The Nourished Festival, formerly the Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo, is returning for more fun filled days of gluten-free discoveries at the Cobb Galleria Centre . The expo is taking place May 30-31st from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. where products from more than 50 vendors will be available for sample and in some cases sale. In addition to a name change, the expo now features Paleo, Keto and Plant-Based zones. Of course all products at the festival are gluten free!

I have been selected to be an Official Blogger, which means I have 5 Tickets to Give Away! Head over to my Instagram for an opportunity to win!

Anyone attending this year’s festival will find a day jam-packed with speakers, complimentary samples and product coupons. Every product is gluten free and many vendors also offer vegan, casein-free, dairy-free, nut-free and soy-free products. That’s right, it is a safe environment where you can try everything, unless you avoid additional allergens.

After looking over the vendor list, I am most excited to try: HelloFresh’s meal kits, Hodo’s ready-to-eat meals, Hope & Sesame’s line of sesame milks, hot pockets from Mikey’s, vegetable sides from Path of Life, and Soozy’s grain-free muffins. I am glad that local companies Guten Beer, Pure Knead and Wicked Batter Twisted Sweets will be on hand with their products too. Maggiano’s Little Italy will be handing out tastes of their gluten-free fare, so be sure to come hungry.

Buy your tickets early to bypass the long line at the door. Who am I going to see there?

Where and When?
Cobb Galleria Centre–Exhibit Hall D
Two Galleria Parkway
Atlanta, Georgia 30339
(Free Parking)
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 30th
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 31st

What Is Included with Expo Ticket?

• Entry into the vendor fair with over 50 brands
• Valuable coupons at the vendor booths
• Samples from the vendors
• Discounted products available for purchase
• Informative classes related to the gluten free and allergen-friendly lifestyle
• Free reusable bag to carry around goodies
• Meet your favorite vendors, authors and bloggers

2B Whole Gluten Free Bakery has added vegan lemon cake to its repertoire. What a perfect addition and just in time for Easter, or really any time you need a yummy treat from a dedicated gluten-free bakery. Place and order in advance.

Bar Margot has been awarded a four star rating by AAA making it one of only 12 establishments in Georgia to earn this honor. Out of the 32,000 restaurants inspected by the non-profit, only two-percent were given a four-star rating by AAA. The 80-year-old organization rated hotels and restaurants covering the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Congrats to you Bar Margot – keep up the excellent food, service and ambiance. 

gusto! is making my suburban dreams come true with their upcoming drive-thru location opening this fall in Chamblee at 4945 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, near Whole Foods Market. Gusto! Chamblee will serve the same menu as the company’s other locations where everything is made fresh to order using seasonal and local ingredients. Their sweet potato chips are habit forming and the cuisine is so fresh and tasty.

You can now swing by select Trader Joe’s locations and pick up a 6-pack of Guten Brands award-winning gluten-free beer! Check out their store locator to see exactly where you can find it!

HYGF has secured secured a retail location at 900 Dekalb Avenue NE, between Creature Salon and The Daily pilates studio. They are on target for an April-May opening and I am super stoked to have a new gluten-free bakery in town.

Saturday is the last day to get a warm bowl of soup in Decatur at Souper Jenny. They will close at the end of business on Saturday due to the lack of downtown parking and other issues. But don’t worry because their new Roswell location should be up and running by the end of March.

On Feb. 25, The Alden owner/chef Jared Hucks is serving its Last Monday Supper series dedicated to preparing and serving seafood. From 7-9 p.m., attendees will learn about flatfish, round fish and shellfish while enjoying a delicious meal paired with alcoholic beverages for $125 per person. Seriously, you don’t want to miss out on their incredible food that can easily be modified to be gluten free. Seating is limited to 16 people so get your tickets now!

True Food Kitchen recently launched online ordering for pick up and delivery nationwide. Considering the growing traffic problems in and around Atlanta, this service couldn’t come at a better time.

Local media was invited to a special grand opening celebration at the new Nancy’s Pizzeria Dunwoody location. The restaurant, located in the Perimeter Village Shopping Center off Dunwoody Road, is the fifth Nancy’s in Georgia and one of 32 locations nationwide.  

Kayla Howey, corporate chef for Nancy’s Pizzeria and the food and hospitality director for Chicago Franchise Systems, was on hand to introduce their revamped menu featuring a modern twist on classic choices. The space is gorgeous with an open-air patio and plenty of bar and general seating and a private party space too. Equipped with a flat screen projector and screens around the restaurant, it will soon become your favorite place to watch the big game.

I grew up in the Chicago-land area eating pizza at least twice a week, but I loved to order a thin crust topped with real ground sausage and hamburger. It was cut into squares, not slices, making it so very Chicago. It took Nancy’s years to find just the right gluten-free crust to add to the menu and boy did they pick a fabulous one. Venice Bakery’s 12″ extra protein crust has a light and airy texture that bakes evenly and stands up to a lot of toppings without collapsing.

When my gluten-free pizza was placed in front of me, nostalgia set in as I was transported to the pizza of my youth. It was cut in squares and the heavenly smell was a trip down memory lane with the spicy ground sausage and tender ground beef leading the way. The crust is crunchy in all the right ways with a thick layer of mozzarella covering the whole pie all the way to the edge. The hamburger and sausage are put on the pizza raw to allow their flavors to cook into the cheese and crust creating a layer of flavor that curls my toes.

While the crust is certified gluten free, they are made with shared ingredients in a kitchen with flour; however, they are cooked on a screen and cut with a dedicated pizza cutter.

If you can eat a stuffed pizza pie, the Dunwoody and Conyers locations are the only ones with a 2 1/2″ pie verses the 1 1/2″ currently at the other Georgia locations in: Atlanta (Buckhead), Atlanta (Camp Creek), Atlanta (Midtown), and Johns Creek.

Stop by for some authentic Chicago-style pizza, snacks, appetizers and salads. Finally, a taste of Chicago in Atlanta.

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this review, but the meal was provided at no cost. In no way did this influence my opinions and views, which are derived from my personal experience at the restaurant.

How lucky am I that Fúdo, a new authentic Asian concept by the creators of Ichiban Steak and Sushi, has opened in Chamblee just minutes from my home? It has quickly turned into my favorite place to nosh on exceptional sushi and creative cocktails for lunch or dinner.

The expansive space features a wrap around sushi bar, back-lit bar, dog-friendly patio with retractable windows and ample seating in a modern industrial setting. During my visit, I was treated to some dishes from the menu and a couple of specially created off-menu dishes that were honestly almost to gorgeous to eat, almost.

The meal started with a crudo of tuna and salmon (off menu, but trust me and order it) that was so fresh and delicate. Topped with only salt, pepper, herbs and olive oil, the flavors shine. Each bite melted in my mouth creating a dish I could eat every day and never tire of its flavors. A tower of shrimp, scallops, tuna, white fish, and salmon came out next and was beyond outstanding. Again, the presentation was on point and the sushi was so bright and fresh. And they have gluten-free soy sauce for dunking.

Next, I enjoyed three modified and creatively named rolls from the menu: Audi, Over the Rainbow and an off-menu tuna sashimi.

The Audi was my favorite featuring smoked salmon, avocado, and cream cheese topped with scallions. The crab salad was left off because it was made with imitation crab and I opted for no sriracha since I am not a fan.

I liked the Over the Rainbow roll, but it is a tad sweet, even with the white fish and salmon, so I would opt to enjoy it for dessert next time. Topped with white fish, avocado, wasabi lime and white yuzu sauce and filled with salmon, mango and cucumber, this roll has a very creamy finish.

The tuna sashimi was a special creation of the chef and combined gluten-free soy sauce and wasabi with fresh tuna on pan seared rice. The play on textures was lovely and delicious.

The chef also sent out some house pickled vegetables that had a delightfully spicy finish. The slow sweet heat of these perfectly pickled veggies have turned it into another must-order item. What a wonderful way to finish such an epic meal.

They have a large selection of sashimi, hand rolls and vegetarian rolls. With such knowledge of the gluten-free diet, I felt so comfortable ordering and I thoroughly enjoyed every bite.

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this review, but the meal was provided at no cost. In no way did this influence my opinions and views, which are derived from my personal experience at the restaurant.

Allergen-free treats from Texas-based dessert brand Better Bites Bakery are now available in the bakery department in all 479 Whole Foods Markets locations nationwide. Their cupcakes and cake balls are amazing and classroom friendly!!

Justin Anthony’s new Biltong Bar is open in Buckhead.  According to TonetoATL, the new restaurant opened in the onetime home of American Food & Beverage at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta.  Located at the corner of Buckhead Avenue and North Fulton Drive and at more than 6,200 square feet, the Buckhead location is the grown-up version of the original Biltong Bar in the food hall at Ponce City Market in Midtown with an expanded menu and drink selection. The popcorn with peri peri salt, parmesan and shaved biltong is a MUST order.

Firebirds Wood Fire Grill is open in the new Town Center development in Peachtree Corners. The meat-centric restaurant denotes gluten-free cuisine for easy ordering. We stopped by this past weekend and I enjoyed the beef fillet kabob with balsalmic ancho chile drizzle and a side of Parmesan mashed potatoes. The steak was perfectly cooked and juicy with a lovely smoky flavor, but there was barely any drizzle, which was a bummer because I love balsamic everything. And there is no gluten-free dessert; however, will definitely be back because my husband raved about the burger.

Salata is open in the new Town Center development in Peachtree Corners. The customizable salad shop with 50 fresh and healthful salad toppings, has had all of their ingredients verified gluten-free by  MenuTrinfo®, LLC. As with all shared kitchens, there is always a possibility of cross-contact so be aware. Check out their allergen list before heading out to make ordering a stress-less experience. By the way, all of their salad dressings and soups are gluten free as are most of their proteins (sans herb-marinated krabmeat, mixed seafood, and baked tofu.

Phoenix, Arizona-based Sprouts Farmers Market, closed its Dunwoody store on Sunday, December 23. The closest open store is in Peachtree Corners, which has a larger footprint than its predecessor.

Metro Atlanta is getting a second location of True Food Kitchen this year at Avalon in Alpharetta. The new restaurant will replace Road Runner Sports. I can’t wait for it to open because the one in Buckhead is surrounded by too much traffic and no parking.

Zeal Kitchen and Bar closed its doors for good in October. After five years in business, the eatery wasn’t able to build a sustainable customer based even with its gluten-free and vegan offerings. I will miss the calamari, veggie burgers on gluten-free buns and dessert.

Members of the Atlanta Food & Lifestyle Bloggers’ Society were treated to such an epic tasting at First Watch that recently opened in the new Town Center development in Peachtree Corners. I have heard rave reviews of their cuisine from my husband and daughter, but I never knew they had so many gluten-free options including bread, chia pudding, brownies and so much more. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and we often prepare it for dinner too.

Celebrating their 35th anniversary, this Florida based restaurant prides itself on serving breakfast and brunch favorites made from the finest ingredients hot, fresh and fast. They don’t have fryers, microwaves or heat lamps in the kitchen, so the food is served as soon as it is ready. They cut fruit daily and slice and squeeze fresh juices that quench the palate and nourish the body. And they can accommodate most dietary restrictions. They recently added Silk’s vanilla creamers to every table.

Open for breakfast, lunch and brunch on the weekends, the restaurant offers a variety of traditional favorites, such as omelets, sandwiches and salads, and unique specialty items like Quinoa Power Bowls, Avocado Toast and Acai Bowls. 

We were treated to some of their most popular/fan favorites and new dishes on the menu. Once the plates started coming out, it felt like they never stopped. We tasted the: Acai bowl, Superfood bowl, Mediterranean eggs with feta, chicken and roasted tomatoes, Avocado toast with basted eggs, Million dollar bacon, Parma hash, Power breakfast quinoa bowl and a Kale Tonic.

My favorite tastes were the Million Dollar Bacon basted with maple syrup, bacon, cayenne and brown sugar. Sticky and sweet from the maple syrup and brown sugar, the pepper and cayenne balance out its savory flavor. Finger lickin’ good and a must-order item.

The chia pudding, made with coconut milk, is topped with a bevy of fresh fruit (sans granola). It is so creamy, light I could eat it every day, it is that good. I like kale, so the kale tonic was right up my alley. The Kale, Fuji apple, cucumber and lemon tonic served over ice was so bright and refreshing that I finished it immediately.

They do offer gluten-free bread for sandwiches and toast but they use a shared toaster. Be sure to clarify your gluten intolerance/allergy, so they can prepare your dishes free of contact with gluten.

Welcome to Peachtree Corners First Watch. Can’t wait to dig into their new cookbook created to celebrate their 35th anniversary.

We are sure to become fast friends and definitely regulars!!!

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this review, but the meal was provided at no cost. In no way did this influence my opinions and views, which are derived from my personal experience at the restaurant.

Bar Margot had gone and created the burger of our dreams! Called a Super Baller Burger, Executive Chef Michael Patria and former Atlanta Falcons fullback, Ovie Mughelli, it features a Wagyu burger topped with tempura lobster, kurobuta bacon and smothered with black truffle-foie gras aioli. Available January 27th through February 10th, 19% of sales for the $75 burger will be donated to the Ovie Mughelli Foundation. And, with just a few minutes notice, the entire burger can be prepared gluten free! Tempura lobster, count me in!!

Craft Hall Kitchen closed its doors for good in December. Such a loss to the gluten-free community given that everything on their menu except a wheat tortilla and bread is gluten free. I will miss the fried avocado tacos, biscuits, mac and cheese, waffles, falafel, fried chicken and roasted vegetables.

Ecco’s Buckhead location is open in basically the edge of Phipps Plaza’s parking lot. Their menu is marked two different ways to denote gluten-free salads, meats, cheeses, small plates, sides and entrees:

gf = gluten friendly as is &
mgf = can be prepared gluten friendly with modification

They do make fresh pasta with gluten-free ingredients, but it is made on the same equipment as the wheat-based pasta making it rife with cross contamination and unsafe for people with celiac disease.

First Watch has opened in Peachtree Corners in the new Town Center development. While they don’t have a gluten-free menu, many of their entrees, egg dishes, and bowls can easily be modified. Open for breakfast, lunch, and brunch, the restaurant is already experiencing long waits as the community welcomes them with open arms.

Flower Child’s second location in Sandy Springs is open with a real-food menu loaded with gluten-free sweet and savory tasty choices and a system to prevent cross contact during prep. Their gluten-free wraps can be used to make sandwiches and avocado toast.

Fúdo, a new restaurant named for the bustling Japanese city by the same name, opened January 7 at Chamblee’s Parkview on Peachtree along Peachtree Bouelvard. The restaurant was opened by restaurateurs John and Grace Lee, best known for their popular steak and sushi concept, Ichiban, with locations in Alpharetta and Cumming. Fúdo opened in an endcap space opposite Chronic Tacos, and joins Poke Bar, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar and The Alden, as restaurants in the development.

Genuine Pizza and its fresh gluten-free crusts have left the building. According to ToneToATL, the restaurant has closed at Phipps Plaza after just over a year in business.  The restaurant reportedly closed Sunday, January 13 after opening January 5, 2018.

Golda Kombucha released its’ Grapefruit Rosemary Kombucha infused with cannabidiol (CBD) on January 8th, making it the first kombucha in the state of Georgia to contain CBD. Stop by the Cultured South taproom to try a glass while we wait for it to become available at local retailers. According to the company, Golda’s new product launch parallels with the Farm Bill that was passed last month. The bill legalized industrial hemp nationwide, including the hemp plants that are used to produce CBD oil, allowing companies, like Golda, to produce and distribute the CBD infused kombucha. with new flavors premiering as the seasons change throughout the year.

gusto!’s new West Midtown location is officially opening as of January 15. Serving fresh bowls and wraps with bold, global flavors for lunch and dinner, the newest gusto! location is located at Northside Drive at 17^thStreet in the new West Midtown Center, near Georgia Tech’s campus.

In addition to using Udi’s Gluten Free sub sandwich rolls, Jersey Mike’s has added their individually packaged snickerdoodle cookies to their offerings. Nothing like a sub, chips and a cookie for lunch or dinner, right?

Rainbow Natural Foods, which first opened its doors in Atlanta in 1976, informed employees recently they will close permanently.  The independent grocery, which has served the Decatur area for more than four decades and predates even the first ever Whole Foods Market by four years, co-anchors North Decatur Plaza at the intersection of Clairmont and North Decatur Roads.

Steel City Pops has added Paleo Pops in three flavors to its lineup. Sweetened with honey, these pops are made with all-natural ingredients and no processed sugars or artificial flavors. I can’t decide which flavor to try first, Paleo Chocolate, Paleo Mixed Berry or Paleo Bosc Pear with Honey. Stop by for a free sample!

Living in a region known for all-things-fried, some might think it difficult to find gluten-free fried chicken, but they are so not looking in the right places. Light, flaky, tender, and well-seasoned gluten-free fried chicken is on the menu at seven restaurants and two dedicated bakeries where caution is taken to prevent cross contact with wheat flour.

Why use gluten-free flours to coat chicken? Because these flours don’t absorb grease the way gluten flour does leaving the coating lighter and crispier. In honor of National Fried Chicken Day, we put together a list of where to find gluten-free fried chicken in and around Atlanta.

People come from far and wide to taste Arepa Mia’s fried chicken arepa. Topped with thai chili, avocado, lettuce and tomato, their Venezuelan take on a southern classic gets an A+. Stop by either of their two locations in Avondale Estates or Sweet Auburn Market and see what all the fuss is about. And they are a dedicated gluten-free restaurant, so everyone on the menu is in play.

Bantam & Biddy’s fried chicken is served as chicken tenders (on the bone on Sunday’s only) that pair nicely with jalapeno cornbread (also gluten free) and sweat tea. Their proprietary gluten-free batter turns out a crispy and light crust for lip-smackin’ chicken. Prepared in a dedicated fryer, their fried chicken is a testament to safe handling.

Chick-a-Biddy’s fried chicken tenders are gluten free and the only version on the menu. Unsuspecting consumers usually pair them with waffles or fries. Yes, they have a dedicated waffle iron for waffles, so you can nosh on chicken and waffles, a true southern tradition.

All the fried chicken at Crafthall Kitchen is gluten free and offers many ways to indulge. Served as chicken tenders, you can order a sandwich on gluten-free bread with bacon and avocado, or smother it with cheese and bacon. Chicken and waffles, waffles with chopped chicken in the batter, or chicken tenders atop creamy grits with crumbled bacon, green onions and one of their homemade sauces. Every choice is a tasty dream.

Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub’s most popular gluten-free item is the on-the-bone fried chicken. After being brined in buttermilk, it is fried in a blend of cornstarch and rice flour in a separate fryer. Fried to order, a serving includes a breast, thigh, leg, and wing. Their fried chicken has a boldly seasoned thin crust that makes licking ones fingers a necessity and a pleasure.

Both Gluten Free Cutie and Good Karma Coffee House serve up fried chicken biscuits on the weekends for brunch. These are the only two places in town that offer fried chicken biscuit sandwiches that you can customize. Order a fried chicken and biscuit plate topped with gravy or top a Belgian waffle with it at Good Karma.  Chicken biscuit sandwiches at Gluten Free Cutie can be topped with housemade pimento cheese or a fried green tomato.

Punch Bowl Social’s southern fried chicken can be ordered as an entree with tomato jalapeno salad and mint vinaigrette or as a sandwich with white barbecue sauce and French fries (just ask them to be made in the dedicated fryer). You can even order a 12-piece bucket with bread and butter pickles and slaw.

Richards’ Southern Fried in Krog Street Market reformulated its previous recipe and now only makes fried chicken with gluten-free coating. The recipe was changed to ensure the chicken was just as crunchy for take-away orders as it is fresh out of the fryer. The chicken is coated with a blend of corn starch, potato, rice and tapioca flours. Because nothing goes in the fryer that contains gluten, the fries a safe bet too. Try their hot fried chicken with housemade pimento cheese and chow and savory every delicious bite.

Zeal Modern Eatery in Marietta prepares fried chicken by starting with Springer Mountain Farms chicken coated in tapioca and rice flour batter before frying it in a dedicated fryer. Diners get a whole breast with attached wing served with spicy habanero pepper jelly, collards, and red skin mashed potatoes.