Q: Do you have an updated list of restaurants that have the best options for gluten-free folks. My 90-year-old dad is coming to town and we want to take a take him for lunch. Somewhere not too loud and boisterous-as he is hard of hearing. Would love it if they had a designated gluten-free menu.
UP: In terms of a designated menu, I think Burton’s is still one of your best bets, but you could also check out Legion Brewing’s SouthPark location. They have a gluten-free menu, but might not be quiet enough for your dad if you’re going on a weekend. If he’d be interested in small plates, Bistro La Bon in Plaza Midwood would be a really good option; though they don’t have a designated menu for gluten free options, there’s a GFO designation on all the dishes that can be adjusted. Also, 300 East in Dilworth does a great job of adjusting to dietary restrictions.

Q: Do you know of anywhere you can buy prepared/take-out meals that are gluten-free?
UP: Yes! Check out Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen’s new family table meals. We were really impressed by them, and the menu labels which dishes are gluten free. Read more about them here, and be sure to use the discount code UP20 for 20 percent off when you order for a discount through the end of the year!

Q: Where do you find the best tamales for Christmas Eve?
UP: This was a question right up Travis’s alley. He recommends Tamales La Pasadita (something I totally agree with) on The Plaza, or Tamaleria Laurita on Arrowood Road.

Q: What are some other international food traditions for Christmas and where can I find them… i.e. the best buche de noel, etc.?
UP: One of my favorite traditions is Italy’s Feast of the Seven Fishes. Fin & Fino is hosting one, as is Aqua E Vino. The dinner is exactly what it sounds like — a meal featuring seven seafood courses. You can order a delicious buche de noel in chocolate, hazelnut, mocha, or vanilla in three sizes from Renaissance Patisserie in SouthPark. You can also purchase a Rosca de Reyes from Manolo’s to celebrate Epiphany on Jan. 6. And Big Ben Pub is serving beef Wellington for its Christmas dinner.

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