With the increasing rate of intolerance for gluten—the protein commonly found in wheat and other whole grains—the number of diners requesting gluten-free foods is on the rise, and by all means, restaurants are paying attention. From the independents to the national chains, it’s not rare these days to see a separate gluten-free menu offered from most professional kitchens, or at least a staff that’s knowledgeable on the dietary restriction. From Mexican to Chinese, vegetarian lasagna to a full rack of ribs, choices abound for your next gluten-free meal. In honor of Celiac Disease Awareness Month, here’s a list of the most mouthwatering gluten-free dishes we found.
Beef Ribs
Cowboy Jack’s Saloon
A saloon specialty, the beef ribs at Cowboy Jack’s ($21 for a full rack, $13 for a half rack) are tender enough to fall off the bone. Served with a choice of potatoes (mashed, baked, fries or sweet potato fries) and the vegetable du jour, they’re naturally gluten-free. If it’s happy hour, then make it the gluten-free Queso Deadwood Dip, which goes down easy for a price of just $2.50. Country nachos, Santa Fe chicken salad, braised beef and bone-in ribeye steak are other crowd-pleasing wheat-free options. Let your server know you’ve got a food allergy—a chef will be happy to come out to your table to walk you through the available offerings. “We continue to get more and more [gluten-free] requests,” says Jesi Mosny, director of marketing. “We want to make the visit as easy and wonderful as possible for gluten-free diners.” 4120 Berkshire Ln., N.; 763.559.0257
Fajitas
Axel’s Bonfire
Plenty of choices can be found at Axel’s Bonfire if you’re avoiding gluten, but the fajitas are a strikingly popular pick, says general manager Joe Hertel. They’re made with all-corn tortillas, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and served with Spanish rice. Order with chicken ($14.95), steak ($15.95) or blackened walleye ($17.95). In a lower price range, you’ll find bun-less burgers (substitute lettuce for the bun, if you like), stuffed jalapeno peppers, bull bites, and a scrumptious blackened walleye salad dressed with white balsamic maple vinaigrette. Hertel points out that the restaurant follows high standards of gluten-free food preparation, with formal staff training and signs posted throughout the kitchen about preparation requirements and restrictions. 3000 Harbor Ln.; 763.398.7408
Spinach Lasagna
Fresh & Natural Foods
Although it doesn’t have a gluten-free kitchen, Fresh & Natural Foods sells several ready-made foods in the deli section that are made without gluten. The spinach lasagna (approximately $4 for an individual piece) is a hearty vegetarian option made with rice noodles instead of the traditional wheat. Among the more than 100 salads that are rotated through the deli case, the lime chili quinoa is ultra satisfying with a balance of spicy and tangy flavors. Made-to-order sandwiches can be prepared on gluten-free bread. Grab-and-go items without gluten include egg salad, chicken salad, tuna salad and potato salad. Deli manager Jessie Stenger reports that up to half of the store’s customers have a restricted diet of some sort. The deli offers an eat-in area, and the store is chock-full of gluten-free grocery items, as well. 4234 Lancaster Ln. N.; 763.559.0754
Shrimp with Broccoli
Tea House
Soy sauce is usually a no-no for gluten-free diets, but Tea House actually carries a light version that is still good for gluten-free diets and can be substituted in its dishes that usually contain the popular sauce. Manager Andrew Abercrombie says the safest thing to order when you’re on a gluten-free diet is anything served “in a light sauce,” as it’s worded on the menu. The shrimp with broccoli ($13.95) is one such dish, a well-liked combination that’s sautéed with shrimp, broccoli and carrots. The Chung King spicy chicken is probably the most popular dish overall, but Abercrombie has reservations if gluten is life-threatening (usually only the case with unborn infants in gluten-intolerant pregnant women): “If they stick with the light sauce, then they don’t have to wonder, is this really gluten-free?” Always mention your food allergy to your server or the host. 88 Nathan Ln.; 763.544.3422
Crispy Corn Tacos
Chipotle
At Chipotle, a lot of the menu serves gluten-free diets so long as you avoid the flour tortillas (look to the website for complete information about allergen-restricted items). Service manager Mark Pratt heartily recommends the crispy corn tacos, served with all-corn tortillas; these come prepared with chicken, carnitas, steak or barbacoa, or the vegetarian with guacamole (ranging in price from $5.95 to $6.35). Top off the meal with vegetarian black beans or smoked pinto beans with bacon. The kids meals (which can be ordered as a fewer-calories option by customers of any age) can be made gluten-free as well, like a single crispy corn taco that comes with a side of rice and beans, bag of chips, and a choice of apple juice or organic milk. In Minnesota, Chipotle is able to source local, antibiotic-free and often free-range meats. 3425 Vicksburg Ln. N.; 763.519.0063
Bacon Cheeseburger
Red Robin
Any burger at Red Robin can be done sans gluten, using a lettuce wrap instead of a bun. The bacon cheeseburger ($8.99) is the house favorite, served with applewood-smoked bacon and your choice of cheddar, American, Swiss, bleu, provolone or Pepper Jack cheeses. Fries must be ordered without a house seasoning that contains gluten. Because the products used at this burger chain are subject to change, the gluten-free menu is not published on the website. Instead, talk to the cashier or manager about your dietary restriction for the most up-to-date information. 2669 Campus Dr.; 763.559.7576
Margarita Grilled Chicken
Chili’s
Even someone that’s avoiding gluten can satisfy a craving for the Southwestern fare served at Chili’s. Be sure to ask for the gluten-free menu, where you’ll find flavorful items like the margarita grilled chicken made with hints of citrus and served with rice, black beans and house-made pico de gallo ($9.99). Another house favorite is the slow-smoked ribs, available in a full- or half-rack, with gluten-free sides such as black beans, coleslaw or corn on the cob. 4000 Vinewood Ln.; 763.557.7000
Pasta Alfredo
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
You don’t have to nix your favorite pasta just because you’re on a gluten-free diet. The pasta alfredo is a customer favorite at Biaggi’s, made with grilled chicken, a choice of gluten-free spaghetti or penne, prosciutto, roasted red peppers and peas, all tossed in an alfredo sauce with asiago cheese ($10.99/lunch or $14.99/dinner). There’s even gluten-free bread here, and it’s no wonder, considering that the restaurant at least a dozen gluten-free requests per day, according to corporate executive chef Peter Schonman. Everything from pasta to the popular pizzas can be prepared gluten-free, in addition to appetizers like mussels in tomato broth or entrées like potato-parmesan crusted tilapia. The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, 12051 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove; 763.416.2225
