All that holiday shopping can sure build up an appetite. Chicago is a tough town if you have food allergies When you can't eat pizza, hot dogs, or sandwiches what do you do? Think of this little guide as a food allergy version of Eat This Not That done up Chicago style.
Chicago Pizza Pie
Barbara Rutman of Uno's Chicago Grill has informed me that they have a gluten-free menu. Shamburg and Crestwood locations have gluten-free pizza. Unfortunately, due to such high traffic volume their downtown locations do not. The gluten-free dough is made from a completely gluten-free producer, therefore there is not issue with cross contamination. The pizza serves approximately 2-3 dinners for $9.95. Rutman says a gluten-free dessert is in the works as well. I'm really impressed with how well their on-line menu is organized and not just by gluten-free standings but also carb, vegetarian, protein and calorie.
The Chicago Hot Dog
Anthony Bourdain says ours are better (than NYC) and he made a visit to Hot Doug's during the Chicago No Reservations show. I remember Hot Doug's former location in my old hood, Roscoe Village when he had lines out the door. Now there are lines around the block at his 3324 N. California location. Doug has informed me that they do not have gluten free buns but the other ingredients of the Chicago Dog are both gluten and dairy-free. You could pull a BYOB (bring your own bun) or just order without the bun and eat with fork and knife, still delicious.The Sandwich
Of course I have to mention Rose's Wheat free Bakery in Evanston. The lunch menu has several sandwiches: grilled cheese (not dairy-free obviously), veggie, grilled chicken, plus ham and cheese. Karyn's Fresh Corner in Lincoln Park has a raw vegan sandwich called the Square of Joy, it's vegan, raw, and gluten-free but I recommend holding the raw onions.
Ribs
If you are shopping at one of those glam boutiques in Wicker Park try the Smoke Daddy on Division. Their ribs are gluten-free and they also have a reputation for being "gluten friendly".
Additionally, Whole Food stores are not just for grocery shopping, they all have great cold/hot salad bars where you can pick out a quick allergy free lunch and sit down for a bit. Most items are labeled stating common allergens. There is always someone behind the counter who can help answer questions. If you are shopping near the Clybourn Corridor area Whole Foods at 1550 N. Kingsbury is the MacDaddy of Whole Foods stores with a wine bar and several mini-eateries inside it.
Filed under: Dairy-free, Eating out, Gluten-free, Holiday, Vegan, Wheat-free
Tags: dairy-free, eating out, holiday, vegan, wheat-free
