Hi Everyone, I hope this post finds you all well this fine Thursday morning. I’ve just finished sipping the last of my protein shake and I’m thinking about my Dad. He is in Chicago for work and is likely enjoying a fresh, warm, mouthwatering Do-Rite donut right about now with his team. Do-Rite Donuts is an incredible donut shop that offers delicious gluten free donuts, located in the heart of the Windy City. Most people don’t know this, but I was born in Chicago and adore the city. It has incredible nightlife, entertainment, shopping, and most importantly gluten free dining! Do-Rite Donuts is no exemption. Here in Minneapolis finding a good gluten free donut is the equivalent of finding Bigfoot, but just two states away we can find some of the best gluten free donuts in the Midwest! If you find yourself in Chicago head over to one of their many locations and grab yourself an immaculate gluten free donut by Do-Rite. Here is a link to their website that includes their location addresses: https://www.doritedonuts.com/ . I hope you all enjoy the last month of Summer and keep an eye out for more content coming soon.
The time has come Everybody! Travel is a huge part of my family’s life and Covid put a damper on our ability to do that. The stars aligned and my mom and I were able to take our first trip in 18 months. In a normal world my mom works a conference on Amelia Island annually and we were able to go back this year, thanks to the high vaccination rates of attendees. We stayed at our favorite hotel in the area: the Ritz-Carlton and went to our go-to favorite gluten free restaurants. I am going to list them out for you, with some of our must order menu items. Without further adieu, please be sure your seatbelt is fastened, tray table is secure, and aisle armrests are lowered…
Our journey began at the MSP airport at 4:00 am on Thursday. We arrived to Amelia Island by noon. Hungry for brunch mom and I made a pit stop at The Patio Place, a gluten free crepe restaurant in downtown Amelia Island. Mom and I both ordered the Gluten Free savory crepe with a side of grits. We finished our trip back at The Patio Place for breakfast where we ordered the Patio Plate complete with eggs, bacon, hash browns, and a sweet crepe. The Patio Place uses buckwheat flour for their gluten free crepes and they are a delicious treat.
At the hotel, mom and I adored spending cocktail hour and mocktail hour (for me) at the poolside bar, where we enjoyed fresh guacamole topped with queso fresco cheese and their house spice blend. There is nothing better than scooping up refreshing guacamole on a crisp salty chip, while mesmerized by the waves crashing onto the beach, cooled by a salty breeze, after long walks on the beach.
For dinner, mom and I returned to downtown Amelia Island to explore the local flavors and cuisine. On the second night we stopped into Ciao Italian Eatery, a delicious restaurant plating familiar italian favorites with island flair. Mom and I both ordered the Rigatoni Ciao which included fresh shrimp, scallops, and mushrooms served over a bed of fresh gluten free fettuccine pasta and smothered in pink sauce, just like nonna would make. It was a light dish that was somehow also rich, creamy, and hearty… my favorite ways to describe pasta dishes.
For our last night we ate at David’s Restaurant and Lounge. David’s is a premier Steak House & Seafood Restaurant that provides high-quality food for those that wish to combine an intimateĀ ambiance with skillful cooking into one extraordinary dining experience. We visit David’s every time we travel to Amelia island and can count on an evening filled with great food and wonderful memories. This year I ordered the caesar salad, Truffle Scallops, and flourless chocolate cake. Mom enjoyed the shrimp cocktail, Chilean sea bass, and flourless chocolate cake. Every course was delicious and I will let the pictures from the evening speak for themselves.
As we were leaving the hotel, at the end of our stay, a local chef gave us his recommendations for more restaurants in the area. We already have a wish list started for new dining experiences to explore next year. Mom and I can’t wait to go back, and if you’re ever in Amelia Island we hope you enjoy these resturants as much as we do.
