Gluten Free Asheville

Recently I was visiting Asheville, NC for my college roommate's bachelorette trip.  One of the most anxiety-driven moments of travel for me is, always, what am I going to eat?  Those of you with celiac disease or any other dietary restriction understand, it is not always easy to find food you can eat (much less enjoy).  From what I had heard about Asheville, I was not too worried, but like always I did a little reconnaissance before the trip to know what options were available.  I was thrilled with the options! I am going to share my gluten-free Asheville trip with you (pardon the quality of my photos, they were all taken on my phone!).

The first night our group ate at Tupelo Honey Cafe. It was awesome!  They had a separate gluten free menu which made ordering easy--even if the decision was not!

Tupelo Honey's Gluten Free Menu

I decided on the Charleston Chicken Sandwich and a cup of the ToMAYto-ToMAHto Soup.  It was perfect on that chilly night to have a warm sandwich and hot cup of soup.  Although they don't take reservations, we called ahead and had to wait only a few minutes upon arrival (for a group of 11).  The place was packed, but I can see why--the food was great.  I heard not one complaint and everyone, gluten-eating and non, enjoyed their meal! 

Tupelo Honey's Charleston Chicken Sandwich and ToMAYto-ToMAHto Soup

On our second day in Asheville we toured the Biltmore House and decided to eat lunch while on the property.  Being a touristy-type of place I was not overly optimistic, but was pleasantly surprised!  We ate at Cedric's Tavern and although they do not have a specific gluten free menu, the waiter was well-versed in the available options.  They also carry gluten free bread and buns so you can order any of their sandwiches gluten free.  I ordered Chef Mark’s Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Ashe County cheddar, house-made boursin, Cabot white cheddar, crispy bacon and tomato) with a side of mashed potatoes.  The grilled cheese was creamy and cheesy and definitely hit the spot!  The also have amazing homemade pickles to snack on while waiting for your meal.  

Cedric's Tavern Chef Mark's Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Cedric's Tavern Homemade Pickles

Our final dinner in Asheville was at a place I have been wanting to go for several years now, Posana Cafe--- an entirely, 100% gluten free restaurant.  I was like a kid in a candy shop!  It's a wonderful feeling to be able to walk into a restaurant and order ANYTHING on the menu.  I didn't have to speak to a chef or manager, or ask for a special menu, or get a confusing list of allergen information someone just printed off the Internet.  Their dinner menu looked exciting and I was not entirely sure what to order until the waitress told us about the daily specials.  I ordered a pork tenderloin with gnocchi.  It was fabulous!  

Posana Cafe's Pork Tenderloin and Gnocchi

Several people ordered the fried chicken appetizer and it got mixed reviews from the gluten eaters of the group.  It's not your typical flour-dredged fried chicken, so if that's what you are wanting/expecting it might be surprising. 

Posana Cafe's Fried Chicken Appetizer

I think overall, most of us were extremely satisfied with our dinner.  I also ordered dessert, a trio of pumpkin desserts--mousse, mini-cupcake and profiterole.  I basically licked my plate and didn't offer to share.  

Enjoying my gluten free desserts and brew!

Posana also has an impressive list of gluten free beers.  I tried two, 1) Brunehaut Blond Ale and 2) Bard's.  Although I stilled haven't found a gluten free beer I "love," I am thrilled to get to try so many new types.  

Posana Cafe's Gluten Free Beer Selection

The weekend was not about the food, however, it was about spending an amazing weekend with my dear friends whom I don't get to see often enough.  But I was excited to get to eat out with my friends without always ordering a salad or a burger without a bun.  I appreciate my friends being willing to try places they might not otherwise, or finding restaurants safe for me to eat.  I am truly blessed to have such an amazing group of friends.  

Good friends make for great memories!