EAT: Big T's BBQ and Smokehouse, Calgary, Alberta

Calgary, AB is known for its beef, but don't count out its BBQ. Being from the capital of BBQ, I am always apprehensive about trying BBQ from other places. Sometimes they are not even close in comparison to North Carolina BBQ. However, Big T's BBQ does a great job. I had to laugh when their beef brisket beat out the pulled pork! We are in Calgary, right?

Big T's BBQ also does a good job of disclosing food allergens in their food. Gluten free items are clearly labeled on the menu. 

I ordered the Two Meat Meal with the gluten free pulled pork and brisket. I was a little limited with the sides due to my food allergies, but was able to get a side salad and marinated coleslaw with vinegarette, not mayo. Very tasty, and like I mentioned earlier, the brisket was better than the pulled pork. 

My dinner companion ordered the Two Meat Meal as well. He decided upon the gluten free brisket and Dusty Rib Ends with spicy coleslaw and Burgoo Soup, a gluten free Kentucky style soup with lamb, chicken, and brisket. The soup does have corn in it. He also enjoyed his meal. 

Big T's BBQ has three locations in Calgary, one being at the Farmer's Market. I was pleased with the gluten free selection, and our server was nice enough to ask the kitchen when we had questions about other allergies. If you are looking for a BBQ style lunch or dinner, be sure to check out Big T's. 

Big T's BBQ & Smokehouse

2138 Crowchild Trail NW

Calgary, AB

403.284.5959

www.bigtsbbq.com

EAT: Charcut Roast House, Calgary, Alberta

When in Calgary, Alberta, head downtown and enjoy a meal at Charcut. I love a great charcuterie board and this restaurant does not disappoint. The menu is laid out in tapas style, but the portions are generous and definitely can be eaten family style, sharing among several people. I also really like that the menu states that most of the items are gluten free or can be made gluten free. Oh, and did I mention they have gluten free bread?!

We had to order the charcuterie board to start. Oh my! It is so massive, it could easily have been dinner by itself. The chef selection (changes daily) was gluten free, made in house, and complete with shredded cheese and stone ground mustard. I would fly back to Calgary just to order it again!

Not realizing how big the charcuterie board would be, my dinner companion and I ordered the sausage burger minus the bun (egg on the side since I am egg free and he is not). Also, for my new love of beets, we ordered the marinated and pickled beets with goat cheese and walnuts. The beets were delicious as was the burger. In fact, most of the burger was taken home as leftovers and was quite tasty the next day. 

We had to order the gluten free bread. After verifying that it was also corn free, we were served some of the best gluten free bread I have tasted. It is from Care Bread Bakery (www.carebakery.com), made right in Calgary! I was able to find it at another restaurant in Banff, so check their Web site for locations. The bread was flavorful and not crumbly, like gluten free bread can be. 

Also wanted to mention that I celebrated my birthday at Charcut! It was the perfect  place for a great gluten free meal, and they even brought me out a cup of coconut sorbet to celebrate. I definitely enjoyed my meal there and really appreciate the care our server took to ensure we had a safe meal. Can't wait for my next trip back!

P.S. It was hopping on the Tuesday night we dined, so be sure to make a reservation on Open Table (www.opentable.com)!

Charcut Roast House

899 Centre Street

Calgary, AB 

403.984.2180

www.charcut.com

EAT: Melissa's Missteak, Banff, Alberta

Breakfast is my hardest meal as a person with food allergies. Without gluten, corn, and eggs, I am pretty limited. I highly recommend when in Banff, take a short two block trip off the main street, Banff Avenue, and have breakfast with the locals at Melissa's Missteak. 

Melissa's Missteak has a gluten free menu with a pretty good number of options. Our server was even gluten free, but what amazed me was she only told me after we had finished our meal and I thanked her for taking care of us and having a gluten free menu. I have found that food allergies don't seem to be that big of a deal in Alberta. They just accommodate and serve you. 

I ordered the fruit smoothie. Made fresh in house with banana, mixed berries, yogurt, and juice, it was very tasty. 

Gluten free hash browns?!? Yes, please. Also, some bacon would be great too. 

I can't eat eggs, but my breakfast companion can, and this omelette looked great. He said it was very tasty, especially with the gluten free hash browns.  

Side note: Ketchup in Canada is corn syrup free! Be sure to check the label, but I could not find one. Perfect addition to the hash browns!

Melissa's Missteak is a great local breakfast spot in Banff. With its gluten free menu, it makes it easier to eat safely for breakfast, my most difficult meal eating out. They also serve lunch and dinner. 

Melissa's Missteak 

218 Lynx St. 

Banff, AB 

403.762.5511

www.melissasmissteak.com

EAT: The Bear's Paw Bakery Cafe/The Other Paw Bakery Cafe, Jasper, Alberta, Canada

In general, I have found the Canadian Rockies to be very food allergy accommodating, especially gluten free. The Bear's Paw Bakery and its sister location, The Other Paw Bakery, both in Jasper, Alberta, Canada are no exception. 

I visited The Other Paw Bakery for breakfast/lunch. They did not have a lot of gluten free options, but did have gluten free brownies and gluten free bread. The bread is made with rice flour and is also corn free. They do make the bread in the same kitchen as gluten bread, but thoroughly clean before preparing the gluten free bread. I am very sensitive and did not have a reaction. The bread was pretty good, and I really liked the fact it was like a hoagie roll. Always really cool to be able to order a sandwich WITH the bread. 

I ordered the Old MacDonald's Farm sandwich, which had turkey, ham, bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

Odd, I know, but definitely check out the restroom (termed "washroom" in Canada). There are really cool quotes all over the walls. 

The Bear's Paw Cafe

4 Cedar Ave

Jasper, AB

The Other Paw Bakery Cafe

610 Connaught Dr. 

Jasper, AB