Rocco's Tacos - Orlando

Last Sunday, we had lunch with friends at the Rocco's Tacos on Sand Lake Road, which is about 5 minutes away from Universal Orlando.  They also have restaurants in Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale.  Outside of Florida, you can find Rocco's Tacos in Brooklyn, New York.

I love the Day of the Dead theming at Rocco's Tacos, and they even incorporated some of my favorite Star Wars characters.  Just look up near the stand where you check in to see them.

Hot Krust Panini Kitchen - Orlando

Yesterday, we had lunch at Hot Krust Panini Kitchen, which is located next to the Whole Foods Market on Turkey Lake Road.  I have had great feedback from blog readers about this fast casual restaurant, the Orlando Celiac Support Group recently had a meetup there, and my friend Amanda wrote a review on The Gluten & Dairy-Free Review Blog that convinced me I needed to try Hot Krust.  

When I asked about gluten free options, I was told that any of the panini can be made gluten free, and the cactus chili and butternut squash soup were marked gluten free on their menu.  Hot Krust uses Udi's, which appeared to be their whole grain bread, and they leave blue cheese off sandwiches for gluten free orders.  Gluten free panini, which cost 75 cents extra, are double wrapped in paper and foil to protect them from cross contamination before being placed on a panini press.  My friend Amanda has detailed information on the precautions they take to prepare allergy-friendly food in her review of Hot Krust Panini Kitchen, which you can read here.

Fat Head's Saloon and Primanti Bros. - Pittsburgh

When I was diagnosed with celiac disease 8 years ago, we did not live in Pittsburgh, but when we traveled back to our hometown to visit family, I was always sad that I could no longer eat at Fat Head's Saloon or Primanti Bros.  That all changed last year when I found out that Fat Head's Saloon now has an extensive gluten free menu, and Primanti Bros. could make me one of their famous sandwiches without the bread.  So in 2015, we were able to introduce our daughters to two restaurants that represent what Pittsburgh is all about.

Gluuteny Bakery - Pittsburgh

Gluuteny Bakery in Pittsburgh is one of my favorite gluten free bakeries in the United States.  I have been enjoying baked goods from Gluuteny on all of our trips to our hometown since my celiac diagnosis eight years ago.  We always stay with my aunt and uncle when we are in Pittsburgh, and lucky for me, Gluuteny is just a few blocks away from where they live in Squirrel Hill.

Gluuteny is a dedicated gluten free and dairy free bakery.  They ship their dry mixes and a variety of fresh baked goods, which you can view here.

Mandy's Pizza - Pittsburgh

Twice last year, we traveled to Pittsburgh, which is a great city for gluten free dining and shopping.  

That feeling of being home always sets in when I see the Franco Harris statue at the airport.

Boatwright's Dining Hall - Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside

Earlier this month, my family had dinner at Boatwright's Dining Hall, a table service restaurant at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside.

Boatwright's has an allergy-friendly menu that lists options for people with gluten/wheat, milk, egg, soy, fish/shellfish, and peanut/tree nut allergies.

Trader Joe's Rice Noodle Soup Bowls

Yesterday, we had some time to kill before we met friends for lunch at Rocco's Tacos, so we decided to check out the new Trader Joe's on Sand Lake Road, where we discovered their rice noodle soup bowls.

The signage did not indicate that the noodle bowls are gluten free, but all three varieties were labeled gluten free on the packaging, so we decided to buy them for dinner last night.

Mamak Asian Street Food - Orlando

Last night, we had dinner at Mamak Asian Street Food on Colonial Drive in Orlando's Mills 50 District.  There is parking available behind the restaurant, and they have a back entrance.

 I found Mamak using the Find Me Gluten Free app, and one review mentioned a gluten free menu, which is rare for Asian restaurants in Orlando's Little Vietnam district.

Cape May Cafe Breakfast - Disney's Beach Club Resort

Earlier today, I had breakfast at Cape May Cafe with my friend Sarah from Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free at WDW.  This was my first time dining there, but Sarah has had dinner at Cape May Cafe several times.

For breakfast, Cape May Cafe features character dining and an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet.

The Kitchen Restaurant at the Hard Rock Hotel - Universal Orlando

I first read about how gluten free friendly the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando is in a post by Taylor from GlutenAway, which you can read here.  Then Anna, one of my blog readers, sent me this menu from The Kitchen Restaurant inside the Hard Rock Hotel.