Ottawa
613-233-2233
Description: Sniff sniff. What's that smell? Ah, the fair nose of baking xanthum gum and tapioca flour. Yes, The Daily Grind is an informal, cafe/restaurant that serves decent food from a completely gluten-free menu. Now, they don't go overboard splashing gluten-free all over their website. Like some other GF establishments, they emphasize their quality and good taste first, so as not to scare away the gluten-loving.
The food itself is good. We opened with the nachos, which were simple and fine. Meat was optional, and we skipped it, but I wouldn't mind a few more vegetables or any beans. I had the Creole shrimp special, and it was a healthy mix of vegetables and rice and had a nice little zip. My dinner mates had the blackened salmon and the BBQ swordfish. The salmon had a nice jerk spice while the swordfish really made me think (happily) of spare ribs. Such a meaty fish, that sword guy. As a side note, I had a very nice Bard's beer with my dish, but non-GF beers are also available (and are the only non-GF items in the house).
For dessert, I had a yummy Sweet Marie bar. The cross table exchange program yielded a very good macaroon and chocolate mint cookie. The chocolate cupcake was also very good, but frankly could have used some dairy. The Daily Grind does have a number of vegan baked goods. This will make many happy, but I favour dairy fat over substitutes, and am occasionally frustrated that GF products are grouped with other dietary limitations. However, that did not stop me from bringing home a small pile of other baked goods--I mean, it's not like I'm that picky.
Service here is casual but friendly. One generally orders at the counter. The Daily Grind has the comfortable appearance of a relaxed, non-corporate cafe, with mismatched furniture and walls lined with local art.
If I were to review this as a non-celiac, I would consider it a decent, inexpensive local place but not a destination restaurant. However, as a celiac, I am emphatically appreciative of what they do, and of how comfortable I am eating there. Thanks, guys. I plan to be back.
