More Lessons From Athens

Three restaurants, three reminders about dining gluten-free

When you’re following a gluten-free diet, there’s often a steep learning curve. People often assume that it’s all about learning lists of safe and unsafe ingredients. That’s an essential step, and it will stand you in good stead when you’re shopping at a grocery store or reading an unfamiliar menu. Honestly, it’s an ongoing process, because food is subject to trends, like everything else, so there’s always something to learn. (Several readers have asked me recently about farro, because it’s been branded “low gluten.” I’ll be writing more about it in another post, but the short answer is that it’s not safe for celiacs.)

But there are other lessons to keep in mind as well. When I was in Athens last fall, I had three meals at three different restaurants that each gave me an important reminder about dining gluten-free. There are potential pitfalls even when a dish is marked “gluten free” on the menu, and I was reminded of some of them on this trip!