Restaurant - Carlyle, Arlington, VA

So last week we had the chance to catch up with some good friends in Virginia. We decided on the Carlyle , located on 4000 South Arlington Street. As the weather was in our favor, we were lucky to be seated outside.

Rob first perused the menu then made the normal "what can you do that's gluten free" speech to the waiter. He went to check with the chef; meanwhile another wait-staffer offered Rob a gluten free menu. Rob needless to say was overjoyed at the thought of an actual celiac-safe dining selection. The only other time we've been so lucky is at Legal Seafoods or Risotteria.

At first glance there appeared to many enticing meals to choose from. Upon further inspection however, we noticed that the dinners were color coded with red being not gluten free; the green being "made with corn", and the blue being gluten free. Rob asked about the ribs which were supposed to be safe; it turns out the ribs were actually not safe for celiacs. Hmm. It caused us an inordinate amount of confusion. Rob finally suggested to the waiter that the Carlyle just print the gluten free items instead of peppering the menu with non-celiac-safe choices. At last we asked the waiter to check on the grilled shrimp and grits to make sure it was gluten free. Luckily for Rob, it was, especially as he was running out of choices.

When the gluten free shrimp and grits came out, we were ready to eat. Despite the bit of an ordeal we had ordering, Rob's dinner was very delicious. The shrimp were perfectly grilled and the grits were smooth as silk. We could have been in New Orleans! Great gluten-free food and friends, who can ask for more?