Pei Wei, Cherry Hill and Moorestown, NJ

Pei Wei, Cherry Hill and Moorestown, NJ

Rating: 7
I really like Pei Wei, and although it is a “fast-food” version of the more popular P.F. Chang’s, I think it is better! There is one thing that I love to order when I am there: the GF Pei Wei Spicy Shrimp… sauce on the side! Why? It’s crunchy and delicious, and they serve larger-sized shrimp accompanied by steamed carrots and sugar snapped peas!

On the menu, it's listed as GF Pei Wei spicy chicken...you need to ask to "sub shrimp." Also when you order, it’s smart to ask for the spicy sauce on the side; not because it’s too spicy, but because it keeps the dish from getting soggy.  They offer white or brown steamed rice with the dish and for some reason I always go for the brown.  However, I think that the white rice is much tastier! Maybe next time…

Pei Wei always seems busy and the service is fast.  Besides the typical fountain sodas and Chinese food-inspired teas (Mandarin green tea and a spicy black tea) they offer Jones Soda in a bottle. Unfortunately, I was told that Moorestown location was phasing-out the Jones, but they had it yesterday at the Cherry Hill store.  (My fave is the Jones Cherry!!)

The bottom line is that Pei Wei is consistent: you get the same thing every time, and I think that’s a good thing!

Gluten-free Pei Wei spicy shrimp. 

Chicago’s Uno Grill, Maple Shade, NJ

Surprise!!!

Rating: 6.5

Chicago’s Uno Grill, Maple Shade, NJ

So, I’m not really one for chain restaurants; I actually try to avoid them! But on a whim I googled “gluten free pizza” (waiting for a miracle, of course) and a hit for Chicago’s Uno Grill (formerly Pizzeria Uno’s) popped up! Well, having only been able to satiate my pizza needs using frozen boxed pizza (translation: sub-par,) I headed right over!!

Despite the menu and ambiance being generically “chain,” I rate the pizza a decent-plus! The gluten-free crust was thin and came in three flavors: tomato and cheese, pepperoni and veggie.  I went for the plain ol’ pizza.  Good stuff.  Realistically, a real slice of pie can never really be replaced; but at least this one was fresh (not frozen) and hot out of an oven!

Another surprise was my side salad which was a good portion and tasted pretty fresh… no residue of lettuce-from-a-bag or anything.  The gluten-free basil-lemon vinaigrette was tasty! Two gluten-free desserts were offered: the standard ice cream sundae (not too exciting) and bananas foster.  I had that! Also good. 

For the beer drinkers, Uno has Redbridge in a bottle. 

Side Salad with GF lemon-basil dressing

GF Tomato and Cheese Pizza.  The mozz is a bit burnt because I asked for my pizza extra crispy!!



GF Bananas Foster



Decent experience!

GF menu: http://www.unos.com/menus/glutenFree.php



Lilli and Loo's, NYC

Lilli and Loo’s, NYC

Rating: 8

Delicious!!

I don’t frequent Manhattan too often, but recently I sought out some gluten-free Chinese food while I was in town.  Lilli and Loo’s, at 792 Lexington Avenue, had an extensive selection of “authentic” Chinese dishes (authentic as-in not P.F. Chang’s!)


The restaurant was clean (a big plus!!), ambiance was simple and modern, and service was fast.  There were several other tables of diners during an off-dining time (4pm) which, in my opinion, is testament to the food’s deliciousness!!


I had the Crispy  General Tso’s Shrimp and my dining partner had the Sizzling Platter beef. Gluten-free goodness!!!

Check out the links to Lilli and Loo’s gluten-free menus:
http://store6.geomerx.com/lilliandloo/index.cfm?fuseaction=category&categoryID=29

http://store6.geomerx.com/lilliandloo/index.cfm?fuseaction=category&categoryID=39

http://store6.geomerx.com/lilliandloo/index.cfm?fuseaction=category&categoryID=40


GF Sizzling Beef Platter


GF Crispy General Tso's Shrimp

Alma de Cuba, Philadelphia

Alma de Cuba, Philadelphia

Rating: 9

Let’s Start Off Positively...

Love it!!

To begin, I would like to highlight my favorite restaurant in Philly which does not soley advertise “gluten-free”… But they have several amazing selections that are gluten-free! Alma de Cuba at 1623 Walnut Street in Philadelphia boasts an authentic take on Cuban cuisine. 

From ceviche to soups, seafood dishes to steaks, Alma de Cuba has a fantastic variety of gluten-free options. Amazingly enough, their little biscuits (“pon de bono”) are gluten free.  Repeat: gluten-free biscuits! Currently, my favorite entrée is the Brazilian Shrimp Stew.  Previously, it was the lobster ceviche which is sadly on hiatus! (The mojitos aren’t bad, either!)

Check the link for their gluten-free menu: http://www.almadecubarestaurant.com/pdf/glutenFree.pdf