I was having lunch at Rips in Bowie with a Crofton business owner when we started talking about his gluten-free diet. He had his heart set on a crab cake, but the waitress told us, “They have breadcrumbs in them so it has gluten.”

Eating gluten-free means cutting out or limiting foods containing wheat, barley, rye and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye), according to the Mayo Clinic’s website. This lifestyle change is often used to treat celiac disease.

Here are some gluten-free food “do’s and don’t” from the Mayo Clinic. 

Eat Away

• Beans, seeds, nuts in their natural, unprocessed form
• Fresh eggs
• Fresh meats, fish and poultry (not breaded, batter-coated or marinated)
• Fruits and vegetables
• Most dairy products

No Way

• Barley (malt, malt flavoring and malt vinegar are usually made from barley)
• Rye
• Triticale (a cross between wheat and rye)
• Wheat

We asked Crofton Patch guests on our Facebook page how they cope with gluten-free diets.

“My stepmother has celiac and Mamma Roma's in Piney Orchard will prepare some of their dishes with rice instead of pasta for her. They understand the disease. You just need to ask! She often orders the penne caprese but has them use rice instead of penne pasta,” said Teresa Milio Birge on the Crofton Patch Facebook page.

“Fins, Irish Channel, 4 Season's Grill & Applebee’s,” said Julie Behan on Facebook. “Just ask for the gluten-free menu or ask them to point out the gluten-free items they serve,” she added.

“I think Italian Market had gluten free pizza,” said Amber Scott on the same Facebook thread.

Italian Market offers a gluten-free pasta menu. According to the restaurant’s website , you should allow 15 minutes for the order to be prepared.

“Most of the items on our menu are gluten free. Our chefs will be happy to make recommendations,” posted a representative from the Roundz Catering & Consulting on the Facebook thread. 

Are you ready to go on a gluten-free diet? If so, where can you eat around Crofton-Gambrills?

Here are a few suggestions of places you can request gluten-free dishes. Please feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments section. 

Applebee's

2408 Brandermill Blvd., Gambrills, MD 21054

Fins Hawaiian Fusion & Sushi Bar

1629 Crofton Center, Crofton, MD 21114

410-721-4200

Four Seasons Grille

2630 Chapel Lake Drive, Gambrills, MD 21054

410-451-5141

Italian Market

2404 Brandermill Blvd., Gambrills, MD 21054

410-721-1080

Roundz Gourmet Market & Catering

2299 Johns Hopkins Road, Gambrills, MD 21054

443-292-4631

YOUR TURN...

What’s your favorite gluten-free food? Please tell us in the comments section below.