Gluten Free in the Big Easy!

St. Charles streetcar,  New Orleans,  LA

Is it possible to dine gluten-free in New Orleans? I hoped so, when heading with my family on vacation last week. This city, known for Mardi Gras, Bourbon St. and more recently, the devastating flooding following Hurricane Katrina, has a special place in my heart....or should I say BELLY!

Many years ago, I worked at Charity Hospital as a travelling nurse. Young, fresh-faced and most of all, a Yankee, N'awlins was a culture shock for me. I did not know how to cook,  had never heard of crawfish, but I did enjoy a good meal. Of course, back then, I ate lots of gluten. Cafe du Monde beignets, seafood gumbo and fried oysters. Gluten, gluten, gluten! 

So, before leaving for our trip, I gingerly googled "gluten free New Orleans", hoping I could still enjoy the taste of New Orleans. Muriels, near Jackson Square in the French Quarter, offers a GF menu, so I made dinner reservations for our first night in town. Muriels, though pricey, was the ultimate welcome mat for me, my "normal" eating husband and vegetarian daughter. I had the shrimp remoulade for an appetizer, the yummy fish special for my main course and creme brulee for dessert. It was a scrumptious start to our vacation!

Redfish Grill, was my husband's choice for our second night. Located conveniently in the French Quarter, this place also accommodated me very nicely. The waitress  seemed very familiar with my restrictions, although she did plop down some bread in front of me! Once again, I enjoyed their fish special and it was one of the tastiest meals I had.

We chose Jagar-haus, a German restaurant, on our third night. The waitress was not familiar with gluten free dining, but was very helpful checking with the chef to make sure the food I ordered was safe. I had a refreshing strawberry mojito, followed by a "big salad". After indulging the past 2 nights, this lighter meal tasted just right. I also had dessert here....an ice cream/berry/whipped cream extravaganza that was completely gluten free...except for the chocolate wafer "straw" stuck in the side! Luckily, my observant daughter noticed this and my husband was able to remove it so I didn't have to return this beautiful creation!

On our final day, I insisted we have lunch at one of my favorite places, The Gumbo Shop. I fell in love with gumbo at this restaurant on my first trip to New Orleans, and wanted my hubby and daughter to experience it here. I had resigned myself to having another tossed salad, but the waitress immediately pointed out that I could have the jambalaya as well as a few other entrees! She even brought out their cookbook to go over the ingredients to further reassure me. The jambalaya was to die for....I savored every bite and have been dreaming of it ever since. I also had dessert~ vanilla ice cream topped with a praline sauce! Again, gluten-free!

alligator

So, yes, it is possible to dine gluten free in New Orleans. No, you cannot enjoy the beignets or partake in much of the fried seafood, but I did not ever feel deprived. I was able to indulge (a lot) and not worry about getting sick! This was a great vacation and if you go, check out the swamp tour! It was the highlight of our trip!