Still More: Delco’s Great Gluten-Free Fare — Round 2

Gluten-sensitive, or have celiac disease? We’re gonna say it: Rejoice in your options! We set out to tell the tale and found enough Delco spots for not one, but two blogs. Cheers to safe meals!

 

Like those in Round 1, these Delco establishments offer various degrees of gluten-free items. In many cases there’s a small up-charge for gluten-free pastas or breads, but that’s a small price to pay for a drool-worthy meal. Check about catering options, too — you’ll find most do that so that you can bring the “wow-factor” to your gluten-free friends and family.

 

We covered these in Round 1, but they warrant repeating: When dining, it’s always prudent to follow these quick guidelines so that your server and the kitchen staff know there’s someone with a food allergy/sensitivity at the table:

• Let the server know you require gluten-free food.
• If you’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease, mention that, as well.
• Ask if gluten-free food is cooked separately, especially in the fryer.
• If you’re modifying a dish, specify what must be left off (croutons, bread crumbs, etc.).
• If in doubt when the dish arrives, confirm it’s gluten-free with the server.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

Christopher’s: A Neighborhood Place

There’s an ample menu here, but we’re taken by the freshly-baked gluten-free goods, including breads, rolls, pizza crusts and brownies. So indulge in a treat, savor a pizza, or take a big bite out of any number of sandwiches and burgers! There’s a full bar, too. As the name implies, this neighborhood favorite is family-friendly, with a creative kids menu. Don’t miss brunch! Open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (bar until midnight); Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (bar until midnight) and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

108 N Wayne Ave., Wayne, (610) 687-6558.

 

Azie in Media

Here’s the destination for Asian fusion, sushi and specialty cocktails, many of them gluten-free. It boasts a chic-modern vibe with friendly service. Get your gluten-free on with a 15-piece sashimi platter or the Azie pad Thai. Craving fried rice? It can be prepared gluten-free upon request. Bonus: Vegetarian and vegan options, too! Open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., then 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., then 4:30 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 4:30 to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., then 4:30 to 9 p.m. Stop into happy hour Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the front lounge and bar. 

217 W State St., Media, (610) 566-4750.

 

 

Double Decker Pizza

Four Delco locations, four chances to sink your teeth into gluten-free pizza! Stop into Chadds Ford, Glenolden, Media or Ridley Park and enjoy what the Vlazakis family has been carefully crafting since 1976. The gluten-free pizza is on a cauliflower crust — but you’d never know it! You can specify how it’s done, load it with toppings, and even up (or lower) the amount of cheese and sauce. Hours vary by location.

220 Wilmington-West Chester Pike, Chadds Ford, (610) 459-4090; 16 S. MacDade Boulevard, Glenolden, (484) 494-3939; 415 E. Baltimore Ave., Media, (610) 565-1345; 29 E. Hinckley Ave., Ridley Park, (610) 521-4275.

 

 

Teikoku

Look for the green leaf icon throughout this menu to quickly identify gluten-free options, and the flower logo for items that can be prepared gluten-free. Good news: There are many dishes that fit into both categories, including curry, pad Thai and rolls — to name a few! The sesame-encrusted tuna turned our heads: pan-seared, thinly sliced, and accompanied by mashed sweet yams and chili soy sauce. Open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., then 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., then 4:30 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 4:30 to 10 p.m., Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., then 4:30 to 9 p.m. Pop into happy hour Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

5492 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, (610) 644-8270.

 

 

La Padella

It warms our hearts to find great gluten-free pasta because, like most of Delco, we crave Italian food. Sub gluten-free pasta on anything that includes pasta — meatballs, sausage, chicken fra diavolo, seafood, primavera and more — and you won’t feel left out. How about shrimp and crab penne with asparagus tossed in garlic white wine? Yes, please! Open Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 9 p.m.

100 State Rd., Media, (484) 445-4445.

 

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email, or online.

— Nina Malone

 

Featured photo courtesy of Christopher’s: A Neighborhood Place