Frustrated about where to find gluten-free food in Rockland? Pizza is usually easy enough to track down, but if you’re craving something more substantial — or sweet — it can take a little sleuthing.
Surprisingly, some of the county’s standout gluten-free baked goods turn up in local coffee shops. What follows is a sampling of some of the best places to go.
The Rail Trail Cafe & Mercantile, Blauvelt
This may not be the first place when you think gluten-free but chef/owner Kerri Horgan quietly offers a host of dishes starting with cauliflower crusted flatbreads that often go beyond the usual to drunken chicken parm, boozy burrata (with vodka sauce) and chicken bacon ranch. She also makes a gluten-free granola (sold to-go in their mercantile section) and has a super popular housemade gluten-free waffle. There’s also gluten-free bread to sub in for sandwiches. Even better: a majority of her famous wings such as Buffalo, Buffalo garlic parm, Thai chili, honey garlic, Jamaican jerk, plain and mango habanero, are gluten-free (just ask to be sure). 543 Western Hwy S, 845-613-7639, therailtrailcafe.com.
Louie’s on the Avenue, Pearl River
For 40 years, Louie’s has been a Rockland staple as reliable and steady as the old Victorian its housed in. For owners (and sisters) Stephanie Kreisel and Christine Colón, that consistency combined with their passion for the industry, their love for their customers, their time warp ambiance and their simple, “boilerplate” American menu, is what keeps customers coming back. They also credit their dedicated gluten-free fryer and separate gluten-free pots and pans.
“Our niece has Celiac disease,” said Kreisel, “So we recognize the importance of never having any cross-contamination.” While there’s no gluten-free written menu, the kitchen can alter ingredients or cooking methods to suit your needs. The pork chop, for example, can be grilled instead of breaded as can other dishes. They also offer a gluten-free brioche roll substitute for their burgers and the demi-glace on their signature Steak Louie is 100% gluten-free. 160 E Central Ave., Pearl River, 845-735-4344, louiesontheavenue.com.
The Perk House Coffee Co., Orangeburg
You’ll find a range of baked goods — think gluten free pop tarts, cookies, and muffins — at The Perk House along with mini Dutch pancakes and gluten-free bread which turns any breakfast or grilled cheese sandwich into a gluten-free creation. Owners Jeff Nigro, Joseph Demarsico and Mike Liparini all have children with food allergies so they understand first-hand the importance of having options for those with dietary restrictions. Demarsico and his wife, for example, spent years traveling to places claiming to make great gluten-free baked goods, only to be let down. “So now,” said Demarsico, “We make our own.” 60 Dutch Hill Road, 845-595-8822, perkhousecoffee.com.
Art Cafe, Nyack
From its start in 2005, this quirky, cozy cafe, inspired by neighborhood spots in Tel Aviv, has placed emphasis on vegetarian friendly, vegan and gluten-free options. That means almond flour pancakes, avocado toast with gluten-free bread, shakshuka, salads, grain bowls and hummus. 65 S Broadway, 845-353-4230, artcafenyack.com.
Mimi’s Plate, Tappan
There’s always something sweet cooking at Mimi’s where the front cases are filled with gluten free brownies and at least one other gluten-free baked good. The quaint cafe also offers salads, sides and stews that are gluten-free and always has gluten-free bread on hand for sandwich alternatives. The cafe also does special order gluten-free cakes. 33 Old Tappan Road, 845-359-6464, mimisplate.com.
Dean’s Coffee Co., Pearl River
From the get-go, Dean’s owner Salmira Cecunjanin has been featuring gluten-free pastries (with no artificial ingredients), baked fresh on site. Among the choices: an assortment of muffins (vegan and gluten free), bliss balls, loaves and apple cider doughnuts. Cecunjanin admits she’s very spontaneous so one day you may find crumb cake; another Persian “love cake.”
“It all depends on the mood I’m in,” she said.
All gluten-free and vegan pastries are baked each morning, seven days a week and personal orders can be accommodated (just call before noon for the following day). “I’ve got the whole family involved,” she said. “My husband roasts the coffee and bakes when I’m not around, my son works as the barista, another son runs around to buy supplies and the two other younger children are the taste testers.” 39 E Central Ave., 845-920-8043.
The Village Blend, Sloatsburg
Accommodating all types of guests (and their dietary needs) is important to The Village Blend mother/daughter owners Barbara Berntsen and Nicole Scanlon, which is why there are always several gluten-free items on a regular basis. Carrot muffins, peanut bugger cookies, Linzer cookies, gluten-free bread and flourless chocolate cake are the specialties along with dairy-free power balls (in coconut, peanut butter chocolate chip and apricot date). There’s also a host of food items such as avocado toast, sandwiches, breakfast bowls, soups and crustless quiches. 86 Orange Turnpike, 845-712-5585, thevillageblend.net.
Worth crossing the bridge for
Three dedicated gluten-free bakeries are in Westchester’s Rivertowns, each with its own specialties and personalities, and are definitely drive-worthy.
By the Way Bakery, Hastings-on-Hudson
Cakes, cupcakes, muffins, cookies and scones are the specialty here though you’ll also find challah and seeded rustic loaf. My faves? The lemony lemon cake and the coconut cloud. All items are also dairy-free and kosher. 574 Warburton Ave., 914-478-0555, btwbakery.com.
Red Barn Bakery, Irvington
Visiting this bakery, which prides itself on local organic ingredients, is like visiting an artist’s studio. Everything is displayed like a sumptuous feast thanks to the design expertise of owner Randell Dodge, a former fashion handbag designer with a background in painting and sculpture. While one side offers “regular” sweet treats, the other is full of gluten-free goodies, among them scones, tarts, pies, muffins, cookies, granola, and cakes. Many items are also vegan. The cafe also serves a breakfast and brunch menu of frittatas, soups, salads, avocado toast and more. 4 S. Astor St., Irvington, 914-231-7779, redbarn-bakery.com.
Wildcraft Baking Company, Irvington
Craving something savory? Michael Ridd, owner of this 100% gluten-free bakery specializes in breads including chickpea sourdough, oat millet rolls, seeded buckwheat, focaccia and brioche. He also offers various breakfast and lunch options including muffins, scones, avocado toast, oatmeal and salads. Among the hands-down favorites: the Dijonnaise chicken sandwich with a to-die-for roll, an amazing Dijon mayo and the cafe’s pizza, only available Wednesdays (call ahead to order). Ridd is such an expert at gluten-free bread, many of his items are sold wholesale to restaurants. 1 Bridge St., 914-806-5083, wildcraftbaking.com.
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Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Gluten-free? Here’s 7 restaurants to try in Rockland
Reporting by Jeanne Muchnick, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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