General Tso’s cauliflower, deep fried and studded with sesame seeds and a ginger aioli, pairs well with the Gin Spritz.

Burtons Grill & Bar

Blakeney restaurant offers allergy-friendly menu, gluten-free options

By Amy Rogers  |   Photos by Shrimp & Grisettes Photography

If you need to avoid gluten, soy or other common food ingredients, your list of menu options will be a short one at most restaurants.

At Burtons Grill & Bar, it’s the exact opposite. Chefs prepare most dishes without gluten or typical allergens, and the servers, ready to answer any questions, bring separate gluten-free menus.

Just think of it: a full list of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees and even cocktails that people with allergies or food sensitivities can order without fear. It’s a concept that customers have welcomed enthusiastically.

All staff is trained in allergy and safe preparation protocols. The kitchen uses separate equipment to prevent cross-contamination, and everything is scratch-made in-house. Allergy meals are plated on square dishes to differentiate them, and a manager or certified allergy specialist checks each one before it’s served. The entire restaurant is peanut free.

Guests also have the flexibility to order a gluten-free version of most menu items, so those with gluten sensitivities won’t feel like they’re missing out on anything.

General Tso’s cauliflower comes to the table studded with sesame seeds and a ginger aioli that adds a creamy texture to the deep-fried nuggets.

Baby spinach combines with a rainbow of seasonal vegetables, quinoa, feta, golden raisins and a lemony vinaigrette dressing for a perfect superfood salad that’s summery and satisfying.

The crab crust is close to a full crab cake atop the Icelandic haddock, served here with broccoli and sangria.

The charbroiled Angus Maxx Burger is piled high with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and Burtons’ signature fried onion strings on a choice of a potato bun or a gluten-free bun, which makes the entire dish gluten free.

Crab-crusted Icelandic haddock is a hugely popular entree, served atop fragrant jasmine rice and broccoli and finished with a lemon-butter sauce. Diners can choose from the seasonal, market catch menu to customize a risotto.

For dessert, Key lime pie is presented in a molded graham-cracker-granola crust. A seven-layer chocolate cake will delight anyone looking for a gluten-free sweet treat.

Burtons Grill & Bar

9816 Rea Road

Charlotte, 28277

980-701-0910

burtonsgrill.com

Large covered patios flank the Blakeney entrance.