Gluten Free In Salt Lake City, Utah: For Alt Summit
While I didn't have much time to explore during my first trip to Salt Lake City and not enough time to do my normal research - I did eat pretty darn well. The only sad part is, I don't have any pictures of the great food or the gluten free friendly places I got to eat at. I know, BAD BLOGGER BAD!!
First lets chat about the food experience at Altitude Design Summit.
At Alt, you're completely on your own for breakfast - which works for me. It's easier to just think about your own needs and not worry about anything else. When I registered, I selected the options for gluten and dairy free dietary restrictions and upon arrival I picked up two little cards indicating my needs to place on my plate during the lunches. In theory, these little cards are a great idea and should work as long as the wait staff are trained to them.
So my first lunch experience was rough and I had to be rather vigilant. I spent some time trying to convince the waiters that imitation crab was not gluten free and that a dessert initially served me really didn't look gluten or dairy free. In the end, I got fed and didn't get sick - so at least it worked out. That first lunch was pho, vegetarian sushi, and a fruit plate for dessert. For the second lunch, I sat on the other side of the room with different wait staff and my experience was just fine. I was served a safe salad, chicken dish, and another fruit salad without any real hiccups.
During the nighttime parties, there are cute little appetizers served but no real dinner. Since I wasn't sure what to expect, I just ate before I went and I'm glad I did. While I probably could have found a few things there - it was all buffet style and you just never know what could have gotten in where.
So my overall gluten free experience at Alt Summit was totally fine. I went with my own food for breakfast, dinner, and snacks - and chose to count on Alt to provide a safe lunch, which worked out in the end.
Now lets take a look at some of your other options around the city.
I actually selected the Dash and Albert sponsor dinner mostly because it was being held at Wild Grape Bistro - which had a very gluten free friendly looking menu. Even though I arrived almost an hour late, the staff took EXCELLENT care of me there. They had plenty of options for me to choose from including gluten free dessert options. I ended up with a huge beet and goat cheese salad, a main dish of salmon and quinoa, and a fruit plate. It's my understanding that they also have gluten free buns for their burger. Wild Grape Bistro ended up being the spot I recommended to everyone at Alt looking for a restaurant good with dietary restrictions.
At the Coffee Shop at the Little America Hotel, I just got a little supplemental breakfast, but they seemed to be very knowledgeable about gluten free needs and cross contamination. My coffee, melon, and bacon breakfast was incredibly tasty and the company was wonderful.
As always, PF Changs and Whole Foods Market are a great fall back for safe gluten free food. I stocked up on juices to keep me running and feeling great and picked up a big dish of fried rice to fill me up before my return flight.
Gluten Free Friendly Options in Salt Lake City, Utah:
Coffee Shop at the Little America Hotel | 500 S Main St. Salt Lake City, UT 84101 | (801) 596-5700
PF Changs China Bistro | 175 W 300 St. Salt Lake City, UT 84101 | (801) 539-0500
Whole Foods Market - Trolley Square | 544 S 700 St. Salt Lake City, UT 84102 | (801) 924-9060
Wild Grape Bistro | 481 E. South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84111 | (801) 746-5565