Gluten-free American history

I've seen some interesting things on my gluten-free adventures, but getting presented with a celiac-friendly menu by a guy dressed in Revolutionary War-era garb is at the top of my list.

The discovery of gluten-free selections at City Tavern in Philadelphia was as surprising to me as the Brits must've felt after George Washington crossed the Delaware River, although not quite as legendary. But, who knew the colonists were so progressive?!

Photo/CityTavern.com

City Tavern is a landmark in the historical section of the city, just a few blocks from Independence Hall. The current building is a recreation of the original 18th-century restaurant that stood on the same site. Historians have said it was the social meeting place of our Founding Fathers, who developed their plans there before formalizing them with the Continental Congress.

Today, the tavern serves Colonial-era cuisine, much of which is unique to modern society, as well as delicious.

I had eaten at City Tavern in the past and remembered it being difficult for me and my waiter to figure out what I could eat. Prior to my recent visit with a group, I had resigned myself to the old salad without croutons plan. Luckily, the restaurant's menu had been updated to better assist customers who are intolerant to gluten. 

The menus by Owner/Chef Walter Staib provide a symbol that designates which dishes are gluten-free, and he suggests that other items can be adapted to accommodate the diet.

The dinner menu has a good cross-section of designated entree options, including roasted duckling, apple-wood smoked pork chops, rack of lamb and New York strip steak with jumbo shrimp. I had the lamb, which was roasted with Dijon mustard and pecans, and served with rosemary au jus, mashed potatoes and fresh veggies.

All of the dinner salads are gluten-free, as well as the spicy West Indies Pepperpot soup and two shrimp appetizers.The lunch menu offers most of those same dishes, but celiacs miss out on the famous sweet potato and pecan biscuits that were supposedly a favorite of Thomas Jefferson.

Going back in time will cost you between $21-$35 per dinner entree, and drinks are priced well above their 1776 counterparts. In keeping with the historical ambience, diners eat off of Colonial-reproduction china, use cloth napkins and drink out of pewter goblets. Meanwhile, cell phones are not allowed to be used in the restaurant.

The experience is gastronomically and educationally well worth it.