For those of us who have Celiac Disease, eating out can really be a hassle. From menu, to servers, to chefs, there are so many things to consider.
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| Aubree's Boursin Burger on a gluten-free bun |
Recently, an Aubree's Pizzeria and Grill opened up near us. Aubree's is a Michigan restaurant chain with locations in Howell, Ypsilanti, Dexter, Marquette, Northville and South Lyon. It's basically a nice sports bar, akin to Applebee's. I originally went to their Northville location a year or so ago. But recently someone from the Tri-County Celiac Support Group told me they had been "glutened" after eating at Detroit area location.
While I had talked to staff over the phone at the new Grand Blanc location previously, my husband and I decided to go there in person and attempt to eat there. We chose to go to an early dinner, about 5:15 pm, so that we would be going during a slower period and hopefully we would be able to talk to a manager or chef.
And I''m SO glad that we went! We had such a great dinner and wonderful service.
We had near perfect timing. I
informed the hostess and our server about my gluten free needs. The server
seemed a bit unsure, and sent the manager directly to our table, even without
me asking. Ryan, the manager, was the most helpful manager I think I've ever
talked to! He was thorough with what they could safely do, and even went as far
as suggesting a less spicy topping to the pasta dish I was ordering, the Pasta Gone Bayou.
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| PLEASE NOTE - Aubree's uses a shared fryer. Therefore their fries are not regularly gluten-free. |
Their menu
items are marked with a green "GF" logo if they are "gluten free
friendly." Be warned, this does not necessarily mean they are free from
cross-contact with other gluten containing foods. It was only through the
resourcefulness of Ryan that we learned that their regular brussel sprout side,
labeled GF, was actually deep fried with their chicken. The same is true of all
their GF fried items, such as their fries. Ryan personally made sure that our
brussel sprouts were sauteed and even made sure the bacon was on the side, as
my husband has an intolerance to pork.
This location offers gluten free pasta
that is to be cooked in clean fresh water, gluten free buns that are toasted in
their own specific pan through the pizza oven, and gluten free pizza crusts.
The crusts are baked on clean oven pans, and gluten free pizzas being prepped
are done so on a specific plastic cutting board, and the staff is told they
must change their gloves. **Caution- There IS free floating flour in the
facility as they make their regular pizza crusts from scratch and do not have
dedicated topping containers. In my opinion, this is the strongest possibility
for cross-contact. There is a an upcharge for the gluten free pizza crust ($2) and the bun ($1.15), but it is marked on the menu. I did not appear to get charged extra for my gluten free pasta, and there is no upcharge marked on the menu.
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| Flourless Chocolate Cake |
They also have a flourless chocolate cake that is prepared
off site, so they simply take a piece out of the fridge/freezer and onto a
clean plate when you order it. They serve RedBridge beer and Angry Orchard Hard
Cider. Added bonus- they serve Faygo in glass bottles!
They have many sides that are marked with their green GF icon, but again, beware of fried items as they are made in a shared fryer. They have mashed caulifower and roasted red skin potatoes as a healthy side option as well.
I'm so appreciative that
our server Jeremy sent the manager our way when he wasn't sure of something,
just to make sure that we were safe. I feel comfortable going back
again, and possibly even inviting our Celiac support group. They have a great
large room to accommodate groups. I was told the best time to go is when they
are slowest, between 2-4 pm. The head kitchen manager is there during that time
and he can pay specific attention to what you are ordering.
All in all, I give it a 4 out of 5, simply because the menu doesn't state that the brussel sprouts are fried, and does not specify that their gf fried items are made in a shared fryer.
Labels: Michigan made, restaurant review
