Eating gluten free (abbreviated as GF) can be a challenge. Even though it's a more common dietary restriction than it used to be, most American diets are still full of bread and pasta. Luckily there are some great places in Chico that are making your gluten free life a little easier, and more fun! So, what are the best gluten free places to eat and shop in Chico? Read on...
Farm Star - Best GF Pizza in Chico
In the location that used to be Gashouse Pizza (for those who know their Chico history) now stands Farm Star Pizza, arguably the best pizza in town and in our opinion, definitely the best gluten free pizza in town. Farm Star highlights seasonal local ingredients and makes hand stretched artisan pizzas. Their gluten free (GF) crust is fairly thin (as most are) but has a great texture and flavor.
Raley's - GF Sandwiches On the Go
Both Raley's store locations in Chico can make any of their deli sandwiches on GF bread. They have a variety of specialty sandwiches, or you can design your own. Because the GF bread is smaller, they will actually make you 2 little GF sandwiches to make up the difference!
Beatniks - GF for Breakfast and Lunch!
Beatniks Coffee House and Breakfast Joint has some great GF breakfast options including pancakes and french toast. They actually bake their own gluten free bread as well, and it's the best and most fresh tasting gluten free bread we have ever had. They use it in their GF french toast and also to make any of their lunch sandwiches into a gluten free flavor bonanza. You can actually buy a whole loaf of their GF bread to bring home - you won't be disappointed.
Upper Crust - GF Baked Goods
Upper Crust Bakery makes the best GF scones and muffins. They make sure to have a fresh baked gluten free option in the case every day. Grab a GF scone and a latte to start your day off right.
Cocodine - GF Thai Food!
If you like Thai food, you will love Cocodine Thai Cuisine. If you don't love Thai food, please stop reading this blog and go try Cocodine so you can change your mind. Even though you may not think of Thai food as being full of gluten, the sauces they use to cook with can often contain gluten, and some dishes are made with wheat noodles instead of rice noodles. Cocodine takes out the guesswork and allows you to order almost any item on the menu as GF. There are only a few exceptions where they can't modify an item to be GF. The service is great, the food is amazing - go now.
OM Foods - GF Health Food
OM Foods states that their mission is "not only to serve highly nutritious food that is filling and colorful, but to advocate for a food system without artificial ingredients and GMOs". They have lots of GF options, as well as vegetarian and vegan dishes. The nachos sound particularly tasty:
NACHOS (V) (GF)
Organic Non Gmo Corn Chips, Brown Rice, Pinto Beans, Cilantro sauce, Chipotle sauce, Salsa, Avocado, Cashew Cheese, fresh Cilantro, Green Onion & Lime wedge.
Wine Time - GF Dinner Options
For good atmosphere, great wine and GF dinner options, check out Wine Time. They focus on the atmosphere and experience of eating together with friends. In their words, "You are the driving force to your experience here at Wine Time. We want you to enjoy the moments you have with your friends and family because that is what life is all about. So, sit back and relax." Here are a couple highlights from their menu:
Butter Chicken - Spanish style meatballs with pork, beef, peppers, feta and topped with queso, rancho chili sauce and sour cream (serves 2)
GF Grocery Shopping
S&S Produce and New Earth Market are your best options to find gluten free groceries. Safeway and Raley's have some options as well, but the health focused specialty stores are more likely to have what you are looking for.
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