MI Gluten Free Gal: Noble Restaurant

What if serving food is more than just preparing a meal, but offering meals that tasted good and are made with reputable ingredients? What if a restaurant wasn't so much known for what's in their food,

When Andrew Lamppa opened Noble restaurant, he knew he needed to do something to set his business apart. He and his wife had been "clean eaters" for quite sometime. They ate organic, steered clear of preservatives and chemicals. And if they felt if they thought it was important enough for their own health, it was important enough for them to care about the health of their clients.

Andrew's wife and friends are gluten intolerant, and their eyes were opened after a recent trip as to how hard it was to dine out when living with a food allergy or intolerance. If it was hard for them, they asked themselves how hard it was for their neighbors. Answers about how to set themselves apart from the rest of the Grand Rapids eateries were finally becoming clear.

So along with getting rid of artificial colors, flavors and nitrates, high fructose corn syrup, and added MSG, Andrew looked at ways they could take out gluten and other allergens from their menu. It took months of looking in depth at their ingredients, but he finally crafted a menu that could greatly accommodate gluten free diners. I addition, they decided to use organic chicken and beef raised without antibiotics.
And never ANY gluten in their fryer. Anything made in their fryer ALWAYS has a gluten free batter.

So after talking to Andrew at length on the phone, I was so excited to try things for myself. My husband and I drove to Grand Rapids to try things for ourselves. For the first time in over a decade, I had fried fish. And not just fried fish, but a sample of their fried chicken, french fries and a side of homemade applesauce.

My husband ordered their signature Summer BBQ sandwich. Hamburger patty topped with barbecue sauce and homemade coleslaw, served with a side of homemade sweet potato chips. The sweet potato chips are lightly dusted with a coating of cinnamon for a subtle, sweet taste.

Many of the items on their menu can be made gluten free, including wraps, waffles and toast. They have one dedicated gluten free waffle iron, as well as a toaster. To prevent cross-contact they bring all toast to the table, unbuttered, with butter and a knife so the patron can do it themselves.

After sitting and talking with Andrew for just a short time, I already felt like he was a friend. And if we're honest, isn't that the best way to have a good meal, with a good friend?
Thanks Andrew for caring for your neighbors as yourself!

This is not a dedicated kitchen, so always make sure to alert your waitress about your food allergy needs **