Eating Out Gluten-Free in Edmonton, Alberta

When I started this Gluten-free journey, eating out scared me to death. Not because I was worried about getting gluten-ed, but because didn't think it would be possible. I was reluctant to become the person sitting at the table with a glass of water while everyone else feasted. Or the person eating a pathetically small side salad while everyone has gourmet plates. Being accommodated almost makes it worse. While I am thankful for the people who choose to do something because I can too, it also makes me feel singled out. And not in a "it's my party" kind of way.

What I have discovered in the months since making this lifestyle choice is that with a little creativity I can eat out with family and friends. (You also need a server that is willing to work with you.) It is much easier than I would have thought. Sure it helps that gluten allergies and celiacs is more popular. And by popular, when I mention to wait staff that I need gluten-free they more often than not know what I am talking about. I have thrown out the words 'intolerant' and 'sensitive' since they come across as passive, and go straight to the heart of the matter. I tell them, "I can't eat wheat or gluten- I have food allergies." That stops the suggestions that just have 'a little bit of gluten' in them.

Don't worry, I know it's not an allergy. But 'gluten sensitivity' doesn't express that feeding me wheat/gluten will leave me with anxiety, headaches, overheating, frequent urination for days, possible dehydration, general soreness, stomach pain, nausea, gas, bloating or other neurological symptom. I have discovered in 7 months of being gluten-free that my reactions have shifted primarily to neurological. I have always been the A-typical sufferer but this doesn't mean that my gluten intolerance isn't legitimate. Experience has made firm in this: gluten does awful things to my system. I can eat it, but it is not worth the 3 or 4 days afterwards.

And now to the part you actually wanted to read...

Eating Out in Edmonton

• Mucho Burrito - I usually go with the Taco Salad Bowl minus the bowl. their website lists the allergens in food so I pick based on that. Add an extra scoop of beans and it's a large meal.
• Mongolie Grill - Again, website for GF sauces- and ask your server for GF soy sauce. Down side is the communal flat top, but you can ask the chef to clean it first and watch for cross-contamination.
• Backstreet Bistro - The owner can make you a GF Vermicelli bowl if you ask. This place is one of my favs. It's hidden in the back of the HSBC Building on 106 Street and Jasper Ave. No website.
• Boston Pizza - Although, they only have pizza and it is usually too soft crusted. Still, options are good if you are with a group.
• High Level Diner - Truly a find. They have a Celiacs Menu and their food is phenomenal! Wish it was closer to my work so I could eat there for lunch today...
• Grandma Lee's Bakery - Haven't eaten here myself but I am told that they have some good options.
• Blue Plate Diner - Another place that lists the GF options on the menu. Was not a fan of the food, but others have really enjoyed going there. It's Hippie, Trendy, Organic type foods.
• Blue Chair Restaurant - Another I haven't tried but my Celiac friend highly recommends I do so.
• Tony Roma - This one was a surprise, but they have a gluten-free menu.
• Sicilian Pasta Kitchen - They can do almost any pasta dish with GF pasta. When I went- there was only one noodle option, fuscilli, so really it's any sauce you want, but yum!
• Allegro Italian Kitchen - They will charge you $3 for GF but it is an option if you want Italian downtown. As with any pasta place, remember to ask your server about the water that the pasta is boiled in.
• Mikado - Sushi restaurant with a GF menu. I need to try this one soon- because really, it's the soy sauce that makes or breaks the sushi experience.
• Red Robin's - How can I forget RR? Burgers. Yum. Their GF bun is pretty good but it gets soggy fast. You can also opt for a lettuce wrap.
• deLux Burger Bar - Burgers, obviously. They were great and they have a dedicated GF fryer too.
• Remedy Cafe - This one has two locations and they make the best Kashmere Chai Latte I have ever had. I tried their gluten-free cake. I was tasty, but exceptionally dense. I can make a better cake for $6.50 a slice, but if you ever want to go out for dessert at least with Remedy, you can.

I will continue to add as I find new places.

Disclaimer: I do not know if and cannot guarantee that any of these places are truly 100% gluten free or that they will take care to ensure that cross-contamination does not occur. If you suffer with Celiacs disease and you cannot eat even 20 ppm, then judge these options for yourself and always make the best decision for your health!