Gluten-Free Friendly Chain Restaurant Tour

Being a bit of a food snob, I try to steer clear of big restaurant chains. But on my most recent trip to Boston, I found that some of the higher-end chains are nothing short of amazing for those who follow a gluten-free lifestyle. The three that come to mind that have completely separate GF menus are Legal Seafood, PF Changs and Uno Chicago Grill.  

Seafood obviously lends itself to GF dishes. If you grill fish simply and pair it with rice or potatoes, you’re right on the money. So what does it take for a restaurant to carve out their own menu for those with the allergy? Probably nothing. But Legal even goes the extra mile with GF bread and some of their delicious soups made without flour. I’d highly recommend trying the lite New England clam chowder and everything tuna complete with jasmine rice.

Want to put Asian food back in your life? Then stop by PF Changs the next time you get the chance. You wouldn’t think that Asian food has a full GF menu, but it does. Sadly, it doesn’t attempt a GF dumpling, but try the chicken lettuce wraps and some friend rice instead. As for entrees, the restaurant takes on one of their signature dishes, lemon chicken. If you blind fold one of you’re gluten-eating friends, ask them if they could tell the difference.

The last stop on the chain restaurant tour should be to Uno’s. They have a menu filled with GF pizza items like pepperoni, veggie and cheese and tomato. Each location has a separate GF menu with other items like steaks, salads and desserts. Can’t hurt to check them out. I find myself feeling deprived of some of the great culinary classics, but if I have the hankering for seafood, pizza or Asian cuisine, I know where I’m making my weekend reservations.