How to be #GlutenFree in Cola

Let’s start by answering the real question here: WTH is gluten? Gluten is the protein compound that helps foods maintain their elasticity + shape. It’s found in wheat, rye, barley, and any crossbreeds of those grains.

Why go gluten-free? Recent diet fads (ahem, paleo) seem to antagonize gluten. A common misconception is that a gluten-free diet is a healthier diet for everyone. However, doctors only recommend cutting out gluten if you have been diagnosed with celiac disease (a.k.a. gluten tears up your gut).

Gluten-free (a.k.a. GF on a lot of menus) may not always be the easiest choice, but it can definitely be just as (if not more) delicious than options containing gluten.

But: Don’t think for one second that a gluten-free diet is always super healthy – just try the gluten-free burgers options at Smashburger 🍔... On the other hand, if you want a lighter option, try Bourbon’s Roasted Vegetable Platter. (It’s just as tasty, I promise.)

Last week, I discovered that Publico offers their tacos in lettuce wraps (obviously GF) – and DYK that a ton of local pizza places offer GF crust? Like Mellow Mushroom, Old Chicago + Uncle Maddio’s.

Cupcake DownSouth on Lincoln St. in the Vista has GF cupcakes. Now we have you thinking about dessert at 6 a.m.

Need more options? Here are some of our favorite GF picks around town.

Deviled Eggs | The War Mouth | 1209 Franklin St. | Tuesday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-12 a.m. + Sunday 12-3 p.m. (closed on Monday) 🥚

Gluten-friendly pancakes | Eggs Up Grill | 2930 Devine St. | 6 a.m.-2 p.m. 🥞

Brie + Apple Butter on gluten-free cinnamon bread | Drip on Main | 1441 Main St. | Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m. + Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Pro tip: you can make any item gluten-free by subbing the bread for $1.

Burrito Bowl with rice, beans, mixed greens, salsa, guacamole, cashew sour cream, nacho cheese + corn salad | Good Life Cafe |1614 Main St. | 7 a.m.-10 p.m. + Sunday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. 🥙

Chicken, Shrimp, Veggie or Salmon Kabobs | Zoe’s Kitchen | Monday-Friday 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. (closed Tuesday, Saturday + Sunday)

Sides plate (choose four vegan, comfort food fixin’s – from purple cabbage to black eyed peas) | Lamb’s Bread Vegan Cafe | 2338 Main St. | Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Roasted Chicken Taco on a corn tortilla | Cantina 76 | 1301 Main St. + 2901 Devine St. | hours vary 🌮

Bacon Wrapped Scallops | Pasta Fresca | 4722 Forest Dr. | Sunday-Thursday 4:30-10 p.m. + Friday-Saturday 4:30-10:30 p.m.

Blue Salad | Cool Beans Coffee Company | 1217 College St. | Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-12 a.m. + Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m.-12 a.m.

Tuna Plate | Immaculate Consumption | 933 Main St. | Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (closed Saturday + Sunday) 🐟

House Oysters | Pearlz Oyster Bar | 936 Gervais St. | Monday-Thursday 4 p.m.-12 a.m., Friday 4 p.m.-2 a.m., Saturday 12 p.m.- 2 a.m. + Sunday 12 p.m.-12 a.m.

My fav pick from their gluten-free menu

Ahi Tuna | Blue Marlin | 1200 Lincoln St. | Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-10 p.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. + Sunday 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Seared Atlantic Salmon Salad | Motor Supply Co. | 920 Gervais St. | Tuesday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5:30-9:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5:30-10:30 p.m. + Sunday 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5:30-9 p.m.

Caprese | il Giorgione | 2406 Devine St. | Tuesday and Saturday 5:30-10 p.m. + Wednesday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. (closed Sunday and Monday) 🍅

Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocado Salad | Spotted Salamander | 1531 Richland St. | Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (closed on Saturday + Sunday)

Juices (my fav is the spicy lemonade 🔥) at Southern Squeezed | 1135 Lady St. | Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m.-7 p.m. + Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (closed Sunday + Monday)

Remember: Many Cola restaurants try to be accommodating to gluten intolerance and other allergies, but it’s super important to ask about food preparation to avoid potential cross-contamination.

If you are feeling inspired and want to make your own meals, shop at Crave Artisan Market, Rosewood Market or Old Timey Meats for supplies.

You can learn more about the #glutenfreelifestyle by checking out the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America.

Do you have a favorite gluten-free dish in Cola? You know what to do. 📩

– Mariah