Eating Gluten Free in Phoenix...Part 1

Sedona

Traveling is by far one of my favorite hobbies.  Whether strolling through the 18^th century cobblestone streets of Charleston, or basking of the beauty of a setting sun behind the hills surrounding Napa, scenery has a way of capturing both my heart and mind.  It draws me in and produces a desire to learn more about the local culture, people, food, and history.  While most people want to “escape” to a crowded beach, where they can spend their days baking in the sun or gulping large amounts of salt water, I have little desire for the seemingly popular beach trip.  (Who knows, maybe I should attribute my distaste for the beach to memories of wearing Dad’s t-shirt to cover my porcelain skin and STILL burning to a crisp.)  All I know is that I find being immersed in an unfamiliar city much more rejuvenating. Thus, when deciding upon this year’s location, Phoenix was the obvious choice. 

Like all of my vacations I was excited to escape the daily responsibilities, but this trip was different.  It was my first true vacation after discovering by body fights against gluten.  Instead of researching the best local eateries, I spent my time creating a list of restaurants offering gluten free menus.  Not exactly my idea of a Monday evening, but it was necessary.  How many restaurants did I find with true gluten-free menus, you ask?  12!!!  While 12 may not seem like an exuberant amount for a city as large as Phoenix, I was pleased with my findings.  And the best part, our first stop, Chase Field, actually has a gluten free vendor.  Now that is amazing!   

So how did I fare?

The last three days we have watched the Diamondbacks lose to the White Sox, strolled in and around Sedona, and taken a Pink Jeep tour to the Grand Canyon.  Actually, I think I should pause here to rest just thinking about what all we have done in the last 144 hours!

Chase Field:

After being up since 1:30 in the morning and only having my gluten free protein bar and snack on the plane, Phoenix time, I about jumped for joy when I found the gluten-free vendor at Chase Field.  Just this year food management decided to add a gluten-free vendor in the walkway behind section 106.  The stand sells hot dogs, chili-cheese dogs, nachos, gluten-free snack bars, chips, candy, and the best part, Redbridge beer.  In talking with the lady she told me the hot dog buns were made by Kinnkinnick, and she let me taste the chili and cheese before making my choice.  In the end I decided upon a hot dog with cheese drizzled overtop, jalapeños, and a Redbridge to wash it all down.  When the lady handed me my order I about dropped it right there and kissed her on both cheeks like as an Italian might have done.  The hotdog and bun were amazing!  Having never before tried Kinnkinnick bread products, I was pleasantly surprised.  It tasted and had the same consistency of a soft pretzel, without the salt of course.  Thank you Chase Field for accommodating for my food allergy, and thank you concession lady for your kindness and generosity. 

Picazzo’s:

I love the flavor of pesto pizza.

The second two days of our trip were spent mostly in a city north of Phoenix called Sedona.  Here, amber and choral colored rocks jut up into the sky forming beautiful peaks and plateaus.  After eating a packed lunch of gluten free tortilla sandwiches we picked up at Trader Joe’s the night before, we stumbled upon a quaint ice cream shop.  Of course I had to try a couple before deciding, but I eventually decided upon a scoop of Cactus ice cream.  The ice cream was extremely creamy and had a subtle taste of strawberries.  I would definitely recommend it.  Then, after doing some hiking and shopping, we ventured off to the only restaurant in Sedona with a certified gluten-free menu, Picazzo’s.  The menu at Picazzo’s is expansive as they offer a variety of gluten-free appetizers, salads, pizzas, desserts, drinks, and ONLY gluten free pastas.  The first night in Sedona I ordered a pizza with pesto, mushrooms, and Italian sausage, and it was some of the best pizza I have ever had.  Gluten or no gluten, it was amazing.  The servers were very knowledgeable about menu items and how the food should be handled.

The landscaping and design of
Picazzo's nicely coincide with the
natural menu options.

Given the expansive list we decided to dine at Picazzo’s again our second evening in Sedona.  This time we tried the salad and pasta.  My mom and I split a spinach salad with feta, tomatoes, and pine nuts to start.  Then, for the main course I ordered a broccoli, pea, carrot, shrimp, and spicy peanut sauce pasta dish that was garnished with a slice of homemade gluten-free bread.  Both were superb!  On the menu it clearly states that the quinoa pasta is the base of all pasta dishes and brown rice can be substituted if desired.  If I were you, I would stick with the quinoa as it is much higher in protein than regular whole-grain pasta and has a great texture.  Also, given that I like a little spice kick in all of my dishes, I loved the sauce.  I will warn you though that it was a little spicy.  If you ever visit Sedona, be sure to visit this restaurant.  It is by far one of the best gluten-free restaurants upon which I have stumbled.  Hmm…maybe they would think about relocating to Indy.  Just a thought.