Restaurants – Page 18 – The Celiathlete

January 21, 2012

Puccini’s Smiling Teeth serves up (gluten-free) slices of happiness

Restaurant: Puccini’s Smiling Teeth, Louisville, Kentucky

Puccini’s Smiling Teeth. Sounds like a dentist office, yes? Well, my dear friends…it’s anything but a dentist office. It’s better than a dentist office. In fact, this happens to be a local restaurant chain (based out of Indianapolis, Indiana, with a few restaurants scattered throughout Indiana in West Lafayette, Caramel, Fishers, and Bloomington, and locations in Kentucky in Louisville and Lexington). What does it serve? Happiness.

Why happiness? Because this is one of the few dining establishments in this area that have a dedicated gluten-free menu and a staff that is properly trained to make gluten-free meals and protect against cross-contamination. For someone like me…this is pure, foodie joy.

I’d heard about Puccini’s many times. Driven past it even more. But, today, my roommate and I finally made the call to try it out. After all…it’s not every day I can have gluten-free pizza that isn’t frozen or out of a mix.

Did I mention they serve happiness?

We arrived just as they opened. I’m not kidding. They were just unlocking the door as we walked up. How is that for timing? We were greeted pleasantly and shown to a table, where we placed our drink orders and perused the menu. I had a great view of the kitchen from where I was seated and was a bit distracted watching the prep of fresh ingredients. Gotta love that. Nothing bagged here. I saw them chopping fresh vegetables for their salads, pastas and pizzas. Yes…this was already boding well. And the delicious smell of Italian food was filling the restaurant already. My rumbling tummy was ready to place an order so we could eat.

We decided to split one of the vegetarian signature pizzas on the menu at Puccini’s Smiling Teeth. It was the Paparazzi Pizza ($11.55), which we (of course) ordered with the gluten-free rice flour pizza crust (a 10-1/2 inch pizza for the same price as a regular medium (12 inch) pizza…not bad!). So what all is on the Paparazzi Pizza? Cheese. Lots of cheese. It starts with Puccini’s very own regular cheese blend, and adds to the mix Gorgonzola and Ricotta. A pizza that not only satisfied the gluten-intolerant side of me, but the vegetarian side too. We placed our order and after a short wait, it arrived in all it’s heavenly, cheesy glory.

The crust was a perfect golden brown, baked to a crispy thin-crust perfection. The cheese was a melty mix of…well…happiness. I had to photograph it for the blog, and my roommate waited impatiently before dishing herself up a slice. I followed suit and soon we were noshing on our first, smooth, creamy, epically delicious bite of gluten-free, cheesy happiness!

Remember…they serve happiness.

I never would have thought to put ricotta cheese on a pizza. Not sure why…as it is the foundation of many an Italian dish. What I discovered was it adds a smooth, creamy, rich texture that blends well with the other cheeses and intensifies the (staff-selected gluten-free) sauce. Oh, yes…the cooks and staff have been trained to help prepare any meal with a proper and perfect gluten-free sauce. This was simple tomato and it was just a light blend, tomato chunks still evident…giving this thin-crust pizza a pleasant, rustic feel.

Happiness in pizza form. The star of the pizza was that Ricotta cheese. By far, one of my favorite toppings ever to be served on a pizza. The crust was delicious and light. I left, after consuming half of a 10-1/2 inch pizza without being stuffed to the max and feeling like I ate far too much for my own good. The glory of a light, thin-crust pizza is that it doesn’t fill you up with all the extra breading. The toppings are the star and that’s what should shine when pizza is involved anyway.

Pizza consumed…happiness achieved. I paid the bill and we set about for the rest of the day, happily contented with our meal and eager to go back and try it again…a different vegetarian topped pizza…or perhaps some gluten-free pasta next time (the gluten-free pastas are only $1.00 more than the regular!). I guess I’ll see what I’m in the mood for that day.

We left the restaurant happy…and it wasn’t just our teeth that were smiling.

If you happen to be in one of the areas that hosts one of these fantastic restaurants…go. Dine. If you have a gluten allergy…fear not, they are properly trained for that and can accommodate your dietary needs. Arrive hungry, leave happy.

January 16, 2012

Heine Brothers Coffee brings local, sustainable, fair-trade goodness to Louisville

Restaurant: Heine Brothers Coffee, Louisville, Kentucky

Buying local is good.

So, I have no explanation for the fact that, in the six years I have lived in the Louisville area, I have never once set foot in a Heine Brothers Coffee. With locations throughout Louisville, I see them, but often bypass them and then turn up at a Starbucks for my coffee fix.

I should be ashamed.

I am.

Here’s why:

Heine Brothers Coffee began in 1994 by Mike Mays and Gary Heine, who thought of coffee shops as local gathering spots where people could meet friends or family, unwind after work or school, and just relax. The two entrepreneurs then committed themselves and their business to operating as responsibly and sustainably as possible. Reducing the carbon footprint of a coffee shop is no easy task (I mean, how many people want their coffee to go…or even when drinking in, want a paper cup, not a mug?), but these two set out to achieve it and, by providing their shops with locally made food and products, as well as providing only fair-trade, organic coffee, they have succeeded.

Now, I prefer an espresso drink to a coffee drink anytime, but when I stopped in to Heine Brothers Coffee on a cold Saturday afternoon, I decided to be a little different and try something new. What I ordered was a simple Sugar-free Hazelnut Café Au Lait (or coffee with milk), made with soy milk. What they gave me was beyond amazing. First of all, Heine Brothers’ coffee is a different breed from any coffee you will have. Not only is it organic and fair-trade, but according to the Web site, it is roasted in a small-batch Sivetz coffee roaster, which basically floats the coffee beans on a bed of heated air in order to roast it. This method brings out the amazing flavors and aromas of the coffee that they brew in-store (and sell as well), always within weeks of their roasting date, so they remain fresh!

I have to say, this was one of the best flavored coffee drinks I have ever enjoyed. The coffee wasn’t too strong at all. The roasting method, I believe, meant the true flavor of the coffee came through, so that it wasn’t so overpowering in the flavor. I chose a sugar-free hazelnut syrup to pair with it, not wanting to over-sweeten it either. As for the soy milk…they frothed it to a foamy perfection and left it at a perfect temperature to sip and enjoy.

Yeah…I was really, really impressed with the practices and the drinks that come out of Heine Brothers Coffee. I am fortunate to have such a fabulous, conscientious, and well-established local chain in my area. Now that I’ve been there once, I’ll totally be back. I am a huge proponent of fair-trade and I think this coffee shop is doing it right.

Great product. Great causes. Great service. And in the end…great coffee.

If you happen through Louisville, Kentucky, and should the urge for a caffeine hit strike, find one of the Heine Brothers Coffee locations and give them a try. You’ll love what you find inside.

Heine Brothers Sugar-Free Hazelnut Soy Café Au Lait

January 9, 2012

Coffee is a delicious work of art at Quills Coffee

Restaurant: Quills Coffee, Louisville, Kentucky

It was a mild January morning when I stopped in at Quills Coffee Co. in Louisville, Kentucky. The quiet, unassuming coffee shop has been on my bucket list of places to try since I spotted them one day while eating at my favorite local Irish pub. They were hard to miss, situated right across the street from Molly Malone’s on Baxter Avenue.

For some reason, though, I just never made it over there. Until Saturday, when I had just finished running in the Frostbite 5K, an annual winter race in Louisville. The temperature was approaching 50 degrees. Frostbite…not so much.

But my morning had been frantic. Oversleeping, upset stomach, race…and now that everything had settled and the race was run, my roommate and I were gearing up to quickly make a couple of stops before heading back over the river to change and head out to Evansville, Indiana for back-to-back roller derby bouts with a friend of ours. Caffeine wasn’t necessary…it was essential.

We wandered into Quills and were greeted kindly by the staff behind the bar. We explained that it was our first time coming in and they said they would be happy to help us if we had any questions and to take our time looking at their drink menu. We did just that, pondering over what to try, and then, once set, we placed our orders. My roommate ordered a white chocolate mocha. And I went for the simple classic…a soy cappuccino.

Orders in, we settled in at a small, corner table and before we knew it…orders were up. First the white chocolate mocha, which, when I went to retrieve it, had beautiful art done in the milk. I mean…here is a company that loves its coffee. That is evident in the care and precision that goes into each cup. And all of it topped off with a fantastic design of some sort. Latte art…it’s my new obsession. A few moments later, my soy cappuccino was up, foamed to perfection and adorned with more latte art. A fern leaf on this one. It was love at first foam, I think.

Settling in, I had to take pictures. But my roommate was eager to get more caffeine into her system. She took a sip of her white chocolate mocha, not wanting to ruin the artwork, and looked beyond elated. She raved about the mesh of flavors. How the espresso wasn’t bitter at all, how the white chocolate was there, but not overpowering to the drink itself. And how rich it was. I opted to take a small sip…and yes…white chocolate nirvana. Achieved.

My soy cappuccino was calling my name, so I lifted my cup, admired the fine art in the foam once more, then took a sip. It was fantastic. The espresso shot was timed to perfection. Being a cappuccino, there is little room for error. If the shot runs too long, the espresso is strong and bitter. Too short, and it’s too weak. This tasted of espresso, accompanied by the steamed soy milk, topped off with a foamy layer of goodness. Oh yes…I do love my foam. You could call me obsessed with it. I don’t want whipped cream on any of my drinks…not even mochas. Give me foam any day and I’m a happy coffee connoisseur.

Inside Quills Coffee, Louisville, Kentucky

The atmosphere of Quills Coffee is fantastic. It had a lively buzz with customers of every age. Mothers sat with children. Young couples conversed over coffee. The older crowd sat near windows and read the paper while enjoying their cup of caffeinated goodness. It appeals to everyone. The dimly lit interior gives off that classic coffeehouse flair and the decor is minimal. Keeping it simple is the perfect way to highlight the important part – the drinks.

If you live in or near Louisville, Kentucky…I urge you to stop in at Quills Coffee and check them out. And if right now crossing the river from Indiana seems daunting, never fear…Quills just opened up a New Albany branch, dangerously close to where I work, on Market Street. And, unlike New Albany’s other coffee shops, it seems this one is open up like a normal one…until about 10 p.m. If nothing else, the Louisville one is. Which means…I can go to a local place and get a steaming cup of…whatever I am craving…and not have to hit up Starbucks in our local grocery store.

Do you realize how happy this makes me?

Quills Coffee is all about bringing great service to the area and providing a fantastic product, not just to the regulars, but to newbies like me. And for that, I felt beyond welcome, and extremely satisfied with the company. Need a fantastic coffee fix, I highly recommend trying out Quills Coffee. Treat yourself to something good…topped off with a little latte art full of coffee TLC.

January 6, 2012

Irish-themed New Years topped off with fantastic food at Fadó Irish Pub

Restaurant: Fadó Irish Pub, Columbus, Ohio

Brace yourselves.

I know. An Irish pub. Shock, right?

Well, it was the perfect way to wind down after a fun-filled New Years spent with my roommate and my friend Jenn, the two who accompanied me to Ireland last year to ring in the New Year at The Clarence Hotel in Dublin, Ireland. Another trip like that was definitely not in the cards or the budget this year, so instead, we gathered in Columbus at Jenn’s house and created our own “Remember The Octagon” (in honor of The Octagon Bar in The Clarence Hotel…where we spent many an evening…AND New Years Eve at midnight last year!) Irish-themed New Year celebration.

We watched movies that dealt with Ireland (Waking Ned Devine and P.S. I Love You) and with Irish people in them (Bend It Like Beckham), tuned in for the ball drop, ate grown up milk shakes (where the “milk” is Prosecco), played games, laughed, and just had the time of our lives. Second best New Year’s ever!

And the next day, keeping with the theme, we opted to lunch out at Fadó Irish Pub.

We were told just to take a seat anywhere, as you would in Ireland, so we settled in toward the back room near a fireplace. Warm! Cozy. And despite the campy Irish decorations that littered the walls, the pub was quite relaxing and the perfect place to settle. Our waitress gave us some menus and took our drink orders and we began to decide what to eat.

Now, I’ve eaten at Fadó in Chicago and LOVED it. This was prior to becoming a vegetarian and definitely before I had to cut gluten out of my diet. So now, I was definitely looking at the menu with new eyes. While my two cohorts settled in for the lunch portion of fish and chips ($9.95), I decided to give the Farmhouse Salad ($6.95) (no croutons!) a whirl, and added some carbs to my diet with an order of their sweet potato fries ($6.00).

We chatted a little bit, reminiscing about Ireland for awhile, and when our food arrived, we settled in to eat. My two friends totally dug the fish and chips. I stole one of the fries from my roommate’s plate and immediately regretted getting the sweet potato fries. While I am a sucker for sweet potato fries, the regular thick-cut wedge fries were so amazing. Weird for me to say, as I usually can’t stand wedge fries. My sweet potato fries were decent though. Not soggy. Fresh cut, seasoned great. They were just…what they were – sweet potato fries. Their only handicap was that they were just…not as great as the regular fries. So, next time I go to Fadó, I know to stick with regular fries because…they were amazing. I had to steal a few more as I was eating because they just blew the sweet potato ones out of the fryer. *giggle*

The Farmhouse Salad is your typical, run-of-the-mill salad. Nothing fancy. But it was done right. The salad is composed of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions and cheddar cheese. Simple. Basic. I could make it at home. But it was good. I chose the balsamic vinaigrette dressing to top it off with. And they gave it to me on the side instead of dousing my salad in it. I appreciated that too. When something as simple as a salad in a light vinaigrette dressing is the highlight of my meal, then the ingredients are definitely at the peak of freshness, and the combination works. I love salad as it is, so when it is something I can replicate at home…all the better. I think my only complaint would be the size of the salad for the price tag it came with. I actually expected more. But, it ended up being the perfect amount with the sweet potato fries on the side. We polished off our drinks and paid the bill, lingering in the corner by the fireplace a little longer. Soaking in our last bit of Ireland for the weekend.

Fadó is a great Irish Pub. It’s not authentic by any means…and can seem a bit campy, but it’s a great substitute for the real thing. I’ve never had a bad experience there. The food is amazing (even the salads!), the staff is friendly, the bar is beautiful, they serve Magners (in a bottle). When you can’t go to Ireland, taking yourself to a place where you can at least feel Irish is an amazing thing. I know Fadó has 14 locations throughout the United States…so if you are near one or going to be visiting an area with one…stop in for a pint or some grub. You won’t be disappointed!

January 5, 2012

Meat + 3 establishment = fantastic salad for me at Bernie’s on Main Street

Restaurant: Bernie’s on Main Street, Columbiana, Alabama

I know.

Hold the phone, right? Bernie’s on Main Street in Columbiana, Alabama is classic Southern cooking. Meat and three. Veggies are a side item. So…why is a vegetarian going there?

Because, like most fine establishments, there is more to meet the eye in this beautiful restaurant. It was the place my sister chose to meet up for lunch when I got into town for the holidays. Her husband and I had just attempted some shopping, and failed miserably, so we stopped by her office to pick her up and go eat a delicious lunch together. There is an extremely limited selection of restaurants in Columbiana, and this one wad certainly intriguing.

At lunch, Bernie’s on Main Street offers a standard lunch menu as well as a selection of hot items on the bar. My sister and her husband, being carnivores, went for the lunch bar. As I’m kind of limited with being a vegetarian as well as having a couple of food allergies, I stuck to the lunch menu and discovered that this meat-heavy destination has a fantastic selection and variety of salads.

So, I ordered the Mandarin Salad ($6.95) with a small side of the fries ($1.50) (as always…my go-to order!). And while my food longer to get than flying the lunch bar, it was well worth the wait.

Bernie's on Main Street's small order of fries

My food arrived and I loved the look of the salad. It was simple green lettuce, topped with slivered almonds, Feta cheese, cucumbers and, lastly, mandarin oranges. Normally served with croutons, they left those off at my request. And it came with a fantastic mandarin vinaigrette dressing, on the side, so I could put what I wanted on my salad and not have it just swimming in more dressing than I want. I didn’t even request that. They just made it happen! Fruit on salads are a huge love of mine. The combinations are endless and quite amazing. And this was no exception. The sweetness of the oranges paired perfectly with the almonds and the saltiness of the Feta cheese. It was fantastic all the way down to the last bite. And as for those fries…cooked to a crispy on the outside, but soft on the inside perfection. What more could a girl want out of lunch? Best part…I walked away quite full on just the large salad and small fries. Quite filling. Beyond good!

Bernie’s on Main Street is a very nice establishment. It’s got a great dining atmosphere…casual enough to take a family, but dressed up enough to make you feel like you’re in a fine restaurant. Even during the lunch hour. The staff is very nice and make sure you have everything you need. And everyone walked away satisfied. My sister told me that at night, it transforms into a high-class, dress-up to dine establishment. How awesome is that?

Meat + 3 establishments are not difficult to navigate, despite not eating meat and having food sensitivities. I had a fantastic and safe dining experience at Bernie’s on Main Street. But I think a lot of my joy came with regard to the people I was dining with. I had definitely missed spending time with my sister! She and her husband were, as always, fantastic.

Good food and time with family. Now that’s a recipe for success. Bernie’s on Main Street provided the perfect setting with amazing food.

Bernie's on Main Street's Mandarin Salad (no croutons)

December 29, 2011December 29, 2011

Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant plates up classic fine dining in Louisville

Restaurant: Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant, Louisville, Kentucky

It was the weekend before Christmas and one thing was missing from my life. Nope, not a gift. A fine dining experience. And getting in somewhere in Louisville, Kentucky on the last Saturday before the Christmas holiday is no easy task. I had actually tried a different restaurant first but they were booked (no surprise). So, the great fine dining restaurant quest began and I ended up hitting the jackpot in the end.

The place – Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant in downtown Louisville, Kentucky.

The atmosphere – Classic, Renaissance-style, high ceilings, low lights, stunning.

And it doesn’t stop there. The staff is done up to the nines here. While there were plenty of diners dressed in jeans, I would have felt out of place had I not dressed up for my dining experience. The hostesses are dressed all in black and keep watch over the bar, letting patrons know if there will be a wait and that they will be seated in just a few moments. The waiters and waitresses…all adorned in tuxedos.

We were seated after a very short wait at a small table near the back. The menus were laid out before us and we were asked if we would like some wine with our meal. We politely declined and opted for water. And then…the difficult task of choosing something from the menu began. It all sounded so good. And despite being a vegetarian with a gluten intolerance, there was plenty for me to choose from at Vincenzo’s. How about that? Fine dining, Italian…and I am not limited to just a salad. That was a nice treat indeed.

And so, I ended up ordering the Insalatina Caprese ($9.95), which was a simply a salad made by layering slices of fresh mozzarella cheese between a tomato, topped with olive oil, cracked pepper, and fresh basil. A light drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette finished off the plate. I must admit, this was the first time my caprese salad ever was stacked. The plate looked fantastic. I delicately picked up my fork and knife and began to carve my way through the stacked tomato and cheese, touching it off with a gentle tap into the drizzled dressing. The flavors were astounding. The cheese was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The basil was a nice touch, instead of the normal greens. Herbs add so much to a salad. I wish they were used more. And the tomato was at the perfect level of ripeness so that when it was sliced, juices didn’t run everywhere. It won me over with presentation, but it totally blew away every past caprese salad I ever had with flavor. This salad was loaded with it. Something so simple…and yet…so amazing on the palate. I knew I was in for a treat that night.

Since I am a gluten-intolerant vegetarian, the normal go-to for vegetarians (pastas!) were not an option for me. What I ended up ordering was exactly what I wanted, however. The Risottino Con Funghi ($22.95), which consists of Arborio rice with saffron, tossed with wild mushrooms and adorned with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. The risottos are on the menu as an appetizer, but the waitress said it could be prepared at an entrée size. I was quite pleased with this. I was even more surprised when, after a wait and some good conversation, our waitress and waiter (he was training) came to our table with pans and a cart. The burners were lit, and the food was finished off table side. What a treat. I got to see the risotto get tossed, warmed, and then plated right in front of me. My roommate’s ravioli prepped the same way. I love this stuff! The risotto was placed in front of me and then dusted with a nice helping of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (only the best!). We were then left to our food.

This risotto was perfectly prepared. It was the perfect level of al dente, so that the rice was at the right level of starchiness without being undercooked and hard or overcooked and mushy. It was full of rich flavors. The saffron was a nice touch to the dish. And the mushrooms were complimented by everything in there. The entree size was perfect for me as my meal. And I savored every flavorful bite. Honestly, I’ve had risottos in other establishments before, but this one was fantastic. There was just a hint of spice to each bite and the different textures kept it interesting. Who needs pasta at an Italian restaurant? Give me a vegetarian risotto any day. Especially if it is this one.

Our waiter inquired with us after we finished out dessert. We did say we would love to look at the menu. The dessert menu, mind you, is a tray that is plated with the desserts being offered that evening. This consisted of a variety of cakes and pies as well as a trio of cannoli. Not much there for someone with my food allergies. And yet, when this was mentioned, our waiter immediately said that ice cream and sorbets were available as well. I was pleased with this choice and while my roommate opted for cannoli, I treated myself to a sorbet ($8.50). The waiter gave me a flavor choice of lemon or orange. I almost chose lemon, but opted for orange. After the dessert order was placed, the waiter returned a moment later to apologize, letting me know that they did not have orange sorbet that evening, but it was raspberry. Fine by me…I was quite happy to go with raspberry instead.

The sorbet, mind you, was delivered to me in a wine glass. It looked fantastic. Very vibrant color and a healthy portion too. I was expecting a beautiful scoop in a bowl, but I most certainly to Vincenzo’s fine dining flair. The sorbet was delicious. The raspberry was just the right level of sweet, and each scoop was soft and easy to wrangle in the glass. Sometimes sorbets can get too frozen, but this one was creamy, smooth, and flooded with flavor.

We finished off the evening with a bit of light conversation at the table and some hot tea ($4.95). And when we were done, our waitress delivered the bill. We paid, lingered a moment more to take in the atmosphere, and then reluctantly put on our coats and went to retrieve our vehicle from the free valet parking.

Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant is classic fine dining at its best. Tuxedos, table side food prep, and fantastic service. So many fine dining establishments these days make a name for themselves by giving food a twist. But, Vincenzo’s is all about the classics. Why mess with something that is already good? I was blown away by not only the food, but the atmosphere and service at Vincenzo’s. If you are looking for great Italian food while in the Louisville area, I encourage you to step away from the chain restaurants, dress up, and treat yourself to an unforgettable evening of classic Italian dishes done right. Have a taste of Italy right in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky. You owe it to yourself to dine at this restaurant.

Vincenzo's Risottino Con Funghi (entrée portion)

December 15, 2011

North End Café serves up a delicious helping of health conscious, local eats

Restaurant: North End Café, Louisville, Kentucky

The North End Café is a place I’ve been wanting to get friends to for years now. No, seriously. My first experience there was with co-workers, as it was the place they chose to take me for my farewell lunch on my last day in the office after a layoff. I was thrilled with the company and totally blown away by the food.

I mentioned the place countless times to my roommate and other visiting friends, but the suggestion often fell to the wayside and another restaurant was chosen. But, I was invited to a holiday reception for Louisville’s Colon Cancer Research Project, which happened to be hosted at the North End Café. My roommate accompanied me to the event and was quite excited about the food they offered as appetizers and as part of the meal. She was so enamored that she suggested we dine there for lunch after my upcoming race. And that…is exactly what we did.

A little bit of history on this fantastic dining spot. The North End Café is located on Historic Frankfort Avenue and is considered one of Louisville’s premier restaurants. It’s no secret as to why. The ambiance is fun. In fact, the actual restaurant itself decorated with artwork from Louisville’s own up-and-coming artists. It’s a fun, quirky, yet sophisticated setting. They feature a changing menu, as it is based on what is fresh and in season. And they take traditional items and put a health conscious spin on each dish. Even more exciting is that the restaurant makes a point of buying products from local growers, as well as growing their own fresh vegetables and fresh herbs in their own multi-acre garden in Simpsonville, Kentucky. Not only is their menu versatile, they offer organic, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

What finally won my roommate over in feasting at this restaurant was what she sampled at the reception. But she was truly won over when we ate lunch there. We only had a short 10 minute wait. I love seeing how popular restaurants are. We hit here right at the lunch hour on a Saturday, so a 10 minute wait was nothing out of the norm. We were seated promptly and handed menus to look over. I inquired with our waitress about gluten-free options and she brought me out a sheet of paper with all their gluten-free foods and how to make certain dishes gluten-free. Again, how I wish more restaurants would do this sort of thing.

My roommate settled on the Ribeye Sandwich ($8.99) and I opted for the Garden Burger ($7.99). And yes, this vegetarian patty is completely gluten-free. (Cue the sound of angels singing now!). I, naturally, ordered it without the bread, with the side of fries. The actual sandwich itself is served with lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese and guacamole.

We waited for awhile, taking in the local art and the atmosphere (it was alive and buzzing all around us) of the restaurant until our food arrived. I have to say, I loved the look of the food. So, this definitely boded well for the taste. As I wasn’t disappointed on my previous experience, I couldn’t wait to dig in.

So, I sliced up my Garden Burger, dipped my fork into some guacamole, and took my first bite. The burger was done to perfection. A lot of time, vegetarian burgers get dried out by cooking time, but this was far from dry. The cheese was a nice touch and added a perfect hint of flavor to the patty. All the vegetables were fresh, crisp, and ripe. Nothing was soggy, mushy, or not cooked right. The guacamole was creamy and delicious. It had just the right hint of sweetness to it and really complimented the other flavors in the Garden Burger. I was more than happy with my lunch choice. And then…there were the fries. These fries, obviously hand cut, were cooked to perfection. Crispy on the outside with a soft center. Oh. My. God. Fries are one of my favorite things in the world and a lot of times, I can’t get them at restaurants due to a shared frier. But at the North End Café, they are on the gluten-free menu. So, yes…I loved being able to indulge and enjoy them!

I polished off my plate and my roommate did the same with hers. We had an amazing meal, within great surroundings, and had great conversation.

The North End Café is a great place to eat. I highly recommend going there and giving their food a try. No one I know has been disappointed yet. And, aside from local eats, they serve up a healthier plate to their patrons. What’s not to love about that? Good, old-fashioned comfort food with a healthy twist. I can get on board with that.

I can’t wait to get back to the North End Café and try something else. It’s delicious. It’s local. It’s one of my highlight dining experiences. If you live in or around Louisville, Kentucky, or might be traveling through, stop in for some food. You’ll be won over too. I guarantee it.

North End Café's Garden Burger (no bun) with fries

November 26, 2011

Surviving Black Friday with amazing pub grub at The Pub

Restaurant: The Pub, Lexington, Kentucky

Black Friday.

It’s tradition. Wake up early, hit up some stores in the area, grab the first Starbucks Peppermint Mocha of the season, grab something fast for breakfast while out, and head to Lexington, Kentucky. Hit up the big mall there. Work up an appetite. Eat at The Pub.

The Pub has a few locations in Ohio, Kentucky and Florida. In fact, there is one in Louisville, Kentucky…just across the river from me. But traditionally speaking, the go-to restaurant on Black Friday for my roommate and I for the past three years has been The Pub in Lexington. Why mess with a good thing?

A little background on The Pub…this isn’t an Irish pub in any way. This small chain is British pub all the way. The waitresses and waiters wear kilts and a variety of t-shirts for the restaurant itself. The menu is British based, but with an American flair. They recently added a Gastropub Plates section to their menu. And traditional pub grub definitely permeates the pages throughout, with the last half of the menu dedicated strictly to their beers, lagers, ales, wines, mixed drinks, etc.

This was my second year navigating their menu as a vegetarian. That’s really not difficult. It’s navigating the menu as a gluten-intolerant vegetarian that makes it tricky. So, normally my decision would be easy, I had to really pour over the menu before deciding on what I was going to eat. Thankfully, my roommate knew what she was getting and could help me out a little. While she got her pub go-to of fish and chips ($13.50), I ordered the Spinach Chopped Salad (no bacon) ($7.95)with a side of the fries ($1.95).

Our fantastic waitress, Ashely, asked if I wanted to substitute any other meat on the salad, and I explained I was a vegetarian, so she laughed and said that she would make sure no meat touched my plate. I thanked her and she went to put the order in.

Our food arrived after a little wait. That meant it was cooked and made to order and not just slapped down on a plate and put together. My roomie flipped open the ketchup bottle, loaded up her plate and went to town on her fish and chips.

My salad looked fantastic. The Spinach Salad is a bed of chopped fresh spinach with hard boiled egg, onion, and dried cranberries, tossed in a maple-balsamic dressing. It normally comes with the addition of peppered bacon, but my vegetarianism nixed that addition and they were more than happy to comply. The hard boiled egg was a great addition to the salad, adding a bit of texture and flavor to it. The cranberries were on the proper level of sweet, pairing SO well with the mild spinach and the tender bite of the onion. And the salad was only lightly dressed, so it wasn’t swimming in a pool of dressing, which is always preferred in my book.

One bite, and I knew this salad was the right way to go. It was fantastic. Each bite had a different level of flavor, different textures, and kept the palate interested. It wasn’t just another salad. It had unique flavor combinations, and I found myself wanting to make sure I got a little of everything in each forkful.

As for the side of steak fries…well…that was a nice surprise indeed. First of all, I should mention that steak fries are my least favorite type of fries out there. They are too potato-y in texture and way too soft for my liking. Granted, they are the healthiest (yes…healthy fries) type of french fry to enjoy, but I like a bit of a crisp crunch to mine. That being said, I gave it a go and found that when not overly seasoned and when fried just right, steak fries can be good. They were the highlight of my roommate’s fish and chips meal, and they definitely were a nice addition to mine. Just the right amount of salt, a gentle sprinkling of black pepper…and even a bit of a crisp outside to them. Still potato-y in the center, but it was not soft and soggy as some tend to get. I savored them down to the last one.

Navigating menus as a gluten-intolerant vegetarian isn’t always easy. A lot of times, one of the salads gets my attention. I’m okay with that if it’s a fantastic, new, exciting flavor for me. The Pub offered up the right level of flavor, a unique mix, and a delicious dressing, with a side of fantastic fries. I totally can’t wait to go back next year and do it all over again.

The Pub's Spinach Chopped Salad (sans bacon) w/ a side of fries

November 20, 2011November 20, 2011

Earth Friends Café serves up a winning breakfast every Saturday

Restaurant: Earth Friends Café, New Albany, Indiana

Psst.

To all my readers who live in or around or might be traveling through the New Albany, Indiana/Louisville, Kentucky area. I have a little-known secret for you that I’m just dying to share. Why? Because it’s worthy of sharing. And if you’re coming into the New Albany area via Louisville…it’s even worth braving the bridge traffic for. I promise.

The day: Every Saturday.

The motivation: Breakfast.

The place: Earth Friends Café.

Did you get that? Did you write it down in black Sharpie and paste it to the dashboard of your car so you remember? If not. Do it now. I’ll wait.

…

Okay…good.

Now you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. Well, a couple weeks back I ventured into Earth Friends Café for lunch with my roommate. What I found was a great little place with wooden tables, colorful little vases, posters and fliers for local causes, amazing coffee, great food, fantastic service, great people, and a calm, laid-back café atmosphere. It was my first time in there and the staff made me feel like a regular. That doesn’t happen at your chain restaurants. Hell, that doesn’t happen at most local haunts either.

But that’s what separates Earth Friends Café from other places in the area. New Albany, Indiana has a hidden gem here. I call it a hidden gem simply because it is tucked away behind the main drag of Grant Line Road. Blink and you’ll miss it. So, look for the signs and follow them there.

With such a great experience the day I was in there for lunch, I was very excited to venture that way for breakfast. And it was the morning of one of my races, which was happening later that evening under the moonlight in Indianapolis. So I needed something that would give me energy…but still fit into my sometimes very restrictive diet.

Stacie, the owner of this café, makes Belgian waffles every morning. And they come in a variety of different flavors, so you need to be sure to inquire what kind is being served that day. The waffles are vegan. And…she keeps Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free flour on hand at all times…so making me a gluten-free waffle just meant waiting a little longer for my food. I was more than happy to wait. While I did, I was able to sip on my peppermint mocha, made with almond milk (another great reason to stop in…especially if you can be sensitive to soy and can’t have dairy milk (the dairy they have, however, is organic!)…because you get the option of almond milk or coconut milk) and served at the perfect temperature.

The breakfast menu is simple. Oatmeal, yogurts, fruits, Belgian waffles (vegan), Tofu Scramble Chili Tacos (vegan), a Ham and Cheddar Panini, a Banini (Banana, local honey, peanut butter, and organic chocolate on wheat bread), and more. Something for everyone. That’s what I love about this place. It’s not a vegan/vegetarian restaurant, but it offers those options. If you are a carnivore and must have your meat…they have something for you. If you have a gluten-allergy…they have something for you. If you are a vegan/vegetarian…they have something for you. When you can span the entire food spectrum on a one-page menu…you are doing something brilliant.

The morning I was there…it was the last day they were offering the Pumpkin with Sugared Pecans Belgian Waffle ($6.95). That sounded brilliant, so that’s what I ordered…done gluten-free of course. My roommate flipped a coin, trying to decide between the ham and cheddar panini and the tofu scramble chili tacos…and the tacos won.

We relaxed, chatted, and enjoyed the soundtrack of the morning provided by Adele’s “21” album over the speaker system. It was the perfect morning. And when the food arrived, I was ready to dig in and enjoy. The tacos my roommate got looked so delicious. And my waffle was fluffy and smelled incredible!

Vegan Tofu Scramble Chili Tacos with a side of Nacho Chips and Salsa

My roomate was eager to give the Tofu Scramble Chili Tacos ($7.95) a try. She’s a carnivore usually when we go out, but this morning, she was really feeling the tofu (thanks coin toss!). And she took a bite of the tacos and loved them. These were served up with a side of nacho chips and salsa (she raved about the salsa, so I tried it. It had a nice heat behind it, but a cooling flavor of lime to follow it up. YUM). And she also got a choice of fruit or yogurt with it. She went for the organic strawberry yogurt. And yes…she ate it all down to the very last bite.

And what about my waffle?

I immediately drizzled a bit of the maple syrup over it, grabbed my fork and dug in. That waffle should have come with a choir because it was the gospel. Honestly. If heaven could be served on a plate with a side of maple syrup, it would look and taste like this. This was my first real (not frozen) gluten-free waffle since I had to change up my diet. And this was the way to start back. The pumpkin flavor was perfect for the season, but what made this waffle crazy-delicious was the fact that the sugared pecans were baked into the batter. Not thrown on top as a garnish. No. The sugared pecans were an ingredient and therefore incorporated. Which meant that every bite, you got a bit of their sweet and crunchy presence. And pairing it with the pumpkin flavor made the entire waffle (and yes…I ate the entire plate-size thing on my own!) was a just enough to fill me up before my long day ahead of me and my run that night. I was full when I left, but not to the point of discomfort. These waffles are fluffy, but light. And they will definitely satisfy.

Alright, my friends…the secret is out. And this is one of those secrets that are meant to be shared. This area has been lacking this kind of a place for years now. We finally have it. And it is one of the friendliest, one of the best places around. If you want a bit of variety on food choices (vegan, vegetarian, meat, organic, local, etc), some great drinks (coffee, tea, espresso…and so many flavors, most also in sugar-free), and some amazing service…seek out Earth Friends Café.

Be it a stop in for a caffeine fix, some breakfast, some lunch, or both…I promise…you’ll want to share too. So tell your friends. Bring your friends. But go and enjoy! You’re in for a treat.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin with Sugared Pecans Belgian Waffle

November 13, 2011

Turning up the Irish flavor at RíRá Irish Pub

Restaurant: RíRá Irish Pub, Louisville, Kentucky

It was one of those days where I just wanted to treat myself. I had run a 10K in the morning, and then a 4K late in the afternoon. Energy stores were low. My tummy had a case of the rumblies. And I was ready to eat something filling, satisfying, gluten-free, and delicious. With all that running, I had earned that, right?

Normally, when it comes to pub grub, our first go-to spot is Molly Malone’s in Louisville, Kentucky. But, there was a big street festival going on right in front of Molly’s that night (part of the reason for the run), so we knew that it would be busy. Instead, my roommate and I drove into downtown Louisville to Fourth Street Live, where a plethora of restaurants and clubs are located. And among them, the very understated, but Irish-looking RíRá Irish Pub.

This wasn’t the first time we had eaten at RíRá. That distinction went to when the United States was playing England in the World Cup. But that was prior to my blogging days, and I didn’t remember too much of the meal for all the excitement of the match. This time, I could totally focus on what I was eating. Now, pubs can either be easy for me to navigate or difficult. RíRá falls somewhere in the middle. While they do have a Uniquely Veggie Burger, I wasn’t quite feeling it that day. And, let’s face it, sometimes those veggie burgers are bound with flour. So, as I was unsure, and I was feeling something crispy regardless, I opted for a salad. But, not just a boring ol’ house salad. HA! I never do that!

I ordered up their Bistro Salad ($8.95), which is a delicious and unique mix of goat cheese, toasted walnuts, green apple, red grapes, and topped off with a champagne vinaigrette. And, as this was a celebratory occasion (2 races in the same day!), I got a side of the sweet potato tater tots ($4.00). Okay, I’ll be honest…I would have ordered those anyway. Two of my favorite things: sweet potatoes and tater tots. How could this be a bad thing right? That…was instant WIN! And, naturally, my roommate ordered up her usual pub grub: fish and chips ($12.95) with a Magners Irish Cider to wash it all down.

Our server, for starters, was awesome. He took very good care of us, and let us peruse the menu at our own speed. And after he put the order in, he made sure our waters were full and would let us know when food was coming our way. And when the food was brought out, it looked and smelled amazing. I was ready to dive in…but for the blog I needed to take a few pictures. The trials of a foodie blogger.

Pictures done, I lifted my fork and went right for the tots. And I knew, if there was a heaven, it needed to be filled with these delicious bite-size delights. Sweet potatoes in tater tot form are the most amazing invention on this Earth. I think I experienced utopia in one bite. These were amazing. Crunchy on the outside, sweet and soft on the inside. Not overly seasoned. Fantastic. Bite-for-bite fantastic. I wish I had ordered the larger side instead of the small. I ended up saving most of them for last.

So, the salad was the next order of business. Now, a salad can either be really exciting or really boring. It all depends on the combination of ingredients and flavors. I’ve had many boring salads, but I have also had some that just WOW me. One bite of the Bistro Salad here at RíRá…and I was beyond wowed. I know…I know…it’s a salad. But, the goat cheese that they used in this salad made it the exquisite dinner that it was. Melt-in-your-mouth, soft, and not too strong. In fact, I had to ask the waiter what kind of goat cheese they used because now I wanted some for myself. He didn’t know, but went to check with the chef. He did return to tell us, but for the life of me, I can’t remember what it was now. I wasn’t sure how I was going to like the grapes in the salad, but it mixed really, really well with the cheese and the greens. And the champagne vinaigrette was amazing. And, thankfully, was only lightly dressing the salad, not drowning it. Delicious meal!

And yes…there was dessert to be consumed! We ordered the flourless chocolate cake, but a few moments later, the waiter came back and said that they were out of that, so they could replace the flourless chocolate cake with a regular slice of chocolate cake. We explained why that wouldn’t work for us, and ended up ordering up a bowl of their chocolate ice cream ($4.95) instead. It was fantastic. Honestly. Smooth, creamy, and cold. It was soft and immediately melted in your mouth. Just the perfect way to end the meal.

I was quite impressed with the service at RíRá Irish Pub in Louisville, Kentucky. For being in the party district, the atmosphere was very laid back, very calm, and had the right level of rumble to make it seem like a pub, without being too much. I loved the food. The service was amazing. And the pub itself is a sight to behold. Take a look at their bar when you go in there. The entire thing was dismantled from Ireland and brought over in pieces, only to be reassembled. It’s gorgeous. And it totally adds to the ambiance.

Looking for delicious Irish food? Give RíRá a whirl. Their menu is full of Irish favorites. And I do recommend the not-so-Irish, but equally delicious sweet potato tater tots. They’ll change your life. And this pub will only make you want to come back for more of the atmosphere, more of the food, and the fantastic service.

RíRá Irish Pub's Bistro Salad with a side of Sweet Potato Tater Tots