Food is Love: My Oh My, Let’s Order Fries.
Gluten Free Mollie D Valentine’s Day Trio: Part III
Editor’s note: This post will serve as my ongoing guide-to-fries and will be updated regularly (whenever I find awesome, safe fries you must try). Latest edits as of July 2020.
Happy Valentine’s Day, friends! The third and final chapter of the Valentine’s Day trio has arrived and it’s all about everyone’s favorite, French fries! 😍
I would argue that French fries are pretty much a requirement any time I’m at a restaurant where they are served safely for those of us with celiac disease. Safe means that they are fried separately (with nothing containing gluten in the fryer) and that magical phrase, “separate fryer” is music to my fry-loving ears.
I love fries with all of my heart and I consider them a lifelong favorite food. So when you’re considering where to eat tonight, or any night, and fries are on your “must order” list, then may I suggest the following restaurants which all offer safe, scrumptious French fries. I’m drooling already…💕
Top-Tier Fries, right this way…
The Bancroft - served in a brown paper bag piping hot, the “shoestring” style is perfect to go with any number of other dishes on the menu. My favorite pairings? Shrimp cocktail, a wedge salad, or indulge with a filet mignon. Either way, the fries are top-notch. Live it up, even more, and order the polenta fries, served with truffle aioli. ;)
The Bristol Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel - the fries are perfect, every time. I always order the truffle Parmesan variety, but plain and sweet potato options are available too. Without fail, I always start a night at the Bristol, or a brunch, with an order of fries. It’s pretty much a tradition at this point. ;) Lately, my brunch order includes truffle parm fries with an order of GF pancakes. Yes, it’s possible. And so delicious!
Bistro 781 - {Writing this addition in July 2020, amidst the pandemic} I inhaled a bag of this Bistro’s scrumptious truffle fries in the car and wish I had gotten a second order! The flavor is awesome and they were served in a cute parchment bag, which was great for in-transit consumption. Plain fries are available too, if you’re not in the mood for truffle. This restaurant is excellent for gluten free needs and the majority of the menu can be made gluten free. Of course, since the fries are safe, they are a must-add every time we order takeout. ;)
Tempo Kitchen and Cocktails - we’ve only been to this restaurant once, but I haven’t stopped thinking about the fries we ordered upon arrival. Spritzed with truffle oil and sprinkled with scallions, I loved every crunchy bite of these thin-cut fries. The order is large which is great for sharing, but I wouldn’t blame you for saving them all for yourself. Pair them with any of the awesome appetizers - that’s my style. ;)
The Stones Common House and Kitchen - what’s better than regular, awesome fries? Awesome fries topped with awesome toppings! This excellent local restaurant offers giant plates of fries served plain with aioli, or topped with house-made chili and cheese, or brunch-style with an egg and hollandaise. Omg. Unreal. They know their stuff and my goodness I can’t walk in without ordering fries to go with whatever else I plan to eat. It’s usually a big salad, a veggie burger, or a cheeseburger, plus one of their great martinis. ;)
Still Pretty Awesome and Delicious….
Burton’s Grill and Bar - While we visit for foods other than fries, it’s so great to know that safe, yummy fries are available here. My usual order is crab cakes and fries or a burger and fries. Or the spicy cauliflower appetizer, and fries.
Legal Sea Foods - When all of the fried food is safe, it’s hard to not order the whole menu. My go-to is a shrimp Caesar with fries or onion strings, or a big plate of fried clams, with fries. No matter the order, it’s so comforting to know the whole seafood-focused meal will be safe and ridiculously delicious. Fries, included. ;)
Woodman’s of Essex - While my primary reason for visiting is fried clams and fried calamari, we finally ordered fries during a recent visit and man, they’re delicious too! If you’re not familiar with Woodman’s, it’s a wonderful institution north of Boston that has an incredible array of fried seafood, almost all of which can be prepared (safely) gluten free. My latest order included fries and fried clams; an ultimate summer duo. {Added July 2020 amidst the pandemic. Order your food to-go and either have a car picnic or sit outside (away from everyone) and enjoy the view!
Red Heat Tavern - the entire menu can be made gluten free so order whatever you want and add in the fries, or the tater tots, or the onion strings, or the… you get what I’m saying. This sports-bar style spot has food you crave, plus the essentials. Add fries, sweet potato fries, or something else, and be so relaxed knowing you’re eating a yummy, safe meal.
Tavern in the Square - the other go-to for a sports-focused atmosphere plus an abundance of gluten free fries and more. My favorite is the southwest tater tots, but I often include buffalo cauliflower, tempura broccoli, or if we’re extra hungry, the big nachos. Major. Yum.
There’s More!
Note, I haven’t had these fries, but I can only assume they’re fantastic, too.
110 Grill - many friends love this spot for the abundance of gluten free options and the strict protocol around safety serving those with celiac. Highly recommend checking it out!
Have I missed one of your favorites? We are always eager to know of more places to add to the “Best, Safe Fries” list, so please add it in the comments. I’d love to know!
Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Fry-day!
Enjoy!
Mollie