Nourish

Let me fill you in on a two secrets.

1. I have been hating gluten free eating for a while. If you follow me on Twitter, you would know this because I have been doing my share of complaining. I have been finding it hard to eat out or go grocery shopping. Being vegetarian and gluten-free is not always the easiest thing.Last night, I had nothing to complain about!
2. Most of my posts on this blog are post-dated. I am a very busy lady, so if I try a food that I want to let you know about, I usually will write about a whole bunch of them all at once.Then,I scatter the posts so you guys wont think I am neglectful. However, I went to Nourish last night for my birthday and I was so amazed that I had to blog ASAP!

 I have heard amazing reviews in the local (Arizona) gluten free community about Nourish. Then my Mom suggested going there for my birthday. I was totally game!

The atmosphere is beautiful. The restaurant is surrounded by lush greenery. I did not feel like I was eating in Arizona at all. When we walked in, we were greeted so warmly that I felt instantly comfortable. Then when we were handed our menu, the server asked if we had any food intolerances or food allergies that he needed to be aware of! SCORE! How often are you asked this at a restaurant? Never. I can honestly say that I have never in my life been asked this. At this time, I informed the server that I had Celiacs. I did not get a weird look. I did not get asked questions like, " Can you have cheese? Are mushrooms OK? "Great, let me bring you some bread!" No, this guy knew exactly what I was talking about. I felt like everyone at Nourish would know what I was talking about because they flat out asked me, I never once had to tell anyone.

Also, the menu won my heart. Each item is labeled and it lets you know if it is gluten free, lactose free, vegetarian, or vegan. This made it easy for me to choose my meal. I would look for the symbols and choose accordingly. The menu was also healthy, unique and delicious. I have to go back and try more.

While we were seated, Kirstin Carey, the owner, came and chatted with us. She was so impressive, I was blown away with her kindness and her willingness to talk to me. She cannot eat wheat. We discussed her kitchen and how it is a gluten free kitchen. We talked in depth about what processes she utilizes to keep it from being cross contaminated with the breads they do serve. By the way, they serve amazing gluten free bread. The picture above was my dinner. It was delicious. I ordered the Optima and I would have never known the bread was GF. 

I know I will go back. I know that I will never have to fear cross-contamination there and that my service will always be amazing. Cheers and success to my new favorite restaurant!