Gluten has been identified as a major food allergy for many people, triggering symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation and skin problems. While there is a difference between gluten intolerance and celiac disease, a more severe autoimmune disease in which the small intestine is damaged by eating gluten, many food manufacturers and restaurants have begun catering to people who don't eat gluten. While most restaurants, like these in Rhode Island, are not entirely gluten free, they do offer special menus for those who are gluten intolerant.
According to the American Celiac Family Support Group of RI, one restaurant that offers a gluten free menu is Cucina Mista in East Greenwich. Cucina Mista offers Italian-Mediterranean inspired fare, a type of food particularly difficult for those who don't eat gluten, since wheat is used so prevalently in the cuisine. However, Cucina Mista offers several gluten free menu items, including numerous pasta dishes with multiple sauces and other Italian favorites such as chicken Saltimbocca, chicken Marsala and swordfish Messinese.
Cucina Mista
455 Main Street
East Greenwich, Rhode Island
401-398-2900
cucinamista.com
While it is hard to imagine pizza without a wheat crust, Federal Hill Brick Oven Pizza in Warren, Rhode Island, offers a gluten free pizza day each Monday. As of 2010, a 12-inch gluten free pizza costs $10 and then $1 for each additional topping you choose. Federal Hill Brick Oven Pizza opened in 2005 and also has a location in Cranston. The restaurant is run by Chef William Manzo Jr., who is a member of the World Pizza Champions.
Federal Hill Brick Oven Pizza
495 Main Street
Warren, RI
401-245-0045
federalhillpizza.com
Providence's Kabob and Curry offers a separate celiac menu for those who cannot eat gluten. The restaurant is run by Chef Sanjiv Dhar, who trained in both India and Austria before settling into Rhode Island. Kabob and Curry's celiac menu features more than 20 items, including Indian favorites such as lamb saag, chicken vindaloo and numerous vegetarian meals like chana masala, navrattan curry and lentil soup.
Kabob and Curry
261 Thayer Street
Providence, RI
401-273-8844
kabobandcurry.com
