How To Do Service
Yesterday, I went to Carluccio’s in Upper Street, Islington, as I needed a good lunch, as I was going to a reception in the evening, where I felt gluten-free food, would be non-existent.
Admittedly, I’m known well there,, as I go probably two or three times a week, but I was ushered quickly by the manager, to an out-of-the-way corner table, where I can sit and do my sudoku, without bothering anybody. He had the gluten-free menu at the ready too. Not that I need it these days, as I could probably repeat it by heart.
I do like saltimbocca and as they had a pork one on the specials menu, I asked if they could do a gluten-free one. The answer was yes and the waitress didn’t even check, as she said, they’d done one the day before for another customer.
But unfortunately, the pork saltimbocca had been popular, so she came back and asked, if I would like a chicken one. I said yes and this is the what I had for my lunch.
Carluccio’s Chicken Saltimbocca
It was very good and it kept me going all day, especially as the reception was gluten-free free.
I think I can draw a big conclusion from this incident and other experiences lately. In general, service and the provision of gluten-free food is getting better in restaurant chains, with possibly the exception of All Bar One.
The Anonymous Widower 
I love Carluccio’s in Islington. Thank you for bringing back a lovely memory.
Comment by Janet Rörschåch | May 31, 2013 |
It’s been refurbished, which is nice and it’s still a bit small, but at least the restaurant is by the bus stop, so it’s an ideal one, in this wet spring.
Comment by AnonW | May 31, 2013 |
I agree about the restaurant chains. My daughter went to a local place yesterday, The Ashlea in Cheadle Cheshire, part of a chain but I forget which one, and she is also dairy and yeast intolerant, and she said she had a lovely meal and they prepared part of it specially for her. Neil and I went to a Beefeater recently, and they invented me a dessert. Perhaps the current economic climate, when people have less to spend on food out is having an effect as well.
Comment by Liz P | May 31, 2013 |
You could be right and with more people serious about gluten and other intolerances, they’ve got their acts together.
I frequent quite a few of the new no-chain cafes in East London and nearly all these days seem to have gluten-free cakes. Someone is making a chocolate chip and mandarin cake that is very good. I found it in Dalston Junction yesterday.
Comment by AnonW | May 31, 2013 |
Carluccios is the best chain I’ve eaten at since being gluten free. They are just so dedicated 🙂
Comment by bethgorgeouslyglutenfree | June 4, 2013 |
The only problem is there isn’t enough of them.
Comment by AnonW | June 4, 2013 |
Well there is one in Leicester so I’m happy 🙂
Comment by bethgorgeouslyglutenfree | June 4, 2013
I never been to the one in Leicester, as I generally only go for the football and it’s nowhere near the Walkers Stadium. Do you know of a good Indian that way, that uses gram flour?
Comment by AnonW | June 4, 2013 |