Category: Restaurants

Nature’s Oasis

Shaker Heights, Lakewood

https://www.naturesoasisstores.com/

3385 Tuttle Rd #104
Shaker Hts, OH 44122
at the Van Aken District
216-965-0323

15613 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood, OH 44107
Tel: 216-505-5333

Nature’s Oasis bills itself as a “Convenience Market & Cafe”.

On a recent visit to the Shaker location I enjoyed a stroll around the small collection of fresh produce and a variety of groceries, many of them gluten free.

Then I ordered from the cafe menu. So many choices. Bagel sandwiches, waffles, GF muffins and cookies. And coffee.

I tried the GF bagel with bacon, egg whites, and cheese and sat in the light filled space where others were eating, meeting and working.

Naf Naf

Independence

https://nafnafgrill.com/

Independence
6714 Rockside Road
Independence, OH 44131
216-415-8102

Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill is a fast-casual restaurant with friendly helpful staff.

I ate at the Independence location. When I asked about gluten free options I was shown the Allergy Guide. Staff changed gloves. Note that most of the menu items are gluten free. Exceptions include the pita and couscous and baklava. The chicken shwarma and amba sauce are noted to be processed in a facility where trace elements of the allergen are present. And the listing has an expected caveat that no guarantees are made and cross contact may occur.

I enjoyed a tasty bowl with hummus, falafel and all the salads and garnishes. Both the tahini and garlic sauces were terrific, though I was happy with my bowl sauceless.

I was told the Naf Fries are prepared in a dedicated fryer. Might try them on my next visit.

Boss ChickNBeer

right on Front St in the center of Berea

www.bosschicknbeer.com

120 Front Street, Berea 44017

Boss ChickNBeer

This is a nice, simple restaurant with a menu limited primarily to chicken (wings or very meaty tenders/strips) and go-withs for the chicken. Sauces are served on the side and almost all of them are gluten-free. Staff is very knowledgeable re gluten-free, too. Sides include things like potato fries, cauliflower and cheese (the gluten-free version of ‘macaroni and cheese’) and garlic Brussels sprouts. Portions were ample and we took some home, too. Food is ordered at the front, you then find a seat yourself, a server takes

your drink orders. Then you are called to pick up your food from the bar when it is ready. Suggest you arrive hungry and enjoy!

Batuqui Cleveland

Adjacent to the Shaker Sq. area of Cleveland.

batuquicleveland.com

12706 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland, OH

A beautiful restaurant located in one of the houses of the commercial stretch of Larchmere. Don’t be intimidated – enter the front door – be enchanted and welcomed to an amazing experience.

216-801-0227

It seems like we have been trying to get to Batuqui forever. After finally making it happen we will most definitely not waste any time getting there for a repeat visit. We made a reservation for our visit and were thrilled to be seated at a table right at the front window overlooking the porch and outdoor dining area. As it was a bit of a chilly evening we loved the view and the comfort of the dining area. This also gave us the benefit of being served by Tiffany who was welcoming, wonderfully attentive, and very knowledgeable! Lovely service was the first success of this amazing meal.

We started with a plate of Pao de Queijo – little round cheesebread bites – bites of deliciousness – accompanied with delightful salads – the Bossa Nova and the Palmita. We rounded this course out with a glass of red wine (guest) and a caipirinha (mine, one of the best I’ve ever tasted).

For our meals we selected the Feijoada and Picanha Acebolada. Both dishes were substantial, both were perfectly prepared, both were delicious. We had each chosen four items for our entree selections so we made the decision to start at the top of the listings figuring we’ll work our way down the menu on subsequent visits. Dilemma solved! But, there is also a daily specials menu so it is probable that the menu and its possible combinations will never be exhausted!

While the dessert list was inviting we were both completely and fully satiated and knew we would not be able to enjoy desserts this visit. Next time we’ll save room.

Pinstripes

Pinecrest, Orange Village

111 Park Avenue
Orange Village, OH 44122
216-415-8010

https://pinstripes.com/cleveland/

Pinstripes is a sprawling entertainment and dining facility in Pinecrest.

From their website:

Pinstripes was built from a passion to gather, to celebrate, and to experience sophisticated fun. Gather around our outdoor fire pit, rival friends in a game of bocce, or lace up the bowling shoes in our grand rendition of the classic American pastime while you enjoy our Italian/American cuisine served from our scratch kitchen.

I enjoyed dinner in the Bistro on a recent spring evening. The hostess produced a gluten friendly menu when asked about gluten free availability. The server assured me that once she notes the “allergy” my food would be prepared separately in the kitchen.

The gluten friendly menu included salads, pastas, pizzas and entrees. The server said that pasta is prepared separately but pizza is made in a shared oven.

I enjoyed a Cobb salad with beautifully arranged ingredients and super fresh taste.

Gluten eating companions enjoyed a vegetable flatbread and salmon sandwich. No sandwiches on the gluten friendly menu, though I wonder if items could just be ordered without the bread.

Happy hour is available in the bar area and pizza is on the menu. Might be worth a try.