Sweet corner cafe

Photo/Gluten-Free Garden State

We recently took a quick trip to Mara’s Café in Fanwood (Union County) for dessert and coffee. I was told in advance gluten-free options were available, but was still happily surprised at what I found.

Mara’s sells a cornucopia of treats, much of them baked goods. In addition to some naturally gluten-free goodies, such as gelato, this corner café offers a line of products from The Cakeover, a local gluten-free bakery I’ve written about in the past. (See previous post here.)

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.