The owners of Which Wich in Maple Grove, MN sure had fun developing this concept deli!
On a recent trip to Wisconsin, we were passing through the Cities and looking for something fresh, healthy obviously, and if it was sandwiches which could please the entire group, it also had to have gluten free options. While it did not have gluten free bread (which is find, we all eat WAY too many bread carbs anyway), it did have the option of turning any meal into a lettuce-wich or salad.
It definitely had the "fast food" look, as you can see, but I can't get over the fun atmosphere, and it's effects definitely catered to people's preferences. No more worrying they won't get your order right and you have to double check it before you hop back on the road. With their whimsical custom ordering system, they've completely side stepped that problem.
Who doesn't like getting what they want? You simply grab the brown paper bag that already has the list of options that come with that particular option. You check off what you want and take it up to the counter, where they prepare it. It was fun, the kids loved it, and it felt like a breath of fresh air.
Of course, I'm taking note of all the efforts they are making to move along the image of a healthier environment with their biodegradable bowls and sandwich bag wraps. I'm noticing the attempts towards offering real food, while pleasing any palate. I was pleased to see vegetarian options, even wraps with black beans and hummus.
They even go the extra mile in many ways, looking to create a positive experience for all who come in, with a special lower counter for kids to place their own orders, a sticker sheet attached to their healthy meal tray (which includes FRESH apples, not pre-processed and bagged, and carrots).
Guest "sandwich bag artists" have their art hanging on the wire string clips on the walls. (You might even see a little DrFoodie art...move over Picasso)
Ok, but enough about the cute whimsy... the food. Yum. Simple, fresh and real. Great combinations and multiple options to take an ordinary sandwich, wrap or salad, and make it your own.
Way to go, creators of Which Wich. If they are new to you, as they were to me, take a trip, and let me know what you think!
Speaking of whimsical, creative fun, now might be a good time to check out today's Lesson on DrFoodie: "The Solution to Struggle: You Used To Do This As a Kid"
Check out other Foodie Reviews here.
Finally, an un-biased program that easily takes away the confusion, allowing you to immediately apply the principles, and begin to change your life through truthful food and getting to know yourself through concept awareness. To follow our RESET 30 DAY program, click here to begin
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The Pickled Loon was requested as a review by followers, and so on a day with the sun shining bright, we drove downtown St. Cloud. Nestled in among the other brick buildings downtown with a patio dining set up out front, we didn't know what to expect. With the same outward appearance as typical downtown old building bars, we expected much like the experience of historical reviews....burgers and fries, with the option of a side salad as it's "health food".
However, I have learned to not judge a bar by its cover, and that sometimes the seemingly least likely place to find enlightened food, you might just be surprised. And we were.
A first look at the menu and we knew there would be some interesting flavor options in front of us. It helped that immediately in looking at the menu were the traditional code letters "V" and "GF", easily identifiable next to the options, and there were many! Instead of just looking for SOMETHING I would be able to eat, I prepared to make a DECISION over WHICH I wanted to try. Love that feeling, as many of you conscious eaters or diet-restricted can also attest.
My husband opted for the Pad Thai, and I chose the Pesto Portabello Tacos. Ummm...yum! So simple, but a perfect blend of complex flavors in 2 forms (the pesto and the carmelized onion sauce) combined with the simplicity of the portabellos and crisp cold romaine was a perfect combination.
The atmosphere was un-hurried and accepting, the sun shining on the makeshift patio over the downtown culture, and the confidence of the menu are the perfect ingredients for me to recommend with pleasure that you take your diverse belly to explore simple ingredients in sophisticated style at the Pickled Loon. Bon Appetit!
]]>Last night we had a movie date night and made no plans for dinner before hand. We were caught up in driving and talking and enjoying the warmth of the car against the super chill we've been experiencing the last few days. Browsing downtown Brainerd, we pulled up into a parking space, just happening to be in front of Sage on Laurel, a restaurant newly opened downtown.
We were so deep in discussion and feelings of some recent difficulties we were processing that we really weren't even thinking of food. It was more of a formality at that point. We literally were paying no attention in what we were doing just going through the motions of "dinner and a movie" and expecting the same old with a new restaurant, so it was a complete surprise to us as we walked in and stopped just inside the door and said, "wow". A much needed uplevel in emotional vibration immediately took place inside me as I felt a connection to the creative places within me. It isn't that the decor is luxuriously expensive and corporately "planned out" with the intention of rivalling the restaurants that already exist(thank God), but that it felt like life itself with it's organized haphazard array of life's beautiful finds. The setting was simple and uncomplicated. The decision(whether or not it was consciously done or not, I don't know) to play on creativity was genius, as it hinted that we might also be surprised by a unique menu. There was an inviting mini studio in the corner of the front window with an eclectic showing of artwork on the walls, and a stage behind, speaking of the open mic nights that will soon bounce off the old style brick walls.
Pulling in, we were expecting the dark, dank heavy atmosphere of the multitude of bar restaurants you find everywhere, especially in new start ups. Instead what we found was a lively lit (and not overbright) comforting simplicity that when I reflect on it now, perfectly exemplifies the vibrant and lively offerings on the menu.
And all at once, an unplanned review was underway. First impressions are a wonderful thing and I was anxious for the second, the menu.
Rarely, with my food preferences and the reviews I've conducted, do I find MULTIPLE options on the menu, where the choosing was actually difficult. There were so many dishes I wanted to try. Usually, it's narrowed down to what I can "make work", but this menu could have been pages out of my own recipe books. Yes, I wish this kitchen abutted the rear of my house. It is nice to know that there ARE indeed quality restaurants where food is explored and honored and preserving the food's true value of uniqueness itself is centerpoint. People of Sage, I don't know if you planned this, but I mean to make you aware of it as I believe it will be key to your success. Please don't get caught up as others do in trying to get so creative with a dish that you actually mask the value of the food itself. Thus far and as far as I can see, you have done a FANTASTIC job of showcasing the food's qualities, pulling out the best in each food and matching and pairing them well with other tastes and textures. Keep this up and you will truly be set apart from the rest.
I will admit we need to return and try the dinner menu as we occupied ourselves with sides and appetizers in order to sample more of the tastes. But it was enough. It was satisfying and filling and left us not feeling heavy and overfull. And the pricing is efficient, in case you were wondering. It all added to the feeling that there was real care in hostessing food because of loving food, not to be showy and be something they are not.
When you go and try them out, and I would immediately and often, try the Thai Spring Rolls. One bite and I quote, "Oh my God, I want to eat these everyday."
The sweet potato fries were an original take on a newer classic and it worked! A word to those who avoid sugar, I ordered mine without the cinnamon sugar toss that I am sure would have been delicious, but doing so did not result in a lack of flavor. It was comfort food for sure. I would have no questions about their ability to adapt any of the menu to my particular preferences and that makes me feel safe in their hands. As with anywhere you go, just let them know your needs. Though it will be lovely to sample choices just as the chef prepares, (I would hate to miss her lovely creations in favor of trying to make it how I want it) and of course adaptations are occassionally necessary for some of us, but for sure this restaurant is less risky with their frankness and purity of combining real foods.
I can't say enough about the crispy, vibrant and lively tastes, textures and freshness of our meal. We left feeling physically satisfied as well as inspired and feeling that we truly enjoyed a meal that nourished the body, in addition to providing an environment that nourished my soul in a much needed way.
My advice is to continue what you have created with the combination of "simple classic meets inventive creativity", while keeping it classy and smart, not as the image of a poor arthouse, with both the food and the ambience. Get your Facebook page to showcase your image as well as your restaurant does. And hang in there. This restaurant needs to stick around.
P.S.Check them out, then get back to me on what you tried and loved(it will help me narrow down what to try next) Here they are on Facebook, and their website.
Much love,
DrFoodie
]]>Any way you slice it, DrFoodie works to help restaurants set the bar, so if you have a favorite, we want to know about it!
We're looking for restaurants that:
* Have a great atmosphere
* Have ease and creativity, availability and knowledge of adaptations and options for dietary restrictions
* Have great servers, with a knowledge of allergen service, and helpful meal planners to keep their customers safe
* Is a restaurant where management has obviously planned for the dietary restricted
* Have tasty, healthy, quality fresh food, make legitimate efforts to offer healthy options
* Don't offer gluten free options as an aside, but as an included effort to their meal service
* Creativity and flexibility ,with entrees
You've read the foodie reviews, not it's your turn to pipe in!
We're looking for the fan favorite restaurant for our October Foodie Reviews.
1. Read the reviews of the Top 2 Establishments we've narrowed it down to for the Month of October
2. Post your vote in the comments below, or by emailing your choice to info@drfoodie.live, which of the Top 2 should win the DrFoodie Golden Fork aware for the month of October and why it's your fan favorite. (By all means, go try them for yourselves!)
3. Winner will receive a congratulations letter and a window cling so they can shout their victory to the world!
4. Optional: Post a restaurant that HASN'T been reviewed but you WOULD LIKE to have the opportunity for a review in the future, and the chance at winning the DrFoodie Golden Fork Award
POST YOUR CHOICE OF WINNER FROM OCTOBER'S FOODIE REVIEWS IN THE COMMENTS or by emailing INFO@DRFOODIE.LIVE
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While Google offers up a description of the restaurant in central St. Cloud, MN to be a, "Casual chain eatery with an American comfort-food menu plus craft beers brewed on-site", I would agree. And I would also add that those that head up the full-steam-ahead engine of this success train know well what they are doing. They've chosen a great demographic with St Cloud being a great location for exactly what they are serving up. The restaurant is clean, the staff and servers are friendly and seem to like their jobs, and they've got a clean, crisp, fresh and simple main menu. Give the people what they like in simple but creative ways in an atmosphere of freshness and vibrancy, and they will come back.
What I appreciated most is that they are not only not immune to the changing needs and desires of our dieting, but it seems they are constantly changing and re-vamping to keep moving forward and keep up with the times. I know this from personal experience because we frequented the establishment seven years ago, and much has changed, and for the better. When I asked, our server answered that yes the menu is adapted at frequent periods, which is a good sign to me. They keep the faves, but have the ability to adjust to the changing needs and demands, including food sensitivities and a turn towards a customer desire for greater health in our dining options. Years ago, it barely was a thing to be "gluten free", but now they have a clear separate menu, with options that are worthy of their top quality entrees. Please ask for it, as gluten free options are not indicated on the main menu.
While my focus in doing Foodie Reviews is mainly on reporting the options and noting the positive efforts from an unbiased, but knowledgeable perspective, and not so much on my solo individual experience, it is a pleasure when I can also make positive commentary on the taste and quality.
While many restaurants are offering the most obviously necessary changes like a gluten free bun or pizza crust substitution, some it seems pay little attention to the taste, texture, and quality of said substitutions. Granite City proved to me that they did not add these substitutions as "asides" but included them in the attempt to showcase each and every entree. "Gluten free" and "healthy" did not seem like a secondary offering, but just as important as the most acclaimed dishes on the menu. Smart, especially since St Cloud's population includes a large young generation, and likely those that are more into sweeping fads of diet change. Kudos to this, knowing just how to please the demographic as well as not making those with necessary dietary restrictions feel like second class citizens.
The menu shares many healthy offerings with simple pleasing preparations, with probably the artisan flatbread pizzas being a favorite among the dietary particular community . Even as a strong vegetation eater, I felt I had options; vegans and vegetarians rejoice.
This is one restaurant I will definitely keep on my Maps and bring the vastly variated eating styles of my friends and colleagues to.
]]>A large part of my personal healing way back when, involved consumption of NO grain.s Gluten free was barely heard of much less NO grains at all! Going to a restaurant with the name "Noodles and Co." wasn't going to sound like a real option for me. I guess the idea just stuck, because I haven't been in since.
When we were discussing whether to go to one of our favorites downtown, Quarks, or where to do the next review, I said, "It's no fun to do reviews where you know there's not going to be a lot of options, it just feels mean." I mean, I figured Noodles and Co. had probably by now chosen a gluten free noodle option,but I thought it was going to be of the "throw this version in because we have to" variety and as they're bread and butter is NOODLES, after all, I really did not think they were going to care about gluten friendly dieting, much less health and balance in a meal. But it was raining so we stepped inside Noodles and Co. while we were deciding. Surprise, Surprise and shame on me!
Right as you step in there's a large menu on the board, which was great, because we could check it out and then "sneak" out if there wasn't anything available. Much better than already being seated and then have to say, "Um, I'm sorry, we're going to have to eat elsewhere."
Not only was the menu very apparent that there were going to be options, but there were SPECIFIC meals, chef quality, with the gluten intolerant in mind. No boring salad this time! Of course they had salads, which sounded delicious, and soup options. With any of the original recipes, gluten free noodles can be substituted, and if you don't want to do any of that, you can order the ones already made up. Huge thumbs up!
Our server was great, and he let me know when I asked if the allergy diet mod was a big deal for them to which he replied, "HUGE! It's a big need. We get at least 30-40 orders a day specific to allergies."
For the vegetarian, there are definitely options and as they make each dish as it is ordered, it is easy to customize it to any need. One can see just by the signage the values of food service at this restaurant. With words like organic, no microwave, no preservatives, you know they are taking healthy eating into consideration from every angle.
The best part is that you can eat right alongside your "normal" eating friends and no one will know the difference because EVERY dish is custom made. By the way, I would suggest the Pasta Fresca(sub with GF pasta), Pad Thai, or Thai Green Curry. If you eat meat, try the Thai Chicken (GF) soup.
Sure it all sounds good, but sometimes when you have these select your own combos, and then they add their own proprietary sauces, one has to be cautious as it feels like the other shoe just fell, as you have no idea what's hiding in these. Yet when they advertise that the sauces are not made from a packet or can, you can be sure there are not going to be hidden preservatives that can really be a problem for allergy sensitive people. They also advertise no artificial preservatives, sweeteners, colors, flavors, etc.
Big bonus, the kids meals have healthy options and come in what Dash called a "happy meal tray". And happy he was at getting to eat like a typical diner and being excited about his options!
Once he made up his mind which sides he wanted, he played "Lorax and Once-ler" with Daddy while we waited to order (the bench rests looked like the slats in the windows of the Once-ler house). Seemed like a good time was had all around!
The checkout process makes sure of the safety for any severe allergies with an "allergy alert" notice attached to your order. While I no longer need this severe allergy indicator, I said yes, just to see what that entailed. Since my meal had this alert, the gentleman preparing mine stopped and asked me a question about one of the ingredients in my meal and then made suggestions for substitutions. Big thumbs up!
I feel confident any dietary sensitive person, or simply because you are particular about your healthy meal can feel safe and enjoy their time at Noodles and Co, and with your chosen preferences.
Way to go, Noodles and Co. Now THIS is how you do it!
DrFoodie reviews dining establishments all around the nation with the intention being to help those restricted by current illnesses or intolerances find safe places to eat, to find the positive changes restaurants are making towards healthy modifications as well as allergen modifications, and to help lunch programs and restauranteurs adapt to health and dietary trends. It is not to place judgement, nor to put down an establishment, I merely present the options. We solely look for the positives, and all the ways a person can make use of the dining experience anywhere they go. If you would like to suggest a restaurant for review, or own a restaurant you would like reviewed, or would like a consultation to improve your menu, your safety standards, or with dining adaptations, please email us at info@drfoodie.live.
Check out our other reviews here.
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Information and education to assist the Healthy and Happy life.
]]>Plus, I'm on a streak of locating options in mainstream places. Being chain restaurants, I would expect the education and accommodations of healthy options and dietary needs to be greater, so it's always interesting to see what I can find.
I was asked to do this review (YES! YOU CAN SUGGEST A RESTAURANT FOR ME TO REVIEW) because this person likes to go watch the games with their friends and wanted help knowing what the options were. He wanted to know how he could be there without making a scene, order what he needed, without having to be an embarrassing burden and an obvious anomaly. (So basically, he wanted to know how he could live normally) Well, from first glance at the menu, you're going to have to be a burden. ALWAYS ASK! It could be the difference between eating lettuce (as you wiggle your nose) and enjoying a tasty entree. I think of how many have their gluten free menus handy but only WHEN YOU ASK. For those of you in this predicament, it could just mean excusing yourself to go to the restroom, and taking your server aside on your way to place your order.
I was (honestly) a BIT surprised at what I felt were minimal efforts displayed even in a climate of changing need, I am also not here to condemn or misunderstand. Buffalo Wild Wings is very good at serving the sport enthused meat fueled, wild wing seeker audience it caters to, and after all, restaurants are NOT required to offer options to all types. I understand that, and I keep an open mind. I figure it is MY life and MY choice and no one is responsible to accept or even adapt to that. It's okay to me that others don't choose to.
I'm guessing they will at some point, though, and at that point I'll be happy to check them out again! As it seems to me that all restaurants are going to have to adapt to the ability to make accommodations to the ever increasing needs of food intolerances, allergies, and disease conditions, or greatly feel the impact on their bottom line as groups will simply move to similar service restaurants, that maybe have a healthy option or two. (and it really does need to be only an option or two. A restaurant doesn't need to change their focus or who/what they cater to, just one or two entrees that are chef quality, nutritious, gluten free fare as a start) To be fair, there is the option of salads, but after you hand select the ingredients that need to be removed, you're left with...lettuce. And this is true for most of us at most restaurants, we're really only left with salad options.
I made our mission clear to our server right away when he asked if we hand any questions, and he was quick to produce a binder full of any allergen information I wanted to know.
With insight, he even offered mandarin oranges to my little man. Thumbs up! I probably took him quite off guard when I told him what my goal was.
If you are a meat eater, there will be options as long as you ask the kitchen to remove some of the sauces and extras so be sure to ask for the allergen binder and check out for yourself which ones.
For vegetarian options, there are the salads, with removal of additions, a veggie boat of carrots, celery and ranch dressing, there is vegetable cole slaw. And ask for the kids mandarin oranges.
While I didn't have a lot to report to all the dietary restricted, I am happy for
ANY nutritious choices offered. It would however, take only a small effort and I think they would find the efforts have big impact on their customers, with minimal impact on their finances.
For example:
The black bean burger (yes, they offer one!) Great for the vegetarian, but it's got wheat in it. There are many options that don't so just switching to one that is gluten free.
Add baked potatoes, or rice as side options. Or even simple steamed vegetables. or beans.
Olive oil and lemon as an additional option instead of dressing.
The Garden Crasher sounded great, but perhaps there could be on option to serve it with tortilla chips?(I know, it's corn and probably GMO but I'm weighing my options here, and at least that would give a gluten free option. Also if we're going to be that pure, we probably shouldn't eat out EVER :))
So what did I do? I ordered french fries and coleslaw( not dairy free) and enjoyed the time with the biggest and smallest of the males in my household.
I asked our server if there were requests from customers for dietary adaptations and he said, "not as much as you'd think, but we know to expect it" And by giving the binder, they can make their own safe choices. This is ideal for those that want to know exactly which allergens are in their food.
I've simply avoided many because I assumed there wouldn't be options for me. If so, that's sad for everybody. I'm here to support restaurants to be safe, adapt menus, and create options for gluten sensitivity and nutrition factors; and I'm here to support people in finding options.
By they way, we sat in "83" if you want to sit in a famous booth. Hahaha
What it comes down to is that sometimes you have to weigh your goals; if it's to spend camaraderie time with your buds, either you get new buds, go to a different place, or eat before you go.
I don't think Buffalo Wild Wings is wrong in any way, they just cater to a different palate, and that's okay. Requester, I hope that gives you a bit of help in making a decision about if you can attend the game days with your bros, and I'm hoping this post may bring out ideas of other options for you.
Honestly, when it comes down to it, ANYTHING in life could cause limitations, the feeling of lack and victimization and discord. Life is about experiences, so live it in a way that you can be proud and happy of. Where there's a will, there's a way, so go enjoy your bro time. You'll either find a way to adapt the menu, or you'll eat before or after, or maybe this is just a drinks date.
But I'm curious to hear what others of you in the predicament have come up with as solutions? Do you give in and do what everyone else does? Do you find other people to do things that are more similar to you? Do you go to the restaurant just to hang with your friends? Comment below, I'm sure others would like to hear as well.
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Glancing at the menu before we decided to go in, there really is not an easy way to make an entree adaptable as the offerings are complex with lots of seasonings, sauces, and while that makes it tasty for the general public, it makes it difficult for the health and dietary conscious. For the grain free, gluten free, veg, and basic allergies, this will be a very trying place for you to be.
Of course, there are the salad options, and as long as you take a minute to make some subtractions to the ingredients, you could definitely pull off a salad. Vegans best to eat before you go, salad is an option, but a plain one and as I mentioned before, bummer that our only options tend to be plain old salads. But, hey, restaurants are not required to meet all styles, just the majority rules.
Now, on to the great parts. The man who met me at the door was very helpful, kind and friendly. Kudos to great people people! I asked for gluten free options and yes, by gosh and by golly, they have a medium sized gluten free pizza! Yippee if you want pizza with a movie! Keep in mind, my only goal is to review the report THE OPTIONS. My goal is to show people how they can live a "normal" life and still participate in the activities their friends are. It's baby steps in my opinion, and I certainly don't expect people to eat like I do. I treasure my vegetation, but hey, I'm going out. I'll stop in my garden on the way.
To be fair, I would like to take some time next time to sit in the dining room. This time, we just ordered a pizza and took it into the movie. Perhaps if I had more time to get a few minutes of chat in with the staff or manager I would have found out that maybe there were more options than my scrutinizing eye could initially see.
The best part...the gluten free pizza....the crust? Fantastic! So unlike the ricey, doughy, gooey, or saltine crack cardboard crust that is common when the crust is ordered in instead of being made fresh. Zaffiro's went beyond and got a much better tasting crust. If you're into pizza, and need it gluten free, it may be worth a preorder and a pick up, even if you don't hit the movie.
The final note however, is good news. YOU can be a person that goes on dates! You too can have dinner and a movie. OH and by the way, check out "Home Again", I recommend this very cute chic flick. (even the men were laughing)
Happy foodies to y'all,
DrFoodie
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So that was our mission on this particular evening, to find a typically conventionally inhabited joint that is commonly frequented by the average Joe, but not necessarily what would be expected to cater to the dietary determined. Enter Texas Roadhouse - St. Cloud.
We were skeptical. I'm not personally a meat lover, so finding myself festooned in flanks of steak did not leave me hoping. HOWEVER, I was pleasantly surprised. I have learned doing food reviews the very true art of never judging a book by it's cover. This was was telling example.
This is a restaurant we never would have had the opportunity to go to because of a nut allergy we have handled in my son, so as he wasn't with us, it was a perfect night to go. But it is worthy to mention for those of you that are travelling will not be disappointed. They also work towards this effort and do warn of peanuts and peanut dust with a sign posted right by their entrance door.
At first glance, looking over the menu the options looked slim and fell down to the typical options of SALAD. I'll admit, if I was a major meat eater, the options would have been more plentiful, but when it came to gluten, wheat or dairy free, the task was daunting. But here is an important lesson that most of us don't want to hear because we don't want to be a burden: ask.
My husband asked and lo and behold, Hunter, our server, WHIPS out a separate gluten free menu! By not wanting to be a problem customer, I could have missed this very cool opportunity. I said "WHIPS" because the other cool thing about this was that Hunter was obviously not clueless about dietary options. Being knowledgeable - even partially - goes a long way!
I appreciated the minutes, even during a busy hour, for service manager Nick to talk with me. He said food issues do come up and they have regulars that come in where they are aware of what they can and cannot eat. I was impressed that he said he has cooked in the kitchen basically everything that runs through the place, so when he says he can accommodate, he has the experience to know what he's talking about. He said while they can adapt many things, MSG was the hardest to work with as it's in many of the seasonings. He left us by saying with a smile that he takes pride in being able to accommodate the menu for people.
Basically the offerings are meats without seasonings, and some vegetables and salads and that is always the tough part - why go out when you can probably make and season to taste your own food better than what a restaurant could, that is, if there are not chef quality specialty entrees, why go to a restaurant any way? I often think, when at restaurants, that there are some very simple little things that would move a restaurant from merely "adapting and accomodating" to actually offering chef quality restaurant entrees. Like my husband's meal could have worked for me if they had used an onion gravy, for example. (pulverizing a boiled onion gives the starchy thick feeling of a gravy.) But while I think what I would do, I do not in any way believe a restaurant SHOULD do anything. They do not have to work to accommodate all palates.
What I settled on was the "Country Veg Plate" (4 side dishes of vegetables) and I was pleased with my meal. I am happy knowing that you DON'T have to decline the invitation, that perhaps surprisingly, you will find at least something you can eat in regularly occupied establishments.
I find during these reviews there are basically 3 A's a restaurant falls into: Adaptable, Accountable, or Advocate.
Adaptable? Yes. With ease they could adapt the menu to accommodate special dietary needs
Accountable? Yes. It is obvious they have had education on food accommodations to suit various needs and keep people safe. Many don't even do this in any way (again, they are not expected to) so thumbs up Texas Roadhouse!
Advocate? This is the title I give to those restaurants that DON'T settle for adapting and accountability, but want to give a unique restaurant experience to ALL customers no matter of need by offering actual entrees, made specifically for the dietary conscious. This, I realize may be a pipe dream, as the allergies and intolerances and reasons for them are varied and numerous. Could it be more than a restaurant can do? Possibly, but I will keep looking for those that want to "treat me" with a night out at a restaurant, because salads and steamed veg in order to be safe do get boring.
To reiterate and in defense of a truly wonderful, great service restaurant that you'll find at Texas Roadhouse, no restaurant is REQUIRED to live up to this ideal. What I hear most often is why should they? Chinese restaurants cater to those that just want a great chinese meal. Mexican cuisine intend to put out a great mexican meal. Texas Roadhouse has it's following and they cater to it. So no, I don't think all restaurants need to work to be pleasing to all particulars. What I DO believe is that ALL restaurants have clients with special diets and it's just going to increase in the years to come and it would be wise for restaurants (especially the bigger, more well known ones) to be ahead of the game and stand apart from the competition. In fact, ten years from now, I don't know how restaurants, simply staying with status quo as they are, will be able to adapt to the changing health we will be seeing over the next years.
Last thoughts: Texas Roadhouse - St Cloud, MN knows there are current needs, they adapt to them well, they educate themselves on how to meet the need, and give great service. We felt very welcomed and feel good that our mission was accomplished. Yes, say yes to the dinner date, you CAN find something to accommodate you here. I KNOW they will be happy to help.
]]>Worried about liability? Safety in kitchen and service should you start offering GF?
Don't know where to start to adapt your menu?
Want to pull in healthier options to meet the demand for them?
DrFoodie helps schools, restaurants and cafeterias all over to adapt and accommodate to the ever growing demand for healthier options and special dietary considerations.
Contact to discuss: info@drfoodie.live
]]>In fact, the part they did the BEST during our meal was be accommodating. With a full kitchen and not an intention of rush order cookie cutter entrees, we found it to be not a problem at all to adapt to my desires.
If you are entirely grain free or even gluten free, you'll be pretty limited, and a side salad or a Cranberry almond salad (without the dressing or chicken) are going to be pretty much the only options.
If you are vegetarian, keep in mind, they are a SUPPER CLUB and their fancy entrees pretty much involve meat. Of course, there are pastas, but that's going to be difficult for the gluten/grain free diners.
Keep in mind, however, no restaurant is required to develop a menu with the health conscious, or dietary restricted, so they really cannot be judged on their provided options. Like I said, from the MENU, the task looks daunting, however, they were entirely willing to accommodate what I was looking for, with a smile and without making it seem a problem. However, you are going to have to ask, so be aware that you are going to have to help them "make it your way". If you don't like to stand out, "be a burden", or draw attention, probably not the place for you.
I know, as a dietary adapter, you can definitely feel "un special" at normal restaurants. You know, they present the beautiful basket with warm breads and butter....and you can't eat it. And they have the decadent desserts....not even close. And tasty cheezy oozy saucy creations....not touching it. It's tough to feel like you are being catered to at these restaurants, and because their menus will typically not promote the food we eat, all they really have left is their "bedside manner". If they can be accommodating, it can still turn out to be a great experience.
Here's what we came up with for my meal. There is a chicken teriyaki entree. It sounded funny, but I ordered it...minus the chicken and the teriyaki (which has wheat in it), which left us with wild rice, onions, peppers, pea pods and broccoli. I ordered a side salad as well.
I will tell you it was plenty of food ! Not a lot of protein options outside the meat options, so still needed to supplement once we left, but it was delicious. They sauteed it, and it wasn't dripping oily and it was very flavorful. They tossed some sesame seeds and presented it prettily, and it certainly didn't feel like I was accepting a "second best" meal.
In a pinch, you can definitely find something for you at Cabin Fever. If you are a meat eater, you will certainly find plenty of options. If you eat a vegetarian gluten free, this will be a tough one.
Just ask, based on our experience, I am sure they will be more than happy to help you adjust your meal plan.
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At the St. Cloud mall the other day I took the time to witness and really pay attention to the choices of my fellow patrons , and, too, the business owners.
It seems interesting to me to note that in a thoroughly consumeristic experience like a mall, one can easily see that the choices are made to entice consumers by appealing to supply exactly what they will buy. There is no conscientious decision here other than of course providing what will sell. And customers are perfectly happy with that because it is what is conventional, normal. Do any of them realize they are being led? They think they are making choices where they aren't? Simply following the guidance of majority?
The experience is no different in the food court. Whatever is tastiest, cost competitive, and quickest seems to be the going fare. It takes a real risk on the part of a business owner to stand for his values and open something that may be outside of status quo...and those are just the people we want to seek out.
Extreme Pita is just such a place....and at least for the, it's working. And it should. My experience with them was gratifying and oh so satisfying. What a great group of people! They not only do their jobs, but I could tell in the short conversation and my observation of them that they believe in what they are selling. The man I spoke to as he was serving it up said that people have been wanting what they are selling. As we spoke about people wanting to choose options that suited their bodies better, healthier and more sustainable, and having a purpose in their body, other customers in line were nodding agreement, emphatically I might add. We talked quickly and briefly of being a parent wanting to feed their child something quick, affordable, but also healthy options and that was a real struggle with the rest of the food court options. We talked about having a long busy day at the mall, but then there being very limited options for those of us that are health conscious, and think of the employees of the mall! The options are few and far between.
Not only does Extreme Pita offer fresh vegetables, but they can make any of their pitas into salads, make them grain or gluten free. They also have real smoothies, made from real ingredients, not just syrupy sweet fruit lookalike concoctions. They are not only fruit, but the greens and proteins the health conscious are looking for. We chose "spinango" and it was delicious...approved by the little man!
I LOVE that it's not just another salad option. The entrees are flavorful and you can feel good knowing what you are eating.
Not only are they a fantastic option for those that CHOOSE healthy options, but they are flavorful and a changeup for those that are just looking for taste. It's an option outside of grease and pizza and we like that!
Thumbs up for great customer service, for caring about what you are selling, for wanting better for our world, we recognize Extreme Pita - St. Cloud!
]]>Fast forward to present day and more and more restaurants are paying intention to the growing movement of gluten free idealism and/or necessity. Desiree, manager at the Green Mill in Willmar, MN said more and more customers are asking for gluten free, vegetarian choices and/or healthier options in general.
Once you identify a place as somewhere on your no-no list, you find yourself not re-checking. Now, as I am on this mission to help health seekers and the dietary restricted to find delicious food safe places for them to eat, I am finding more and more restaurants that are adapting, and on top of that, are WILLING to make the experience enjoyable.
Over the weekend I FINALLLY got to try the iconic Green Mill pizza, in the gluten free form, not in the St. Cloud location, but in Willmar, MN.
Here's the rundown. I took a picture of the menu when we arrived and as you can see, there are multiple strictly gluten free options that are actually chef quality, in it's own easy to find section of the menu, I might add. I was impressed. While I was there with young members of my family, however, I opted away from an entree and decided on pizza instead.
The crust is a made and purchased Udi's brand. On top of which are authentic Green Mill toppings and sauces. That makes a difference to me, because the worst experience when you want pizza is to go to places where they cut open a bagged frozen gluten free pizza, warm it and serve it on a plate. Yuck. I wanted a RESTAURANT experience, with a taste of a chef's delight and flavor. I certainly don't want to pay top dollar for a frozen makeshift substitution. However, when you are limited in diet, you often simply are grateful there is ANY option - period.
So I was grateful to discover the toppings were authentico - Green Mill.
However, and this is common...the specialty, awesome, delicious looking yummo masterpieces in the beautiful color brochure...yep, could NOT be used on a gluten free crust. Bummer on having to accept substitutions and 2nd best, but at least there is an option at all.
AND... I understand, it is a problem restaurants face...they have no idea how sensitive the diet restricted person is and so for liability, must do things to ensure the safety against cross contamination, whether that be serving it in it's own plastic bag, or with a generic crust and restricted toppings. I WOULD LOVE to help more restaurants by showing them how they can avoid this pitfall and give their more choosy customers a delightful restaurant experience. But ho hum, this is not Green Mill's fault, and merely a current status quo.
I will say, our caretakers, wait staff Brooke, and manager Desiree, were MORE than happy to see to our pleasure and answer any and all questions I had. It was a great experience in that sense and obvious from my discussion with Desiree that there is not only a need on the part of customers to have optional menus, but also on the very agreeable willingness on the part of Green Mill and their management to provide the options. Big thumbs up. (It's a major downer to be seen as a "problem" and often times diet restricted people get placed in this category. We hate being a burden).
They had made accommodations to their meal offerings, as noted in the menu with a convenient and easy to spot GF symbol. Big thumbs up. They offered a gluten free pizza, which surprisingly is very lack among many restaurants. Yep, thumbs up.
One thing that I have noticed as I have being doing this travel eats blog is that I should NEVER assume what I think the restaurant will be able to offer. I was pleasantly surprised indeed as Desiree told me they even adapt and are capable of making a vegetarian calzone if asked. Very cool! I was pleasantly surprised.
What they could do better:
Yes, I wish the picturesque delicacies were offered in the gluten free option. It is a super crush everywhere you go to have to settle for less on flavor, quality and quantity compared to the regular menu. I'm not going to complain, many restaurants are trying, where years ago, there weren't even options.
Oops, there were bread crumbs on my salad when it arrived. I am not going to fault them, to be noted, I never told them I was gluten free. Just because I ordered a gluten free option does not necessarily make somebody aware of everywhere else gluten would be found. If I were still that sensitive, it is my responsibility, nobody else's to ensure my safety. I can say that, though, because I am no longer in dire straits if I am subjected to bits of crumbs. I can simply remove them; others are not that lucky. Which leads me to believe wholeheartedly that staff needs to be trained by a professional aware of food sensitivities, intolerances, allergies and anaphylaxis, exactly what they should know when serving such a customer. People like me can help. I'm educated AND I've been there, I love helping adapt a menu and educate on how they can incorporate fantastic foods and provide a safe experience.
Overall, I was delighted by the experience and the attendance to my questions. Would I crave the pizza? Nah, but I'm certainly happy to know where I can go when the gang wants to order pizza. Also, I was psyched to know they deliver. Yay! Gluten free availability, AND you'll deliver to my hotel. Awesome.
In addition, as far as the rest of the gluten free options, I would definitely go back to sample them. It is with good feelings that I impart to you, the health seeker or diet restricted person, to definitely test your desires in this iconic establishment.
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Quarks has a culinary simplicity that I love. It brings you back to the necessities of food, while having convenience, and flavorful zaps of flavor to augment your palate.
It is a great option for a multitude of necessary dietary modifications, and all are flavorful.
There are white and brown rice bowls and balls for those that are gluten free, and there are also cabbage wraps if you are one of the polysaccharide conscious dieters out there in the paleo or SCD realm. If you ARE looking for grain free, you can do that with ease as you don't have to worry about any processing or preserving that would make you otherwise question the ingredients.
It is simplicity at it's pure and flavorful finest. There are no special recipes (other than the sauces that they create) so there is no magical cooking experience, but I enjoyed that it is pure food you can trust.
For those that love raw style, other than the rice, it is all raw food. They also have wonderful drink concoctions with a purpose, and if you know what Dr. Foodie loves, it's foods with a function and I love knowing what I'm getting when I eat a food. The drinks are not sugar laden sappy fillers, but fresh infusions and teas and tasty at that!
Now, when we walked in, those that were working didn't know me from Adam, but right away the gentleman saw my three year old tearful and bloodied. He had just fallen on the concrete and even though it had nothing to do with his business, was entirely out of his responsibility and didn't even happen at his store, he went out of his way to get him comfortable with an ice pack. I fully believe that the pleasant experience of the customer and the basic compassion of good service along with the benefits of healthy eating is truly the foundation for this very welcome addition to downtown St. Cloud
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