This One's For You!

You may have noticed I've been MIA... It's been for a good reason, I wouldn't just leave my gluten free folk hanging!  I've decided to share, in part, because I need to -- and I think it may help others as a result.

My heart's been aching with sadness, I've just lost my first and oh so beloved Chuckie.  This is hands down one of the toughest losses I've gone through.

To call him a dog hardly seems to do him justice, though inasmuch as he had four legs, a tail, and barked, I admit he was, to all outward appearances. But to those who knew him well, he was a perfect gentleman. Hermione Gingold

Islamorada, A Slice of Heaven

There's nothing like getting away and heading to Islamorada.  Its a slice of heaven, the ocean and bay is gorgeous to stare at, the people are wonderful and warm, everything is pet friendly (I love traveling with Chuckie - the best dog ever!), and best of all the restaurants are SO gluten free accommodating (must be because the people are so nice)!!

I always think were spoiled on Miami Beach to have Lincoln Road, with blocks and blocks of restaurants and the ability to eat outside (under umbrellas of course) year round (with either fans or heaters, should it be 90 or below 60 degrees).  Yes, were spoiled!  But, Islamorada has a whole new degree of spoiled, here, the restaurants are unassuming, until you go to the back, many are on the water, and this particular restaurant, Lorelei Cabana Bar, had beach front service.  There was sand on the floor and gorgeous bay views, and such a low key atmosphere.

Looking for GF in Islamorada??

Looking for GF food while traveling can stink. I was in Islamorada for the weekend, and really hoped places would be accommodating. Thankfully, my hotel had a full kitchen. So, if all else failed, Publix and my stove could save the day. I was so pleased when I came across Bentley's, and forgot all about the hotel's kitchen.

Of course, like most places in the keys, its a seafood restaurant. And, also of course, I really dislike, and don't eat seafood. I heard their drunken sweet potatoes were legendary, so I was hopeful they'd have other menu items I could choose from. I'm glad we went. It was great. Our server was knowledgeable and happy to inquire on my behalf for GF option, and readily told me the fries weren't for me, but, the items below that I had we're perfect. Here's the menu to check out.

I started with delicious corn on the cob ($2). Although most corn on the cob is good, great corn on the cob makes me very happy. This is great corn on the cob, so much so, that I ordered a second. The butter is dripping, it rocks.



Moved on to these delicious "Bentley's drunken sweet potatoes" ($4.25). These sweet potatoes are unreal. We asked what was in them -- they contain rum, brown sugar, butter, ginger, and cinnamon. They are a must try.

Lastly, I really wanted chicken, so I was pleased when our server confirmed they would bake chicken wings special for me (10 for $7.95). So nice, right??

This was a delicious meal. Always nice to know there are GF options when traveling - when in Islamorada, Bentley's is a must try.

HUGE THUMBS UP!