Luigi's Restaurant

Last night I had the best gluten free pasta I have ever had.  It was so good that after a few bites I was convinced it was not gluten free and made the waitress confirm it for me.  She assured me it was and informed me that they make it themselves in house.  I was impressed.

I'm in DuBois, PA, where, according to the internet, there is basically nothing gluten free to eat.  I stumbled upon Luigi's by accident.  I had planned to go to a Mexican restaurant next door because Mexican is usually pretty GF friendly, but it was closed.  It was getting late so I walked into Luigi's (an Italian restaurant) expecting to just order a salad when I saw a sign at the hostess stand that said "Ask about our gluten free menu."

The gluten free menu has gluten free pasta, pizza, sandwiches, salads, and meat options.  I got gluten free penne with Tia's Tomato Alfredo sauce.  Have I mentioned how good it was?  Honestly, the best GF pasta I have ever had.  I wish I could go back and try the pizza.

Luigi's has two locations, one in DuBois, PA and one in Clymer, PA.  From looking at the website, I don't think the Clymer location has a GF menu.  DuBois is located along Interstate 80 which runs across the entire state of PA connecting New York and New Jersey with Ohio.  It's a long highway with few food options along the way.  This is such a great find that I plan to post about them on every gluten free travel site I can find.

A big thank you to Luigi's for letting me eat such a good meal in DuBois, PA.

Eating Gluten Free at Chain Restaurants

I haven't been posting as much these last few months.  Truth is, being gluten free has become so much a part of routine life that it's hardly noteworthy anymore.  I feel very fortunate to live in New York where there are so many stores, restaurants, and bakeries that cater to my needs.

However, I'm back on the road again for work and didn't have as much time to research restaurants this time.  I've eaten at quite a few chains over the last week and have been surprisingly successful (I hate most chains).  Some of the more mainstream chains I've been to are Applebee's, Chili's, and Longhorn Steakhouse.  Abblebee's and Chili's were just ok, but I actually really enjoyed my meal at Longhorn - so much that I went back the next day.  The waitstaff were really helpful at all three.

A chain I had never tried until this trip was Bonefish Grill.  This chain is a bit on the nicer side and I really enjoyed it.  They have a lot seafood (obviously), but since my company was paying I went with the Lily's Chicken (it's a nonprofit, ok?).  They have several locations all over the country.

Tonight I went to J.B. Dawson's.  They only have four locations, all in Pennsylvania, but I really liked it.  I had a pulled pork sandwich on a gluten free bun with coleslaw and green beans.  I also had a gluten free brownie with ice cream.  Don't tell.  I didn't finish it all, I swear.  I would definitely go back.

You know who's not gluten free friendly?  Panera.  I walked in just wanting a salad and the lady behind the counter told me I couldn't have anything.  It was really sad and I walked back out.  Friendly's is also not gluten free friendly.  Ironic, no?  They tried, but my salad came with croutons and my bunless turkey burger was disgusting.

I hope to go home soon.  Believe it or not, I'm sick of going out to eat.

Gluten Free at the Barclays Center

Last month I went to a Nets game at the new Barclays Center.  I don't love watching basketball on TV, but going to a professional game is really fun.  Between the game, the arena, the fans, the dancers, and the snacks, it's a good time.  Before I went I was very excited to learn the Barclays Center has a gluten free booth.  I'm not sure if they move it around or not, but when I went it was located on street level near section 108, which was coincidentally right near where I was sitting.  I had a hot dog on a gluten free bun and a couple Redbridge beers and was happy as could be.  Thanks Jay.