Eat, Drink and Be Gluten Free
Kids cannot live on bread alone, but if they could, they surely would subsist on a diet of cookies, cakes, kaisers and sandwich rolls. That’s why it’s so tough for families with gluten allergies who have to live on a wheat-free diet.
Fortunately for them, there is nothing lazy about The Lazy Pickle–a local cafe that offers tasty gluten-free meals, pre-packaged products and, best of all, support for families just starting out on their new regimen.
We love their homemade soups’the thick and creamy red lentil soup, enjoyed by their warm, sunny window, is the perfect antidote to a chilly winter day. Add in a freshly made gluten-free panini’we recommend the Royal Turkey, featuring apples, Swiss cheese and cranberry salsa’and you won’t even notice that it’s February outside. Almost all sandwiches, soups and salads are gluten free, which makes it a real treat to take your special-diet child out for a meal at a place that offers a generous selection of meals, and a gluten-free cookie for dessert.
If you’re new to the gluten-free world, or have experience to share, there’s also the Gluten-Free Me Kids’ Club that runs on the first Saturday of each month at the cafe. Kids ages 4 and up are welcome to do a craft or play a game, with the secondary goal of teaching them something about foods that are safe and not safe. Meanwhile, parents gather to trade tips on party snack strategies, exchange recipes or share brand name recommendations.
The Lazy Pickle is one place that will soon have the whole family breaking bread again. And so will these 4 Cafes in Ottawa.
Tested by Lynn J., Ottawa
