Big deal you might say but how many places offer gluten free anything these days? We are fortunate enough to have places like Domino’s and California Pizza Kitchen who have gluten free pizza available but until now, I was not aware of any restaurants offering gluten free pasta.
Placing my Indiana Jones hat firmly on my head, I walked into the restaurant apprehensive. Do they really offer gluten free pasta and is it safe? Those of us who have had the misfortune of accidentally being glutened at restaurants know that one can never be too careful. Having a gluten reaction is not a pleasant experience but I was willing to go on this adventure for the sake of those who follow Gluten Fabulous and provide you with safe alternatives when dining out.
Olive Garden recently updated their menus therefore they do not have the gluten free options listed just yet. The manager, Corey, brought me a photocopied version of the gluten free menu. The selections include:
Salads
Garden-Fresh Salad without croutons
Caesar Salad without croutons
Entrees
Rotini with Fresh Tomato Pomodoro
Roma tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, extra-virgin olive oil and marinara sauce tossed with gluten free rotini
Also available with grilled chicken or shrimp
Rotini Primavera
Marinara with zucchini, red peppers, onions, peppers and tomatoes tossed with gluten free rotini
Also available with grilled chicken or shrimp
Steak Toscano
Grilled 12oz. choice center cut strip steak brushed with Italian herbs and extra-virgin olive oil. Served with parmesan roasted asparagus.
Herb-Grilled Salmon
Salmon filet brushed with Italian herbs and extra-virgin olive oil. Served with garlic broccoli.
Mixed Grill
Grilled steak and chicken marinated in Italian herbs and extra-virgin olive oil. Served with broccoli and roasted asparagus.
Kid’s Entrees
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken breast with sides of grapes and gluten free rotini pasta with marinara sauce.
Rotini with Marinara
Gluten free rotini pasta with marinara sauce. Served with a side of grapes.
When my entrée came out, it did not look or taste much different from regular rotini pasta. Concerned, I called the manager over and had him verify that the pasta was indeed gluten free. After checking with the kitchen, he informed me that the only rotini the restaurant serves is gluten free therefore the chances of mixing up the pasta is non-existent. Apparently, the restaurant also serves a gluten free penne pasta which was not listed on their menu.
Satisfied, I finished my Rotini with Fresh Tomato Pomodoro safely and resolved to write about it on the blog. It is nice to have options other than having to cook everything yourself at home. I for one enjoy eating out and I hope you will venture out as well after reading these posts.
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