No longer updating

Sorry guys,
I have moved back home to San Diego. 
I'll leave this up as long as it is still helpful.

Little Saigon makes me wish I had two stomachs

Ok,
That was legit. 

I am still digesting that glorious meal and I just had to post about it.

How have I never had this place?  Several of you have probably mentioned this place to me and I must have had headphones in because SERIOUSLY it is incredible. 

The pork and shrimp spring rolls were sweet, crunchy and almost fooled us into believing we were eating healthy.  We absolutely loved the sweet fish sauce and bathed them in it. 

That same fish sauce went quite well with our meals. 

I had something boring called like, "chicken with noodles" or something like that.  Although it was not boring.  It was glorious.  They had gluten free soy sauce as well.  My wife had Pad Thai, which was also great.  The meat was tender, the vegetables offered the perfect compliment and there is one thing I still need to mention. 

The food is basically served in bath tubs.  How in the world they can afford to feed me for my next six meals is beyond me, but $8.50 seems downright cheap when you see the portions.  Please, please frequent this place.  The staff has varying levels of knowledge about gluten but they are all willing to ask. 

Go there now. 

The Old Mill Tasty shop

Well, I haven't posted for a while, mostly because I forget to take pictures and this job pays zero, and I do lots of other stuff in my Church, my band and my family.  Forgive me. 

But I digress. 

I've been to the Old Mill Tasty Shop three times now.  Once I got instantly sick so didn't write about them.  However, I have been back twice with out getting sick and they are slowly adding to the gluten free menu.  The most recent thing I had there was a cob salad which was bountiful and covered with meat.  Since I am on a diet and trying to fit into a "large" WSU jersey I only used 3/4 of the giant bowl of ranch dressing.  Yeah, I'm a rock. 

I've also enjoyed the chicken salad, which they would say is their Go to.  It was quite good and exciting to see they have gluten free bread available for sandwiches.   If you work downtown like I do, you really need to check out Old Mill Tasty shop, if not for the old school charm, but for the tasty food.  Next time I am there I will try to get a picture.

Side Note:  I once got my belt loop stuck in the chair and had to get rescued by the staff.  Not embarrassing at all.

Updated quick list for eating out.
updated 8-8-14

East Side:
Five Guys
BJ's Pizza
Red Robin
Bonefish Grill
Jason's Deli
Ya Ya's
Granite City
Doc Green's
PF Changs
Noodles and Co
Chipotle
Red Lobster
Pablano
Wichita Pizza Company
Mulligan's Irish Pub
Carlos O' Kelly's
Jimmy Johns
Outback Steakhouse
Carraba's
Jose Peppers
Hu hot
Buffalo Wild Wings
Chili's
The Olive Garden???
Louies??
On the Border??
Wendy's??

Central:
Cravings gluten free bakery
Little Saigon
Five Guys
Old Mill Tasty Shop
B&C creations (They told me the sauce is GF)
Freebird's
Tanya's Soup Kitchen
Pig in Pig Out Barbecue
Taste and See $
Lotus Leaf Cafe
Garden Grill Cafe
Playa Azul??

West Side:
Five Guys
When Pigs Fly Barbecue
Chipotle
Freddy's
Red Lobster
Carlo's O'Kelly's
Pei Wei
Outback Steakhouse
Gobi Grill
Buffalo Wild wings
Chili's
Jason's Deli
On the Border??

South:
Godfather's Pizza
Carlos O' Kelly's

Doo-dah diner. Best gluten free breakfast in Wichita...probably Kansas

This...

I've probably said it before but if you wanted to take a food-cation and you were needing gluten free fare, Wichita might be a top ten city to visit.  In the past I held back on this theory because Wichita was lacking awesome gluten free breakfast.  You could have eggs, hash browns etc just about anywhere, but there was something lacking.  No more.
I now know what was missing.  Gluten free banana french toast.  Just let that soak in like the butter, pecans, whipped cream and pecans did.  Gluten free banana french toast. With apple on top.  It's okay.  You can say it out loud.  It will still be there.  Gluten free banana french toast.

Yes, they had eggs.  Yes, they had hot crispy has browns.  But honestly, who cares.  They had hot, buttery, fluffy and crispy on the outside gluten free banana french toast. 

The half order is $5.99 and the sides will get you.  The whole is $8.99.
(Great to split and add some sides)  Expect to spend about $10+ for a satisfying big breakfast or a bit more for lunch.  Save if you need to.  This place is a must visit if you live within a hundred miles. 

Doo-dah was hot, almost uncomfortably so. (They are working on the A/C)
Doo-dah was crowded, almost uncomfortably so.  (Our waitress said it was a slow morning!)
Doo-dah is not cheap-o.

However, Doo-dah is a new Wichita icon and I am sure will be featured on future food network shows.  It's just that good.  

Welcome

My favorite local places; Tanya's and B&C now have company.  Doo-dah is worth your time and money. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday and do not serve dinner.  So plan accordingly and get your own.  Sharing is hard here. 

Let me add one more thing for the road...


Gluten free banana french toast.

Busy for a reason.

Wichita's farmer's market has gluten free goodies thanks to "Cravings GF bakery."

Okay, so yeah, it's been a while since I've updated. 

I've been to several gluten free places and have been too selfish to sit down and write for you guys. 

An update on what I've been up to. 
-Our Church, City Life Church is now meeting at the Orpheum.  It's been awesome to see our church grow so very fast.  After two years we had become too big for the Abode venue. 
-Our band, Shine Like Stars toured through several states this Summer and I ate some awesome gluten free food while traveling. 

Doughnuts to die for.

-I went to Haiti and met some beautiful people who I love sharing the good news with.  I also ate Cajun chicken with rice and beans.  I never got sick in my week there.  Yay. 

Okay so moving on to the main course. 

Ashley and I went to the Wichita farmer's market in Old Town two weeks ago and loved what we found.  There was a woman there with a gluten free BAKERY!  SHUT UP!  It's true and it's called "Cravings, gluten free bakery."

Why yes.  That is my son Frenching a dog.

Choices...

She had zucchini cake, donuts and cinnamon rolls and a bunch of other things.   Everything was very good.  We bought the cinnamon donuts and failed to let our children know about them.  They were soft and just a little bit chewy.  I sensed they had a bit of tapioca starch in them, which I love.  We found if you put them in the toaster oven for a tick, they were perfect.  Also, when my wife was in Spain she used to get something called "Chocolate con churros."  It was basically chocolate pudding, which you dipped churros in.  We made our own chocolate pudding and dipped the donuts.  HEAVEN.

 There was another bakery at the Farmer's market that had a couple gluten free things.  They were nice people but it was dry.

I have been to a few more places since then and I will have to look back. 

Also a note:  Wheat State pizza is now out of business.  Sorry.

My new favorite place in Wichita: China Go

Sometimes you have to just risk it and try something new. 

The wife and I had tried almost everything gluten free in town and now we felt it was time to be adventurous, for you, our loyal readers.  It had nothing to do with the fact that we really wanted Chinese food, didn’t want to pay for PF Chang’s and didn’t want to drive to Pei Wei on the West Side.  Enter China Go. 

About a week ago I sent a message to them on Facebook asking them if they did gluten free.  They responded yes but that was it.  I was intrigued.  I called them today and felt like they knew what they were talking about, or at least enough for my taste.  So I risked my health and took the wife out to China Go on Harry and Rock.  (About 2 minutes from our house!)  I brought a card explaining gluten as well as our own bottle of Gluten Free Soy Sauce. 

The manager was there and she explained that she had a few gluten free people in the past.  She knew what to do and asked us what we would like to eat.  She asked us what we would like to eat.  She didn't turn us away and label us as pariahs.  Nope she asked us what we wanted off the menu!   My wife has pined for good orange chicken for a long time and they were able to oblige.  Instead of making it with breading they used cornstarch.  Along with the Orange Chicken I ordered Mongolian beef and gave them my soy sauce to help them prepare it. 

The Orange chicken was hot, sweet and salty.   It was everything that you would want in Orange Chicken.   Usually I can avoid that heavenly smell but at our local grocery store, Dillion’s, they are constantly making orange chicken and the smell would drive me insane.  Now I can walk the aisles of Dillion’s with no concern, knowing there is better, gluten free, chicken down the road.   The orange chicken is worth the trip.  The Mongolian beef was very good as well.  It was a bit spicy for my liking but I am sure they would be able to tone it down if asked. 

We also had a nice bowl of freshly steamed veggies.  It was everything you would hope.  Nice variety and fresh. 

Another plus: their to-go brand of soy sauce was also gluten free.  (Not the stuff on the tables but the little packets)  It’s a brand that I’ve found in the past with great joy. "Kari-out," I think.  It’s not as salty but it still was a pleasant surprise. 

Okay, so recap.  Almost everything can be made gluten free off the menu.  Also, the prices are really good.  The helpings are huge.  You can almost share one item.  The food is fresh and tasty.  I do believe they are a bit newer to the GF thing so please make sure to go, as always, armed with information so as not to get sick.   They are working on a menu and striving to have well trained staff but you know things will always fall through the cracks if you are not careful.  Five hours later and I am feeling no ill effects. 

However, I would say this is my new favorite gluten free place in Wichita and you really need to go check it out.  Seriously.  You need to go now. 

Go to China Go! 
I will go back to China Go.   Let's all go.

Gluten free in Lindsborg, KS

A gluten free steakburger.

There is wheat on the street!

 The wife and I just got back from a great quick trip to Lindsborg, KS.  Also known as little Sweden.  We had a limited amount of time without the kids so we decided rather than go to Kansas City, we would try something closer.   We had fun in the salt mines of Hutchinson and had dinner in Yoder.  We stayed in Mcpherson and spent a lot of time in Lindsborg.   We didn’t know these cities before, but ended up having a lot of fun in them.  There was wheat everywhere, even up on the lampposts but we managed to find a few gems. 

Our favorite one was The Brick House Grill.  We asked around for gluten free food and this was the only place that might have offerings.  The building was a little larger than an outhouse and it was packed with about 40 people.  They offered gluten free buns to go with their juicy burgers and thick bacon.  We went for lunch…and dinner. 

I devoured a burger with Swiss cheese, grilled mushrooms, bacon and grilled onions.  My wife also had a bacon cheeseburger.  We both enjoyed tater-tots. (no dedicated fryer) and felt no ill effects afterward.   The owner knew a lot about gluten free fare and was excited to have us there. 

That night my wife had a huge steak burger and I had a pizza.  Once again the place was packed. We ended up hanging out with several other diners.  One couple told us the dangers of the big cities like Wichita.  They told us there was a shooting every day.   I agreed but I also said I’ve never seen one.  Hilarious.  My pizza was just a regular cheese pizza and I was impressed.  For a town of 3,000 they offered up such overachieving food.  (Note the pizzas are only available in the evenings.)

Coronado Heights

All in all, the Brick House Grill was a terrific find.  Thick Bacon, tasty burgers and a kind, knowledgeable staff make for a happy eater.    

If you go to Lindsborg make sure you check out the downtown.  There is a great store called “Small world” with photos from a National Geographic photographer.  There are art museums everywhere as well as other fun diversions.  Make sure to check out Coronado Heights, castle.  Worth the trip.

Wichita Brewing company, gluten free pizza and beer on the westside.

I know it’s been a while since I’ve updated but there really hasn’t been much to update.  We have been in a rut as of late.  A friend recently told us he found gluten free pizza on the West side and so we bit.  On the drive we saw a sign at a Mexican cantina for “glutin free Pizza” (SIC) but we decided to continue on to our destination. 

The atmosphere was fun with TV’s in every direction and the menu was plentiful with curious ideas for pizzas, which all seemed fun to me.  My biggest hang up was the lack of knowledge from the waitress. 

We asked what was gluten free on the pizzas and they said pretty much everything.  We told them we were concerned about the alfredo and the BBQ sauce.  They returned saying those had gluten.  The waitress then said all the meats were gluten free.  I said I doubted the meatballs were.  She checked and they were not okay.  So at that point we had a decision to make.  Should we leave and cut our losses or should we risk it so I had something to blog about.  We risked it. 

I got a Philly Cheesesteak pizza and substituted marinara for the alfredo sauce.  It was tasty.  The thinly sliced steak was a sensation I had yet to taste on a pizza.  The onions were a bit undercooked for my liking but they were sweet and scrumptious. 

They had a few gluten free ciders.  I enjoyed an Ace’s Pear Cider that was wonderful.  Very fruity.  Smelled like skittles!

All in all, we enjoyed our visit but if you are going we recommend you come prepared.  If you are new to gluten intolerance, this is not a place I would try first.  Learn your stuff and then come ready to ask lots of questions and make sure you are confident you are getting what you ordered. 

Because it wasn’t super cheap per person (about $12 per pie) I am not sure I would risk going back.  I still prefer,  Mulligans, Wheat State and Wichita Pizza Company.   If I found a groupon, we might consider going back.   Either way it’s still fun to experience new gluten free food. 

Bj's pizza in Wichita is finally open!

There are some places I mourn, no lament are not in Wichita.

 1. In and Out  

 2. Costco
 3. Rubio’s Fish tacos

4. The Spaghetti Factory
5. Trader Joe’s
     and until recently, BJ’s Pizza. 

Bj’s has now come to Wichita and I am happy to share it’s just as yummy in the mid-west as it has been elsewhere.

Yes, my wife and I went on opening day and braved the first day waitress who had never actually eaten at BJ’s before.  They told us all the toppings were okay except for one.  You actually cannot eat the Alfredo Sauce as well but they get a first day pass. 

The pizza was thin crust as usual.  It was sweeter than most, which I like.  I just got plain old cheese whilst the wife indulged in the Buffalo Chicken pizza with ranch on the side.  She loved it.  I thought mine was average or a little above average. 

I really wasn’t there for the pizza…

Pazookie.  A big cookie, baked like a pizza with ice cream on top.  Yeah they have that too.  I am usually too cheap to get the dessert but not at BJ’s.  Please the gluten free pazookie.  If you don’t like it, well, you are lying.

There are several other things on the menu worth considering.  They have great baked potatoes and yummy broccoli cheese soup which I have enjoyed on other occasions.

Please let me know what you think.  Also if you are friends with the higher ups at Costco, Rubio’s, In and Out or Trader Joe’s tell them to call me.  I have a lead for them!

BJ's pizza opening soon in Wichita.

One of my favorite chains to eat at when I travel outside of Wichita is BJ's pizza.  The pizza is pretty good but the pazookie is to die for. 

They are close to finishing one here on the east side of Wichita and I am excited to say the least. 

Check out my review here.

Picasso's Pizzeria: sad update

The family took me to Picasso's pizza today for Father's day.  We were sad to learn they are uncomfortable serving people with Celiac now.  Booooo.  They said dough gets in the communal cheese and thus into the GF pizza.  I have not been sick after eating there in the past but if you go you are playing the proverbial gluten roulette. 

I am sad about this one.  Sorry people.  I would take Picasso's off the list. 

Gluten free quick list for eating out.

Welcome new readers.  I was in the Wichita Eagle again this week!  Since some of you are new I thought I might update the quick list for eating out which I have found to be helpful.  

Updated quick list for eating out.

East Side:
Five Guys
Red Robin
Bonefish Grill
Jason's Deli
Ya Ya's
Granite City
Doc Green's
PF Changs
Noodles and Co
Chipotle
Red Lobster
Pablano
Wichita Pizza Company
Mulligan's Irish Pub
Carlos O' Kelly's
Jimmy Johns
Outback Steakhouse
Carraba's
Jose Peppers
Hu hot
Buffalo Wild Wings
Chili's
The Olive Garden???
Louies??
On the Border??
Wendy's??

Central:
Picasso's Pizzaria
Five Guys
Tanya's Soup Kitchen
Pig in Pig Out Barbecue
Pablano
Freddy's
Lotus Leaf Cafe
D'sozo
Playa Azul??

West Side:
Five Guys
When Pigs Fly Barbecue
Chipotle
Freddy's
Red Lobster
Carlo's O'Kelly's
Pei Wei
Outback Steakhouse
Gobi Grill
Buffalo Wild wings
Chili's
Jason's Deli
On the Border??

South:
Godfather's Pizza
Wheat State Pizza (Derby)
Carlos O' Kelly's

Picasso's Pizzeria

PICASSO'S DOES NOT SUGGEST PEOPLE WITH CELIAC TO EAT THEIR PIZZA! BOOO!

Well,
It seems almost yesterday I started a blog with a simple desire.  I wanted to help those who had Celiac disease in Wichita.  Three years ago and over 20,000 hits ago I was in search of Pizza.  Now Wichita has ton's of places to get gluten free Pizza.  Lets start at the top.  First it was Godfathers.  Followed by Wichita Pizza Co, Granite City Brewery, Ya Ya's, Wheat State Pizza and Mulligan's pub.  Jeez what a difference a few years make.


Things have been crazy in the last few months as our son has been in the hospital 4 times and once for almost a month in Kansas City.  In that time I have had Picasso's pizza four yummy times. 

They have all kinds of different options including a white pizza covered in Ricotta.  Picasso's is toward the top of my list.  The ambiance is fun and original.  The staff is nice. (Although one guy was wearing a Raider hat)  I don't trust Raiders fans. :)

The only little hang up I had was the sauce was a little too spiced for me.  Obviously not so much that I have stopped going.  Some pizza places add a little too much of something for my taste.  When I get the white pizza I have no problem with it. 

Most people don't have a problem with that either, so I encourage you to go to Picasso's and please let me know what you think.

Delish Cafe basically lives up to it's namesake.

Lately the wife and I have been addicted to Tanya’s soup kitchen.  Although, sometimes her options are lacking in the GF department, we still frequent her establishment.  Sometimes the soup is extra spicy which doesn’t work for me.  Sometimes, like last night they offer a blueberry “smoopy.”  Yeah…  It’s cold.   It’s fruity.  It’s yummy but it’s not soup to me.   Why they would offer it on a cold day is beyond me, but since Tanya’s is probably my favorite place to eat in Wichita, they get a free pass. 

    
       

















Our saga with our son and His William’s syndrome has been tiring but yesterday we had a nurse watch him and a friend play with our daughter so we were able to go on a real live date!  Hooray for 11:30 am dates!

            We had heard of “Delish” at “Food for Thought” and had considered going there on many occasions only to be lured back to Tanya’s.  (If it aint broke…)  However the thought of cold “smoopy” gave us a Tanya’s pass. 

Delish is in the back corner of Food for Thought and it is quite good.  The wife and I both ordered sandwiches with soup on the side.  They definitely cater to the gluten free crowd, offering every sandwich, gluten free, for a dollar more.
            My sandwich was good.  It was a curry chicken salad on a “Schar” brand baguette, which I already have a love affair with.  The sandwich was a nice combination of salty and sweet.  It was enjoyable.  My wife had a turkey Sandwich with a raspberry jam on it.  I liked hers even more, although I am not a huge fan of mustard even if it contains honey.  Our soup was broccoli Cheese and it was also good.  I tried the other soups and they were good as well, although I thought they needed a dash of salt.  Do you notice I am overusing the term good?  I don’t think adequate or fine are complimentary enough but great or transcendent go too far.  The soup was better than passable but I am not so sure it was even handmade.  The sign said they proudly serve Kettle Cuisine soups, which is fine. 

            The carrot cake muffins were very good but once again made from a mix.  In the end I would have to say that “Delish” is a bit overpriced as all gluten free food is.  It is a little ordinary but I do believe they are moving more and more towards something great as they find their niche. 

            As long as Tanya’s is in town “delish” will always play second fiddle.  I am grateful to have a place they does gluten free well and you will see me there next time Tanya’s is serving smoopy.  Until then, I hope you give it a try.  Bring a little extra salt to the table and enjoy one more place to eat when people ask us the dreaded question: “Where the heck can you eat?”

PS: THEY ARE ONLY OPEN FOR LUNCH!