Gluten-Free and/or Dairy Free Restaurants

Tired of slaving away over a hot stove most of the day? If you are like me, and have to make many things from scratch taking a break from the kitchen sounds heavenly. The best site I have found to help find gluten-free restaurants in Seattle is this one here.
These are a few of my favorites that I will write more on later.


The Old Spaghetti Factory
I usually order gluten free pasta and marinara with chicken.  I ask for no mizithra cheese.  They have a gluten free menu.

PF Changs
They have a gluten free menu.  Most things are dairy free as well,but I confirm it with the waitress.  You can ask for more vegetables. They often don't have much vegetables in their dishes.


Wild Ginger
I use their gluten free menu and ask about dairy.

Thai Siam
They have an extensive gluten free menu. I ask them about dairy and peanuts.

Red Robin
I use their customizer menu here that tells about allergens. I usually order a simple burger in lettuce or a gfree bun. I ask for my fries to be cooked in a designated fryer, and to not have red robin seasoning on them.

Jamjuree Thai
You need to ask them if they can make different things gluten free and the waitress can tell you. It's been awhile since we've been there, but we enjoy phad thai without peanuts, phad pug, their fried rice, cashew chicken and garlic chicken.

Full Tilt (dairy free ice cream!) They have a variety of vegan flavors clearly marked. It changes regularly.
Molly Moons (more dairy free ice cream!) They usually have a sorbet and a vanilla chocolate chip. I prefer the chocolate chip.

Outback Steakhouse-  They have a gluten free menu. I ask about butter and they usually can use oil instead.  I have steak or chicken with a salad with oil and vinegar and the steamed veggies. I have a plain baked potato.

Bonefish Grill-They are owned by the same people as the Outback, I believe. I ask for their gluten free menu and they usually ask in the back what they can make dairy free. I ask to not use butter because I'm that sensitive. The waitress will come back and let me know what I can have. I haven't been in there in years, but I love their food. I usually have fish or chicken with a salsa like thing on top.
I just noticed most of these involve Thai food. Hmmmm. . . .

Gluten Free Fish and Chips in Portland, OR

Corbett Fish House in Portland, Oregon. This is one of my all time favorite places to go. If the commute wasn't so far, I'd go there more often! We love stopping there when we visit Portland or when we are passing through. They have gluten free fish and chips that is dusted with rice flour. I was told they even won an award for their fish and chips, so it's considered great fish and chips to people in general, not just those of us who are desperate for some gluten free chow ;0)  If you are in the neighborhood, I'd highly recommend it!

Eating Out Tips for Gluten Free and Allergy Friendly!

photo from Gluten Free Cat

I'm loving this gal's eating out tips with food allergies. It's called 10 days of Gluten-free (here) at the glutenfreecat.com. These are the topics she goes into and I thought it was a great read no matter what your food allergies/intolerances are. It also links to other blogs that focused on other topics dealing with gluten free. WARNING: It would be easy to spend hours lost in these great posts.
1. Do your homework.
2. Be nice to your server.
3. BYOGF: Bring Your Own Gluten Free
4.Ask Questions
5. Affirm a job well done
6. Have a good attitude.
7. Go Natural!
8. Share the love.
9. Be realistic.
10. Don't let your guard down.

Red Robin Customizer Menu!

photo from Red Robin's site

I love this new feature from Red Robin!  You can go here, and put in the allergens you want to avoid. It gives you a customized menu telling you what bun you can have, what sauces, what dressings, what to leave off, etc.  I went to Red Robin for my husband's birthday awhile ago. Their rewards program gives you a free burger on your birthday! (and they will sing to you and bring you ice cream).  So, I was looking something up on their website using my phone, when I discovered this great feature. I usually play it safe and get the "Simple" burger, but this time I ventured out and got something totally new. It was super fun, and I wanted to share with you all about this easy way to get what you want there! The last time I went they asked how sensitive I was and offered a separate fryer for my french fries, too!

Red Robin Gluten Free Buns Now Available

So I was minding my own business at Red Robin. I was gearing up for my "natural burger" (now called the simple burger) without Red Robin seasoning. It's pretty plain jane. I basically  count my blessings and order it for the excuse to eat the fries.  Until today. I just finished saying, "Let's see, what should I have. . . the natural burger or the natural burger?"  When my husband pointed out they now have gluten free buns.

Excuse me? I could hardly believe my ears.  I asked the waiter and he said they were some well known brand that started with an "o". After further (polite) inquiries,  I found out it was Udi's. It is gluten, dairy, soy, and nut free. It does contain eggs. I can cheat with eggs every once in awhile and not really regret it. So I took the plunge. For $1.00 more I could  give it a go. Can I just say that eating a bun in public was quite the experience. One of those things I never thought I would say, but true. It definitely does something for a plain jane burger when you can replace the lettuce wrap with a real bona fide bun. It was a great unexpected surprise. If you are itching for a burger at a restaurant, maybe you could call your favorite Red Robin and see if they offer the same.

UDI's bun INGREDIENTS: WATER, UDI’S BEST BLEND (TAPIOCA STARCH, BROWN RICE & POTATO FLOUR), NON-GMO VEGETABLE OIL (CANOLA OR SUNFLOWER OR SAFFLOWER), EGG WHITES, RESISTANT CORN STARCH, CANE SYRUP, TAPIOCA MALTODEXTRIN, EVAPORATED CANE JUICE, TAPIOCA SYRUP, YEAST, SUGARCANE FIBER, SALT, GUM (XANTHAN GUM, SODIUM ALGINATE, GUAR GUM), CULTURED CORN SYRUP SOLIDS (NATURAL MOLD INHIBITOR), XANTHAN GUM, ENZYMES. 
CONTAINS: EGGS

Amazing Non-dairy Ice Cream in Seattle

One day I googled the words "vegan ice cream seattle" and my life soon became way more amazing. I discovered a little hole in the wall ice cream shop that makes ice cream out of coconut milk. They have dairy ice cream flavors and then vegan ice cream flavors. This works out well because my kids and I have four flavors of vegan ice cream to choose from, and my husband can have dairy ice cream at the same time. Some vegan flavors are maple, ube ( a filipino `sweet potato), chocolate chip cookie dough (gluten free), pina colada sorbet, blackberry sorbet, chocolate mint, and cinnamon chocolate. It is so creamy, and reminds me of soft serve at Dairy Queen except with unique flavors. The dairy ice cream is also home mixed with interesting flavors like Thai Tea and Mango Chili. The most amazing part is the cost. The kid's size is just about equal to two scoops at Baskin Robbins. It costs $2.50 with a sugar cone. The adult serving is two of these large servings together. We're talking a crazy amount of ice cream. And it's only $3.50. If you are able to eat gluten you can even have a homemade waffled cone for $0.50 more. To find out locations in Ballard and the U-district head over here! 

Gluten Free Crust at Papa Murphy's

This just in. Papa Murphy's is now offering gluten free crusts made by Udi's. I received an ad in the mail and almost fell over when I noticed that they are now offering gluten free.  Based on the allergen info the Udi's crust contains egg and is processed in a facility where dairy may be present. This is what the add says about it (below).   To find out more go here. The allergen table also lets you know what toppings you can get. WARNING: Due to cross contamination it sounds like this may be a gamble if you are highly sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease.

"You asked, we answered! Introducing delicious, piping-hot-from-your-oven pizza on new Gluten Free crust. Let the stampede begin.

Available at participating US locations only. Certified Gluten Free Crust is topped in shared kitchen that also handles gluten containing ingredients. Additional ingredient information can be found by viewing our allergen information. Available in Medium only. Check for availability."

Gluten-free Bread at Subway

Are you wanting to try Subway now that you are gluten free and don't know what to order? Here is an allergen list to help you out.  I had their gluten-free buns when I went there the other day.   They were individually wrapped and tasted pretty amazing. The gal asked me how sensitive I was and if I wanted mine toasted.  I was impressed that they really seem to be trying.  They put it on paper to keep it off of where they use the gluten-ous bread. When I was in Oregon I am pretty sure I asked to look at the ingredients and didn't find any dairy ingredients, but please don't quote me on that. I had a bit of a reaction, but not something severe, so I am guessing I didn't have a lot of dairy.  If you are celiac or super sensitive I'm guessing there may be too much cross contamination, but I must say I was impressed out how people are trained and how they try.   I am sensitive, but am not sure if it was the dairy or gluten cross contamination that got me. I got a little sick, but not horribly sick, so it was limited, for sure.  This is something I have only tried when on a trip, and it's kind of a gamble when you go out anywhere. At least I know that here they have the bread bagged separately and the employees have had some training on it. They also provide gluten free brownies. I must say these are positively delicious! And for what it's worth, I was impressed at how good the bread tasted.  I think my husband *may* have heard me say that I knew I might get sick, but thought it just might be worth it to take the chance and get to have a subway again. There's something about having the familiar back in your life that is a real treat.

Cinnamon Works in Seattle

I was at a grocery store picking up an item or two the other day. A gal in the checkout line raved about a place called Cinnamon Works. I was told they have both gluten free and vegan (dairy, meat and egg free) options. Yelp verifies this with the reviews they have posted. I can't wait to go there and check it out.

• The address is:
• 1536 Pike Pl  at Post Aly in Downtown
• Phone number(206) 583-0085

On Yelp, here is a review, "Amazing gluten free options! We had the monster cookie which was very tasty and moist. It wasn't overly dense as many gluten free items can be. It was a fun experience to actually have choices!!! :-)" 

photo from Yelp

Review of Jamjuree Restaurant

I love me some thai food. In fact, if I had to only have one "type" of food for the rest of my life this would be my food category of choice. It's no wonder I love the Jamjuree thai restaurant in Capital Hill. Here is their website. They have a classy atmosphere and good service. I am impressed with what they are willing to make gluten free when you ask. A server told me that they don't even use wheat free soy, but use chicken broth instead. The portions aren't huge, but sufficient. The flavor is really fantastic. I am always pleased when I go there, and am glad I did. If you are wanting some thai food in the Seattle area, but need it gluten and soy free, this place is absolutely worth your time!

Molly Moon's Ice Cream

Sometimes I feel sorry for my casein (milk protein) intolerant kids when I think of the blizzards, sundaes and frozen yogurts they have yet to devour. A place like Molly Moon's makes it way easier to swallow.  They had two vegan flavors at the Wallingford location. Strawberry Rhubarb sorbet and Vegan Coconut Chunk. The strawberry rhubarb was tangy in true rhubarb fashion. The Vegan Coconut Chunk reminded me of a blizzard. It had creamy coconut ice cream with shavings of coconut and chunks of Theo's chocolate. It was solid like "real" ice cream and was packed full of morsels. I wish they had more flavors, but for what they have I need to give them some huge kudos. It was a delightful night out for dessert with the family, all because this place kept people like you and I in mind when coming up with decadent flavors. I'd highly recommend it. They even have a new cookbook out! To find out more about Molly Moon's go here.

Review of Menchie's

I discovered Menchie's this last September. A friend was raving about it and we decided to go check it out. I felt silly that it had taken me so long to discover this place. For those of you that haven't been there, they have frozen yogurt machines that you can use to serve yourself. There are little cups available if you want to try a flavor. When you go to get your ice cream they have really large cups/dishes you can grab.  There are usually a couple of dairy free options. On the machine itself it says if it contains dairy. 

One word of caution, however, for my dairy free peeps. Sometimes when we go in they have coconut ice cream sharing a machine with a non-dairy ice cream. Each flavor has a spout and then there is one in the middle that swirls the two flavors together. Since coconut milk is often used to make dairy free ice cream, one time (in my preoccupation with getting an eager and demanding three year old the frozen yogurt) I missed that the one side of the same machine was a dairy coconut flavor, not dairy free. Fortunately,I figured it out before we ate it, but unfortunately it meant we had to chuck a lot of amazing ice cream.  So, if you go there for dairy free ice cream, pay special attention to the signs and make sure both in the same machine are dairy free.  

After you dish up the yogurt you can add candy,sprinkles, nuts, sauces or berries on top. My kids love this part. I stick with fresh berries, which is plenty fun. If you are super sensitive, this place may have enough cross contamination that you would have a problem. However, if you are dairy or lactose intolerant, and can handle a little cross contamination this place is a gem. My son is quite sensitive to dairy, but handles this just fine. When you get up to the counter they weigh your container and you pay based on the weight. The one we go to is always busting with people, even on a cold winter's day. I must say, I totally get it. Frozen yogurt with fun toppings is a huge hit for young and old alike!

Gluten Free Restaurant List for Portland, OR

I found a great list of gluten free restaurants for Portland, Oregon here.  They have a lot of restaurant reviews as well. I am excited to use this resource when I go there next.

Cantinetta

photo from their website here.

So, it was Mother's Day and we decided to go all out and splurge as part of my gift. We went to a restaurant that I found to have gluten free food through  urbanspoon.com. I called at the last minute to see about a reservation and the host was happy to have us. We drove to Wallingford, and parked just a hop, skip and a jump away. I was impressed with how many things they served that they were willing to make gluten and dairy free. They even changed some ingredients and cooked some new things for me. We split several meals between our family. They didn't have gf pasta, but I was able to enjoy meat dishes and vegetable dishes.  I was impressed that even though they had to change a lot of things, the food was still bursting with flavor (a problem that I have had at other restaurants is it is bland). The waitress was very accomodating. It was one of the more interesting and flavorful meals I have had in a long time. It's not easy on the checkbook, but they do have a coupon in the Chinook Book.

(206) 632-1000

3650 Wallingford Ave
Seattle, WA 98103

DIRECTIONS

Sun - Thu 5PM - 10PM
Fri - Sat 5PM - 11PM
Closed Monday

Dairy Free Tips for Dining Out

Godairyfree.org has some great secrets for dining without dairy here.  This includes a long list of places to eat dairy free in the US and Canada, Fast Food Restaurants, (listing items to avoid at specific places), and dining tips for how to best avoid dairy.

Chaco Canyon Allergy-Friendly Restaurant

Looking for an allergy friendly place to go in Seattle to grab a bite? My friend Kristy highly recommended this place to me here. I noticed that they have vegan and raw menu options.  They also have gluten free salads, sandwiches and grain bowls. I can't wait to check it out.  On their website they even say, "All ingredients are not listed for each menu item. Please let your server know of any allergies so we can prepare a meal just right for you!"

Red Robin Gluten Free Menu

I love being able to eat at Red Robin. Even though I miss what I used to eat there, it sure is nice to have this as an option. Here is the gluten free menu here.  You can write here to get other allergen info. I love their eclub because you get all sorts of freebies. My favorite freebie is the birthday burger. Our whole family is signed up and we get free burgers for each birthday.  What's not to love about free burgers? I order a natural burger without a bun, but a lettuce wrap instead.  Then I ask for no red robin seasoning (just salt). They have always been really good sports about it. The piece de resistance is the bottomless steak fries. (without red robin seasoning) They even use Heinz ketchup which is allergy-friendly. Not a member of the eclub yet? Click here to sign up and receive a $3 welcome coupon, free birthday burgers, promotional newsletters and monthly allergen menu updates! 

Where to Buy Allergy Friendly Pies in Seattle

I went to Jodee's Desserts tonight in Wallingford. Can I just say it blew my mind? What I read on yelp.com said it had gluten free and dairy free pies. I anticipated their pies would be full of soy. How else do you make a creamy pie? But, boy was I wrong. I chose Key Lime Pie. It was so rich and so creamy. She told me the pie is made of coconut meat, lime, agave nectar, and avocado. The crust was made from dates, coconut, and macadamia nuts. It was AMAZING! My husband who eats EVERYTHING even enjoyed it. We both thought it was definitely a little different than "regular" key lime pie. But it was creamy, and it was delicious. One piece cost $5.95. There were a lot of other pies to choose from. They all are low glycemic pies. Most had cashews or almonds in their crusts. Other pies they have include chocolate cherry, pumpkin pie (seasonal), tiramisu, vanilla/chocolate swirl, chocolate mousse, strazzleberry (seasonal), peppermint patty, pecan praline, and banana cream. This little place also serve smoothies, and coffees. They typically use almond milk,but they will substitute other milks like rice or hemp if you would like. Jodee's even makes pies for special orders. She said you can order one where they leave out something, or use a different nut,etc to accommodate you. The pies are  6.5" for $35, 8" for $55 and 9" for $65. It's a lot of money for a pie, but if you think of it being custom made, it's a pretty unique thing that is really hard to find.  I just have two questions. What is a strazzleberry? And where has this place been all of my life? I wish I had taken a picture. But I was out on a date with my husband and it disappeared faster than you can say strazzleberry. Go here to find out more.