BLOG: Gobs and gobs of gluten

This is a shout-out to all my Amarilloans who, like me, are the one out of 133 Americans that are confined to a gluten-free diet. In other words, if you can gorge yourself with oozing pasta, sizzling chicken fried steak, oven-roasted garlic bread, golden, rich pancakes or moist, lavishing cakes, then eat some for the both of us and ignore what I have to say.

“Gross.”

That was the first thought that crossed my mind three weeks ago when I first embarked on my eternal gluten-free journey. Week one felt like an uphill hike in five-inch Prada stilettos. Not an impossible feat, but one that leaves a body crippled and famished. I 99.9% sure I ate more fruit and vegetables that week than I normally do in a year.

As week two progressed, I tippy-toed into the deep end and sampled various gluten-free cookies and bread. I am still not positive all of it was actually edible.

Thankfully, today, I find myself more confident in my eating habits, except for one massive issue: eating out. If only my friends understood the true agony of watching them dive into mounds of gluten-filled entrées while I pathetically munch on lettuce.

A quick Google search will produce about 20 local gluten-free friendly restaurants. However, a couple of those restaurants have served me meals that were not entirely filling or appetizing. So, below I have compiled a quick guide with 10 local establishments that I recommend for the one percent of the population in search of a tasteful, gluten-free cuisine. Enjoy!

Note: If you know of more gluten-free friendly places around town, please let me know (I am desperate)!

McAlister’s Deli

8605 W 34^th Ave

Amarillo, Tx 79119

806-355-7500

575 Pizzeria

2803 Civic Circle

Amarillo, Tx 79109

806-331-3627

Red Robin

8720 W Interstate 40

Amarillo, Tx 79124

806-322-7970

Chop Chop Japanese Steakhouse

3300 S Coulter St #1

Amarillo, Tx 79106

806-457-0700

Abuelo’s

3501 W 45^th Ave

Amarillo, Tx 79109

806-354-8294

Chick-fil-A

7701 W Interstate 40 Suite 132

806-355-1848

2525 S Georgia St

806-358-8055

4510 S Coulter St

806-468-8885

Johnny Carino’s

8400 W Interstate 40

Amarillo, Tx 79106

806-468-9375

Jason’s Deli

7406 W 34^th Ave

Amarillo, Tx 79121

806-353-4440

The Potato Factory

114 SW 6^th Ave

806-322-7783

2808 W 34^th Ave

806-463-7783

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

7306 SW 34^th Ave

Amarillo, Tx 79121

806-358-0997