Hunting for Gluten Free Restaurants in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Yes, for gluten free New York diners, there is always the renowned Risoterria in Greenwich Village. But what about those of us in the Park Slope vicinity who want to go out for dinner without the long haul into Manhattan? Luckily, you need look no further than your very own neighborhood for delicious gluten free meals!

If you are tired of watching your dinner companions scarf down the bread basket while you sit salivating, try local French restaurant Moutarde at 239 5^th Ave (corner of Carroll St). Here you too can partake in the free starter: miniature jars of flavored mustards with vegetable crudites. According to Moutarde’s chef Martial Pilbout, the following menu entrees are gluten free: roasted salmon filet, pan-seared skate, roasted duck breast, duck leg confit, pan-served jumbo shrimp, and pan-served scallops (all of these are prepared in sauces without flour and paired with a variety of vegetables and potatoes). Chef Pilbout says he is able to prepare the cassoulet without breadcrumbs if asked.

The new Vietnamese hot spot Hanco’s at 350 7^th Ave (corner of 10^th St), which just opened this March, serves up rice wrapper summer rolls and rice vermicelli noodle salads with your choice of pork, chicken, tofu, or shrimp. This restaurant is a healthy option when you need a fast gluten free meal (such as an impromptu picnic at Prospect Park).

Authentic Mexican fare is a traditionally gluten free meal. Try Tacos Nuevo Mexico at 491 5^th Ave (corner of 12^th St). From their corn tortilla tacos and fajitas to the chicken pechuga with rice and beans, you aren’t limited to just one choice with this menu.

For gluten free Red Bridge beer , stop in at The Gate (321 5^th Ave at 3^rd St). Although this happy hour spot does not serve food, patrons are welcome to bring their own snacks from home or order food from other restaurants nearby (such as the rice vermicelli salad at Home, 1 block south at 349 5th Ave).

For a quick healthy meal, take a chance on Fuel at 606A 5^th Ave (between Prospect and 17^th St). Their entrees are full of lean protein and vegetables, and you can substitute brown rice for the carbohydrate source. The Mean Energy Plate is a flavorful favorite. They also offer meal delivery as far north as Union St.

To my knowledge, a gluten free Italian restaurant is not yet in the Slope. But you can make your own Italian meal at home after a quick stop by C-Town at 329 9^th St between 5^th and 6^th Ave. They stock DeBoles gluten free pastas and Tinkyada lasagna noodles. Also try the Classiques Meringues for dessert, shelved near the cash registers. And you’ll be glad to discover the affordable bags of Goya rice flour to try in your next baking recipe. If enough people request it, maybe they will agree to carry xanthan gum too (a gluten free baking essential).

Other than the Park Slope Co-op, what other gluten free grocery options are in the area? Union Market, with two locations to serve all of the Slope (754 Union St and 402 7^th Ave), carries a few gluten free flours and brownie/pancake mixes. You are also in luck if you are close by Associated at 216 5^th Ave. They sell Van’s gluten free frozen waffles and two varieties of gluten free frozen souffles, in addition to a small selection of gluten free pastas.

And finally, you can bring home a pack of the gluten free beer Bard’s Tale Dragons Gold, found at Bierkraft on 191 5^th Ave (at Sackett/Berkeley Place). Cheers!

*Reader tips on other local gluten free resources you may have discovered are welcomed!  Gluten free items can not be guaranteed by the author.