I never thought it was possible, but this past week – while celebrating my birthday – I actually had TOO MUCH yummy gluten free food.
I mean seriously, gone are the days of searching out safe restaurants for me. I am so blessed here in NC to be surrounded by a handful of positively DELICIOUS restaurants that are kind enough (and smart enough) to offer ACTUAL gluten free options.
*I say ACTUAL because lately there have been a few reports of restaurants that offer gluten free but then make a disclaimer about shared workspace and urge those with Celiac not to choose their gluten free options. Ummmm seriously?! Yep. But more on that another day.
My birthday celebrations truly represent a Who’s Who list of restaurants with safe options.
First up, Bella Monica in Raleigh, NC.
Bella Monica is no stranger to gluten free. In fact, you may have purchased their gluten free flatbread at your local grocery store. Their restaurant has SO MANY gluten free options. I’ve blogged about it before, but….
their gluten free focaccia is to die for. Crispy, buttery, and brought to the table fresh from the oven.
I also love their Gluten Free Cheese Ravioli:
When is the last time you had ravioli?! For me, it had been about 7 years. Incredible.
Next up, The Little Dipper in Durham, NC.
Their Pineapple Habanero Margarita is my absolute FAVORITE cocktail right now.
It’s spicy and sweet – LOVE. Paired with a big ol’ pot of Cheese Fondue:
where could you go wrong?!
You’ve seen it before – you will definitely see it again – Geer Street Garden in Durham:
Their gluten free grilled pimento cheese is CRAZY good! And their fries are now gluten free too! The owner’s wife has Celiac Disease, so they are always super helpful when it comes to ordering.
My LOVE – DaisyCakes in Durham:
I’m either stopping by for one of their delicious cupcakes, or enjoying a gluten free biscuit with a latte; I can NEVER go wrong at DaisyCakes.
In fact, I ate there TWICE during my birthday celebrations! 
Kimbap in Raleigh:
Gluten Free dumplings. Enough said, am I right?!
But I can’t forget the Bibimbap. The only thing bad about Kimbap is that it isn’t closer to my house. However, it is well worth the 30 minute drive. Well worth it.
By the end of my extended Birthday Weekend, I was DONE with celebrating. I honestly couldn’t tell when my stomach was hungry for a few days! Of course I got plenty of exercise:
31 OverHead Ball Slams for the Birthday Girl
But my stomach was still overloaded. In addition to the above deliciousness, I also ate TWO amazing dinners at Dos Perros, and a yummy breakfast at Another Broken Egg Café. I must have been in too much of a food coma to remember to whip out my camera!
So – check your calendar and book a trip to the Triangle area of NC. We can go on a Food Tour together! But wait a few weeks, I still need to recover from my birthday!
