Tag: South

Naf Naf

Independence

https://nafnafgrill.com/

Independence
6714 Rockside Road
Independence, OH 44131
216-415-8102

Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill is a fast-casual restaurant with friendly helpful staff.

I ate at the Independence location. When I asked about gluten free options I was shown the Allergy Guide. Staff changed gloves. Note that most of the menu items are gluten free. Exceptions include the pita and couscous and baklava. The chicken shwarma and amba sauce are noted to be processed in a facility where trace elements of the allergen are present. And the listing has an expected caveat that no guarantees are made and cross contact may occur.

I enjoyed a tasty bowl with hummus, falafel and all the salads and garnishes. Both the tahini and garlic sauces were terrific, though I was happy with my bowl sauceless.

I was told the Naf Fries are prepared in a dedicated fryer. Might try them on my next visit.

City Barbeque

Beachwood, Fairlawn

City Barbeque AKA City BBQ
https://www.citybbq.com/

A new location of City BBQ opened recently in the Pavilion Shopping Center on Chagrin Road in Beachwood.

I love the idea of BBQ.  Naturally gluten free meats, choice of sides.  Just stay away from the bread.

However, City BBQ has the staff who carves the meat also handling the bread for sandwiches.  All platters also come with a slice of bread.

After discussion with management, the safest gluten free choice was their seasonal specialty, Brisket Chili. I could have also tried other side dishes.

The Brisket Chili was meaty and tasty. Perfect for mid-winter in Cleveland.

The restaurant has an Allergen List which notes gluten containing items. If you go, take care and watch for a high cross-contamination risk.

24 Karrot Kitchen

Brecksville

https://www.24kkitchen.com/

7059 Mill Rd.
Brecksville, OH 44141

440-630-9494

 

Caitlin messaged us via our webpage.  Thanks for the referral Caitlin!

24 Karrot Kitchen has been open for a month now.

Kathleen Madden and Paul Jantzen are the owners.

This place is  awesome!  Kathleen and Paul are supporting local organic farmers!

Their menu changes daily with many gluten free dairy free choices!

We have eaten there many times and enjoy every meal!!

From the webpage for 24 Karrot Kitchen:
The mission of 24 Karrot Kitchen is to educate and to provide the best ingredients, recipes and information needed to prepare whole, natural organic foods, leading to more healthful living. We strive to feed the wider community with the best quality foods in our cafe and in our cooking classes.  We will also educate and support those with food intolerances, gastrointestinal disorders, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases to improve quality of life. My vision is to create a nurturing environment and inspire individuals and the community to champion their own health and well-being.

CoreLife Eatery

Strongsville, Mentor, Fairlawn

CoreLife Eatery is all about healthy eating.  Luckily for us they think that means its (almost) all gluten free.

The menu features bowls of greens, grains, rice and broth and power plates.  Pick one of their suggestions or create your own.

I had the Greens and Ancient Grains Bowl: Warm quinoa, shredded kale + arugula, tomatoes, corn, chickpeas, broccoli, shredded white cheddar. You watch the bowl being made and can customize as you’d like. The dressings are all gluten free. I had the greek yogurt bleu cheese which didn’t add much flavor. The salad ingredients were the freshest of the fresh.

My dining companion had Shiitake Mushroom & Roasted Tofu Broth Bowl: Vegetable broth, shiitake mushrooms, napa cabbage, shredded kale, roasted tofu, sprouts, ginger, lemongrass, sliced almonds. Perfect for a chilly day.

My only complaint is that they only offer complimentary gluten filled bread. It is the only thing that contains gluten in the restaurant but I wish they had a gluten free option or, even better, served only a gluten free bread choice.

I lunched in Strongsville. There’s also a location now in Mentor and soon-to-open in Fairlawn.

Jersey Mike’s

Multiple locations

I had a good feeling about Jersey Mike’s even before entering the restaurant.  A large poster in the window advertised gluten free subs on Udi’s bread.

The friendly staff clearly knew their gluten free stuff.  They recited the disclaimer: we are not a gluten free facility and then sprang into action – changing gloves, wiping surfaces, getting special condiments and fixings from the back, reaching for a clean knife.

You watch them make the sub sandwich and the team cheerfully responded to my ongoing questions.

It is thrilling to be offered a choice in sandwich size.  I chose the regular size which by itself made 2 meals for me.  But just knowing I could have had the giant size sub . . .

I recommend the Turkey Breast & Provolone which came piled high with turkey.  The Udi’s roll held up well even making it to my enjoyment of the “leftovers” later in the day.

Being able to enjoy a sandwich while out and about makes me happy.  I’ll return for more happiness.

I ate at the Mayfield Village location and Jersey Mike’s has many other locations around.