I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease at a very young age. Celiac Disease is an auto-immue disease restricting my diet from gluten as a whole. Navigating the world of gluten-free dining can be challenging, but with the right resources and knowledge, it becomes much more manageable. Whether you’re dining out or stocking up at the grocery store, knowing where to find safe and delicious options is key.

Reliable Restaurants:

Everett Farms 

Located in West Lake Forest, Everett Farms is a completely trustworthy option when eating gluten free. There are only a couple of gluten-containing options on the menu and all of the staff members are very knowledgeable. 

Go to Order: Cheese Curds with truffle sauce (appetizer), Everett Burger with french fries (add truffle sauce on the side, GF bun)

Authentico 

Located in downtown Lake Forest is Authentico which has a very fun and lively atmosphere.  Authentico is able to work around dietary restrictions and make your experience very enjoyable.

Go to Order: Tacos de Tinga (corn tortilla, add sour cream), served with cilantro lime rice and black beans

Francesca’s 

Also in downtown Lake Forest, Francesca’s has a whole separate gluten free menu and almost anything on the main menu can be made gluten free. The staff can be informed  about gluten allergies and are especially careful since it is an Italian restaurant with lots of gluten present. 

Go to Order: Asparagus (appetizer), Gluten Free Vodka Pasta

Food Product Recommendations

Bread:

Trader Joe’s brand bread is the best gluten free bread in my opinion. Additionally, many people I know have said they cannot tell the difference between gluten free Trader Joe’s bread and gluten-filled bread. 

Canyon Bakehouse bread has more of a sweet undertone, yet isn’t as dense as many other gluten free breads tend to be. This can be bought at Target or Walmart. 

GF Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit is a box mix that comes out of the oven piping hot and ready to eat. This is one of my favorite sides to have with chili or any sort of hot dish.

Pastries:

Gluten Free Bakeries:

Defloured located on Balmoral Ave on the outskirts of Chicago is an all gluten free bakery with unique pastries and frozen products.

Sweet Ali’s Bakery located in Hinsdale has the best gluten free donuts I have ever had, specifically the Eclair along with various other gluten free treats. 

Wheats End Cafe and Bakery located on Diversey Pkwy in Chicago near Lake Shore Drive has an impressive gluten free cinnamon roll along with some delicious avocado toast.  

Trader Joe’s Muffins are some of my favorite treats. They carry seasonal pumpkin streusel muffins along with blueberry, double chocolate, cinnamon coffee cake, and limited edition strawberry.

Gluten free muffins in the LFHS Grind, our school carries a variety of gluten free muffins in the grind. My personal favorite is apple cobbler, but I know the zucchini chocolate chip is highly praised by many. 

Lifestyle Tips

One way I manage my way around traveling with celiac is by researching trusty local restaurants on an app called Find Me Gluten Free where other people with Gluten intolerances or Celiac disease leave their recommendations and reviews on restaurants. I find a couple gluten free options near where I plan to stay before leaving for the trip. Then either book a hotel that can accommodate or somewhere in a gluten free accessible area.

When ordering in a big group I make myself feel a little bit safer by asking the server. “This one is gluten free right?” When he brings the food out. Just to make sure they are giving me the correct plate.