Gluten-Free Babe: My quest to live gluten-free for 30 days

Just had a fantastic dinner with my pal Alyssa at Nacional 27, one of Chicago’s Lettuce Entertain You restaurants. If you’re not familiar with this restaurant group, check out my coverage at Gapers Block - the group is known for training its chefs and staff to accommodate food allergies and celiac disease.

So Alyssa wanted to go there, and I was thrilled to join her and test out the group’s claims about their gluten-free-friendliness. And I wasn’t disappointed! I had stated my gluten-free preference when I made the reservation, and when we were seated the waitress confirmed that it was me. Alyssa got bread sticks, and I got plantain chips. Our server then cleared numerous ingredients with the chef as we pondered the menu, and brought out dishes with detailed explanations of ingredients. They adapted a soft-shell crab recipe so I could share it, and they had a killer chocolate dessert that include ice cream, mousse, a tiny shake, and a flourless chocolate cake.

Seriously, if only ordering gluten-free was this easy everywhere! And because it was so easy and fun, we ordered even more food than we maybe would have normally. So… let that be a lesson to restaurants.

Anyway, excellent grub, excellent service. And with at least 40 properties in the Chicagoland area, I’m spoiled. Yay!