I’ve been meaning to do a post about gluten free dining in Vail for eons.
And I could easily title this “Gluten-Free Dining in Vail,” or give it some other similar such name, however, when it comes to dining gluten free in Vail, there is really only one “place” that I feel entirely at home and taken care of. Where would that be? Larkspur Restaurant, or, for that matter, any of the restaurants owned by Thomas Salamunovich.
Thomas is a master when it comes to food (especially farm to table, more on that later) and fabulous with gluten free. His menus are labeled with gluten free symbols, making it super easy to work your way through and coolly place your order –and he has delicious gluten free desserts to boot.
About those gluten free desserts? Thomas, a prolific businessman, sells gluten free desserts, snacks and other eats to skiers and their ilk in Vail, right at the bottom of the mountain in Golden Peak. He runs the “grab and go shops,” The Market in Vail and Avondale Market at the bottom Beaver Creek with many gluten free options. Pretty cool that gluten free is making it into top restaurants around the country. And when I say “top restaurants” I’m talking about Larkspur in Vail –it’s one of the best in Colorado and deserves national recognition as well.
Thomas was one of a select number of chefs featured in the fabulous book Colorado Organic, by Jen Olsen. The book features the growing popularity of the farm to table movement throughout Colorado. And eating at any of Thomas’ restaurants is a treat. All of the ingredients are pure, fresh and delicious, in addition to the benefits of his specially made dishes for those of us that are gluten free.
Lucky for us, Thomas recently opened a restaurant called Larkburger in Boulder, Colorado. It’s a burger joint at its best (very green as well) and we frequent it often. He also has a Larkburger in Edwards, Colorado.
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For those of you that are Beaver Creek people, not Vail people, Thomas runs Restaurant Avondale in Avon, at the base of Beaver Creek.
Wherever you are, (Vail, Beaver Creek, Boulder or Edwards) if you find yourself in the mountains of Colorado, you may want to make a point of eating at any one of Thomas’ fantastic restaurants.
Thomas Salamunovich is head chef, owner and founder of the Savory Group. And in case you are lucky enough to meet him, you might want to know, that he is an all around wonderful guy.
For more information on dining out gluten free, see my posts Gluten Free Restaurants in Boulder and Gluten Free Restaurants in New York City.
Leave a comment and let us know what some of your favorite restaurants are and where they are located!
Joey says
It’s wonderful to see restaurants doing this sort of thing. How delighted the gluten free crowd must feel to finally have something they can enjoy when they eat out.
buzz fackler says
thanks for the colorado gluten free restaurants. and, you’re correct, it’s tough to eat out while ski vacationing… we’re heading to Utah and have googled around for gluten free eating. some places have shown up and it is surprising that about a 1/2 dozen are listed…
thanks again!
Gluten Free Diva says
Me thinks Colorado is ahead of the curve. We just returned from a trip to Aspen and Denver, and gluten free restaurant dining was a snap. Thanks for sharing about this restaurant. Sounds like a winner!
Ellen
Gluten Free Diva
Jan Bostic says
If you are ever in Asheville, NC try Posana Cafe – posanacafe.com. I believe everything in the restaurant is gluten free and they are pretty food allergy friendly. Very cool atmosphere too.
Karen says
My family and I recently discovered Martino’s Pizzeria off Arapahoe and Forest Park Circle (about a block over from 95th) in Lafayette, CO. They have gluten free pizzas and sandwiches using bread and crusts from Sweet Escape Pastries and they are delish! We think they’re even better than Beau Jo’s, which we’re well aware is sacrilege to say in Colorado but there you have it :-)
For those with dairy issues or who are vegan, Martino’s will use Daiya in place of cheese on request. Oh and they also serve Bard’s (gluten free beer) for any grownups with a thirst.
Other places we’ve enjoyed and recommend GF fare:
Abrusci’s – Lakewood, CO (one other location available)
Udi’s Cafe – Lafayette, CO (other locations available)
Blue Sky Cafe – Lakewood, CO (they do say that while they make every effort to provide GF fare, they cannot completely guarantee it)
We have found the most accommodating chain restaurants for GF meals are Carrabba’s, Chipotle (my husband says as soon as he tells them he’s celiac they ALL immediately change their gloves down the line, no matter which one he visits), Tokyo Joe’s, and Red Robin.
Stephanie says
I just discovered Sweet Escape Pastries from a fellow teacher I work with and their pizza crust and baggettes are divine. I had pretty much given up on all bread and pizza crust until I tasted theirs. The only drawback is that they are only open on Friday afternoons, from noon until 5:00 pm. If you haven’t tried them yet, it would be worth your time.
Helen says
In Boulder, CO on our way to Estes Park we ate at Tandoori Grill. My in-laws and I loved the food from India that we found. Their address is 619 S. Broadway St. A must try for Indian’s dishes.
Also, in Estes Park my favorite the week my family and I stayed there was Poppy’s Pizza and GRill. While not the traditional Gluten free pizza, very good, can’t wait to try something else on their menu next summer.
Indochine in Parker Colorado is a must eat at while in our quaint little town. Almost everything is marked GF and the fair is quite satisfying.
The Dunraven Inn in Estes Park had the best tomato soup ever. I could have just eaten that for dinner but the scallops where done perfectly also. They even had something for my 5 year old son that was Gluten Free.
Have a great visit to these wonderful Colorado rest.,
Cheers and Happy New Year,
Helen
The Teenie Foodie says
Lovely post Elana, however sadly I do not live in America.. But if anyone lives/visit London, you must eat at Saf. Its vegan, raw and labels foods which are gluten free and its DELICIOUS!
Oh and a few questions, how long do your molasses spice cookies last for in the cupboard? and are they freezable? Thanks a lot, and thanks for the comment!
Teenie Foodie x
Andrea says
There is also a Larkburger in Greenwood Village…I-25 and Bellview.
Amyvail says
Thanks for giving recognition to my home town :) I COMPLETELY agree! Larkspur and Avondale (Avondale even serves gluten free beer and you HAVE to try their mushroom pizza!!!) are both amazing!!! But I do have to mention Terra Bistro located in the Lodge at Vail :) They make the meanest roasted kale you’ve ever had…and they add freshly shredded parmesan to it (this is where I got the idea to recommend it on your kale recipe post :))…YUM! Also, if you’re looking for more of a pub atmosphere, check out Paddy’s in Eagle-Vail (my favorite hang-out) they now serve gluten free pizza AND pasta! Very cool.
AndreAnna from Life as a Plate says
You’re making me want to move to Colorado more than I already do!!