Considered a favorite among locals, casual and energetic Amerigo prides itself on serving some of the city's best and most innovative dishes. Although the decor is brighter and more modern than at this regional chain than at the traditional Italian ristorantes, make no mistake, the upscale cuisine is definitively Italian. The menu includes everything from traditional pasta and pizza dishes to more modern grilled fish and vegetarian options. Ask for the GF menu and you can make a whole meal without worrying about your food allergies. Warm and inviting, with friendly yet professional service, it's no wonder locals continue to flock to Amerigo despite the rising number of competing Italian restaurants.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: GF desserts are a totally decadent, like the peanut butter blondie with rocky road ganache, vanilla ice cream, pecans and chocolate sauce.
Hollie's expert tip: Be sure to check out their other location in Cool Springs if you are south of the city.
This isn't your typical coffee house. In fact, coffee is just one food group of many on the menu. From breakfast through dinner, fresh meals are served along with lattes.They support a number of local food vendors, farmers and purveyors to make the freshest food possible. Start with a local artisan cheese plate, then move on to crispy pork belly with candied apples and pickled onions. For dinner, the corn crusted Bob White Springs trout with quinoa, kale and bell pepper stirfry and champagne-orange reduction is stellar, as is their version of a Hot Brown, elevated with pulled Viola pork, Benton's bacon and Sweetwater cheddar. Consider them for private events.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: Gluten free food and desserts are available from breakfast to dinner.
Hollie's expert tip: Check out the downtown Franklin and Grimey's locations.
Because of a family history with celiac disease, the OMG's owner had many memories of sub-par tasting treats that just weren't treats at all. And when she was diagnosed herself her final semester in college, she worried she would have to go without the foods she loved. At first she eliminated all gluten from her diet and then began to search for delicious alternatives. But she knew if she wanted something truly decadent and safe, she would have to do it herself. She created new recipes and adjusted family favorites to be able to serve gluten-free baked goods at the Farmers Market.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: The goal is to make desserts as good as you remember. They do.
Hollie's expert tip: Check social media for Farmers Market dates.
Vegan Vee is a vegan and gluten-free only, special-order European and American-style bakery using only 'real' ingredients - that means fresh fruit that is local and organic whenever possible. Chef Vivi uses certified GF flour, premium GF chocolate, agave syrup, organic vegan sugar, real vanilla bean and organic, extra virgin coconut oil. She also makes raw desserts, as well as soy, nut and coconut-free items. The results are nothing short of moist and flavorful and not so unlike their gluten counterparts. And while you have to call for special orders, you can find baked delights daily all over town, like The Wild Cow, The Produce Place and Roast.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: Everything is GF, vegan and made to order fresh.
Hollie's expert tip: Call 48-hours ahead of time for this special-order bakery.
You don't get more fresh than your own backyard, and since Butterbean is located on 33 green acres in Gallatin, you can bet the ingredients used in the completely gluten-free menu are as fresh as you can get. Chef Meredith Jones is committed to keeping everything as local as possible, and even meets with area schools at the start of the growing season to learn what she will be able to buy from what the students grow in class, then makes sure not to plant those items herself. The Miss Piggy with caramelized bacon, fresh spinach, tomato and avocado is the perfect mix of salty and sweet while the Gettin' Figgy With It panini capitalizes on the delicious combo of prosciutto, fig preserves, caramelized onions and brie. With a cup of the homemade soup like creamy corn and poblano, Butterbean is mouthwatering.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: Nothing is made on site with gluten so there is no cross-contamination.
Hollie's expert tip: You are making a big mistake if you don't try one of the gluten-free cupcakes.