Relish

*I have learned that Relish is now closed.* - March 2013

I found Relish on the Gluten Free Travel Site and made a point of going when I was in Allentown, PA.  They have so many gluten free options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that I was sad I only had the time to go once.

For such a casual place, the menu is pretty impressive.  For breakfast they have pancakes, french toast, waffles, omelets, and eggs benedict.  For lunch they have numerous salads and sandwiches.  At dinner they add on some appetizers and entrees.

I was bound and determined to get the mac and cheese, and seeing as it was only a side dish, I got the Thai Cobb Salad to go along with it.  The salad had mango, coconut, peanuts, snow peas, and carrots on a bed of lettuce.  It was different and fun.  The macaroni and cheese, unfortunately, wasn't as good as I was hoping for.  It consisted of globby gluten free pasta with some cheese on it.  I was expecting more of a bechamel cheese sauce, but I guess I was just hoping for my mom's mac and cheese and that's not really fair.  For dessert I got some amazing cheesecake to go from Moondance Desserts.

Despite not loving the mac and cheese, there are so many other things at Relish I want to try: blueberry pancakes, eggs benedict, asian pear salad, fresh grilled chicken wrap, southern pulled pork sandwich, pizza, mini potato pancakes, crab cakes, mozzarella sticks, tropical tilapia, pork chops, gluten free ravioli, and pretty much everything else.  I can't wait until my next meeting in the Allentown area.  I'll definitely be stopping by Relish again.

S'MAC

Sometimes you just need some mac and cheese in your life.  S'MAC is there for you during these times.  Located in the east village, S'MAC offers several variations of mac and cheese to please every palate.  They even let you create your own if you so desire.  And, great news, they offer gluten free macaroni.  Not only that, but their bechamel sauce doesn't contain wheat flour and their bread crumbs are made out of gluten free corn flakes.

I've been to S'MAC a few times and always manage to leave feeling a little bit sick from too much mac and cheese.  Probably the Nosh (smallest) size would be enough, but when you are there and hungry the Major Munch (medium) seems like a necessity.  Don't worry, the walk back to Union Square after gives you some time to digest and get those cheese legs moving.

Mmm mac and cheese.

Update 1/25/2014: S'MAC now also has a Murray Hill location on 33rd Street between Lexington and 3rd.  Also, I have really smartened up in my old age and now always get the Nosh.