For the last two years my husband and I have enjoyed going to Las Vegas for a getaway. We like it there because there is gambling, shopping, shows and of course wonderful food. Those food options include an abundance of gluten-free cuisine.
While there in December 2011 we enjoyed two gourmet dinners with a plethora of gluten-free menu options. One of the dinners was at Mesa Grill in Caesars Palace and the other was at NobHill Tavern in MGM Grand. We also enjoyed a special breakfast complete with gluten-free Pamela's Products pancakes ordered off of their Gluten Sensitive menu at The Cracked Egg.
Mesa Grill was up first and while the decor was a little on the cheesy side the food was excellent. When we made our reservations I was sure to stipulate that I would be eating gluten free, so when our server arrived at the table he was prepared to point out my options. I chose the Porterhouse Lamb Chops with preserved serrano chile vinegar sauce, served with a roasted garlic tamale and a side of roasted brussels sprouts with pomegranate molasses, toasted pecans and pomegranate seeds.
I didn't even know there was a porterhouse cut of lamb chops, but I will definitely look for those when dining out in the future. The lamb was perfectly cooked and the sauce had a tangy kick from the vinegar that was balanced out by the serrano chile. The brussels sprouts were just OK as was the apple salad. My garlic tamale was heaven on a plate and it was the perfect accompaniment to the lamb.
The next night we went to NobHill and had another gourmet meal with a number of gluten-free options. I chose the Pork Belly with fingerling potatoes and a baby beet salad served with blue cheese and red onions. The Pork Belly was thick and it was cooked in a way that created three different layers of texture. The top was seared to create a nice crust, the middle was much more tender, while the bottom was more of a traditional texture.
Las Vegas offers a number of chain restaurants like: P.F. Chang's, Maggiano's, and Pei-Wei Asian Diner that have gluten-free menus, but I go to Vegas to dine at restaurants they don't have here in Georgia. I highly recommend the buffet at the Winn because they label all of their gluten-free items with a 'GF' and they have great food. We also enjoyed a great Italian meal at Bartolotta Ristorante in the Winn complete with gluten-free pasta.
Have you eaten a gluten-free meal in Las Vegas? Where was your favorite place to eat?
Article Courtesy: Jennifer Harris
Molly Brack says
I'm glad you had such good luck. I went last November and had a terrible time finding GF food. One of the restaurants I've gone to for ten years actually told me not to come in anymore (Ellis Island). All I get there is filet/potato/green beans and when I asked if they could just cook my steak in a clean pan they said "No, we are not willing to do that".
In general people didn't know what I was talking about and would tell me things like "the low sodium options are marked for you"...
I'll definitely try your suggestions next time!
MrsVJW says
It is VERY easy to do research ahead of time when goign to Vegas. China Poblano at City Center has a gluten-free menu (although I have not gotten to eat there . As a walk-in, the Munchbar at Ceasar's did a good job on a previous trip (understood "gluten" and was able to guide me on choices) and if you contact them, they can also answer questions about specific items. Todd Enlgish's PUB was another great place... great server who went back to the kitchen to ask questions and kitchen staff that understood and was willing to make substitutions. At Emeril's sports bar at the Venitian I had to send my salad back when it came with croutons on top of it even after telling the server I could not have them, but they quickly fixed the error and I did not have any issues with the food. Even Pink's hot dogs... I can do a bun-less dog. Also, a bun-less burger at Fatburger (and even their chili is gluten-free, check the info on their web site for allergens). If you really need a fix of fries, get a car and head to an In and Out.
Our last trip included a trip to Hot & Juicy Crawfish near Chinatown... after e-mailing the restaurant and being told "maybe you don't want to eat here" I found a Yahoo group of Vegas celiacs, where someone was happy to report she eats there regularlly.
And Lettuce Entertain You places are usually great (Mon Ami Gabi in Vegas has a gluten-free menu) and there are a few around Vegas.
HackingVegas says
I would like to start by saying that not all the places stated in the comment above are Gluten Free. Fat Burger it's self states that their seasoning is NOT Gluten Free.
With that said this was a great post. Eating Gluten Free is getting much easier in Vegas. Hotels like Monte Carlo have even gone to the lengths of offering GF Beer. I live in Vegas Work on the strip and have gotten to know a lot of choices for people needing to eat GF. My wife and daughter both have Celiac which started this mission of our. Feel free to get ahold of me anytime you're on your way and want some option. I'll share everything I know. You can find me on Twitter if you like.
MrsVJW says
Actually, the current nutrition/allergen info on the Fatburger website still says that on a Fatburger, no bun, the only allergen is eggs. No wheat or gluten indicated (and they do have different indicators for wheat AND gluten). I am extremely sesative... I have an allegy reaction to a lot of things other celiacs are fine with at the 20ppm level. If I had straight-out wheat in something, I would know, and I would know quickly.
You might be thinking of Red Robin... who DO have an extra "seasoning" that contains wheat (although I have heard you can order it without the seasoning, and some of their locations even have gluten-free buns available).