Looking for Local Gluten-Free Dining Options?

Eating a piece of bread or a plate of pasta can be life threatening for 1 out of 133 people in the U.S.

According to the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), Celiac disease (CD) --a condition that is closely related to gluten intolerance --may be the most under-diagnosed disease today. 

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine.When individuals with CD eat gluten, the villi (tiny hair-like projections in the small intestine that absorb nutrients from food) are damaged. This is due to an autoimmune reaction to gluten.

It was once thought that the only ailment for a CD sufferer was gastrointestinal symptoms. Now, it is recognized as a multi-system genetic disease that can present with GI symptoms as well as rheumatoid conditions, chronic anemia, chronic fatigue, weakness, migraine headaches and nerve problems such as hand tingling.  The Celiac Disease Foundation says a strict adherence to a lifelong gluten-free diet is the only treatment currently available for CD.   

So, what exactly is gluten?

On a basic level, gluten is a type of protein that is commonly found in rye, wheat and barley.  Despite these restrictions, people with CD can eat a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods. Potato, rice, soy, quinoa, buckwheat, and bean flour are all gluten-free.  And gluten-free bread, pasta, and other products are increasingly available from mainstream stores.

With many people suffering from Celiac disease, many restaurants have recognized the need to offer gluten-free alternatives to their customers.

The Melting Pot recently partnered up with the GIG to launch a gluten-free menu that offers six gluten-free fondues including a spinach artichoke fondue and a spicy fiesta fondue.

Other Carrollwood restaurant chains are also taking note of the needs of the gluten-intolerant.

Bonefish Grill has an entire gluten-free menu that features a selection of salads, appetizers, entrees and even desserts. Bonefish’s saucy shrimp sautéed in a lime tomato garlic sauce with kalamata olives and feta cheese, as well as their mix-and-match fish and sauce combinations allows the gluten-intolerant to enjoy a full-service dining experience without worrying about if they are eating within diet restrictions.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill also has a gluten-free menu. While their menu acknowledges that there's not a grill set aside for gluten-free preparation, the special menu helps diners navigate though the dining options giving suggestions on how to order. For example, when ordering the Caesar salad, the menu instructs the diner to request the chicken or shrimp to be made without the grill baste and to be mixed in a fresh bowl.

Local Carrollwood restaurants offer the gluten-sensitive even more options. Since 1978,  Sami’s Bakery has been baking health-conscious breads and bakery and recently opened a full-service restaurant where gluten-free breads, snacks and desserts can also be brought home.  Thai and Asian curries and satays can be prepared without gluten at Ban Thai.

(Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed a sixth restaurant that is now closed. A correction was made to this version of the story).

Gluten Free On-the-Go in Carrollwood:

Ban Thai

5374 W. Village Dr.

Tampa, FL 33624

Phone: (813) 968-7668

Café Eden

14374 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.

Tampa, FL 33618

Phone: (813) 265-4951

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

11435 N. Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa, FL 33618

Phone: (813) 265-9844

Sami’s Bakery

2399 East Busch Blvd.

Tampa, FL 33612

Phone: (877) 989-2722

The Melting Pot

13164 N. Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa, FL 33618

Phone: (813) 962-6936