The Gluten Free Dilemma
Posted by Allison Tilt on Tuesday, May 28, 2013
I just got back from a holiday weekend in Vermont, and have spent time recently in Seattle, WA and Boulder, CO. All of these places, including a small town in VERMONT had more obvious gluten-free options than in DC. So what gives? How can a small resort town in Vermont be better? Ok, maybe better wasn't the best term to use, maybe easier is the correct term.
But regardless, I found gluten free bread and GF pancakes (though not very good ones) at a small breakfast place in Manchester,VT. Moreover, packaged GF cookies were on display at a local coffee shop and GF desserts (clearly labeled) were at a local Bistro. Sometimes these small towns cater towards dietary restrictions for numerous reasons, usually due to the local population's preferences. Similarly, Seattle and Boulder are known as more forward-thinking towns. In the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, there was a gluten-free, vegan bakery called the Flying Apron that had the best Ginger-Currant Scone imaginable. I went every morning during my visit. It was that good. My non-GF friend couldn't get over how good it was either-- that's when you really know!
The short of it- I have to leave the capital city of the US to find some great GF finds. I clearly haven't hit every restaurant in the city, but I'm constantly disappointed if I'm to be totally honest. I've found my favorite baked good (The Caramel Blondie from Baked & Wired), but a go-to place for some gluten-free eats outside my house is still missing. Why is DC so behind the curve? Am I missing something, some goldmine of a gluten-free restaurant? So many times an engine like Urbanspoon may label something gluten free. The options on the menu? A salad. If I wanted a salad, 9 out of 10 times I would just make it at home or get one from Sweetgreen or Chopt.
But regardless, I found gluten free bread and GF pancakes (though not very good ones) at a small breakfast place in Manchester,VT. Moreover, packaged GF cookies were on display at a local coffee shop and GF desserts (clearly labeled) were at a local Bistro. Sometimes these small towns cater towards dietary restrictions for numerous reasons, usually due to the local population's preferences. Similarly, Seattle and Boulder are known as more forward-thinking towns. In the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, there was a gluten-free, vegan bakery called the Flying Apron that had the best Ginger-Currant Scone imaginable. I went every morning during my visit. It was that good. My non-GF friend couldn't get over how good it was either-- that's when you really know!
The short of it- I have to leave the capital city of the US to find some great GF finds. I clearly haven't hit every restaurant in the city, but I'm constantly disappointed if I'm to be totally honest. I've found my favorite baked good (The Caramel Blondie from Baked & Wired), but a go-to place for some gluten-free eats outside my house is still missing. Why is DC so behind the curve? Am I missing something, some goldmine of a gluten-free restaurant? So many times an engine like Urbanspoon may label something gluten free. The options on the menu? A salad. If I wanted a salad, 9 out of 10 times I would just make it at home or get one from Sweetgreen or Chopt.