As someone who was diagnosed with celiac disease in my late 20ās it has been an adjustment, and traveling is nearly impossible it feels like. I work in healthcare and knowing I would be in the Albany area for a weekend I wanted to decrease my time in the kitchen, and try whatever food I could safely consume. I have little trust in reviewed gluten free restaurants or bakeries, due to not everyone being as sensitive as myself. When I came across this via the find me gluten free app, I know I had to try it. From the moment I walked in, to the moment I left and ate my sandwich I was amazed. The owner was kind and knowledgeable. I felt safe eating anything on the menu, and I honestly did not even know what to get! The menu had many items that I have not been able to eat in years since being diagnosed, but I went with the chicken Parmesan sandwich and got a pizza for later. Let me tell you, this was the best chicken Parmesan sandwich I have ever had, and this includes back to the time I was consuming gluten. It was fresh, had so much flavor, and the roll that it was on, TO DIE FOR! Everything was made fresh, and did not taste gluten free, made me a little scared, since most gluten free items are not the greatest tasting. The little donut holes are amazing! I canāt even describe them, they are soft and light like a fried dough, but the cinnamon on them, they just melt in your mouth without making you feel guilty for eating a donut! I could go on and on, this place is a must try, and I will...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreMy husband is gluten free by necessity and finding bread, cookies, sandwiches, and pastries, especially at restaurants or bakeries, is very hit or miss. Usually if gluten free is available it's dry and crumbly and just plain sad. We found Birch Baked one day while we were out in downtown Troy. We didn't have high hopes but we should have!
This is the BEST GF we've ever had. We can get made-to-order sandwiches and paninis, we can get fresh and frozen bread, pizza crust, pizza dough, donuts, cookies, and other pastries and they're all SO DELICIOUS. I actually prefer their bread over regular bread. I've given slices of Birch Baked bread to people who can eat gluten without telling them it's GF and each and every one has said it's amazing and were floored when we told them. Same with homemade pizza made with Birch Baked dough. It's soft and fluffy and bakes beautifully. We're told they supply some local restaurants with gluten free crusts...we're happy for that because buying from small businesses really helps the local economy.
We stock up on bread every few weeks and always look forward to our visit. Parking can be a little intimidating in downtown Troy, but there's a parking garage just down the block so it's fairly easy. We've always been able to find a spot without much trouble. Prices are very reasonable and staff is very friendly. Do yourself a...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreClean place, fabulous food, great service. My apprentice becomes severely Iāll when a utensil that has touched something with gluten touches her food while adding a single ingredient. Not having any dietary restrictions myself, itās terrifying to offer her a meal that is anything other than a pre packed gluten free pizza, and while she wonāt make decisions about where to go out to eat, I often feel bad watching her watch staff, ask questions, before deciding if a gluten free protein bar would be safer than a house salad with no crutons. She was like a kid in the candy store here⦠we were offered incredible gluten free donuts and bread while we decided what to eat⦠then split a Philly cheese steak and some mozzarella sticks⦠and brought home donuts and bread for her to take home. Guy at the counter was friendly and extremely helpful. Itās s whole new world for me, to worry about ingredients like this, but the young lady who accompanies me several times per week is too anxious about āinconveniencingā me to speak up about food, even when asked several times. This place was perfect⦠we both enjoyed our lunch and I felt good that she was able to feel safe about...
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