There’s a lot you can tolerate: your tweeners social calendar, an onslaught of Halloween candy, Frankenstorm. But Gluten: not so much.
If your family has been stricken with Celiac…or you just feel your body may run better sans Gluten (see elite athletes Novak Djokovic and Drew Brees), going Gluten Free in our county is easier than ever. We’ve rounded up some favorite finds G-Free Mamas have been buzzing about.
Out with the Family:
Family-friendly Melting Pot has not one, but four Gluten Free Menus. Choose from Gluten Free Cheese Fondues, Salads and Entrees like Cedar Plank Salmon. Finish off with the G-Free Chocolate Fondue Plate. (Melting Pot of Westwood, 250 Center Avenue, Westwood, 201-664-8877)
Newcomer Pei Wei Asian Diner at the Bergen Town Center not only has options like Kid’s Teriyaki and Lo Mein, but an adult Gluten Free menu with Salads and Stir-fries. We tried and liked the Asian Chopped Chicken Salad and appreciated the full disclosure of calorie and nutritional info for each dish listed on their website which kept us honest. (Pei Wei Asian Diner, Bergen Town Center, Paramus, 201-556-1001)
The bane of a Gluten free eaters’ existence: Pizza. Luckily Pizza Fusion in Ridgewood (33 Godwin Ave, Ridgewood, 201-445-9010) makes it easy with their Gluten Free crust made of Garbanzo beans, Fava beans and Rice flour. Not convenient for you? Cassie’s Restaurant (with Englewood and Orangeburg locations) and Sparkies Pizzeria in Closter offer Gluten free pies too.
Without the Brood:
Crowd-pleaser Janice A Bistro serves up fresh house-made fare daily with specific dishes marked “gluten free” on their menu. Fries made in a dedicated fryer and other faves include PEI Mussels, Pork Chops and Salads. (Janice A Bistro, 23 Sheridan Ave, Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-445-2666) For steak, head to Flemings Steakhouse, now offering Gluten Free cuts, chicken, seafood and sides (plus desserts) on their dedicated menu. And at Park and Orchard in East Rutherford they offer gluten free menu items as part of their mission to serve fresh, healthy, tasty food and cater to diners specific dietary needs.
Who We’re Sweet On:
Head to Sweet Avenue in Rutherford for their usual amazingly creative confections, made to order in g-free versions, plus gluten free cupcakes stocked on a daily basis for last minute pickups. If you’re a fan of Grandma’s Kitchen’s cake balls, cakes and cupcakes: most of those goodies can also be made in gluten free, nut free or egg free upon request. Westwood or Fair Lawn residents can head to Sugarflake Bakeshop for their gluten free cookies, cheesecakes, quiches and other treats.
Our favorite Gluten Free Gurus:
If you are looking for some coaching on how to live gluten free in Bergen, Health Coach Erica Danziger of Nature Girl Wellness is a wealth of knowledge- providing recipes, strategies and support for g-free mamas and more. For easy, delicious recipes that just happen to be gluten free, check out the Gluten Free Goddess website (www.Glutenfreegoddess.com) and Elana’s Pantry (www.elanaspantry.com) and get inspired to make your own.
