Saltgrass Steakhouse

** I just came back from vacation, and this is part of a small series of restaurant reviews.

One place that we tried during vacation was Saltgrass Steakhouse. They do not offer a gluten free menu, but that's the way it happens sometimes, right?

I notified the waitress that I would need something gluten free. She said that while they do not offer any specific dishes, she would notify the kitchen of any issues.

So, I ordered a grilled steak and shrimp, and a baked potato, requesting no seasonings or sauces. She seemed on the ball, and when the meal came, I inspected it, not wanting a repeat of Tx Land & Cattle. It all looked pretty unseasoned, so I dug in. The meal was good, especially the potato, which was the most flavorful thing. The meat was a little bland, but that was to be expected. I'd rather have bland food than gluten! Despite the lack of seasonings, it was cooked well.

Overall, I was pleased. I would not choose to go again, but I was grateful for the lack of gluten.

Tx Land & Cattle -- GF??

** I just came back from vacation, and this is part of a small series of restaurant reviews.

First up, Texas Land and Cattle.

This was a special meal. Last week Chris and I got married in a small ceremony at the Justice of the Peace.

Afterwards, we had lunch with our families at Texas Land & Cattle. We chose this restaurant because of the location, the availability of a private room, and most importantly, the gluten free menu.

When we arrived, I asked the waitress for the gluten free menu, then proceeded to order, word-for-word, the salmon. After a few bites, I happened to compare it to the other salmon dishes on the table, and it didn't look "un-smoked, un-marinated, and without seasoning." So, I asked the waitress to double check. Turns out, it had been marinated. Fortunately, they had just pulled some salmon out to thaw and had not yet marinated it, and would cook that for me. In the meantime, I 'enjoyed' some plain steamed broccoli and some wine. A good while after everyone else had enjoyed their meal, my dish was finally served.

I didn't make a scene, but I couldn't help but think to myself... did I not just order a gluten-free dish from a gluten-free menu, specifying not to smoke, marinate, or season the dish? How does a restaurant offer a gluten free menu, then proceed to screw it up, even ignoring the specific requests made when ordering? And how pissed was I that I was served a "gluten free" dish containing gluten on my freaking wedding day??? Let's try not to poison the bride, guys.

Needless to say, it was a lovely, happy day, but I did not eat the replacement salmon, and was highly disappointed in the restaurant. I will not be dining there again, and I don't recommend it.

Rudi's Gluten Free Tortillas

I was super fortunate to win a Rudi's prize pack from a fellow gluten free blogger a few months ago. I was BEYOND excited, mostly because it included Rudi's Gluten Free Tortillas. I've been hearing about them for a long time, but have yet to find them in stores. And oh my gosh, they hooked me up. I got a package of each kind of tortilla.

Now, I've tried other gluten free tortillas before, with super-disappointing results. These tortillas, however, are AMAZING. They're really big, enough for a nice-sized wrap or burrito. The flavors are good. They are soft and pliable, and roll-able-- even after being in the fridge for a while. They are a gluten-free WIN. So, if you see them on shelves and wonder if they're good, THEY ARE.

Also, don't forget to use your coupon...

GF Oatmeal Squares

Found via Pinterest, these gluten free Oatmeal Squares from Gluten Free on a Shoestring are spot-on. Really delicious. Perfect for second breakfast. Make them.

I made a half-batch to try, but now I wish I had twice as many.

I modified the recipe a tad. The original version is here.

This is my version:

Oatmeal Squares

3 c. gluten free flour (1 c. each brown rice flour, sorghum flour, potato starch)
1/4  teaspoon xanthan gum
2 T. flaxseed meal
1/4 t. baking soda
1/4 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 c. gluten free oats
2/3 c. oil
2 eggs, beaten
2 t. vanilla
1/4 c. molasses

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Line a a 13 x 9 pan with wax paper and set it aside.

Make the oat squares. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients. In a smaller bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Mix the two together, making a stiff dough.

Press the dough into the pan. Remove the wax paper from the pan and, using a pizza cutter, cut into squares. Place the squares about 1 inch apart on a baking sheet. They will spread a little. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until centers are set.

I chose not to use icing, as I thought they were sweet enough.

Benjy's Restaurant

Last night I tried a new restaurant! That doesn't happen very often, since I tend to find a few with gluten free menus and stick to those.

It just so happens that Benjy's is a gluten-friendly restaurant. They have a chef-driven menu that changes with the seasons, and they use local vendors.

Though it's not posted on the website, they have a gluten free menu that I was able to peruse.

 

I chose the Arugula salad, which was delicious and light. My friends chose the 8oz filet minon and the salmon sashimi (not gf). Both raved over their dishes.

It was a little overpriced, with smallish portions, but delicious and fun. I'd go there again on a special occasion that deserves a splurge. I'd also like to try them for lunch.

Single serving microwave cake

I'm sure you've seen the single serving microwave recipes around. I think they're a freaking amazing idea. The only thing that bothers me is that most require separating an egg. I feel like that defeats the purpose of a quick, simple recipe. My opinion: Streamline!

So I came up with this.

It actually makes two servings, because there's always someone around who's going to be eyeing your treat. Like a husband with a sweet tooth (sigh- not soon enough). Or a pregnant sister. Or a mom who's always down for a treat. Or, at the very least, an extra treat for myself for later.

 This was originally intended to be a chocolate chip cookie, but turned out with a cake-like texture. I call that a win-win situation, especially since it makes a great basic recipe for other cake flavors. But for today, we enjoy chocolate chip-- A la mode.

 Single-serve Chocolate Chip Microwave Cake

Gather:
2 ramekins

1 egg
1 T melted butter or olive oil
1 T brown sugar
1/8 t. vanilla
pinch salt
1/3 c. gluten free flour**
pinch baking soda
2 T mini chocolate chips

**Or blend of flours- see right sidebar for my preference: (2 T each of brown rice flour,sorghum flour, potato starch)

In a bowl, beat the egg, sugar and butter until combined. Add in the other ingredients and mix well. Spoon into ramekins. Microwave for ~60 seconds, and check to see if they're done with a toothpick that comes out clean. If they're not done, just pop them back in for a few more seconds. (Keep in mind that my microwave came free with the purchase of a george foreman grill about 10 years ago, and it took a little over a minute to cook mine)

P.S. Beats the heck out of heating up an oven in the middle of the summer.

BJ's Brewhouse Party for Two

Saw a flyer in today's paper. BJ's Brewhouse is having a Party for Two promotion.
It includes two small salads, a shared gluten free pizza, and a gluten free Pizookie for 20 bucks!

I eat here all the time, and am excited to try this!

P.S. The pizookie is amazing. I suggest you order it before your entree just to make sure you have room.