Nearly 1% of the U.S. population is allergic to gluten – that combo of proteins and starch found in foods such as breads, ice cream and ketchup (it’s often used as a stabilizer in the latter two items). Fortunately, a few local restaurants have started to pay attention to the growing number of guests in need of gluten-free options, offering special dishes and, in some cases, special menus.
Legal Sea Foods: The seafood chain that helped pioneer the removal of trans fats from menus long before it was a criminal offense has had a gluten-free menu for a few years. Options include items like Caesar salad with gluten-free croutons, mussels fra diavolo (sans linguine) and a special treatment of fried seafood, including calamari, dipped in egg wash and coated with cornmeal rather than the usual clam-fry mix. The menu is available in the upwards of 30 locations along the East Coast.
Marco Cucina Romana: At his North End Italian, Marc Orfaly is serving gluten-free pasta dishes like linguine and littleneck clams in garlic, white wine and capers, as well as bread crumbs made with rice flour, special desserts, bread and more. The gluten-free ingredients are kept in a separate area so there’s no cross-contamination, and are prepped and cooked separately.
Skipjack’s: This seafood staple is also getting ready to launch its own gluten-free menu, which will be available for perusal on its website by the end of the month. In the meantime, the staff has been trained to field requests and chefs will create gluten-free dishes.
UFood Grill: The healthy hamburger quick-serve restaurant, formerly known as Know-Fat, will customize gluten-free items upon request.
Burton’s Grill, The Elephant Walk,
Rialto and Wagamama also all offer gluten-free dishes or appropriate substitutions.