Gluten Free In San Diego, California: New Finds & Old Favorites
It's almost hard to believe that my trip to San Diego in February was the last time I traveled out of state. While I was down there all of my future work travel was canceled (at least for the time being) so all I've got left are three short personal trips coming up later this month and in May. The time at home as been much needed - I don't recall the last time I can say I slept in my own bed for a consecutive month.
Either way, I'm glad my last trip was to San Diego. Since I lived there for 3 1/2 years it's an easy place to get around and when I went last year I discovered oodles of gluten free friendly eateries. While I generally make an effort to get out and try new places, I found myself returning to Casa Guadalajara a few times this trip. However I was able to pull myself away from their delicious Mexican food to try two new-to-me places that I now get to share with you!
Located in the very gluten free friendly neighborhood of Hillcrest, Local Habit has been on my radar since my last visit to San Diego. Their regular menu clearly indicates gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options - a big plus in my book since it just makes my life way easier. I ended up with a great pear and fennel salad and a coconut based chocolate pudding, both of which no longer appear to be available since their menu appears to seasonally (yay!).
When ordering at the restaurant, the server was very receptive to my needs and also mentioned that many of the dishes not listed as gluten free on the menu could be adapted to be so. The establishment itself is incredibly charming with a beautiful bar that appears to be made with reclaimed wood. It would be a wonderful place to meet a friend for some small plates and a drink.
When I was in Denver last year, I saw the True Food Kitchen restaurant being built and immediately started hoping I'd find myself in a city with one soon. I was so excited that I ended up at the San Diego location twice during my visit. Just like Local Habit, the regular menus at True Food Kitchen indicate the gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options. I was very much in the mood for kale that week so I ended up with both a kale topped pizza and a kale salad - both were quite tasty and very fresh.
There are three other things that True Food Kitchen has going for it; first, a juice bar - which is now pretty much my favorite thing to seek out while traveling. Second, the interior is clean and earthy feeling with light wooden accents, rather mod white chairs, and lots of plants growing all over. Third, their flourless chocolate cake (which does contain butter) combined with vegan pecan ice cream. It was amazing and just the right size - such a tasty treat to have before flying home. Now I'm crossing my fingers that True Food Kitchen might one day come to Seattle.
