Happy Tip Jar Friday! It’s been a relatively light week of food news, so I had plenty of time to wrap up my latest restaurant review (Hint: It’s helmed by a chef who once won “Chopped”) and dig into your questions.
As a reminder, I’ll answer a couple each week, and you can contribute to the conversation by sending yours to tipjar@postandcourier.com. To start this week, we’re talking gluten-free food in Charleston.
What is a restaurant’s preferred means for a person with a legitimate health-based food restriction (i.e. celiac disease) to inquire about safe menu options and place their order? What restaurants are willing and able to cater to those with allergies/specific needs but are not widely known for this courtesy?
— Bridget, Summerville
Growing up, I was always encouraged to try all types of foods. And while it served me well, exposing me to various flavor profiles and levels of spice at an early age, I realize that not every diner can or wants to eat restriction-free.
Some prefer to avoid consumption of meat and/or animal products, while others are allergic to tree nuts. Perhaps the most prevalent dietary restriction I encounter among fellow diners is an intolerance to gluten, a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye and barley.
Tip Jar is a new column from The Post and Courier where Food & Dining Editor Parker Milner answers readers’ questions about Charleston’s restaurants and dining scene.
Matt Hill/The Post and Courier
My father-in-law was recently diagnosed with celiac disease, so I understand the challenges of gluten-free restaurant dining in South Carolina. If you’re unsure about a restaurant’s options, I suggest calling or emailing ahead of your meal. If they don’t have what you need on the menu, some owners and chefs may be willing to accommodate a special request if advanced notice is given.
I’m currently creating a guide to assist Charleston-area diners with dietary restrictions. So far, I’ve been impressed by the range of options at Kwei Fei, Kultura, Malika Canteen, Pelato, Curry Palace, Basic Kitchen, Rivayat and newcomer Lou Lou’s Tavern on the Tracks, which has a gluten-free fryer.