In the not-so-distant past, I was able to go into a grocery store and pick up a random snack or loaf of bread without reading the label. But now — since discovering that I have 22 food allergies — I never blindly grab an item; these days I have to investigate any and all ingredients. Gluten, however, has become public enemy No. 1 in my dietary war.
For the uninitiated, gluten is a protein found in rye, wheat and barley, and it’s a common ingredient in most cereals, snacks and bread. Not surprisingly, almost 30 to 40 percent of the U.S. population has gluten sensitivity.
Unknowingly, for the majority of my life, I battled with rashes, acne, eczema, dandruff, hyperactivity, moodiness, poor digestion and fatigue. But since the adaptation of my new allergy-free diet, I’ve lost 20 pounds, my skin has improved, the eczema has completely disappeared, I think more clearly and my disposition is sincerely happier. I am learning how to properly feed myself through cooking at home and discovering new products.
On top of that, Charlotte-area restaurants are making it easier for patrons like me with special dietary needs. Here’s a brief list of local eateries (in no particular order) that offer gluten-free menu items:
• Harper’s offers a gluten-free menu consisting of soups, salads, entrées and desserts, ranging from the Santa Fe chicken soup ($5) to the grilled chef salad ($10), hickory-grilled sirloin ($17) and flourless chocolate cake ($5). (6518 Fairview Road. 704-366-6688; 11059 Carolina Place Parkway, Pineville. 704-541-5255. www.harpersgroup.com/harpers.asp.)
• ZiZi’s Vegetarian Restaurant serves several gluten- and soy-free vegetarian options, which are labeled on the menu. The eggplant curry ($8.99), the tempeh steak ($9.99) and the spicy tofu salad ($7.99) are just a few of the tasty selections. (7945 N. Tryon St. 704-595-9170. www.awesomevegan2go.com.)
• Blue Restaurant & Bar provides multicultural cuisine like chicken kofta kebobs ($8.95), whole-roasted Mediterranean sea bass ($28.95) and stuffed trout wrapped with Bayonne Ham ($20.95). (206 N. College St. 704-927-2583. www.bluecharlotte.com.)
• Vivace presents a host of dishes, such as: steamed P.E.I. mussels ($10), wood-grilled hanger steak ($19) and grilled mahi ($22). (1100 Metropolitan Ave. Building E, Suite 100. 704-370-7755. www.vivacecharlotte.com)
• Jason’s Deli serves gluten-free soups, salads, baked potatoes and deli sandwiches (built to order with a gluten-free bun). (210 E. Trade St., Suite C240. 704-688-1004; 3509 David Cox Road, Suite A. 704-921-1545; 1600 E. Woodlawn Road, Suite 200. 704-676-5858. www.jasonsdeli.com.)
• Big Daddy’s Burger Bar prepares gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for its chicken ($8.50), buffalo ($11.50) or regular beef burgers ($8.50). (1626 East Blvd. 704-714-4888; 15105A John J. Delaney Drive, 704-919-2700. www.bigdaddysburgerbar.com.)
This article appears in Jan 18-24, 2011.
“30 to 40 percent of the U.S. population (one in seven Americans) “
Huh?