. I stuck to sushi, and it was fine, although not the freshest I've had. My fellow diner was served a borderline mushy yellowtail, and it did not sit very pleasantly in the stomach. Her miso was standard and her tempura respectable.
The waitress, while pleasant, was not gluten aware. She was also in a rush, wrote nothing down, and so served my fellow diner her only allergen, avocado. (This did have the advantage of allowing me to play garbarator.)
Smelling mildly of cooking oils, this smallish restaurant is arranged in comfortable booths. The decor is simple.
In sum, this is not a sushi destination, but might be suitable for a bite before a concert when time is short.
As a sidebar, the concert that night absolutely rocked. Rodrigo y Gabriela originate from Mexico, have heavy metal roots, and now play as an edgy latin acoustic duo. These guys make latin rock, and they exude enough energy to power a city (or at least a good size concert venue).
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Language and Travelling
On a recent trip to Argentina, we were fortunate that many people spoke English. In fact, I find it embarrassing that people in many countries speak my mother tongue while I struggle or am ignorant of theirs. Nevertheless, there are now a good selection of travel language CD's available. For the commuter, a fair bit can be learned during down time. (Warning: It must be the case that trying to learn a language in your car is as dangerous as talking on a cell phone.) Not only is learning a bit of a foreign language interesting, but my experience has been that people are quite generous with their patience when your effort is sincere.
For concise travel language, I have found the Teach Yourself series to be quite good, but would stick to the "conversation" sets, for example "mandarin Chinese conversation." For this trip to Argentina, however, we tried Penton Overseas Inc "Spanish, The Complete Language Course." Although this set was more involved, almost all the work can be done in the car and it built you up nicely. I personally find that I like to see some of the words to grasp them, and a little reading on verb conjugation doesn't hurt, but busy folk can accomplish much without this.
For concise travel language, I have found the Teach Yourself series to be quite good, but would stick to the "conversation" sets, for example "mandarin Chinese conversation." For this trip to Argentina, however, we tried Penton Overseas Inc "Spanish, The Complete Language Course." Although this set was more involved, almost all the work can be done in the car and it built you up nicely. I personally find that I like to see some of the words to grasp them, and a little reading on verb conjugation doesn't hurt, but busy folk can accomplish much without this.
Posada Los Juncos, Bariloche
Posada Los Juncos
Ave Bustillo, km 20
Bariloche, Argentina
I have to give more than a nod to the small inn we stayed in, Posada Los Juncos. It ranks 5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, and it deserves all of them for the hospitality, chic/rustic atmosphere (there is more 'cool' in this inn than I shall muster in a lifetime), and great food.
Gaby, brother to the gracious hostess, Flavia, is the cook Defying apparent inefficiency, Gaby provides a choice of three entres, three principal plates, and three desserts every night to the five rooms...or not. It is up to you. While prices are not cheap by Argentinian standards, they are by no means outrageous for what amounts to a private dining room. The food itself if fresh and creative. Gaby plays a little strong on dessert flavours, but everything is homemade, including the bread. And here is where I was pierced through by an arrow of undying devotion; Gaby tried his hand at gluten-free bread. Simply trying is all it takes. Like burnt toast from a loving child, it is a gift you accept with heartfelt thanks. And yes, it was modest, and yes, it sucked the moisture out of your mouth like so many GF products do, but I could only encourage such bravery by asking for seconds.
Two small caveats would not dissuade me from staying again: first, it is 20km west of Bariloche, meaning it is well situated for some but not all destinations, and two, it is not at all secluded, although it is quiet enough at night.
Ave Bustillo, km 20
Bariloche, Argentina
I have to give more than a nod to the small inn we stayed in, Posada Los Juncos. It ranks 5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, and it deserves all of them for the hospitality, chic/rustic atmosphere (there is more 'cool' in this inn than I shall muster in a lifetime), and great food.
Gaby, brother to the gracious hostess, Flavia, is the cook Defying apparent inefficiency, Gaby provides a choice of three entres, three principal plates, and three desserts every night to the five rooms...or not. It is up to you. While prices are not cheap by Argentinian standards, they are by no means outrageous for what amounts to a private dining room. The food itself if fresh and creative. Gaby plays a little strong on dessert flavours, but everything is homemade, including the bread. And here is where I was pierced through by an arrow of undying devotion; Gaby tried his hand at gluten-free bread. Simply trying is all it takes. Like burnt toast from a loving child, it is a gift you accept with heartfelt thanks. And yes, it was modest, and yes, it sucked the moisture out of your mouth like so many GF products do, but I could only encourage such bravery by asking for seconds.
Lago Argentino
Two small caveats would not dissuade me from staying again: first, it is 20km west of Bariloche, meaning it is well situated for some but not all destinations, and two, it is not at all secluded, although it is quiet enough at night.
Estancia Nibepo Aike, El Cafate
A ranch at the end of the road south of El Calafate, Estancia Nipebo Aike provided an experience I hope to replicate if ever I return. The two ranches we stayed at on our trip to Argentina offered beautiful scenery, a sanctuary from the busy life of the city, and the slower peaceful pace you associate with the country. Apart from some great horse riding and hiking and stunning scenery, this ranch offered great food.
Although I do not know the name of the chef, he earned my heartfelt appreciation. Meat is a feature of lunch and dinner here, but this posed no problem. In fact, they have an on site restaurant dedicated to meat. You don't really order; you just wait for the fresh meat to come in piles.
Like Los Juncos, the impressive thing here was the willingness of the chef to improvise. First, the soups were declared to be flour free and were fresh and simple. One night, in lieu of standard cannelloni, the chef prepared a corn version. Stuffed with cheese and spinach and topped with tomato and lamb, this dish had it all. The dessert that night was a delicious layered fruit, cream, and corn trifle, a one-off for the celiac. On another occasion, making something totally different than the other diners, he prepared a crispy corn bowl filled with vegetables and cheese. Finally, when we requested a picnic lunch to visit a nearby glacier, he procured a dish of meat, polenta, cheese, and fresh tomato sauce. Since that time, the chef has been kidnapped and now makes regular lunches for me from his basement cell.
One caveat here is that the breakfasts were poor from the celiac perspective. I was glad to have brought a stash of GF granola. In his defense, I don't think the chef gets the discredit for this.
Nipebo Aike -- Where every pic is postcard perfect.
Although I do not know the name of the chef, he earned my heartfelt appreciation. Meat is a feature of lunch and dinner here, but this posed no problem. In fact, they have an on site restaurant dedicated to meat. You don't really order; you just wait for the fresh meat to come in piles.
Real. Fresh. Lamb.
Like Los Juncos, the impressive thing here was the willingness of the chef to improvise. First, the soups were declared to be flour free and were fresh and simple. One night, in lieu of standard cannelloni, the chef prepared a corn version. Stuffed with cheese and spinach and topped with tomato and lamb, this dish had it all. The dessert that night was a delicious layered fruit, cream, and corn trifle, a one-off for the celiac. On another occasion, making something totally different than the other diners, he prepared a crispy corn bowl filled with vegetables and cheese. Finally, when we requested a picnic lunch to visit a nearby glacier, he procured a dish of meat, polenta, cheese, and fresh tomato sauce. Since that time, the chef has been kidnapped and now makes regular lunches for me from his basement cell.
Crispy Corn Bowl Creation
One caveat here is that the breakfasts were poor from the celiac perspective. I was glad to have brought a stash of GF granola. In his defense, I don't think the chef gets the discredit for this.
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is big, some 14 million persons in the greater metropolitan area, and there is no shortage of eating establishments. If you want to dine in your apartment or room, there are health food stores that offer gluten-free foods. Labelled as above, these foods are not hard to pick out. In fact, a visit to one of these stores can stock you up on 'just in case' foods and provide fare for picnics. Check out Dietetica Cuarto Soles (Juncal 2376 in Recoleta) and others. Several establishments worked very well for this gluten-free eater.
Celigourmet (Thames 1633, Palermo Soho) is a totally gluten-free bakery in Palermo Soho. Yes, the 'Soho' is a gimmick, but Palermo is a fun area to wander about, and Celigourmet offers great pastries and other portable delights. They offer a limited supply of bread
Muma's Cupcakes (Malabia 1680, Palermo Soho) is not exclusively a gluten-free bakery, and I can not speak to their contamination protocols in the kitchen, but I can speak to the rich chocolate and sweet cream that slid between my lips in the company of a fine little coffee.
Don Julio (Guatemala 4691 and Gurruchaga) is a parilla (restaurant focused on meat) also in Palerma Soho. The food, being fairly straightforward, appeared quite safe. The bife lomo (tenderloin) was tender and tasty, while the sweetbreads (thymus) was meaty in the mouth, a bit spongey in appearance, and not overly gamy. The vegetables were steamed to the point of mush, but the real vegetable, the Goulart 2007 Malbec, hit the spot.
Freddo is a chain offering coffee, a few (non-GF) pastries, and ice cream, including a great selection of ice cream specifically marked gluten-free. They use individual spoons in each tub, which means you are as close to safe as you will get. Cultural exploration demands that you sample the dulce de leche flavour.
Celigourmet (Thames 1633, Palermo Soho) is a totally gluten-free bakery in Palermo Soho. Yes, the 'Soho' is a gimmick, but Palermo is a fun area to wander about, and Celigourmet offers great pastries and other portable delights. They offer a limited supply of bread
Celigourmet--A happy pile of yummies.
Muma's Cupcakes (Malabia 1680, Palermo Soho) is not exclusively a gluten-free bakery, and I can not speak to their contamination protocols in the kitchen, but I can speak to the rich chocolate and sweet cream that slid between my lips in the company of a fine little coffee.
Muma's Cupcakes--What's rich, hypercaloric, and gone in thirty seconds?
Don Julio (Guatemala 4691 and Gurruchaga) is a parilla (restaurant focused on meat) also in Palerma Soho. The food, being fairly straightforward, appeared quite safe. The bife lomo (tenderloin) was tender and tasty, while the sweetbreads (thymus) was meaty in the mouth, a bit spongey in appearance, and not overly gamy. The vegetables were steamed to the point of mush, but the real vegetable, the Goulart 2007 Malbec, hit the spot.
A diner can not live on meat alone.
Freddo is a chain offering coffee, a few (non-GF) pastries, and ice cream, including a great selection of ice cream specifically marked gluten-free. They use individual spoons in each tub, which means you are as close to safe as you will get. Cultural exploration demands that you sample the dulce de leche flavour.
Argentina
Vegetable Stand, Argentina
If you need a little time in a place far away, in a place with beautiful and varied landscapes, and in a place where the people are as friendly as the food is....meaty...then consider a visit to Argentina.
Argentina the Gluten-Free: Argentina lends itself to gluten-free eating. First, the food is kept fairly simple. Argentinians really do eat a lot of meat (a remarkable 70kg per person annually), but they don't mess it up with overdone sauces. This leaves little to worry about for the GF eater. And the official vegetable of Argentina--red wine--is well known to be gluten-free. Truthfully, vegetables play second fiddle, but they are generally also simply done.
Just as good as this is Argentinian labeling. Like our European friends, the Argentinians have the little symbol with the wheat stricken off. Yes, that little 'no gluten' sign that celiacs view with the glee of a jaded lover watching his ex get a flat tire. They also have a "Sin TACC" label, meaning "without the four nasty grains". There are, of course, many foods that contain no apparent wheat but which are not so labeled. While helpful, this can be a double-edged sword. A greater than expected proportion of waitstaff, and even retail staff, appeared to be aware of the gluten issue. On occasion, however, this awareness appeared quite superficial, as if understanding was limited to "labeled safe" or "not labeled safe". While good to know, limiting yourself to "certified" food would be very restrictive. This is a good argument for learning a bit of the local language. Sorting this out is not always possible in English.
Where can I eat? From restaurants to cafes to gluten-free specialty stores, Argentina can feed you well. Check out the posts under the Argentina heading.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Rude Native
370 Brant Street
Burlington, Ontario
905-632-6682
Type of cuisine: bistro
Date of Review: December, 2009
Overall Quality Ranking: Okay
Cost: Expensive
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Reasonable
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Anxious to Cautiously Comfortable
Description: It was a weeknight when we ventured out to the Native. Although weekends typically lend a restaurant more energy, you are more likely to have the ear of the waiter on a weeknight if you are navigating a food issue. So it was in a rather quiet restaurant that we pored over the menu.
The options appear to be reasonable, and the waiter was patient if not aware of the gluten-free issue. The prices are not particularly cheap, which might not be an issue if the quality of the food was better. To start, we shared a cold tomato salad with beets and goat cheese. Likely as a result of low customer volumes, the tomatoes were really quite cold, and the taste of the dressing left the salad ranking as only fair. As a principal plate, I had halibut with an orange glaze. Unfortunately, it came off as too simplistically orange, and by texture I suspect it contained corn starch. It was fine, but nothing to seek out. Conversely, my fellow diner had the Moroccan curry with couscous, which was reported as good, and might make a soothing spot of pub food. We both had a glass of wine, but at $11 and $14 for a glass, the Native is charging seriously chic bar rates. Given the first and second courses, we did not pursue dessert.
Service was fine, if not warm. The waiter did take the time to question the chef about a gluten issue. The physical state of the restaurant is unremarkable, and does not warrant the cost of its wine.
The Rude Native may have a few good dishes tucked into its menu, but this first taste left me with relatively little enthusiasm to return and find them.
Burlington, Ontario
905-632-6682
Type of cuisine: bistro
Date of Review: December, 2009
Overall Quality Ranking: Okay
Cost: Expensive
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Reasonable
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Anxious to Cautiously Comfortable
Description: It was a weeknight when we ventured out to the Native. Although weekends typically lend a restaurant more energy, you are more likely to have the ear of the waiter on a weeknight if you are navigating a food issue. So it was in a rather quiet restaurant that we pored over the menu.
The options appear to be reasonable, and the waiter was patient if not aware of the gluten-free issue. The prices are not particularly cheap, which might not be an issue if the quality of the food was better. To start, we shared a cold tomato salad with beets and goat cheese. Likely as a result of low customer volumes, the tomatoes were really quite cold, and the taste of the dressing left the salad ranking as only fair. As a principal plate, I had halibut with an orange glaze. Unfortunately, it came off as too simplistically orange, and by texture I suspect it contained corn starch. It was fine, but nothing to seek out. Conversely, my fellow diner had the Moroccan curry with couscous, which was reported as good, and might make a soothing spot of pub food. We both had a glass of wine, but at $11 and $14 for a glass, the Native is charging seriously chic bar rates. Given the first and second courses, we did not pursue dessert.
Service was fine, if not warm. The waiter did take the time to question the chef about a gluten issue. The physical state of the restaurant is unremarkable, and does not warrant the cost of its wine.
The Rude Native may have a few good dishes tucked into its menu, but this first taste left me with relatively little enthusiasm to return and find them.
Maccheroni Cucina Al Fresco
1560 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario
(905) 527-6422
Type of cuisine: Italian
Date of Review: January, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Okay
Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Reasonable
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously Comfortable
Description: As a celiac, writing about an Italian restaurant doesn't entirely seem natural. In my previous life, I sampled a few, but present circumstances make them a challenge. And all too frequently, the quality of the pasta can be matched by a bit of work at home.
Maccheroni's recognizes that there is a market for gluten-free Italian. They use a separate colander to strain their (rice) pasta, and they can reportedly make most of their pasta dishes gluten-free. Although their appetizer selection is limited for GF eaters, they have reasonable salads and also offer GF pizza, which I understand employs the same crust supplied to PizzaPizza.
The menu selection is therefore reasonable. On this occasion, and admittedly for the second time, I had their baked ziti. Doused in cream and cheese and containing a generous portion of bacon, this good if heavy dish could readily feed two. Slightly monotonous, it might go better with the simple greek salad rather than after it. On this occasion, all three of us originals chose the same dish. I am told that on past visits the pizza was also good.
Service is friendly and brisk. On this Tuesday evening, there were enough other diners to give the place a bit of a buzz. The decor is pseudo-rustic, with plastic vines and interior trellises; it is comfortable, if a little on the shabby side.
Although restaurant Italian food is not typically my first choice, Maccheroni's offers reasonable fair, and I appreciated their efforts at supporting gluten-free dining.
Hamilton, Ontario
(905) 527-6422
Type of cuisine: Italian
Date of Review: January, 2010
Overall Quality Ranking: Okay
Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Reasonable
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously Comfortable
Description: As a celiac, writing about an Italian restaurant doesn't entirely seem natural. In my previous life, I sampled a few, but present circumstances make them a challenge. And all too frequently, the quality of the pasta can be matched by a bit of work at home.
Maccheroni's recognizes that there is a market for gluten-free Italian. They use a separate colander to strain their (rice) pasta, and they can reportedly make most of their pasta dishes gluten-free. Although their appetizer selection is limited for GF eaters, they have reasonable salads and also offer GF pizza, which I understand employs the same crust supplied to PizzaPizza.
The menu selection is therefore reasonable. On this occasion, and admittedly for the second time, I had their baked ziti. Doused in cream and cheese and containing a generous portion of bacon, this good if heavy dish could readily feed two. Slightly monotonous, it might go better with the simple greek salad rather than after it. On this occasion, all three of us originals chose the same dish. I am told that on past visits the pizza was also good.
Service is friendly and brisk. On this Tuesday evening, there were enough other diners to give the place a bit of a buzz. The decor is pseudo-rustic, with plastic vines and interior trellises; it is comfortable, if a little on the shabby side.
Although restaurant Italian food is not typically my first choice, Maccheroni's offers reasonable fair, and I appreciated their efforts at supporting gluten-free dining.
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