Restaurants That Offer Gluten-Free Options by Dena Ventrudo

According to Wikipedia.org, Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine that occurs in genetically predisposed people of all ages.

Celiac disease is caused by a reaction to a gluten protein found in wheat (and similar proteins which include other grains such as barley and rye). When exposed to gliadin (the gluten protien), the immune system cross-reacts with the bowel tissue, causing an inflammatory reaction. This interferes with the absorption of nutrients. The only effective treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet.

A small minority of coeliac patients also react to oats. Other cereals, such as corn, quinoa, millet, sorghum, and rice are safe for patients to eat.

Being a type one diabetic, I know how frustrating it is to have dietary restrictions, especially when dining out! I also know that a few of my diabetic friends have coeliac disease. Below are a few places where you can find gluten free foods while dining out! Enjoy!

“National chains, including Outback Steakhouse, Legal Sea Foods, Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse and P. F. Chang’s China Bistro also offer gluten-free menu items, according to representatives for the companies.

Chefs at P. F. Chang’s, for instance, receive special training, use marked, colored plates to distinguish dishes with dietary restrictions and set aside one wok station solely for gluten-free items, said Laura Cherry, a spokeswoman.” NY Times

The following is a sample of restaurants offering gluten-free options.

AMAGANSETT Hampton Chutney Company, Main Street and Hedges Lane; (631) 267-3131.www.hamptonchutney.com. Masala dosa, $7.95. Curried chutney chicken, with spinach and onion, $10.95.

BABYLON Emerson’s Restaurant,69 Deer Park Avenue; (631) 669-2333.www.emersonsrestaurant.com. Goat cheese salad, $9. Rib-eye au poivre, $32. Flourless chocolate cake, $8.

CARLE PLACE Café Formaggio, 307 Old Country Road; (516) 333-1718. www.cafeformaggio.com.Pizza, $14.50. Brownies, $7. Gluten-free beer, $6.50.

MINEOLA Plum Tomatoes Pizzeria and Restaurant, 230-228 Old Country Road; (516) 248-6390.www.plumtomatoespizzarest.com. Individual gluten-free pizza, $14.95.

NORTHPORT Smoking Sloe’s,847 Fort Salonga Road; (631) 651-8812.www.smokingsloes.com. Rack of baby back ribs dinner, $21.99.

OAKDALE Mama’s Italian Restaurant, 1352 Montauk Highway; (631) 567-0909. Pizza, $6 to $12, served on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Homemade cannolis, $6.

ROCKVILLE CENTREMr. Miceli, 19 North Park Avenue; (516) 764-7701. Mozzarella sticks, $8. Pizza, $14. Any gluten-free pasta dish, $3 additional.

SAYVILLE Oysterman’s, 45 Foster Avenue; (631) 589-7775.www.oystermans.com. Specializes in seafood; anything on the regular menu can be prepared gluten-free.

WANTAGH Caffe Baldo, 2849 Jerusalem Avenue; (516) 785-4780. Chicken parmesan, $16.95. Lasagna, $13.95; garlic knots, $8.

WESTBURY P. F. Chang’s China Bistro, The Source, 1504 Old Country Road; (516) 222-9200.www.pfchangs.com . Singapore street noodles, $9.50. 7 Holistic Steps For Diabetics & The Health Conscious by Dena Ventrudo

Mrs. Greens, Organic Food Store by Merryn Jose (They sell gluten free products!)

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by Dena Ventrudo
Dena Ventrudo is the Assistant Editor of Merlian News. She is a published poet and creative writer. Dena volunteered as an environmentalist with the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) for three years serving as a project leader, an intern, and a board representative. She has a BA in Liberal Studies. Dena is also a type 1 diabetic and is always seeking ways to help other diabetics.