food fit for romance

Our favorite gluten-free Valentine?s Day dinner locations across the country

With Valentine?s Day right around the corner, many people who follow a gluten-free diet will be scrambling not only to find a safe place to enjoy on the holiday – they?ll be looking for a romantic place as well. Thinking about romantic dining evokes images and feelings of soft music, linen tablecloths, mood lighting and if you?re lucky enough – a view that takes your breath away.

Thankfully, the majority of truly romantic restaurants can offer you much more than a boring meal that won?t make you sick. The Delight team scoured the U.S. in search of the best romantic gluten-free dining options. We hope our fabulous finds will inspire you to discover a special place of your own – no matter where you are in the world!

CALIFORNIA
Starting on the West coast, we chose Sierra Mar. Located on the grounds of the acclaimed Post Ranch Inn, this hidden gem accepts public reservations for both lunch and dinner. The property has won numerous travel awards and has been named one of the best small inns in the world. Staying there isn?t feasible for everyone?s budget, but anyone can dine in style without breaking the bank for a room with a view. Sierra Mar combines spectacular menu options with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Sitting on the edge of the Big Sur cliffs overlooking the water, this place overwhelms the senses in every way. To say it provides a romantic setting is quite the understatement. The food is fresh and seasonal – and the culinary team understands food allergies – so an amazing gourmet gluten-free meal can be had just by asking. There are several tasting menus offered including the Taste of Big Sur, which includes nine courses. The menu is fluid, but the unique, local ingredients the Chef utilizes for the creative menus will definitely delight your senses!
www.postranchinn.com

TEXAS
Moving over and down to the lone star state, Las Canarias in San Antonio exudes both elegance and romance. Many of the beautifully set tables provide a gorgeous view of the famous Riverwalk. There is an a la carte dinner menu as well as a tasting menu. The latter typically doesn?t allow for substitutions so gluten-free guests might prefer to choose the a la carte option. Many selections are gluten-free as prepared and many others can be modified upon request.

There are usually a couple of gluten-free dessert options as well. Whether you?re in the mood for filet mignon, seared sea scallops, bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin or herb roasted chicken, the amazing food, and presentation of it, will make for an incredibly romantic meal. Even though the restaurant with its white tablecloths and fine china is fairly formal, Southern hospitality is more than alive and well at this gem located deep in the heart of Texas!
www.omnihotels.com
ILLINOIS
Our Midwest find is actually a completely gluten-free restaurant. Chicagoans that need (or choose) to eat gluten-free can order anything on the menu at the small, acclaimed bistro Senza! Located in the East Lakeview area of the windy city, this intimate and understated pick highlights molecular gastronomy in gluten-free style. The goal at Senza is to create an exceptional dining experience for everyone – whether they can eat gluten or not. The set menu includes nine to twelve courses, one of which is grilled Wheat?s End freshly baked bread. (Wheat?s End Artisanal Foods is in the same space and serves up freshly baked treats in the morning.)

The inventive and avant-garde options at Senza constantly change depending on what the local purveyors offer the culinary team daily. With just 48 seats, prospective guests should be prepared to wait for a dinner reservation at this special place. However, it will be worth it to experience one of the most unique, totally gluten-free dining options in the country! www.senzachicago.com
NORTH CAROLINA
Next we head down South to Asheville and The Grove Park Inn. Located in the space Horizons previously occupied at the resort, Vue 1913 blends American and French fare for a unique twist. The space offers a more casual feel than the previous occupant as well. The art deco d?cor combined with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains ensures quite a romantic setting. From local cheeses and house-made meats to smoked oysters and Kobe beef, gluten-free guests have plenty of delectable options to choose from! While a gluten-free menu is available upon request, be sure to inquire about any selection you?re interested in. If it?s feasible to modify the dish without sacrificing taste, the chef will certainly accommodate.
www.groveparkinn.com
NEW YORK
Ending up (almost) on the East Coast, Philip Marie in NYC is probably the most romantic place on our list. The private Wine Room downstairs serves only one couple at a time, which affords the lucky guests an undeniably romantic experience. Just getting to the table is a journey worth remembering. Upon arrival you?ll be taken through a series of underground tunnels that lead to a previous speak easy of the 1920?s. The space was hidden for over 50 years and now offers one the most unique dining adventures in the city!

To start off your meal, you?ll enjoy a glass of champagne served with hors d’ouevres. Then your server will work individually with you, and your beloved, to design a customized five course meal. They will also pair each amazing dish perfectly with the appropriate wine. While there is no view of the city from the private dining room for two, Philip Marie will provide the perfect, romantic splurge for that very special occasion!
www.philipmarie.com

Each of the restaurants on our list will accommodate gluten-free guests with advance notice. There will be interesting options for appetizers, salads, entrees, sides and desserts. The only exception to that is Senza, which doesn?t serve gluten food at all. Be sure to share your favorite romantic place with us via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest!

Wherever you go, have a delicious and lovely Valentine?s Day! <