One of the most Gluten-Free friendly cuisines is Mexican: Corn is used more often than wheat and the freshness of the ingredients can usually assure you of getting a good, safe meal.
Our area has quite a few such restaurants, in an array of price ranges. Distrito, by Latin-cuisine super-chef (and Food Network star) Jose Garces, offers incredibly creative recipes and cocktails for lunch, dinner and brunch (Saturdays and Sundays) at 3945 Chestnut Street in Center City. Xochitl, at 408 S. 2nd street in Philly, serves brunch and dinner and “celebrates the rich traditions of the Mexican table with the best local ingredients.” Both are members of The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness’ GREAT (Gluten-Free Resource Education and Awareness Training) program, which ensures that the chefs and the restaurant have received training in gluten free food safety and preparation.
More excellent Mexican eateries in the city are Cantina Laredo, Lolita, El Rey and El Vez (both Starr restaurants). The suburbs boast Cantina Feliz (Fort Washington), Los Amigos (Atlantic City and West Berlin, NJ), Mas Mexicali Cantina (West Chester), Plaza Azteca (Plymouth Meeting), and two offerings by Chef Mark Smith, The Tortilla Press (Collingswood, NJ) and Tortilla Press Cantina (Pennsauken, NJ). All of these restaurants offer gluten-free options or even gluten-free menus.
A few of the local and national Mexican chain restaurants have gluten-free menus or items, too. Try Chipotle (where everything is GF except the flour tortillas), Mad Mex, and Qdoba.
In your search for delicious gluten-free food, look no further than your nearest Mexican restaurant. You’re sure to find something mas delicioso!
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