Going Gluten-Free in Bergen County

By emily r. condon

Whether eating a gluten-free diet for lifestyle choices, due to allergies from celiac disease or simply from gluten insensitivity, the gluten options outweigh gluten-free at many restaurants. Gluten is a substance present in wheat and many grains, so for gluten-free diners, traditional pizza, bagels, baked goods, pastas and breads are largely off the table. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, 1 percent of people globally have celiac – an autoimmune disease in which the ingestion of gluten causes damage to the lining of the small intestine.

Out of the 950,000 residents of Bergen County, nearly 9,500 of them could have celiac disease. And, then there’s the number of residents who choose gluten-free diets for its claimed benefits. So, here is a guide to gluten-free dining in Bergen County for all meals and occasions.

WHOS GLUTEN FREE - PARAMUS >

On Route 17 in Paramus, an extension of the shop Everything Bagel, is WHOS Gluten Free. Gluten-free bagels and baked goods, such as black and white cookies, brownies, an assortment of other common bakery cookies and various other treats, can be purchased. The establishment, which is also celiac-safe in addition to gluten-free, opened a second location in Ridgewood in April.

< GIOVANNA’S CAFE AND GOURMET GRAB & GO - RAMSEY

Gluten-free substitutions could be added to an assortment of this Ramsey establishment’s items. Omelets served with a side of bread, breakfast sandwiches and pastas all have gluten-free options, and Giovanna’s website explains that kitchen staff learns gluten-free guidelines and works to prevent cross-contamination. Everything from meatballs, chicken cutlets and rice balls to banana bread, biscotti and muffins are offered gluten-free. The facility is not certified celiac-safe, according to Owner Giovanna Germinario, but training and specialized equipment have been put in place to prevent cross contamination.

SWEET AVENUE BAKE SHOP - RUTHERFORD >

Sweet Avenue Bake Shop operates as a 100 percent vegan bakery with gluten-free options. Gluten-free cupcakes, six-inch cakes, cake truffles, donuts, crumb cakes, banana bread and cookies are available daily, and custom orders with gluten-free cakes and cupcakes could be placed two weeks in advance. The store’s website explains that as gluten is still present at the facility and cross contamination is possible. Owner Danielle Vance said that gluten-free products are made with separate kitchen tools and stored in a separate container. On Hasbrouck Heights’ Boulevard in Healing 4 the Soul, a health and wellness shop, gluten-free diners can locate Soul Sweet Cafe. According to Co-Owner Renee Pikowski, this fully gluten-free and celiac-safe cafe has a variety, including baked sweets, bagels, crackers, Italian bread and wraps. Vegan, dairy-free and grain-free options are also available.

< BRADLEY GLUTEN-FREE BAKE SHOP - BOGOTA

When Eleanor Bradley, a health lover, started Bradley Bake Shop, she had one goal “to make cookies whose ingredients are as good as they taste,” according to her website. Bradley Bake Shop offers cookies, cakes, pies, rolls and even ice cream. Catering gluten-free options include waffles and chicken, cakes, pies, cookies, brownies and even chicken pot pie. According to Bradley, the shop is 100 percent gluten-free and has served celiac customers for years. The shop even offers diabetic safe sugar-free/ keto treats.

This 100 percent gluten-free bakery out of Park Ridge could also be found at farmers’ markets around the county. The shop takes custom orders (even nationally) and is still in the process of returning to normal pre-COVID store front hours. Offering everything from empanadas, churrios, lasagna, calzone, pizza, macaroni and cheese and zeppoles, Deliciously Alicia’s has a variety of gluten-free bites. Deliciously Alicia’s is celiac-safe and free from the top eight allergens and GMOs or other unnatural ingredients, according to Owner Alicia Hanford.

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN - HACKENSACK

In The Shops at Riverside is one of True Food Kitchen’s two New Jersey locations. This U.S. chain with one international location is based in scientific research and its website claims it “ensures all of its craveable dishes and drinks work to increase the longevity of our people and planet.” In addition to already gluten-free options, such as soups, salads, steaks and poke bowls, the menu states that other items (such as pizza and burgers) can be customized to fit dietary restrictions. The facility is safe for celiac eaters, according to Manager Victoria Miskulin.

ROOTS CAFE - NORTHVALE >

Northvale’s plant-based Roots Cafe’s mission to expand healthy lifestyles goes beyond the kitchen and its normal dining options. The cafe, which is 100 percent gluten-free and safe for celiac diners, according to Line Cook Dmitri Burtiz, offers kids classes, yoga and meditation sessions and paint nights. The menu includes smoothies, juices, gluten-free pizzas, burritos and vegan/gluten-free meat supplements. The dessert menu varies daily. < ALT EATS - HOHOKUS

This HoHoKus cafe partners with Greens Do Good in Hackensack to ensure locally fresh grown foods on its gluten-free, vegan and organic menu. Alt Eats’ menu includes an assortment of bowls, salads, soups and sandwiches in addition to daily specials. The cafe also caters half of full trays of salads, pastas, vegan “chickn” and eggplant parmesan, vegan “meatballs” and specialty cakes. Alt Eats is not a certified celiac safe restaurant, but gluten-free substitutions are available for all items except the buffalo macaroni and cheese, according to Owner Lori Iannone.

ROSA MEXICANO - HACKENSACK

In Riverside Square, gluten-free Mexican options could be found at Rosa Mexicano. Empanadas, tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas with corn (rather than flour) tortillas and other pork, steak and salmon meals are available to gluten-free eaters. Under new management, Rosa Mexicano ensures that servers and cooks are knowledgeable about cross contamination to protect celiac eaters, according to the new general manager, Carlos Sanabria.

With a gluten-free arepa bar, Coffeecol Arepa Bar & Grill offers South American options to gluten-free diners. Arepa, a food made with ground maize dough, is offered in an Italian-style, with buffalo chicken, seafood and other types of meat or veggie options. Gluten-free empanadas and a breakfast option are also available. The facility is celiac-safe, according to Owner Angie Gonzalez. Gluten-free items are prepared separately and in a different oven.

RIVER EDGE PIZZA KITCHEN - RIVER EDGE >

In addition to gluten-free pizzas, River Edge Pizza Kitchen offers gluten-free pastas, chicken fingers, bread and sandwiches. Traditional Italian dishes such as eggplant, veal and chicken parmesan and chicken marsala are all offered gluten-free for an additional price. According to Owner Francine, gluten-free rice balls are a signature item on the menu, and the facility is safe for celiac eaters, as staff is cognizant of cross contamination.

< MAGGIANO’S LITTLE ITALY - HACKENSACK

Another gluten-free dining option in the Shops at Riverside is Maggiano’s Little Italy. With gluten-free pasta on the lunch, dinner and family-style menus, gluten-free eaters can safely dine with options. All of the establishment’s sauces are also gluten-free. Chefs make table visits for all allergy guests and protocol is in place to keep these diners safe from contamination and to make other dining accommodations. According to General Manager Gabriel Hebert, flour is airborne in the facility, but protocols have been put in place to protect gluten-free diners.

The Women’s Rights Information Center held their Annual Spring Dinner at Lefkes Estiatorio. For more information, visit www.womensrights.org.

Beth Levin, Andrea Maline

Nina Pineda, Benji Meyerson Christine Powers, Maria Paguaga, Vilma Rivera

Susan Del Rio, Kelly Spitzley, Benji Meyerson

Madeline Caminiti, Madeline Osso Jennifer Yanowitz, Cindy Varona, Mekesha Samuel Alex and Rosie Valdez, Mitch Powers

Liz Henschel, Michelle Copland

Annie Hausmann, Shari Brooks, Nina Pineda, Lenora Galavas Grace and Michelle King, Theresa Napoletano Hazelton Scott Reddin, Michael Wildes Pamela DeBlasio, Bonni Konefsky, Lisa Maurer

Lisa Maurer, Beatriz Wawra, Ronny Siegal, Elaine Meyerson, Kathy Maikis, Felix Wawra

Miriam Finkel, Jennifer Frommer, Stacy Finkel Marla Seldes, Ruth Yung, Rachel Mimeles Serina Canciglia, Rosie Rodriguez, Cinthia Canciglia

The Heel the Soul benefit was held at Montammy Golf Club. For more information, visit www.englewoodhealthfoundation.org.

Dr. David and Karen Abramson

Elle and Bri Rubach Susan and Mel Rokeach Helene Stock, Joanne Erhlich, Mel Stock

Helene Stock, Joanne Ehrlich, Amy Katz Bri Rubach, Jennifer Schiffman Scott and Michelle Tesser, Mindy and Ira Rothbaum

Mina Barany, Dr. Shweta Parakh

Carol Zwain, Andrew Gonci, Heather Zwain Ben Laub, Melissa Ehrlich Kasey Siegel, Beth Thomas Cohen, Gia Alvarez Erica Park, David Hong

Jill Wormser, Michelle Bergman

Sue Reese, Sabrina Epstein Alyzia Sands, Laurie Kaiden, Annalise Sands Rina Rudnicsky, Gayl Suede

AFEE held their annual gala at The Tent at Bottagra. For more information, visit www.afeenj.org.

Mike Minicucci, Sara and John Guevara, Peter Miros

Denise Rothe, Donna Cafarelli Mohina McMaster, Karina Singh Ashley and David Krausso

Kate Simmel, Nicole Weiss, Wendy Blacher

Brooke Young, Natalie Cuttone Saadi Mark and Shaun Palma Chris and Elizabeth Levine

Elizabeth Levine, Stacey Wang Sherry and Nitin Aeri Bart and Kim Bargiel Erik Knudsen, Catherine Manino

Jillian Relay, Jamie Noe, Elizabeth Gomez, Lori Verbel, Sabina McGuirl, Tara Mansouri Ratkesh Khettry, Nupur Bahal Christina Guirland, Kelly Sullivan Sommer and Robert Forbes

The Bogota Savings Bank Charitable Foundation held their 2nd Annual Golf Outing at Knickerbocker Country Club.

George Fecanin, Matthew Alban

Kevin Pace, Jose Orellano, Rodney Baldera, Robert Fornes

Maria Sergi, Kimberly Cummings Jason and Steve Young

Mike Magee, Ed Reilly, Jack Reiner, Jason Kroll

Anthony McCracken, Sam Woodworth, Jim McCarthy, Ron Riemann, Doug Borden Dave Payne, Ned Hogan, Brian McCourt, Nate Buono, Ben Watts Phil Kolm, Elisse Glennon

Peter Linn, John Masterson

Steve Goldberg, Ian McDowell, Joe Coccaro, Bruce Dexter

Joe Coccaro, Chris Messinger Taylor Smith, Matt Langer

Taylor Smith, Matthew Langer, Monica Rivera Rich Tobin, Mike Linder, Kevin Collins, Jeff Love Brian McCourt, Kevin Pace, Joe Coccaro, Matt Langer Joe Coccaro, Gerry Cooney