http://www.burtonsgrill.com
Various locations in MA and CT
I have to start this one off bluntly. The gluten-free meal I enjoyed at Burton’s Grill yesterday was not only delicious, it was impressive. I was wow-ed by the selection, the service and the quality of the meal. If you are searching for a stress-free gluten-free dining experience, you have got to try Burton’s.
My mom and sister have been obsessed with Burton’s for many years, yet I never understood why. Back when I lived near one, their gluten-free menu was ahead of its time, they had one when I was first diagnosed in 2006. Still, it was seriously lackluster – one of those “if you get this salad without the croutons and dressing it’s gluten-free!” kind of gluten-free menus. But times have certainly changed. Burton’s now offers tons of gluten-free substitutes and the gluten-free menu is robust – from appetizers to entrees to dessert and even cocktails!
The occasion was my sister’s graduation from college, and we celebrated with a fabulous meal. A few months ago I had a bit of an episode after ordering a gluten-free pizza for take out with some friends; my sister and I reacted to it as though it were not gluten-free, so since then I’ve been nervous about ordering gluten-free food in restaurants. The staff at Burton’s put me at ease right away – a manager came up to the table before we had even ordered to introduce himself and explain that all gluten-free dishes at Burton’s are served on square plates, a sign that the meal has been prepared properly from soup to nuts. If we received food on a dish that wasn’t square, we were to tell him immediately. This careful attention to being gluten-free may be a bit above and beyond most of the time, but it allowed me to relax and enjoy!
First came the rolls! I love being able to eat rolls at restaurants! They are the same rolls as the ones served at Legal Sea Food, however, they prepare them different. While Legal’s appear to be toasted and become crispy on the outside, the gluten-free rolls at Burton’s were soft and chewy and served with a sage butter. Next came the appetizer on a square plate – gluten-free fried calamari with tartar sauce. It was so incredibly delicious – eating gluten-free fried seafood was such a treat! This was my dad’s choice, and he, too, enjoyed it, despite being able to eat gluten.
For my entree I could not resist ordering a cheeseburger on a gluten-free Kinnikinnick bun. If you follow my blog, you know that I just love being able to order sandwiches in public. And a burger! Served with a side of fries, my burger was excellent (and huge!). My sister also got a gluten-free burger and my mom got the gluten-free Chicken Duo, which I tried and was also very good.
And even though we barely had room left for more food, we ordered dessert. My mom and I ordered the Warmed Chocolate Torte, my sister the ice cream sundae and my dad the special, which was a stuff pear. Our waitress was so careful and attentive, she asked if he wanted his prepared gluten-free so we could share. It was a simple, off the cuff question, yet it made me feel taken care of and taken seriously.
The gluten-free chocolate torte with whipped cream was delicious! My dad enjoyed his pear and my sister her sundae. I will absolutely be returning to Burton’s and am so happy to have found a location that serves delicious gluten-free burgers in time for the summer season. If you keep a gluten-free diet, go to Burton’s eat, drink and be merrily sure you’re eating gluten-free!
