Black Rose Bakery

This Westborough bakery still offers excellent gluten free cakes

We recently celebrated a birthday and we wanted a gluten-free cake. We chose Black Rose Bakery in Westborough, Massachusetts. THis is the same location that Gerardo's European Bakery was, which I blogged about back in 2016.

Long Rocheford, the head baker at Gerardo's European Bakery, took over the business in 2022, and the inside looks exactly as it did when it was Gerardo's European Bakery.

We were happy to see they still sell gluten-free cakes, and they do an amazing job with them. Long Rocheford has kept the same recipes and methods since he took over the bakery. He believes in using quality ingredients to make the best gluten-free cakes, and he is committed to offering a variety of products that meet the needs of all customers.

Four things we learned

It is a very busy place, and they only have limited parking. If the parking lot is full, it may be better to return in 15 minutes. If the parking lot is full, chances are that there is a long wait for entry inside.??

As I noticed, they still offer many of the same pastries as before. There are a few gluten-free options. Ask if you want gluten-free pastries. They are all spread out in a large display.??

We ordered the cake and had a mishap on the way home. Somehow the front of the cake got smooshed against the box. I brought the cake back to see if they could fix it. An hour later, the cake looked like new! Amazing. They didn???t charge me anything to fix it. Great customer service.??

We went simple this year but the Black Rose added a nice touch to make the cake special. We had 11 people eat slices and there were still two slices left over. My daughter ate them later that day.??

The display case at the Black Rose in Westborough.

We???ll Go Back!

The cake was good and I appreciate that they fixed an issue that wasn't their fault. Hey, my daughter loved the cake. That's all that matters in the end.??

Erica's Ristorante

Spaghetti and Meatballs from the Kid's Menu

In December, we visited Erica's Ristorante in Ashland, Massachusetts. We have visited here before and knew that they had some Gluten Free options for my daughter. We wanted to make sure that my daughter had a safe and enjoyable dining experience. We knew that Erica's was likely to have some options that she would be able to enjoy without the worry of getting sick.

I informed the server about my daughter's gluten-free allergy, and the waiter was able to determine whether or not anything we wanted to order could be prepared gluten-free according to her allergy. The server was knowledgeable about the ingredients in each dish. She was able to tell us which ones were safe for my daughter to eat, based on her dietary restrictions. This made it much easier for us to make informed decisions about what to order.

Spaghetti and Meatballs (House made meatball with Marinara) from the Kid's Menu

Furthermore, the server also had the capability of determining whether or not cross-contamination issues might have occurred. The server was able to accurately tell us if a dish was gluten-free and if there was any chance of cross-contamination from other ingredients.

The pasta with meatballs that my daughter had was very enjoyable. She did not eat the whole thing but saved some for later. She ate the leftovers the next day. This is a testament to the quality of the food; it was so delicious that even the leftovers were enjoyable.

The experience we had at Erica's in Ashland, Massachusetts, was pleasant. We look forward to returning sometime in the future in order to try something new and different there. It was a positive experience from the service to the food. The atmosphere was inviting and the staff was friendly and attentive. We enjoyed the food we had and were impressed with the variety of dishes on offer.

The Buckley Kitchen

Good Gluten Free Options

The Buckley Kitchen in Framingham is a great place to find delicious, gluten-free options. Whether you're looking for lunch or dinner, The Buckley Kitchen has something to satisfy your cravings without compromising on taste.

Their menu features a variety of gluten-free items that are sure to please even the pickiest eater. From their signature salads and sandwiches made with fresh ingredients like tomatoes and cucumbers to artisanal bread that are free from any wheat products, there's something for everyone at The Buckley Kitchen!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich

My daughter had the Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich without a bun - as they didn't have a gluten-free bun.

Dessert

For dessert, they had a Flourless Chocolate Torte. My daughter loved it. It was great! She ate the whole thing while the rest of us were enjoying some dessert drinks.

Framingham, Massachusetts

The Buckley Kitchen is located in Framingham at 440 Franklin Street. They are open every day but Monday. We found that Sunday night was a good time to go as it was very quiet and we were able to get a table right away.

There are several TVs throughout the restaurant. The tv was pretty loud but it was probably set to that volume because on a regular night, there would be a lot of people in the establishment.

The Buckley Kitchen is like a box of chocolates - you never know what kind of gluten-free treat you're going to find! With so many delicious options, you'll be sure to find something to satisfy even the most finicky of eaters.

City Farmhouse

This Portland, Maine location offers a lot for celiacs

The City Farmhouse in Portland, Maine offers a wide variety of gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions. From breakfast to dinner, the restaurant has something for everyone. The menu is full of delicious items that are both flavorful and healthy. For breakfast, guests can enjoy omelets made from cage-free eggs or freshly squeezed juices made with local fruits and vegetables. In addition to these traditional choices, there are also several gluten-free sandwiches available such as an eggplant parmesan sandwich or portobello mushroom burger served on a GF bun!

Kids burger made Gluten Free at City Farmhouse

For lunch and dinner selections at the City Farmhouse include salads topped with grilled chicken breast along with soups like butternut squash bisque which is naturally free of wheat products. There are also plenty of vegan dishes like black bean tacos served over quinoa or roasted root vegetable plate featuring sweet potatoes carrots parsnips beets turnips zucchini onions mushrooms garlic kale spinach red pepper flakes olive oil sea salt & pepper all cooked together in one pan! And if you're looking for something more substantial than a salad there's always their signature macaroni & cheese dish - it's baked until golden brown and then topped off with fresh herbs giving it just enough kick without being too spicy; this dish is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters!

Finally no meal would be complete without dessert so don't forget about their selection of homemade pies cakes cookies scones muffins breads pastries tarts ice cream sundaes shakes smoothies sorbets frozen yogurt gelato truffles biscotti cheesecakes cr??me br??l??e mousse panna cotta tiramisu...all 100% Gluten Free!! With so many amazing options available at The City Farmhouse anyone who follows a special diet can still enjoy great-tasting food while dining out in Portland Maine!

Alltown Fresh

Great Place for Gluten Free Snacks and Sandwiches

Alltown Fresh in Hopkinton is a great place to find delicious and healthy food options. They offer a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, soups and more that are made with fresh ingredients every day. One of the best things about Alltown Fresh is their ability to make any sandwich gluten free upon request. This makes it easier for those who have dietary restrictions or allergies to enjoy all of the flavors they love without compromising on taste or quality.

The process for ordering a gluten-free sandwich at Alltown Fresh is simple - just let your server know when you order that you would like your sandwich prepared using gluten-free bread instead of regular bread. The kitchen staff will then prepare your meal using only certified gluten-free products so you can enjoy it without worry or concern about cross-contamination from other foods being prepared in the same area as yours may be cooked in traditional ovens alongside wheat flour products which could cause an allergic reaction if someone has intolerance towards them.

At AlltownFresh, customer satisfaction always comes first! Their commitment to providing customers with safe and delicious meals ensures everyone can enjoy their favorite flavors while still following their dietary needs or desires - no matter what type! Whether its sandwiches made with freshly baked artisanal loaves, vegan burgers topped off with housemade sauces or even something special like making any sandwich available as a Gluten Free option; this family-owned business truly goes above and beyond when it comes taking care of each individual's unique needs !

Hidden Gluten

Some places where Gluten can be found

There are many foods that may contain hidden gluten, which can be a concern for people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Some common sources of hidden gluten include:

• Soups, sauces, and gravies: These may contain wheat flour as a thickener.
• Processed meats: Some deli meats and other processed meats may contain gluten as a binding agent.
• French fries: These may be dusted with wheat flour to improve their texture.
• Soy sauce: Traditional soy sauce is made with wheat, so it contains gluten.
• Salad dressings: Some salad dressings may contain wheat flour as a thickener.
• Imitation seafood: Imitation crab meat, surimi, and other imitation seafood products may contain gluten as a binding agent.
• Seasoned snack foods: Many snack foods, such as flavored chips and crackers, may contain gluten as a flavor enhancer or as a component of the seasoning mix.
• Candy and chocolate: Some candy and chocolate products may contain wheat as a filler or to add texture.

It is important for people with gluten sensitivities to read ingredient labels carefully and to be aware of potential sources of hidden gluten.

Best Thursday Blog Post

Best Content that I posted on Thursdays in 2022

In 2022, the Thursday Blog posts were around five different topics: Classic Mac, LaunchBar, Framingham, Throw Back Video Thursday, and Gluten Free. Here are my Eight favorite Blog posts:

• Connect MacOS 9 to MacOS 10 - How to get System 9.1 connected with your 2020 iMac
• ADC vs DVI Monitor Ports - How to tell the difference in ADC vs DVI
• The Blacksmith Minuteman Statue - Statue to Commemorate the Revolutionary War
• Cushing Memorial Park - Wonderful Family Park in Framingham
• Gluten Free Cart At Fenway Park - New Cart for the 2022 Season
• Uncle Chungs - Best Gluten Free Chinese Food in Metrowest
• Taco Bell - Supreme Taco is Gluten Free
• Google Chrome URL - Easily create hyperlinks from the current page

Hidden Gluten

Where Gluten Can Be Found

There are many common foods that may contain gluten but may not be obvious sources of gluten to some people. Here are a few examples:

Soy sauce: Many types of soy sauce contain wheat, which is a source of gluten. However, there are also gluten-free options available.

Soups: Some soups may contain ingredients such as wheat flour or barley, which are sources of gluten.

Salad dressings: Some salad dressings may contain wheat-based ingredients, such as wheat germ or wheat protein.

Processed meats: Some processed meats, such as deli meats and sausages, may contain gluten as a binding agent.

Frozen vegetables: Some frozen vegetables may be coated in a sauce or seasoning that contains gluten.

Imitation seafood: Imitation crab meat, also known as surimi, may be made with wheat protein as a binding agent.

Beer: Most beers are made with barley, which is a source of gluten. However, there are now many gluten-free options available.

It's important to carefully read labels and ingredient lists to determine if a food contains gluten. If you are following a gluten-free diet, it's also a good idea to check with the manufacturer or restaurant to verify that the food is indeed gluten-free.

The Holy Donut

Great Gluten Free Donuts in Maine

The Holy Donut is a popular bakery in Portland, Maine that offers a variety of gluten-free donuts. Some of their gluten-free flavors include chocolate, blueberry, and maple. They also offer vegan and grain-free options. It's always a good idea to call ahead and verify that they have gluten-free donuts available before visiting, as their offerings may vary depending on the day and time.

These were the options when we visit the Holy Donut back in March of 2022. We arrived pretty early in the morning so we had a great selection to choose from. We got a dozen donuts so we would have them for our weekend trip in Maine.

Gluten Free Donut Variety

This is generally the gluten-free donut choices that you have:

• Gluten Free Chai
• Gluten Free Vanilla Glazed
• Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Sea Salt
• Gluten Free Chocolate Coconut
• Gluten Free Old Fashioned
• Gluten Free Triple C
• Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar
• Gluten Free Fresh Lemon

There are three locations:

• Portland, Maine - Commercial St.
• Portland, Maine - Park Ave
• Scarborough, Maine

Our Thoughts

We loved the donuts. They went really quick! My daughter loved the variety and taste. She is excited to go back to Maine and get some donuts.

Dunkin Donuts Food

Gluten Free Food Options

There are a lot of people in New England who love Dunkin Donuts. Sometimes you will see people in downtown Boston walking to their offices with an iced coffee in their hands on the coldest days.

Recently, my daughter was able to get some food as part of her Dunkin refresher. She can ask for Egg Bits, Hash Browns, and Snackn Bacon, all of which are completely safe for her to consume.

Although she doesn't have these a lot, it's nice to know that she can grab a quick bite to eat if we are in a hurry between activities, and it's nice to know that she can get something to eat while she's waiting for the next activity.