By Fallon Mercer

Whether you have celiac disease, want an energy boost, wish to alleviate intestinal issues or want to help treat a wide array of health issues – there are a host of reasons people have chosen to go gluten-free. Whatever the reason may be, it cannot be denied that the gluten-free way of life is a trend that is growing rapidly.

Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, barley, rye and some oats. Going gluten-free used to mean eliminating foods that are widely enjoyed including pastries, pastas, ice cream and stuffing. However, now there is no need to feel like you will miss out on your favorite foods! Restaurants have begun to offer a plethora of gluten-free dishes in order to appeal to the masses. The following list includes many popular restaurants that have gluten-free menus and just a glimpse of some of the delicious entrees they have to offer.

Longhorn Steakhouse
14500 Hancock Village Street • 639-1571
www.longhornsteakhouse.com
Try the Bacon Wrapped Filet: A tender fire-grilled 9 oz. filet wrapped with bacon and served with your choice of side.

Glory Days Grill
6151 Harbourside Center Loop
608-8350 • www.glorydaysgrill.com
Try the 10 Spice Chicken: Chicken breast rubbed with their unique 10 spice seasoning then char-grilled and served with mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables.

P.F. Changs
9212 Stony Point • 253-0492
www.pfchangs.com
Try the GF Shrimp with Lobster Sauce:
Garlic white wine sauce with Chinese black beans, mushrooms, scallions and egg. Served over a bed of rice and a cup of egg drop soup.

Flemings
9200 Stony Point Parkway • 272-7755
www.flemingssteakhouse.com
Try the Porcini Rubbed Filet Mignon: A tender center cut steak served with grilled high country asparagus spears and your choice of 10 different gluten-free sauces.

Firebirds
11448 Belvedere Vista Lane
www.firebirdsrestaurants.com
Try the Chile Rubbed Delmonico: The Southwest flavor of chile pepper accents this steak perfectly alongside a loaded baked potato.

Red Robin
Chesterfield Town Center • 378-0898
www.redrobin.com
Try the Guacamole Bacon Burger: Freshly prepared, zesty guacamole and applewood smoked bacon with melted Swiss cheese, onions, crisp lettuce, tomatoes & mayo. Served without the bun.

Olive Garden
9750 Midlothian Turnpike • 330-7391
www.olivegarden.com
Try the Penne Rigate Pomadoro: Roma tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, extra virgin oil and marinara sauce are tossed with gluten-free pasta. Available with grilled chicken or shrimp.

Bonefish Grill
6081 Harbour Park Drive • 804-639-2747
www.bonefishgrill.com
Try the Lily's Chicken: Flavorful chicken with goat cheese, spinach, artichoke hearts and lemon basil sauce.

Extreme Pizza
11653 West Broad Street • 360-3123
www.extremepizza.com
Try the Ragin’ Rooster: One of 13 gluten-free pizzas, this one features chicken marinated in sweet BBQ sauce, red onions, fresh cilantro, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

Urban Farmhouse
1217 East Cary Street • 325-3988
www.theurbanfarmhouse.net
Try the This and That Plate: Homemade flipper friendly tuna salad with homemade pumpkin hummus atop mixed greens with crunchy all natural gluten-free chips and carrots.