A GF foodie’s guide to NYC
Tucked into central PA, it can be easy to forget that our small town is just a 3-hour-drive (or Amtrak ride) to New York City- and while it may be considered “the greatest city in the world” for theater, shopping or site-seeing, it also does not miss when it comes to gluten free food. Save these spots from our teams’ recent visits to NYC to add to your “must eat” list and plan your own day trip to the big city.
Modern Bread and Bagel- started by a pastry chef whose husband cannot eat gluten, this classic NYC bagel shop (serving a 100% gluten-free menu), can allow you to indulge in the sort of bagel sandwich experience you thought you’d never have again. Not only do they serve a full score of bagels- cinnamon raisin, everything, classic (to name a few) they also offer paleo rolls, full loaves of gluten-free artisan bread and a slew of donuts, cookies, and other morning pastries- all without gluten! Oh, and there is even vegan cream cheese. There are 3 locations across the city; I’d recommend buying at least half a dozen “raw” bagels to bring home to freeze for happy mornings back in Dillsburg when the bagel cravings strike.
Thyme and Tonic- on the upper west side, this casual spot is FUN- serving brunch, lunch and dinner that is totally gluten and dairy free- fried chicken and waffles, crispy tofu pad thai, mahi mahi fish tacos- this menu saves room for everything but boredom. Craveable dishes with full-flavor influences from all over the world, the common ground is the obvious commitment to executing delicious dishes that can be enjoyed by everyone in the group- including a wide range of plant-forward options. If you’re in the neighborhood but it’s not meal-time, swing by their snack bar just inside the door, serving classic ballpark favorites: churros, hot-dogs, fresh warm soft-pretzels, frozen lemonade (also all GF/DF!) The churro is swoon-worthy.
Juice Press- because one can’t only consume carbs, Juice Press (with locations all over Manhattan) has a full range of real-fruit superfood smoothies with unique ingredients like watermelon, blue spirulina, passionfruit, and maca (they also have strawberry banana, BYO if you want to keep it simple). You’ll also find a full range of juices and selection of pre-packaged wholesome snacks for the city- think paleo, GF, DF, minimally processed options with short ingredient lists.
Pressed Juicery- (With a remarkably similar name, it’s unknown who came first) but add this as another stop for refreshment- especially on a hot summer day in the city- for soft serve that is vegan and totally clean. Vanilla “freeze” ingredients: almond milk, dates, vanilla extract, sea salt! There is also a GF/Vegan topping bar. It’s my dream version of the viral fro-yo shops from 2015.
LumLum Thai Seafood Bar- Plan on a reservation for this cozy gem, the dishes look like works of art, drinks are adorned with palm fronds, and the pad thai is crowned with what looks like lace and is actually scrambled egg in a latticework pattern. The menu, while not entirely gluten free, is clearly marked with plenty of options! There are few better ways to end a meal than with coconut mango sticky rice (Vegan & GF). Some in my party were overheard saying it’s “the best thai food [they’ve] ever had!”
EmmySquared Pizza- there can’t not be a pizza option on this list! And Emmy’s does not disappoint when it comes to gluten free crust. For all those who’ve experienced the run-of-the-mill gf crust – thin, flimsy, tasteless, adding absolutely nothing (and maybe better left uneaten) – allow Emmy’s to redeem that reputation. Fluffy, chewy, thick, with crispy edges, choose from a variety of their artisan combos or DIY with vegan cheese.
At Tucker & Co we are on a mission to showcase just how delicious (and nutritious) eating gluten (and dairy) free can be & if you need more convincing, any of the spots on this list will surely help make our point. ;)