Best Bites print column (Oct. 8)
Here’s the Best Bites column that appeared in today’s edition of The Daily Journal:
I’m devoting this week’s column to my readers on gluten-free diets. Here’s a compilation of area eateries that can accommodate your needs.
Thanks to all of you who shared information with me, and thanks to a reader named Joyce who suggested I cover this important topic.
* Bahay Kubo (263 N. Convent St., Suite 10) in Bourbonnais offers a gluten-free buffet on the first Tuesday and third Thursday of every month. Everything on the buffet, including six entrees, soup and dessert, are gluten-free those nights. Chef Arnold will also prepare any item from the menu gluten-free when requested. He even uses different pans and utensils to prevent cross-contamination.
* America’s Bistro, in Kankakee, is very accommodating to requests for gluten-free meals, according to two readers.
* Bull’s Pit Smoked BBQ, in Kankakee, is “very good about being careful,” according to a reader named Joyce. “Their wings and fries (and those at Paul’s Place) are available “naked” (no breading) and both are excellent, but I have yet to find a place that uses a separate fryer for true GF fried foods. … One of my favorite GF meals is the Huevos Machacados at Tacos del Norte, which is no longer on the menu but Freddie will still make if you ask nicely.” Paul’s Place is in Kankakee and Tacos del Norte is in Bradley.
* Jim from Jimmy Jo’s BBQ, in Bourbonnais, e-mailed to tell me that most of their items are gluten-free. He said Coyote Canyon also has a large gluten-free menu.
* Jimmy Jo’s BBQ is also a favorite of a reader named Jack. He said LoneStar and Ruby Tuesday, both in Bradley, Texas Roadhouse, in Tinley Park, and Burgundy Bistro, in Olympia Fields, have special gluten-free menus. He also told me that the Kankakee Celiac Support Group meets the second Thursday of the month at Kankakee Natural Foods in Bradley.
* All area Monicals locations began offering a 10.5-inch gluten-free pizza crust in May. “It tastes wonderful!” according to a reader named Elizabeth.
* Aurelio’s, in Bourbonnais, also offers a gluten-free crust.
More information, including addresses for the above businesses, is available on my blog, which is at www.myKankakeeCounty. com/blogs/dining. If there’s anything I missed — and I’m sure there is — please leave a comment on the blog so others can see it.
***
Slim & Chubby’s Pour House opened last week. The bar is at 1500 N. Hobbie Ave. (aka Illinois Route 50) in Kankakee. Hours are 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Their phone is (815) 614-3596.
***
Things I’m working on for next week and beyond:
* As previously reported, Armenise’s Eighteen 75 in Bradley is closing at the end of the evening on Saturday. If you have a gift certificate, make sure you use it. A new restaurant will be opening, and I’ll have more details in two weeks.
* Dandy’s Pizza will be opening soon at the southwest corner of Station and Wall streets in Kankakee.
* FroYo Creations, a self-service frozen yogurt shop, will be opening later this month on North Convent Street in Bourbonnais.
Best Bites appears Thursdays in The Daily Journal. Denise can be reached at drenckens@daily-journal.com or at the phone number above.
