Gluten-Free Portland: Top Ten
August 27, 2007 -- 
By Heather Strang
Eating out is practically an American past-time. But, for 2.2 million Celiac disease sufferers and the 35 million individuals battling food intolerances, eating out can be a scary proposition. Wheat intolerance is one of the most widespread forms of food intolerance. Both Celiac and wheat intolerant folks are aggravated by gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, rye and a host of other grains. Gluten also shows up in surprising places, like canned soup and soy sauce. Sprouted grains and spelt both contain slight amounts of gluten, which aggravate a Celiac, but are digestible for those with an intolerance.
Sounds complicated, right? Fortunately, it's all pretty straightforward; here are the basics:
Celiac disease is an autoimmune, inflammatory disorder of the small bowel that, left untreated, can lead to additional autoimmune disorders, such as infertility, and in some cases, cancer. Celiac sufferers cannot tolerate any form of gluten.
Food intolerances, on the other hand, are more common and do not involve the immune system. The International Food Council describes a food intolerance as "Mild, transient symptoms that do not involve the immune system. The onset is between 30 minutes and several hours after consumption of the offending food or beverages." Symptoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhea and nausea. Long-term symptoms of eating intolerant foods can lead to: excess weight, skin irritations such as eczema and psoriasis, joint pain and gastrointestinal distress.
I discovered six years ago that I was wheat intolerant. After being diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), gaining 25 extra pounds, and battling extreme fatigue and skin inflammation, I was ready to do anything I could to feel better. Within three weeks of eliminating wheat from my diet my health issues completely disappeared, my energy returned and the excess weight vanished. And I'm not the only one; many women and men experience phenomenal results once they eradicate wheat from their diet. In fact, even former President Bill Clinton deals with a mild wheat intolerance.
So, how does a Celiac or wheat intolerant individual enjoy eating out?
It's very simple - they live in an amazing city like Portland. We've embraced vegetarians and vegans as if they were the everyday norm. Now, Portland restaurants are getting hip to the growing gluten-free market. To make it even easier, we've put together a guide to our favorite gluten-free restaurants and grocery stores so anyone can eat and feel their best.
Piece of Cake Bakery
This little slice of heaven makes gluten-free birthday, wedding and anniversary cakes a reality. In fact, they make any day a good day for cake. Featuring wheat and dairy-free cakes, Piece of Cake Bakery also offers a complete line of vegan, wheat/gluten-free and sugar-free cakes and desserts. Check out their spelt wheat-free cakes (perfect for those with wheat intolerance) that come in flavors like chocolate peanut butter joy, black forest, German chocolate, triple fudge, chocolate mocha, chantily, cranberry orange ginger, carrot cake and Irish oatmeal. I celebrated my last birthday with the chocolate peanut butter joy cake, which was creamy, chocolately and delicious. Even my guests loved it!
Piece of Cake also creates spelt tortes, pies, cupcakes and cookies. You also don't want to miss their tofu cheesecakes. For Celiac sufferers, Piece of Cake offers chocolate raspberry, lemon pineapple ginger, pumpkin and carrot cakes. They also bake gluten-free bundts and mini loaves, like the mini chocolate loaf, topped with chocolate or white icing. Their gluten-free flour blend consists of rice, tapioca and potato flours. For wheat/gluten-free lovers, Piece of Cake Bakery lets everyone have their cake and eat it, too.
Hawthorne Fish House and Corbett Fish House
For the wheat/gluten-intolerant, the days of fish and chips are all but a distant memory. But the folks at Hawthorne and Corbett Fish Houses have turned that notion upside down by creating a menu that is completely gluten-free. Their fish is breaded in brown rice flour, making it light and non-greasy. Fish tacos (request corn tortillas), buttermilk-garlic chicken strips, broiled salmon and yellowfin tuna, and New England clam chowder are some of the additional gluten-free meals. Be sure to substitute regular fries for sweet potato fries - they're absolute crispy fried yumminess. Their coconut rum torte is gluten-free, as are their cheesecakes (make by Grassroots Baking with a rice and tapioca flour crust). The only items not gluten-free are the salad croutons and sandwiches. Also, check out their $2.95 gluten-free happy hour. Regular dining prices are $7 and up. The atmosphere is fun and you'll love the fish and chips, a dish you probably thought you'd never have again.
Assaggio
Italian dining gluten-free style is a challenge. While everyone else is noshing on delectable pasta, I'm sadly eating a salad...again. That is until Assagio added rice pasta to their menu. Gluten-free items are included on the regular menu, noted with an asterisk; all GF meals are boiled and cooked separately to eliminate wheat contamination. Seasonal GF dishes have included Spaghetti al Limone, spaghetti in a lovely cream sauce; Penne al Funghi, tube pasta with wild mushrooms, tasty cheeses and garlic; and Penne con Melanzane, eggplant, tomatoes, argula and garlic in herb tomato sauce. Assiago serves dinner "family-style," allowing you to share your dinner with everyone in your party, particularly those who've always wondered what this whole "gluten" thing is about. The wine list is immense and they also have gelato and sorbet for dessert. Prices are reasonable and the GF menu ranges from $6 - $16.
Andina
Andina is an award-winning Peruvian restaurant located in the heart of the Pearl. I was surprised to discover that Peruvian food is extremely GF-friendly - dishes tend to be more potato-based than the typical wheat flour-based American diet. Sample their extensive tapas menu with yummies like Tortilla de Patata y Alioli de Aji Amarillo, a spanish-style potato frittata with aji amarillo aioli; Choros a la chalaca, mussels cooked in white wine with tomato-corn salsa criolla; or Mango Verde y Langostinos,green mango and passionfruit prawns. Prices range from $6 for a small plate to $19 for a large. There are fewer gluten-free main course choices, but a good variety, like their Atun con Tacu y Aguaymanto, seared yellowfin tuna; Pollito al Pisco, con Toques Chorrillanos pisco-brined Draper Valley chicken; or Corderito de los Andes, a succulent double rack of grass-fed lamb. Entrees are moderately priced from $18 - $27. (find out more: Bar None: Andina's Mestizo Bar)
Desserts take on the same genuine Peruvian flavor, while staying gluten-free. Order the Quinoa y Maracuya, a quinoa passionfruit mousse; Torta de Chocolate, a flourless chocolate-cinnamon cake; Flan de Queso de Cabra, a creamy goat cheese and lemon cake; Plato de Crema Quemada, crème brulee; Mousse de Valle y Selva, a espresso and chocolate mousse or the Helado o Sorbete del Dia, fruit sorbet. Can you tell I'm a big GF dessert fan? It's my favorite meal! Also, be sure to make reservations at Andina - it's tough to get in without one.
Elephants Delicatessen
Although it may appear that a senior citizen convention has taken over this spacious eatery on NW 22nd and Couch, don't be alarmed. Yes, you'll have to fight through chaotic crowds of grandma's screaming over one another, but in the end, it pays off, because the food is scrumptious. Elephant's Deli offers a variety of homemade soups and salads that are perfect for GF lovers. For those of us who are wheat-intolerant, the deli now has spelt bread for its yummy sandwiches (it's not on the menu, so make sure to ask for it specifically). And it's not the stiff, crusty spelt bread that's often served up at restaurants and grocery stores - it's almost like eating the "real" thing! Choose from basic turkey, egg salad, chicken salad, tuna, turkey club and many other tasty options. I chose the basic turkey and was pleasantly surprised to find herb mayo, lettuce, juicy tomatoes and Havarti cheese layered delicately on my mammoth sandwich. Trust me, you'll think half a sandwich is plenty, until you start eating it and then you won't be able to stop. The deli also features a full pre-made salad selection and olive bar. The only bummer deal comes in the form of desserts. There are plenty on hand, but none that qualify as GF friendly, unless you catch them on a macaroon day.
Grolla Restaurant and Wine Bar
Angela Lachmann was diagnosed as a Celiac over 14 years ago. Today, she and husband Christopher have turned their gluten-free expertise into a fine dining experience at Grolla Restaurant and Wine Bar. Grolla proudly lets customers know they can alter almost any dish to fit special dietary requirements. Their focus is on providing a fine dining experience while serving meals that are predominantly gluten-free, free-range and organic. Try their Lamb Osso Bucco simmered in cabernet sauvignon, pork tenderloin roulade accompanied with Riesling apricot coulis, or the scallops, complete with shellfish infused sherry cream. Or order the Chef's Taster, a five-course experience that starts at $50 per person. The chef will even visit your table to discuss food allergies, so he can prepare a meal that best meets your dietary needs. Like to eat late? Stop by for their small plates menu, starting at 9:00pm. The entire late night menu is gluten-free and features everything from smoked salmon potato cakes to citrus jicama salad, proscuitto canoli and beef tips. GF desserts also make the menu (like Angela could leave that out) with scrumptious treats like flourless chocolate truffle cake, chevre cheesecake, espresso panna cotta and key lime tart baked with a coconut-almond macaroon crust. Prices are typically under $25 per menu item. And you simply can't go wrong eating entrees prepared by true gluten-free experts!
Oba!
Special dietary needs are welcome at Oba, so you don't have to miss out on their exquisite NuevoLatino cuisine. Start out with one of their wheat-free appetizers like seared rare ahi tuna, the mesquite-grilled fresh veggie platter, spanish cheese plate or the ensalada de la casa (salad). Wheat-free entrees are high in protein and are accompanied by rice and veggie blends. Check out their coriander-crusted misty isle New York steak, Cuban pulled flank steak or mesquite grilled wild salmon fillet. My personal wheat-free favorite is the vegetarian roasted butternut squash enchiladas. The walnut sauce is creamy goodness with a slight spicey zing, and the quinoa salad is so pretty you won't want to eat it. It's a light and refreshing compliment to the enchiladas. Entrees are priced between $18 - $37.
Monteaux's Public House
Monteaux's is well-known for leaving no one out. Their worldwide menu covers everyone's tastes, including those with gluten-free needs. Sample their buffalo wings, tri-color nachos (complete with corn tortilla chips), or order one of their delicious salads - Mojo chicken cobb, wild salmon Caesar and calypso chicken (the banana chutney is amazing!). Dinners include grilled shrimp, pork shank or Shepherd's pie - braised lamb and au jus with herb mashed potatoes and cheeses. Prices are exceptionally reasonable, with most menu items under $20. Even better, you can have a gluten-free happy hour: The buffalo wings, chips and salsa and nachos are all available during Monteaux's happy hour for under $5.
Keana's Kandyland Restaurant and Bakery
Keana's Kandyland is exactly what the name implies. It's a real-life candyland complete with candy canes adorning the outside of the bakery. Inside, it's a bright and colorful world stocked chock full of candy and gluten-free baked goods. Keana, the owner's granddaughter, is Celiac and the bakery's namesake. Her mother, Tanea Storm, is the head pastry chef and bakes all of the gluten-free sweet breads, pies, muffins, danishes, coffee cakes, cakes and pizza crusts. Get there early or call ahead to place your order - Keana's often sells out of many of their items, like the foccacia bread and French baguette before noon. They offer everything from root beer sweet bread (with ice cream it tastes like the real thing!) to sun dried tomato pizza crust to lemon poppyseed muffins. Prices are exceptionally reasonable, ranging from 50 cents for a cookie to $3.99 for a loaf of sweet bread to $16.99 for their largest foccacia bread.
Old Wives Tales
Old Wives Tales Restaurant is a hodge-podge - it feels like a cafeteria, only in a diner setting. Don't come here for the atmosphere, but do visit for the abundance of gluten-free dishes and desserts. It's the only restaurant in Portland that I know of offering a full GF sandwich menu featuring brown rice bread. Try their tantalizing sandwich tastes like the chicken Greek melt (loved it!), hot cheese veggie and spicy chicken sausage. They even provide soy mozzarella for dairy intolerant folks. You'll find homemade vegan/gluten-free soups, a full salad bar including brown rice cakes, sloppy joes (served on brown rice bread), enchiladas and burritos with corn tortillas, breakfast all day long and homemade wheat/dairy-free granola. Gluten-free desserts abound, such as the chocolate raspberry loaf (a little on the dry side, but tasty), lemon bundt cake, pumpkin pudding and carob cloud mousse (wheat, dairy and sugar free!). The carrot cake and marionberry walnut crisp are made with spelt and are also vegan. Prices are extremely reasonable; you won't pay more than $15 for any menu item.
Bob's Red Mill
Bob's Red Mill makes gluten-free baking simple and fun. You don't have to track down the tapioca flour or xanthan gum, it's already in the mix. Impress your friends with their gluten-free brownies (shhh...don't tell anyone they're wheat-free); they're rich, chocolate decadence. While their GF offerings are too numerous to mention, let's just say you can get all of your non-wheat flour needs met with Bob's Red Mill products - quinoa, teff, white/brown rice, potato and amaranth, just to name a few. Visit their 15,000 square foot "whole grain store" and purchase all of their products, including Ener-g (a bit flavor-less), Pamela's (the best!) and Heartland's (try their mac-n-cheese). All of these products can also be purchased online. But, you have to stop by their new facility in Milwaukie first. Offering over 300 products from vendors all over the Northwest, a bookstore, kitchen classroom, bakery and cafe - Bob's Red Mill handles all of your gluten-free needs, in one spot.
The following restaurants do not have specific gluten-free menus, but honor GF requests:
Carafe
Caprial's Bistro and Wine
Clarke's Restaurant and Bar
Coffee Plant (Corbett location only offers some gluten-free pastries)
Flambe Restaurant
Ruby's Coffee Shop
Three Degrees
Three Square Grill
Best Value Gluten-Free Grocery Stores
While I love the product selection at Whole Foods and New Seasons, the prices are a little out of control. Eating gluten-free does not have to be expensive. That's why I recommend the following:
Trader Joes
Even though the grocery items rotate, Trader Joes continually carries some distinct gluten-free foods, at the best prices you'll find anywhere. Visit the Trader Joes near you for: Ezekiel bread (sprouted grain - perfect for wheat intolerance); energy bars like Luna, Cliff, Lara and Odwalla; blue corn chips; corn, spelt and sprouted grain tortillas; rice pasta; and brown rice cakes
Fred Meyer Nutrition Center
Fred Meyer Nutrition centers carry a wide selection of gluten-free products at a great price point. They're a little higher priced than Trader Joe's, so get everything you can at TJ's first and then follow-up with a visit to Fred Meyer for: Amy's Rice Pizza Crust; Ezekiel bread; rice bread; Pamela's GF baking mixes and cookies; wide selection of GF cookies, fig newtons and bars; spelt, rice and other gluten-free flours; GF pretzels; GF mac-n-cheese and a variety of GF pastas.
By Heather Strang Eating out is practically an American past-time. But, for 2.2 million Celiac disease sufferers and the 35 million individuals battling food intolerances, eating out can be a scary proposition. Wheat intolerance is one of the most widespread forms of food intolerance. Both Celiac and wheat intolerant folks are aggravated by gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, rye and a host of other grains. Gluten also shows up in surprising places, like canned soup and soy sauce. Sprouted grains and spelt both contain slight amounts of gluten, which aggravate a Celiac, but are digestible for those with an intolerance.
Sounds complicated, right? Fortunately, it's all pretty straightforward; here are the basics:
Celiac disease is an autoimmune, inflammatory disorder of the small bowel that, left untreated, can lead to additional autoimmune disorders, such as infertility, and in some cases, cancer. Celiac sufferers cannot tolerate any form of gluten.
Food intolerances, on the other hand, are more common and do not involve the immune system. The International Food Council describes a food intolerance as "Mild, transient symptoms that do not involve the immune system. The onset is between 30 minutes and several hours after consumption of the offending food or beverages." Symptoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhea and nausea. Long-term symptoms of eating intolerant foods can lead to: excess weight, skin irritations such as eczema and psoriasis, joint pain and gastrointestinal distress.
I discovered six years ago that I was wheat intolerant. After being diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), gaining 25 extra pounds, and battling extreme fatigue and skin inflammation, I was ready to do anything I could to feel better. Within three weeks of eliminating wheat from my diet my health issues completely disappeared, my energy returned and the excess weight vanished. And I'm not the only one; many women and men experience phenomenal results once they eradicate wheat from their diet. In fact, even former President Bill Clinton deals with a mild wheat intolerance.
So, how does a Celiac or wheat intolerant individual enjoy eating out?
It's very simple - they live in an amazing city like Portland. We've embraced vegetarians and vegans as if they were the everyday norm. Now, Portland restaurants are getting hip to the growing gluten-free market. To make it even easier, we've put together a guide to our favorite gluten-free restaurants and grocery stores so anyone can eat and feel their best.
Piece of Cake Bakery
This little slice of heaven makes gluten-free birthday, wedding and anniversary cakes a reality. In fact, they make any day a good day for cake. Featuring wheat and dairy-free cakes, Piece of Cake Bakery also offers a complete line of vegan, wheat/gluten-free and sugar-free cakes and desserts. Check out their spelt wheat-free cakes (perfect for those with wheat intolerance) that come in flavors like chocolate peanut butter joy, black forest, German chocolate, triple fudge, chocolate mocha, chantily, cranberry orange ginger, carrot cake and Irish oatmeal. I celebrated my last birthday with the chocolate peanut butter joy cake, which was creamy, chocolately and delicious. Even my guests loved it!
Piece of Cake also creates spelt tortes, pies, cupcakes and cookies. You also don't want to miss their tofu cheesecakes. For Celiac sufferers, Piece of Cake offers chocolate raspberry, lemon pineapple ginger, pumpkin and carrot cakes. They also bake gluten-free bundts and mini loaves, like the mini chocolate loaf, topped with chocolate or white icing. Their gluten-free flour blend consists of rice, tapioca and potato flours. For wheat/gluten-free lovers, Piece of Cake Bakery lets everyone have their cake and eat it, too.
Hawthorne Fish House and Corbett Fish House
For the wheat/gluten-intolerant, the days of fish and chips are all but a distant memory. But the folks at Hawthorne and Corbett Fish Houses have turned that notion upside down by creating a menu that is completely gluten-free. Their fish is breaded in brown rice flour, making it light and non-greasy. Fish tacos (request corn tortillas), buttermilk-garlic chicken strips, broiled salmon and yellowfin tuna, and New England clam chowder are some of the additional gluten-free meals. Be sure to substitute regular fries for sweet potato fries - they're absolute crispy fried yumminess. Their coconut rum torte is gluten-free, as are their cheesecakes (make by Grassroots Baking with a rice and tapioca flour crust). The only items not gluten-free are the salad croutons and sandwiches. Also, check out their $2.95 gluten-free happy hour. Regular dining prices are $7 and up. The atmosphere is fun and you'll love the fish and chips, a dish you probably thought you'd never have again.
Assaggio
Italian dining gluten-free style is a challenge. While everyone else is noshing on delectable pasta, I'm sadly eating a salad...again. That is until Assagio added rice pasta to their menu. Gluten-free items are included on the regular menu, noted with an asterisk; all GF meals are boiled and cooked separately to eliminate wheat contamination. Seasonal GF dishes have included Spaghetti al Limone, spaghetti in a lovely cream sauce; Penne al Funghi, tube pasta with wild mushrooms, tasty cheeses and garlic; and Penne con Melanzane, eggplant, tomatoes, argula and garlic in herb tomato sauce. Assiago serves dinner "family-style," allowing you to share your dinner with everyone in your party, particularly those who've always wondered what this whole "gluten" thing is about. The wine list is immense and they also have gelato and sorbet for dessert. Prices are reasonable and the GF menu ranges from $6 - $16.
Andina
Andina is an award-winning Peruvian restaurant located in the heart of the Pearl. I was surprised to discover that Peruvian food is extremely GF-friendly - dishes tend to be more potato-based than the typical wheat flour-based American diet. Sample their extensive tapas menu with yummies like Tortilla de Patata y Alioli de Aji Amarillo, a spanish-style potato frittata with aji amarillo aioli; Choros a la chalaca, mussels cooked in white wine with tomato-corn salsa criolla; or Mango Verde y Langostinos,green mango and passionfruit prawns. Prices range from $6 for a small plate to $19 for a large. There are fewer gluten-free main course choices, but a good variety, like their Atun con Tacu y Aguaymanto, seared yellowfin tuna; Pollito al Pisco, con Toques Chorrillanos pisco-brined Draper Valley chicken; or Corderito de los Andes, a succulent double rack of grass-fed lamb. Entrees are moderately priced from $18 - $27. (find out more: Bar None: Andina's Mestizo Bar)
Desserts take on the same genuine Peruvian flavor, while staying gluten-free. Order the Quinoa y Maracuya, a quinoa passionfruit mousse; Torta de Chocolate, a flourless chocolate-cinnamon cake; Flan de Queso de Cabra, a creamy goat cheese and lemon cake; Plato de Crema Quemada, crème brulee; Mousse de Valle y Selva, a espresso and chocolate mousse or the Helado o Sorbete del Dia, fruit sorbet. Can you tell I'm a big GF dessert fan? It's my favorite meal! Also, be sure to make reservations at Andina - it's tough to get in without one.
Elephants Delicatessen
Although it may appear that a senior citizen convention has taken over this spacious eatery on NW 22nd and Couch, don't be alarmed. Yes, you'll have to fight through chaotic crowds of grandma's screaming over one another, but in the end, it pays off, because the food is scrumptious. Elephant's Deli offers a variety of homemade soups and salads that are perfect for GF lovers. For those of us who are wheat-intolerant, the deli now has spelt bread for its yummy sandwiches (it's not on the menu, so make sure to ask for it specifically). And it's not the stiff, crusty spelt bread that's often served up at restaurants and grocery stores - it's almost like eating the "real" thing! Choose from basic turkey, egg salad, chicken salad, tuna, turkey club and many other tasty options. I chose the basic turkey and was pleasantly surprised to find herb mayo, lettuce, juicy tomatoes and Havarti cheese layered delicately on my mammoth sandwich. Trust me, you'll think half a sandwich is plenty, until you start eating it and then you won't be able to stop. The deli also features a full pre-made salad selection and olive bar. The only bummer deal comes in the form of desserts. There are plenty on hand, but none that qualify as GF friendly, unless you catch them on a macaroon day.
Grolla Restaurant and Wine Bar
Angela Lachmann was diagnosed as a Celiac over 14 years ago. Today, she and husband Christopher have turned their gluten-free expertise into a fine dining experience at Grolla Restaurant and Wine Bar. Grolla proudly lets customers know they can alter almost any dish to fit special dietary requirements. Their focus is on providing a fine dining experience while serving meals that are predominantly gluten-free, free-range and organic. Try their Lamb Osso Bucco simmered in cabernet sauvignon, pork tenderloin roulade accompanied with Riesling apricot coulis, or the scallops, complete with shellfish infused sherry cream. Or order the Chef's Taster, a five-course experience that starts at $50 per person. The chef will even visit your table to discuss food allergies, so he can prepare a meal that best meets your dietary needs. Like to eat late? Stop by for their small plates menu, starting at 9:00pm. The entire late night menu is gluten-free and features everything from smoked salmon potato cakes to citrus jicama salad, proscuitto canoli and beef tips. GF desserts also make the menu (like Angela could leave that out) with scrumptious treats like flourless chocolate truffle cake, chevre cheesecake, espresso panna cotta and key lime tart baked with a coconut-almond macaroon crust. Prices are typically under $25 per menu item. And you simply can't go wrong eating entrees prepared by true gluten-free experts!
Oba!
Special dietary needs are welcome at Oba, so you don't have to miss out on their exquisite NuevoLatino cuisine. Start out with one of their wheat-free appetizers like seared rare ahi tuna, the mesquite-grilled fresh veggie platter, spanish cheese plate or the ensalada de la casa (salad). Wheat-free entrees are high in protein and are accompanied by rice and veggie blends. Check out their coriander-crusted misty isle New York steak, Cuban pulled flank steak or mesquite grilled wild salmon fillet. My personal wheat-free favorite is the vegetarian roasted butternut squash enchiladas. The walnut sauce is creamy goodness with a slight spicey zing, and the quinoa salad is so pretty you won't want to eat it. It's a light and refreshing compliment to the enchiladas. Entrees are priced between $18 - $37.
Monteaux's Public House
Monteaux's is well-known for leaving no one out. Their worldwide menu covers everyone's tastes, including those with gluten-free needs. Sample their buffalo wings, tri-color nachos (complete with corn tortilla chips), or order one of their delicious salads - Mojo chicken cobb, wild salmon Caesar and calypso chicken (the banana chutney is amazing!). Dinners include grilled shrimp, pork shank or Shepherd's pie - braised lamb and au jus with herb mashed potatoes and cheeses. Prices are exceptionally reasonable, with most menu items under $20. Even better, you can have a gluten-free happy hour: The buffalo wings, chips and salsa and nachos are all available during Monteaux's happy hour for under $5.
Keana's Kandyland Restaurant and Bakery
Keana's Kandyland is exactly what the name implies. It's a real-life candyland complete with candy canes adorning the outside of the bakery. Inside, it's a bright and colorful world stocked chock full of candy and gluten-free baked goods. Keana, the owner's granddaughter, is Celiac and the bakery's namesake. Her mother, Tanea Storm, is the head pastry chef and bakes all of the gluten-free sweet breads, pies, muffins, danishes, coffee cakes, cakes and pizza crusts. Get there early or call ahead to place your order - Keana's often sells out of many of their items, like the foccacia bread and French baguette before noon. They offer everything from root beer sweet bread (with ice cream it tastes like the real thing!) to sun dried tomato pizza crust to lemon poppyseed muffins. Prices are exceptionally reasonable, ranging from 50 cents for a cookie to $3.99 for a loaf of sweet bread to $16.99 for their largest foccacia bread.
Old Wives Tales
Old Wives Tales Restaurant is a hodge-podge - it feels like a cafeteria, only in a diner setting. Don't come here for the atmosphere, but do visit for the abundance of gluten-free dishes and desserts. It's the only restaurant in Portland that I know of offering a full GF sandwich menu featuring brown rice bread. Try their tantalizing sandwich tastes like the chicken Greek melt (loved it!), hot cheese veggie and spicy chicken sausage. They even provide soy mozzarella for dairy intolerant folks. You'll find homemade vegan/gluten-free soups, a full salad bar including brown rice cakes, sloppy joes (served on brown rice bread), enchiladas and burritos with corn tortillas, breakfast all day long and homemade wheat/dairy-free granola. Gluten-free desserts abound, such as the chocolate raspberry loaf (a little on the dry side, but tasty), lemon bundt cake, pumpkin pudding and carob cloud mousse (wheat, dairy and sugar free!). The carrot cake and marionberry walnut crisp are made with spelt and are also vegan. Prices are extremely reasonable; you won't pay more than $15 for any menu item.
Bob's Red Mill
Bob's Red Mill makes gluten-free baking simple and fun. You don't have to track down the tapioca flour or xanthan gum, it's already in the mix. Impress your friends with their gluten-free brownies (shhh...don't tell anyone they're wheat-free); they're rich, chocolate decadence. While their GF offerings are too numerous to mention, let's just say you can get all of your non-wheat flour needs met with Bob's Red Mill products - quinoa, teff, white/brown rice, potato and amaranth, just to name a few. Visit their 15,000 square foot "whole grain store" and purchase all of their products, including Ener-g (a bit flavor-less), Pamela's (the best!) and Heartland's (try their mac-n-cheese). All of these products can also be purchased online. But, you have to stop by their new facility in Milwaukie first. Offering over 300 products from vendors all over the Northwest, a bookstore, kitchen classroom, bakery and cafe - Bob's Red Mill handles all of your gluten-free needs, in one spot.
The following restaurants do not have specific gluten-free menus, but honor GF requests:
Carafe
Caprial's Bistro and Wine
Clarke's Restaurant and Bar
Coffee Plant (Corbett location only offers some gluten-free pastries)
Flambe Restaurant
Ruby's Coffee Shop
Three Degrees
Three Square Grill
Best Value Gluten-Free Grocery Stores
While I love the product selection at Whole Foods and New Seasons, the prices are a little out of control. Eating gluten-free does not have to be expensive. That's why I recommend the following:
Trader Joes
Even though the grocery items rotate, Trader Joes continually carries some distinct gluten-free foods, at the best prices you'll find anywhere. Visit the Trader Joes near you for: Ezekiel bread (sprouted grain - perfect for wheat intolerance); energy bars like Luna, Cliff, Lara and Odwalla; blue corn chips; corn, spelt and sprouted grain tortillas; rice pasta; and brown rice cakes
Fred Meyer Nutrition Center
Fred Meyer Nutrition centers carry a wide selection of gluten-free products at a great price point. They're a little higher priced than Trader Joe's, so get everything you can at TJ's first and then follow-up with a visit to Fred Meyer for: Amy's Rice Pizza Crust; Ezekiel bread; rice bread; Pamela's GF baking mixes and cookies; wide selection of GF cookies, fig newtons and bars; spelt, rice and other gluten-free flours; GF pretzels; GF mac-n-cheese and a variety of GF pastas.
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