Category: Restaurant Reviews

Paris sans gluten

Paris is one of my favorite gluten free travel destinations. At most cafes and restaurants, they are happy to provide some form of a gluten free option, even if just a simple omelette aux fines herbes. I tend to indulge a lot when I visit and have a few go-to places for lunches and dinners that I love.
First up, the dedicated gluten-free mecca that is Helmut Newcake (3 rue Bichat 75010). The chef owners have perfected gluten-free pastry making and for a celiac, their charming patisserie is a must visit. I was so distracted by the array of options, I forgot to take photos!

For a quick and healthy lunch option, Biosphere Cafe (47 rue Laborde 75008is a must-go. The food is clearly labelled for different allergies and the array of choices, amazing. They also have pastries!

sandwich sans gluten

Noglu  (16, passage des Panoramas 75002) is a wholly gluten free restaurant in one of the charming covered passages in Paris. It’s tiny and popular so you may need to wait for a table but the pizza and decent coffee in Paris served with madeleines was definitely worth the wait.

20130422-121107.jpg 20130422-121214.jpg

Finding gluten free bread in Paris isn’t difficult. Most of the bio shops stock a variety of bread, croissants, biscuits and pasta. If you can’t find a bio shop in your neighbourhood, L’epicerie at Bon Marche has a decent sized section of gluten free products.

Macarons from Laduree and Pierre Herme are mostly gluten free. Do remember to ask when selecting your flavours as some flavours use gluten-containing ingredients.

Finally, chocolate. As you all know by now, chocolate is an important part of a balanced diet for me. So what could be more heavenly than an all chocolate restaurant! The lovely staff at Un Dimanche Au Paris (4-6-8 Cour du Commerce Saint André 75006) were helpful and knew their allergen-free items.

Kiss kiss,

Bubbles

 

Mandarin Grill @ Mandarin Oriental $$$$ 16/20

The Mandarin Grill is a regular in my dining out list as Chef Reto and all the staff are sensitive to food allergy requirements. While it is on the pricier end of Kuala Lumpur dining out, they do a great lunch deal – $78 for 2 courses.

On booking, I specify that I am gluten free, which gets me fresh baked bread. While I don’t love the bread, it is a nice gesture.

This time, I started with the Duck Confit, served with a salad, parsnip purée and a pickled cherry. The duck practically melts in your mouth and the tartness of the cherry and the crisp salad balance the richness.

20130224-181908.jpg

For my main, I had the aged Parmesan and new pea risotto. While the Mandarin Grill makes their own vegetable stock, if eating risotto anywhere else, don’t forget to ask if the stock is made from canned, powdered or bouillon cubes as these usually contain some form of gluten in the starch.

20130224-181927.jpg

I don’t usually have dessert, but Chef Reto has previously whipped up Creme Brûlée or a parfait on occasion. Their fig sorbet is also a favorite.

Kiss kiss,

Bubbles

Mandarin Grill
Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Reservations 03 2380 8888

Open Daily for lunch and dinner.

  • Allergy friendly: *****
  • Taste: ****
  • Atmosphere: Hotel fine dining, modern elegance. ***
  • Service: ****
  • Cost: $$$$ Mains range between $68 and $250 for lobster. Take advantage of the fixed price menus both for lunch an dinner.