My Blue Heaven

By nature, Mexican food menus tend to offer an adequate variety of gluten-free foods. Quality dining establishments, for example, will always have corn tortillas as a safe, soft alternative to traditional flour tortillas. Meanwhile, beans, rice and various taco toppings are often gluten-free.

Some, however, make that extra effort.

Taste of Tuscany (sort of)

The Olive Garden's gluten-free menu has been suggested by a number of people. I wasn't in a rush to try it, since feedback from other celiacs who have dined there wasn't positive, but a gift card and curiosity prompted a visit.

I checked the menu online before going in and saw that it included salads (sans croutons), penne pasta with two choices of tomato-based sauces, and four types of meat and salmon entrees. The non-pasta entrees are low-carb, served with vegetables on the side. I arrived at a local Olive Garden already disappointed that the chain's famous garlicky breadsticks were not available in a GF version, but otherwise resigned to the limited menu.