But know squat about Cross Contamination and expect YOU to police them! Okay, today I rant! I went to a restaurant for breakfast yesterday that I've eaten at before.....and eaten their gf toast before....but yesterday I questioned and got a very scary answer.
Yesterday, I had an excellent waitress. I asked her point blank if the gluten free toast (which is more expensive) was toasted in a dedicated toaster. She said that yes, it was toasted. I then said again specifically, "So you have a toaster JUST for the gluten free toast? And you are using separate utensils and butter?" She looked at me like I was speaking Russian (and that is NEVER a good sign when addressing these issues.)
She stated, it's toasted in the big toaster we use for the toast. AH! So then I asked if they prepare the gluten free pancakes on the same griddle as the regular ones and prep those in the same area as well. And the answer (that I figured was coming) was yes. No, there is no other prep area in the back for keeping gluten free items apart. No cross contamination education imparted. She didn't even understand that there needed to be any procedures followed.
Now, don't get me wrong, this was a very nice waitperson. She was very concerned when I was asking her these questions. I asked her if she could make sure that someone with clean hands (not having touched regular items) could get me my slices of gf bread and just put them on my plate and not toast it? And she did that for me herself!
Pretty soon the Manager came over to follow up on the gf toast issue. I asked her again if they had training and separated areas for the gf products and she said that they did not. I asked her why they didn't if they were offering gluten free toast and pancakes. I told her that I get sick when the toast is made in the same toaster from the other bread crumbs being on my gf toast. That I had eaten it there before and now understood why I had been sick!
Her answer (I kid you not!) was that people with Celiac Disease should just KNOW that a restaurant like theirs wouldn't follow protocols or that a person should ASK how they were prepared. They just offered gluten free items for people restricting gluten from their diet for lifestyle.
REALLY? Advertising something gluten free and charging significantly higher prices for it do NOT get you access to the safety of training your employees? NOT stating that on your menu? I now KNOW that she knows there is a difference since she said that she expects Celiac's to know they won't follow safety precautions!
I told her that I think that she is endangering people's health and that her answers were not acceptable. Her entire explanation was that I couldn't possibly hold her responsible for my issues if I didn't explicitely state my needs to her so they could tell me their gf foods are unsafe for me to consume.
So? I won't be back and I will post her restaurant to all the celiac and gf sites I can find. My husband loves their food and I will state that their service is excellent, fast and the food is good. But if I can't be safe? What's the point? If they will actually put people in harm's way by the standards they showed me?
How many newly diagnosed or struggling to figure it out the Celiac "issues" people do YOU know who question every place they go? It took me quite a while to get up the courage to ask and sometimes, yes, even GRILL people to figure out their understanding of this issue.
Amazingly inappropriate response from this establishment in MY OPINION! Just be forewarned about your health if you cannot have gluten! Randy's Restaurant on Chapparal in Scottsdale may offer gluten free toast and pancakes but they are for gluten free "lifestyle" products, NOT for those with Celiac! You've been warned.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Milagro Grill.....A Miracle Indeed!
I was very excited when Scoop Factory posted an announcement of a Free Brunch at Milagro Grill. I was excited! I followed the instructions and was rewarded with Brunch for two at 11:00 this morning. I had been hearing good stuff about this place and what better way to find out if you like it than getting a free meal out of it?
First off, if you're coming from the West on Indian School pay attention to the sign that says Milagro Grill is in 400 yards or feet or whatever it says. Otherwise it's sort of hard to find. The address is 4280 E. Indian School. It's right across the street from another of my favorite spots, La Fontanella's if that helps!
So we went for the free food and the hype I've heard. First thing in the door, we were greeted enthusiastically by the Host. She welcomed us and seated us with a terrific attitude. Then Katie, our server greeted us and took our drink order. Water was brought out right away. We decided on Iced Tea, as opposed to an alcoholic beverage. It was eleven in the morning and I don't want to appear to be a total lush! The Iced Tea was nice and strong, the way I like it. Black tea and plenty of it!
The manager Jared Johnson came over and introduced himself. We discussed my gluten free status and he said he was trying to learn very quickly about gluten free eating. He said that the kitchen was very good about knowing how to prepare gluten free foods and he was trying to make sure they do things right. Everything is made fresh onsite, which should help with that! They seem very concerned about making their customer's dietary needs a priority.
While we were talking, my husband commented that I loved guacamole and he'd read that their guac was amazing so Jared sent their homemade guacamole out, which is made fresh, with home made chips and their salsa de la casa, made with cascabel chili . Now, I hear they have a bunch of different salsa's. They have a "Tres Salsa"....and a set of spicy salsa's as well (and one of those uses Ghost Chili's so watch it!)....but this House Salsa was so smokey and flavorful without having a "traditional" salsa taste. It was kind of a nutty flavor which just has to be tried!
Looking over the Brunch menu did have it's drawbacks. The names and descriptions were sort of baffling. Something they MIGHT want to think about changing.....but Katie was great about explaining each one! I had the Enfrijoladas, which was basically chicken enchiladas with a white bean and tomatillo sauce....topped with an egg (I opted for scrambled). I was blown away by the smokey taste of the chicken. It also had some cheese but what I loved was the bean and tomatillo puree. There was definitely a smooth hotness factor but it was so subtle and appealing that I really enjoyed it.
My husband opted for the Chorizo Con Huevos which was a flatbread with a very mild Chorizo, some charred tomato, potato and cheese with an egg on top. He really enjoyed it and thought that the flavors went very well together. He said the only thing he'd change is maybe have the egg on the side. But who doesn't love pizza for breakfast?
Their dinner menu is varied and has Taco's with your choice of Pollo (chicken), Pescado (fish), Costilla (short rib), Al Pastor (pork), Carne (skirt steak) and Calabacitas (veggie), Tortas (sandwiches), other main dishes and flatbreads. They even offer some interesting Mac and Cheese options for the non dietary challenged in your party! So the Tacos may be all gluten free as well as some of the Platos Fuertes...but please ask! I did NOT see a gluten free dessert option so hopefully they might consider that for the future!
We really enjoyed our brunch and we totally planned to pay for our guacamole because it wasn't a part of the brunch menu but to our surprise they stated to us that everything was complimentary today! We were really blown away with the quality of the food as well as the super efficient staff. They have a smokin' hot terrific happy hour as well, which we are going back for specifically! I want to try a Milagro Margarita!
The gorgeous Retro '70's feel to the decor and the large, easy to sit in chairs impressed me!
Oh, did I happen to mention they are the 2012 AZ Taco Festival Grand Champion's? When you go in just take a look at all the awards they have received. Quite impressive and I know WHY! These people know how to cook and how to serve a customer. I was comped my meal but they didn't know that until after our brunch was done. I am impressed!
First off, if you're coming from the West on Indian School pay attention to the sign that says Milagro Grill is in 400 yards or feet or whatever it says. Otherwise it's sort of hard to find. The address is 4280 E. Indian School. It's right across the street from another of my favorite spots, La Fontanella's if that helps!
So we went for the free food and the hype I've heard. First thing in the door, we were greeted enthusiastically by the Host. She welcomed us and seated us with a terrific attitude. Then Katie, our server greeted us and took our drink order. Water was brought out right away. We decided on Iced Tea, as opposed to an alcoholic beverage. It was eleven in the morning and I don't want to appear to be a total lush! The Iced Tea was nice and strong, the way I like it. Black tea and plenty of it!
The manager Jared Johnson came over and introduced himself. We discussed my gluten free status and he said he was trying to learn very quickly about gluten free eating. He said that the kitchen was very good about knowing how to prepare gluten free foods and he was trying to make sure they do things right. Everything is made fresh onsite, which should help with that! They seem very concerned about making their customer's dietary needs a priority.
While we were talking, my husband commented that I loved guacamole and he'd read that their guac was amazing so Jared sent their homemade guacamole out, which is made fresh, with home made chips and their salsa de la casa, made with cascabel chili . Now, I hear they have a bunch of different salsa's. They have a "Tres Salsa"....and a set of spicy salsa's as well (and one of those uses Ghost Chili's so watch it!)....but this House Salsa was so smokey and flavorful without having a "traditional" salsa taste. It was kind of a nutty flavor which just has to be tried!
Looking over the Brunch menu did have it's drawbacks. The names and descriptions were sort of baffling. Something they MIGHT want to think about changing.....but Katie was great about explaining each one! I had the Enfrijoladas, which was basically chicken enchiladas with a white bean and tomatillo sauce....topped with an egg (I opted for scrambled). I was blown away by the smokey taste of the chicken. It also had some cheese but what I loved was the bean and tomatillo puree. There was definitely a smooth hotness factor but it was so subtle and appealing that I really enjoyed it.
My husband opted for the Chorizo Con Huevos which was a flatbread with a very mild Chorizo, some charred tomato, potato and cheese with an egg on top. He really enjoyed it and thought that the flavors went very well together. He said the only thing he'd change is maybe have the egg on the side. But who doesn't love pizza for breakfast?
Their dinner menu is varied and has Taco's with your choice of Pollo (chicken), Pescado (fish), Costilla (short rib), Al Pastor (pork), Carne (skirt steak) and Calabacitas (veggie), Tortas (sandwiches), other main dishes and flatbreads. They even offer some interesting Mac and Cheese options for the non dietary challenged in your party! So the Tacos may be all gluten free as well as some of the Platos Fuertes...but please ask! I did NOT see a gluten free dessert option so hopefully they might consider that for the future!
We really enjoyed our brunch and we totally planned to pay for our guacamole because it wasn't a part of the brunch menu but to our surprise they stated to us that everything was complimentary today! We were really blown away with the quality of the food as well as the super efficient staff. They have a smokin' hot terrific happy hour as well, which we are going back for specifically! I want to try a Milagro Margarita!
Oh, did I happen to mention they are the 2012 AZ Taco Festival Grand Champion's? When you go in just take a look at all the awards they have received. Quite impressive and I know WHY! These people know how to cook and how to serve a customer. I was comped my meal but they didn't know that until after our brunch was done. I am impressed!
Milagro Grill
4280 E. Indian School Rd,
Suite 101
Phoenix, Arizona 85018
Phone: (602) 773-5844
Fax: (602) 456-5354
E-mail: Info@MilagroGrillAz.com
Suite 101
Phoenix, Arizona 85018
Phone: (602) 773-5844
Fax: (602) 456-5354
E-mail: Info@MilagroGrillAz.com
Open 11-11 most days, until midnight on Friday and Saturday!
Monday, September 24, 2012
White Chili Recipe.......
I made this last week and it was so good that I thought I'd share the recipe. I used Chicken but you could use any protein/meat substitute you want.In crockpot on high put:
1 Rotisserie chicken ( I use Costco's because they are BIG, yummy and cheap!)
1/2 carton of organic chicken stock (can use veggie stock or water)
1 roughly chopped onion
4 sections of fresh garlic, smashed and cut up
2 cans green chilis
I also sprinkle on Ancho chili powder, regular chili powder, a good hungarian paprika and a little salt and pepper. Be careful of the salt used because the chicken stock usually does the job. You don't want it overly salty. Also, I get my spices from Penzy because they are amazing and everything (except some baking items) is gluten free! I am a firm believer in using the best spices you can.
After a few hours de-bone the chicken making sure you remove all the skin and bones. Kind of shred the chicken.
Add and turn to low:
2 cans Great Northern beans
Then about an hour before you serve it make a roux:
1/2 stick butter
1/2 c. any flour (I use Arrowhead Mills GF)
1 c. milk
I use the microwave for this and just melt butter, add flour cook for about 45 seconds to a minute and add in milk. Stir really well and add to crockpot. This way the milk doesn't get a chance to curdle from cooking all day.
Garnish with any/all of the following: Shredded cheese, sour cream & diced avocado.
Enjoy!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Texas Road House is GF friendly!
Now, I used to love my Texas Roadhouse visits. I used to get my gravy on! However, these days I can't have that........nor can I have those delicious rolls. Ugh. But I found a list on a Celiac board that listed the items that are GF from Texas Roadhouse either as is or with adjustments. Well, cool! I got to have some awesome Chili, some Smothered Chicken, and how is it smothered? With the most terrific grilled mushrooms, onions and cheese, of course! Then I got a baked potato, which I brought home with me because I was full (and happy!)
I've never had less than excellent service at this restaurant and our server tonight was just amazing! He understood my food issues and not only wrote up the ticket with my needs, but he personally went back to the cook and explained to them as well. Now that's not bad in a family type steakhouse! In case you need a GF selection and want to visit too, here's the list of choices:
I've never had less than excellent service at this restaurant and our server tonight was just amazing! He understood my food issues and not only wrote up the ticket with my needs, but he personally went back to the cook and explained to them as well. Now that's not bad in a family type steakhouse! In case you need a GF selection and want to visit too, here's the list of choices:
Just for Starters
.
Killer Ribs w/o BBQ sauce
Texas Red Chili with or w/o beans
Salads - Select dressing from our approved list
House Salad w/o croutons. Clean bowl
Caesar Salad w/o croutons. Clean bowl
Chicken Caesar Salad w/o croutons. Clean bowl
Grilled Chicken Salad w/o croutons. Clean bowl
Hearty Steaks - Request that your meal be prepared w/o grill shortening
Sirloin Steak
Ft. Worth Ribeye
T-bone Steak
New York Strip
Dallas Fillet
Sirloin Kabob w/o seasoned rice
Filet Medallions w/o seasoned rice
Road Kill
Prime Rib
Killer Ribs & Texas Combos - Request that your meal be prepared w/o grill shortening
Ribs w/o BBQ sauce
Sirloin Steak and Marinated Chicken w/o BBQ sauce
Ribs and Marinated Chicken – both w/o BBQ sauce
Sirloin Steak and Ribs w/o BBQ sauce
Ribeye Steak and Ribs w/o BBQ sauce
Country Dinners - Request that your meal be prepared w/o grill shortening
Smothered Chicken w/o cream gravy
Oven Roasted Chicken w/o seasoning mix
Southwest Chicken w/o Black Bean Sauce
Sirloin beef tips w/o seasoned rice or mashed potatoes
Grilled pork chops
Dockside Favorites - Request that your meal be prepared w/o grill shortening
Grilled Salmon
Grilled Catfish
Grilled Mountain Trout w/o batter
Regional Seafood Specialties - Request that your meal be prepared w/o grill shortening
Baked Cod w/o topping
Grilled Mahi Mahi
Blackened Swordfish
Grilled Swordfish
Sides - Request that your side dishes be prepared w/o grill shortening
House or Caesar salad w/o croutons. Clean bowl.
Fresh Vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots)
Sautéed Onions
Sautéed Mushrooms
Baked Potato
Baked Sweet Potato
Miscellaneous
Oil & vinegar
Italian Dressing
Caesar Dressing
Cajun Horseradish Sauce
Honey Mustard Sauce
Thousand Island Dressing
Tartar Sauce
Sour Cream
Smokehouse sandwiches - Request that your meal be prepared w/o grill shortening or bun. All burger toppings are acceptable.
All-American Cheddar Burger
Smokehouse Burger w/o BBQ sauce
Southwest Chicken Grill w/o black beans
Mushroom Jack Chicken Grill
Kids Meals-w/o sides. Prepare w/o grill shortening
Lil' Dillo Sirloin Bites
Cheeseburger w/o bun
Hot dog w/o bun
Ranger Meals-w/o sides. Prepare w/o grill shortening
Andy’s Steak
Ranger Rib Basket w/o BBQ sauce
Beverages
Fountain drinks
Iced tea (sweetened/unsweetened)
Hot tea
Bottled water
Coffee
Decaf coffee
Desserts
Ice cream with caramel sauce only
*These are guidelines only. Texas Roadhouse does not maintain a gluten free kitchen and cross contamination can occur. Use due diligence with this or any dining experience!
.
Killer Ribs w/o BBQ sauce
Texas Red Chili with or w/o beans
Salads - Select dressing from our approved list
House Salad w/o croutons. Clean bowl
Caesar Salad w/o croutons. Clean bowl
Chicken Caesar Salad w/o croutons. Clean bowl
Grilled Chicken Salad w/o croutons. Clean bowl
Hearty Steaks - Request that your meal be prepared w/o grill shortening
Sirloin Steak
Ft. Worth Ribeye
T-bone Steak
New York Strip
Dallas Fillet
Sirloin Kabob w/o seasoned rice
Filet Medallions w/o seasoned rice
Road Kill
Prime Rib
Killer Ribs & Texas Combos - Request that your meal be prepared w/o grill shortening
Ribs w/o BBQ sauce
Sirloin Steak and Marinated Chicken w/o BBQ sauce
Ribs and Marinated Chicken – both w/o BBQ sauce
Sirloin Steak and Ribs w/o BBQ sauce
Ribeye Steak and Ribs w/o BBQ sauce
Country Dinners - Request that your meal be prepared w/o grill shortening
Smothered Chicken w/o cream gravy
Oven Roasted Chicken w/o seasoning mix
Southwest Chicken w/o Black Bean Sauce
Sirloin beef tips w/o seasoned rice or mashed potatoes
Grilled pork chops
Dockside Favorites - Request that your meal be prepared w/o grill shortening
Grilled Salmon
Grilled Catfish
Grilled Mountain Trout w/o batter
Regional Seafood Specialties - Request that your meal be prepared w/o grill shortening
Baked Cod w/o topping
Grilled Mahi Mahi
Blackened Swordfish
Grilled Swordfish
Sides - Request that your side dishes be prepared w/o grill shortening
House or Caesar salad w/o croutons. Clean bowl.
Fresh Vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots)
Sautéed Onions
Sautéed Mushrooms
Baked Potato
Baked Sweet Potato
Miscellaneous
Oil & vinegar
Italian Dressing
Caesar Dressing
Cajun Horseradish Sauce
Honey Mustard Sauce
Thousand Island Dressing
Tartar Sauce
Sour Cream
Smokehouse sandwiches - Request that your meal be prepared w/o grill shortening or bun. All burger toppings are acceptable.
All-American Cheddar Burger
Smokehouse Burger w/o BBQ sauce
Southwest Chicken Grill w/o black beans
Mushroom Jack Chicken Grill
Kids Meals-w/o sides. Prepare w/o grill shortening
Lil' Dillo Sirloin Bites
Cheeseburger w/o bun
Hot dog w/o bun
Ranger Meals-w/o sides. Prepare w/o grill shortening
Andy’s Steak
Ranger Rib Basket w/o BBQ sauce
Beverages
Fountain drinks
Iced tea (sweetened/unsweetened)
Hot tea
Bottled water
Coffee
Decaf coffee
Desserts
Ice cream with caramel sauce only
*These are guidelines only. Texas Roadhouse does not maintain a gluten free kitchen and cross contamination can occur. Use due diligence with this or any dining experience!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Nick's Restaurant at Tatum & Shea
My friend Joan was going to meet me at Nourish123 in Scottsdale on Monday, but luckily, we both noticed that it's closed on Monday so we ended up meeting at Nick's at Tatum and Shea. We go where we have groupons, etc. and she had one to try it out.
I can honestly say that I was quite happy and surprised when I showed up first and saw a sign outside of the restaurant which said they were featuring a gluten free pizza for less than $10! I was all set to just have a salad but this changed my mind.........since I figured an Italian place would have great pizza!
I entered the restaurant and saw that I had arrived first so the Host greeted me and I told her I was meeting a friend. She said that she'd bring her over when she got there and seated me. She asked what I wanted to drink and left to get my Iced Tea. She came back with the Tea and a bowl of bread, which I asked her to remove until Joan showed up.......too hard to look at something I love and can't have!
Then she informs me that they closed at 2:00 p..m. I really don't understand why she failed to mention this to me when I sat down! We might have decided to dine elsewhere....and before I ordered a $3 Iced Tea. It wouldn't have bothered me to order a $3 Iced Tea if it were good but it tasted like Lipton Tea which had been in the canister for a week............you know, when it tastes like tin?
So Joan arrived and we decided to eat anyway........and I ordered the GF pizza with tomato slices, mushrooms and onion. Joan got a bowl of soup and salad. We chatted and waited for our food. The pizza looked pretty decent with lots of mushrooms and veggies present but upon tasting it I was immediately aware of no spice taste. It tasted like they opened a can of tomato sauce and poured it on the pizza.
Between the pizza and the Iced Tea and them not letting us know that they closed in half an hour, I'd have to say that I would never go back or recommend the place. When we didn't have a large enough order to even make using the groupon worth while, Joan asked for a dessert to go...and was told that there was nobody present to even prepare it, sorry! Yeah. I'll never go back! That's ridiculous!
*These are guidelines only. This restaurant does not maintain a gluten free kitchen and cross contamination can occur. Use due diligence with this or any dining experience!
I can honestly say that I was quite happy and surprised when I showed up first and saw a sign outside of the restaurant which said they were featuring a gluten free pizza for less than $10! I was all set to just have a salad but this changed my mind.........since I figured an Italian place would have great pizza!
I entered the restaurant and saw that I had arrived first so the Host greeted me and I told her I was meeting a friend. She said that she'd bring her over when she got there and seated me. She asked what I wanted to drink and left to get my Iced Tea. She came back with the Tea and a bowl of bread, which I asked her to remove until Joan showed up.......too hard to look at something I love and can't have!
Then she informs me that they closed at 2:00 p..m. I really don't understand why she failed to mention this to me when I sat down! We might have decided to dine elsewhere....and before I ordered a $3 Iced Tea. It wouldn't have bothered me to order a $3 Iced Tea if it were good but it tasted like Lipton Tea which had been in the canister for a week............you know, when it tastes like tin?
So Joan arrived and we decided to eat anyway........and I ordered the GF pizza with tomato slices, mushrooms and onion. Joan got a bowl of soup and salad. We chatted and waited for our food. The pizza looked pretty decent with lots of mushrooms and veggies present but upon tasting it I was immediately aware of no spice taste. It tasted like they opened a can of tomato sauce and poured it on the pizza.
Between the pizza and the Iced Tea and them not letting us know that they closed in half an hour, I'd have to say that I would never go back or recommend the place. When we didn't have a large enough order to even make using the groupon worth while, Joan asked for a dessert to go...and was told that there was nobody present to even prepare it, sorry! Yeah. I'll never go back! That's ridiculous!
*These are guidelines only. This restaurant does not maintain a gluten free kitchen and cross contamination can occur. Use due diligence with this or any dining experience!
Pugzie's Phoenix
At least I live in Phoenix instead of some rinky dink small town with no choice! I see gluten free options popping up and Pugzie's is a front runner in this journey due to the owner having a child with Celiac's (or so I heard)...whatever the cause I am sure glad that they offer choices for me. I love the sandwiches! The meat is very good tasting and generous! The fruit salad was large and fresh. They also offer gluten free soups and cookies. When doing a pick up order the gluten free sandwich is wrapped up well so as not to touch anything from the rest of your order, which I thought was awesome!
The place is kind of lack luster in looks but the gluten free options make it a winner in my book! Go see for yourself! Pugzies .
The place is kind of lack luster in looks but the gluten free options make it a winner in my book! Go see for yourself! Pugzies .
Friday, June 17, 2011
Picazzo's Organic Italian Eatery: il cielo sulla terra
I love Pizza. I love Pasta. I love these two foods more than any other food on earth. Seriously. You can imagine the first thoughts going through my head finding out that my two favorite foods I LOVE would be off limits. Ugh............the travesty! Oh, the injustice!
Then I began searching for places which carried GF pizza crust. I knew it was out there. It didn't sound very appetizing, but it's all I can have, so I searched for all the reviews. I read and researched every one I could find. I was pretty sure that out of all of the competition one stood head and shoulders above the rest.
Was I right? Well, I won't know for a while due to the fact that it's the first GF Pizza I've tried. I seriously doubt that any other GF Pizza will ever top it though. Oh, yeah it is THAT GOOD! Quite honestly, it's one of the better Pizza's I've ever had! GF or NOT.
Where is this place? Picazzo's Organic Italian Kitchen: Tempe, AZ. They have six Arizona locations but this one was inviting, clean (bathrooms spotless), service spectacular and food was delectable. This place understands GF issues and you feel perfectly fine ordering from them. They have separate ovens and preparation areas for all GF foods, and so many eating options for the entire family, GF or not.
We started with the GF Organic Garlic Cheese Bread. Such a great start! It is served with Olive Oil with a few very tasty olives in it. It could have been a little more "garlicky" for me but it was still extremely good. Light and airy with a terrific amount of Cheese on it. It didn't last long on anyone's plate.
I had the Diavalo Specialty Gourmet Pizza. The GF comes only in Medium size. The crust is quit thin but very tasty. It consists of an Organic tomato sauce, with mozzarella, pepperoni, red and yellow bell peppers, caramelized onions, andouille sausage and red pepper flakes (I did LESS Diavolo and omitted the red pepper flakes!) The sausage still had a little kick to it but not overpowering. Divine; pure and simple.
The Hubs had the Pepperoni, Sausage and Ricotta on Picazzo's Original Crust (not GF) and was extremely happy with his choice. The Mother in Law ordered a Half order Natural Chopped Italian Salad Which had so much meat in it she was shocked! Pepperoni, smoked ham, and salami. It also lettuce, garbanzo beans, organic tomatoes, a significant amount of fresh mozarella, black olives, pepperoncini, Parmesan, GF croutons and Italian Dressing. Completely GF, huge for a half order and looked amazingly fresh! The child was quite happy with a small cheese pizza!
We then finished the meal with a few desserts. Yes, GF too! I brought most of mine home. A skillet Brownie. It's about 6 inches around with non dairy organic ice cream and organic chocolate sauce! Joy and Bliss rolled into one!
This will be a "Go To" place for sure. Probably only for The Hubs and me, due to the pricing, but what a date night! I can have Pizza! It's a little "Pizza Heaven on Earth!"
Then I began searching for places which carried GF pizza crust. I knew it was out there. It didn't sound very appetizing, but it's all I can have, so I searched for all the reviews. I read and researched every one I could find. I was pretty sure that out of all of the competition one stood head and shoulders above the rest.
Was I right? Well, I won't know for a while due to the fact that it's the first GF Pizza I've tried. I seriously doubt that any other GF Pizza will ever top it though. Oh, yeah it is THAT GOOD! Quite honestly, it's one of the better Pizza's I've ever had! GF or NOT.
Where is this place? Picazzo's Organic Italian Kitchen: Tempe, AZ. They have six Arizona locations but this one was inviting, clean (bathrooms spotless), service spectacular and food was delectable. This place understands GF issues and you feel perfectly fine ordering from them. They have separate ovens and preparation areas for all GF foods, and so many eating options for the entire family, GF or not.
We started with the GF Organic Garlic Cheese Bread. Such a great start! It is served with Olive Oil with a few very tasty olives in it. It could have been a little more "garlicky" for me but it was still extremely good. Light and airy with a terrific amount of Cheese on it. It didn't last long on anyone's plate.
I had the Diavalo Specialty Gourmet Pizza. The GF comes only in Medium size. The crust is quit thin but very tasty. It consists of an Organic tomato sauce, with mozzarella, pepperoni, red and yellow bell peppers, caramelized onions, andouille sausage and red pepper flakes (I did LESS Diavolo and omitted the red pepper flakes!) The sausage still had a little kick to it but not overpowering. Divine; pure and simple.
The Hubs had the Pepperoni, Sausage and Ricotta on Picazzo's Original Crust (not GF) and was extremely happy with his choice. The Mother in Law ordered a Half order Natural Chopped Italian Salad Which had so much meat in it she was shocked! Pepperoni, smoked ham, and salami. It also lettuce, garbanzo beans, organic tomatoes, a significant amount of fresh mozarella, black olives, pepperoncini, Parmesan, GF croutons and Italian Dressing. Completely GF, huge for a half order and looked amazingly fresh! The child was quite happy with a small cheese pizza!
We then finished the meal with a few desserts. Yes, GF too! I brought most of mine home. A skillet Brownie. It's about 6 inches around with non dairy organic ice cream and organic chocolate sauce! Joy and Bliss rolled into one!
This will be a "Go To" place for sure. Probably only for The Hubs and me, due to the pricing, but what a date night! I can have Pizza! It's a little "Pizza Heaven on Earth!"
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