Gluten-free Beaumont: 5 eateries that can accommodate

Of all the food trends — organic, fat free, non-GMO, you name it — gluten-free may be the most misunderstood.

For a while, consumers seemed to think a gluten-free label meant a product was inherently healthier — but we quickly learned that those products can still be filled with sugar and preservatives.

Even still, sales of gluten-free food products have doubled in the past four years, according to Fortune, so it’s no surprise that the trend has made its way to local restaurant menus.

But here’s the other tricky thing about gluten-free: Although it’s a trendy choice for many people, it’s a mandatory way of life for others.

“I would break out in hives, generally feel hungover — without doing anything exciting to feel hungover — pretty much 24/7,” said Laura Williams, a Vidor native who’s been gluten-free since May. “I could nap all day every day. I thought I was allergic to dairy for a while, I thought potatoes for a while.”

After years of getting sick after almost every meal, Williams was convinced by her boyfriend to go to a doctor — which, naturally, turned into months of visits to allergists, ENTs and nutritionists.

Finally, she had her diagnosis: Williams is allergic to wheat.

“Now that I know that I have a way to control it, it’s much better,” she said. “I know what to avoid so it doesn’t happen, but it’s pretty terrifying. I have to be careful and ask a lot of obnoxious questions that I’m sure make people think I’m just a paleo fanatic.”

Since her diagnosis, she’s scoured Southeast Texas for eateries with gluten-free options.

“I get super jacked when I have options,” she said. “Of course, there is always a chance for cross contamination in damn near all these places, which is what the celiac people say, but I think that’s a risk you take eating out anywhere here.”

For those who are gluten-intolerant, have wheat allergies or have full-blown celiac disease, which causes the small intestine to become hypersensitive to gluten, eating out is far from simple.

Don’t be afraid to ask your server about options, Williams said — plenty of restaurants serve dishes that are naturally gluten-free but might not have that info on the menu. She also suggests using an app called Find Me Gluten Free, which lets users leave reviews and share “safe” options.

“Oh, and get a second job, because going gluten-free costs about double the normal stuff,” she said. “The pizza that you get at Crown Pizza is $13. Mine is $24. But I don’t barf, so its totews worth it.”

Another option? Hit up these local eateries, which go the extra mile for their gluten-free clientele.

Crown Pizza and Willy Burger
Where: 5535 Calder Ave., Beaumont
Info: (409) 892-3400 (Willy Burger) or (409) 899-9550 (Crown Pizza)
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily (Crown Pizza closed Mondays)
Open for: Lunch and dinner
We lumped these two together for a few reasons: They’re right next to each other, are owned by the same person and each have one simple solution to ensure that gluten-free folks aren’t left out.

At Willy Burger, just swap out a standard bun for a gluten-free bun and you’re good to go — just keep an eye on your toppings when ordering from the specialty burger menu. These burgers are so indulgent, you’ll hardly notice that your bun’s not like everyone else’s.

At Crown Pizza, just go for the gluten-free crust — but, again, watch your toppings.

You’ll pay more for a gluten-free crust, but a little extra dough is worth it to indulge in these pizzas, made fresh and fired at 800 degrees in a wood-fired oven.

With options like smoked pulled pork, bean sprouts, crawfish tails, boudin, arugula and goat cheese, this spot has the best topping selection in town. Just let the folks behind the counter know you’re GF and they’ll steer you in the right direction, topping-wise.

Green Light Kitchen
Where: 350 Pine St., Beaumont
Info: (409) 347-7284; facebook.com/greenlightkitchenbeaumont
Hours: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
Open for: Weekday breakfast, lunch and quick take-out
Aside from the fact that every salad on Green Light’s menu is gluten-free, their bison meatball pasta dish comes with gluten-free pasta by default.

Chef Scott Fisher knows the drill — his 8-year-old daughter has celiac disease, so he understands the importance of options.

The fish tacos come on gluten-free tortillas, the burger can come on gluten-free bread and just about anything else on the menu can become gluten-free, save for the chicken bruschetta.

The gluten-free options aren’t visibly marked on the menu, but talk to your server, because this place is more than willing to accommodate.

Keep an eye on this downtown menu, because it’s about to get a major overhaul.

Southern Creole Foods
Where: 3485 Washington Blvd., Beaumont
Info: (409) 840-9844; facebook.com/SouthernCreoleFoodsllc
Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
Open for: Lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch
For health-conscious Southeast Texans, Southern Creole Foods is where it’s at.

This healthy Creole eatery stays away from fried foods and MSG and cooks everything in high-quality olive and coconut oils. They also use their own spice blends to cut down on excess sugar and salt.

This food is hearty but healthy, and the menu is filled with gluten-free options that are clearly marked. Of the 14 entrees on their daily menu, 10 are gluten-free.

Creole jerk chicken, smokehouse pork ribs, oxtails, pan-seared snapper, catfish courtbouillon and trail ride sauce piquant are just a few of the gluten-free options at this Washington Boulevard spot.

The best part about this health food? It’s completely delicious and indulgent.

The Fig Pig
Where: 757 N. Fifth St., Beaumont
Info: (409) 347-7353; “The Fig Pig” on Facebook
Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-close Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-close Sunday
Open for: Lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch

Gumbo, meatloaf, chicken-fried steak, lamb lollipops, even pastas and BLT sliders can all be made gluten-free at the Fig Pig, said chef Nathan Luna.

Luna and Jake Mazzu, who owned Houston spot the Burger Guys, opened the Fig Pig in the former Bryan’s 797 this fall. Why would an upscale Old Town eatery be so committed to gluten-free food?

Because Luna has celiac disease, which he was diagnosed with about three years ago. When it came time to open a restaurant, he said, having gluten-free options was important to him.

“I know the struggle of trying to eat out with my family and having a very restricted menu,” Luna said.

Some of Fig Pig’s dishes are naturally gluten-free, but others can be made gluten-free upon request. Just let your server know you’ve got a gluten allergy, Luna said.

“About 30 minutes is plenty of time for me or Jake to knock out some gluten free pasta,” he said. “And we have a gluten-free sandwich bread on hand.”

From house-made ice cream to pan-seared scallops and bone marrow, Fig Pig has all the makings of a classy, gluten-free date night.

beth@thecat5.com
@BeaumontBeth on Facebook & Twitter