Virginia Beach Gluten-free

In September of last year (er...a wee bit behind on posting I'd say), my husband and I spent the weekend in Virginia Beach. As you know, traveling to a new place is always a bit scary. I feel like sometimes all the research in the world isn't enough, especially when you're headed to a small city with limited options. But research I did, and I must say... Virginia Beach turned out to be the stuff gluten-free dreams are made of!

Here are my meal reviews. If you're in the area, I hope you make it to VA Beach soon. It was beautiful, oh-so-relaxing and scrumptious.

Breakfasts: I will flat out admit that breakfasts were a wee bit disappointing. We stayed at the Country Inn & Suites Oceanfront, and while we loved the hotel (all balcony, oceanfront rooms, a more secluded stretch of beach, good room at a decent price), we didn't love the included breakfast buffet. I was counting on fresh fruit, yogurt and maybe even eggs and bacon. The fruit was disappointing, and there was no yogurt, eggs or bacon. Luckily, we came prepared with paper bowls and gluten free cereal, and I took a bowl down to the buffet to fill with milk each morning.

Lunches: We opted for early dinners and light lunches on the beach in our lounge chairs, so we packed Lays Stax, gluten free Rice Krispie treats, fruit snacks and beverages.

Dinner #1: Cheeseburger in Paradise

I was so stinkin' pee-my-pants nervous about going to Cheeseburger in Paradise. I pictured everything being contaminated by all the buns flying around, and doubted that the gluten free buns would be enjoyable. But my hubbie is a huge Jimmy Buffett fan, so I bucked up and went with it. I was very careful to tell my waitress of my concerns, and she immediately put my mind at ease, telling me that they are very careful with cross contamination, and when a gluten free order comes up, they pull all fresh ingredients out of the fridge. She also told me that I could have the yummy fries from a dedicated fryer, and that the gluten free buns were actually really good. She didn't lie. I loved my Prime Kobe Mushroom Swiss Burger & fries so much, that I almost boycotted our restaurant choice the next night for a repeat. DELICIOUS. And I didn't get glutenated; not one little bit.

Dinner #2: Burton's Grill

(I've search high and low for my photos, and can't find them anywhere! Picture a photo that makes your mouth water, and you've pretty much got the idea...)

I'm so glad we decided not to boycott, because Burton's Grill was the find of a lifetime for me. DELICIOUS food, great service (where everyone is completely aware of what "gluten-free" means and managers serve all allergy and non-gluten meals) and... did I mention DELICIOUS food? I felt so normal eating at Burton's. My Celiac Disease was a non-factor. We enjoyed our experience so much, that we made a little side-trip on our recent trip to Boston, just so we could eat at one of their 7 locations. In a word, delightful. And, again, I didn't get glutenated; not one little bit.

Grilled Stuffed Zucchini appetizer (oh, my... you MUST)

Tuscan Brick Chicken (YUM)

Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee (didn't even think I liked creme brulee, but just WOW.)

I honestly could have eaten at either of our chosen dinner restaurants every night for a week, and been completely free from sickness and IN HEAVEN.

Morale of the story: If you're thinking of Virginia Beach, go. Just go. It's worth it for the food alone.