Tucson dining over 4th of July

I took the opportunity to spend the long weekend in my home town of Tucson, Az. In recent years, Tucson’s gluten-free friendliness has increased and more and more restaurants have done more than just make a “gluten sensitive” menu. They have trained their staff to understand Celiac problems and what ingredients might contain hidden gluten.
My experiences this weekend were exceptional. I relay a brief summary of the restaurants I visited and what I ordered.

Eegee’s – This local Tucson sandwich and slushy chain is NOT set up for gluten free dining. However, because they don’t deep fry anything but french fries, their Ore Ida crinkle cut fries are pretty safe and their Eegee (slushy) drinks are amazing. On the way into town, I picked up a Pizza Fries and a large Pina Colada Eegee for lunch. They have ranch fries as well but I’m unsure if the bacon bits are safe, so it might be worth asking if that’s your thing.

Seoul Kitchen – My friend and I were a little late for dinner and walked in just after 9pm on Friday night. We checked with the staff to make sure we could still order without inconveniencing them (they close at 9:30pm) and they graciously served us. Korean food is not very safe for Celiacs but I have an unnatural love of Kimchi (which is safe), so I have been known to step into a Korean restaurant at least once a week just for homemade kimchi. I ordered the Kimchi Tofu and had a lovely meal. The traditional sides included kimchi spiced radish and cabbage as well. The potato side is likely not gluten free and I am told it contains soy sauce (most ss has wheat in it.)

US Fries – I was shocked to find out that this company actually carries a gluten free turkey gravy just for us. I was introduced to poutine years before I was diagnosed with Celiac and when I found out about this company recently, I figured that my poutine days were over, so I didn’t even bother to look at the menu. The fries have their own dedicated fryer, the gal at the register was super knowledgeable about gluten free safety and she even went back into the kitchen to ensure my food was done right. Yes, I know, more french fries… I go a little crazy when I can find places with safe fries. I am a potato fanatic.

Epic Cafe – The gluten free options are limited but the staff is knowledgeable and the flavors and freshness are wonderful. I got a half/half soup/salad with the best carrot and ginger bisque I’ve ever had along side a large (half?) serving of Greek salad with balsamic vinegar and oil on the side. As a matter of fact, the gal taking my order also prepped my food and checked the Ranch dressing for me (which had maltodextrin in it which COULD contain hidden gluten) and she knew it might be a problem. Most folks wouldn’t know that. Their coffee is delicious too.

Also recommended are places I have visited in the past:

• Gourmet Girls
• Ghini’s
• Delectables
• Kalina
• BJ’s Brewhouse (on Broadway)
• Tooley’s Cafe

Remember that experiences may vary depending on what staff is on shift, how busy the kitchen is, etc. ALWAYS make sure to question your server about the safety of your food. If they don’t know and are unwilling to check on things for you, it’s better to be safe and not eat there. I always appreciate people willing to learn, I never appreciate it when someone is unwilling to check something for me.

It looks like there will be more on traveling with gluten free soon. Stay tuned!