Reflections on 2019: The good, the great, and the delicious.
As I began to write this review of 2019, I couldn’t help but stop and start writing many, many times. How do you briefly sum up an entire year of amazing, gluten free food and fun? And not just food we made at home.
We went out almost every weekend (so many awesome restaurants), we traveled here and there, and then there’s the baking! I’m pretty sure I said the phrase “I need more butter” more times than is truly appropriate. And I made so many cookies that my baking drawer just magically started replenishing my chocolate chip supply on its own. Kidding (a girl can dream).
Let’s be clear: this was a pretty spectacular year of food. It was all entirely gluten free and safe for those of us living with celiac disease. Because that’s what this site is about. How to enjoy awesome food while living with celiac. It’s entirely possible. And it’s incredibly delicious.
While I won’t dive into every detail of this wonderful 2019, I do want to share some highlights, food-related and otherwise.
Let’s take a look at the most delightful moments of the year, shall we? Organized into categories, of course, because I am who I am.
2019: A really delicious year.
Cooking
Once again, I reviewed all of our dinners every week for the entire year! 😮 Can you believe it? That’s a lot of meals. And a lot of cooking. Below, a large handful of our absolute-favorite dishes. I know. It’s a long list, but it’s a very delicious list. I We love bold flavors. And spice. Could you tell? 😉
Titles link to the corresponding post on Instagram.
Chicken Larb with Coconut Rice
Grain Bowl with Chicken, Spiced Chickpeas, and Avocado
Sweet Potatoes with Chorizo, Mushrooms, and Lime Cream
Chicken and Rice Soup with Garlicky Chile Oil
Roasted Cauliflower, Feta, and Orzo Salad (use Banza rice instead!)
String Beans with Pork, Ginger, and Chile Pepper
Fried Halloumi and Guacamole Tacos
Healthy Asian Chicken Chopped Salad
Chicken with Schmaltzy Rice and Kale
Better-Than-Takeout Stir-Fried Udon
Falafel-Fritters Bowl with Cucumbers and Yogurt Sauce
Magic Crispy Chicken and Grilled Asparagus
Pan-Seared Halibut with Tomatoes and Basil
Tomato-Poached Haddock with Shallots and Chorizo
Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs
Shrimp with Herby White Beans and Tomatoes
Healthy Chipotle Turkey Sweet Potato Skins
Spicy Pork Bowl with Greens and Carrots
Zucchini-Lentil Fritters with Lemony Yogurt
One-Skillet Hot Sausage and Cabbage Stir-Fry with Chives
Spiced Chickpeas with Salmon, Radishes, and Greens
Charred Sweet Potatoes with Hot Honey Butter and Lime
Mediterranean Meatballs with Tzatziki
Creamy Cauliflower and Onion Gratin
Better Than Takeout Dan Dan Noodles
Black Pepper Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Asian Szechuan Beef Lettuce Wraps
Cashew Coconut Meatballs with Creamy Spiced Tomato Sauce
Panko-Crusted Chicken with Roasted Cauliflower Spinach Salad
Baking
I made bagels from scratch and my life was changed forever. It’s easier than you think!
I made cookies that were so giant they barely fit in my hand. And they were phenomenal.
I made mini, flourless chocolate cookies that were too good to eat just two (three).
I learned that cookies made with an extra-creamy ingredient yield the most wonderful cookie of them all.
I made a plethora of holiday sweets, but I think the crinkle cookie won me over the most.
I continued to bake and improve my skills, but also learned how to balance my newfound “sweet tooth.” Sharing is caring! Everyone loves a homemade treat, especially when it’s a complete surprise. :)
Mollie Bakes… more to come in 2020!
Dining
While it would be impossible to tell you about every single dish we loved at all of the restaurants we went to this year, I can definitely share the absolute, must-visit spots. Organized by location, of course. 😎
Massachusetts
The Stones Common House and Kitchen - our local haunt for great burgers, fries, salads, and relaxation. Plenty of gluten free options!
Little Donkey - perfect for a group or a date night, we loved the shareable plates, excellent GF options, and happy atmosphere.
Love At First Bite - Thai food in a fun, casual atmosphere. Gluten free dishes are clearly labeled; make sure to order the mango curry.
No. 9 Park - fine dining that’s not too fussy. Superior food, service, and general joy, we love it here for a fancy night out. Bar room also available for a slightly less formal experience.
Maine
Spinnakers - gluten free fried seafood central! Ultra-casual spot with indoor and outdoor seating. Fried clams that are so delicious you won’t want to share. Big menu, lots of choices, you’ll go before and after your day at the beach.
Joshua’s - perfect for a special night out any time of year. Menu is incredible, staff is so kind, and there are plenty of gluten free options. Reservations highly recommended or arrive early to get seats in the small, but charming bar room.
The Trap - a favorite in Perkins Cove for lunch or dinner! Ocean views out the back are perfect while you enjoy scrumptious crab cakes, fried shrimp, and must-order fried oyster lettuce cups. Gluten free options abound.
Barnacle Billy’s - stop by for drinks and a great view of the Cove after a walk on the Marginal Way. Their famous bloody Mary’s are excellent and gluten free options are available on the menu. My choice is a bun-less grilled hot dog. And the clam chowder. Or a lobster. :)
New York City
Modern Bread and Bagel - this restaurant is entirely gluten free and features bagels galore. I miss this spot daily. Their menu is vast and yet I ordered the same dish every morning (bagel with lox and cream cheese) because the novelty (and luxury) of ordering such an item gluten free will never go away.
Gramercy Tavern - a slice of New York that I just adore. A restaurant that feels fancy and relaxed; a menu where every single dish is amazing. Make a reservation for the dining room or get seats at the Tavern in the front (no reservations).
Friedman’s - a casual eatery that offers plenty of gluten free options (almost the entire menu!) and is casual enough for a quick bite before a show or a leisurely brunch or dinner. Great pancakes, potstickers, and fried chicken. ;)
Don Antonio - they have a separate gluten free oven to make all of their pizzas gluten free! It’s heavenly delicious and you’ll want to order two pies. Or more. The crust is unreal and the toppings are supreme. It’s very busy; grab bar seats and take it all in. Despite being right near Times Square, it actually feels far from it once you’re inside.
Stay tuned in 2020 as my dining guide, Bar Bites, continues to grow!
Life and Style
2019 was the year I finally took charge of my fitness-health while managing my baking passion and nightly dinner discussion. It was not easy to figure out how to manage it all, but I think I’ve found a wonderful routine that works and keeps me engaged. A fitness regimen is extremely important to me and I feel my best when I incorporate exercise into my daily routine.
This was also the year I shared my passion for fashion and began sharing my outfit, daily, on Instagram stories. Food is fabulous, but I love style just as much. I’ll continue sharing my work-wear and weekend pics in the new year. There’s a shopping section in Flavor Buffet (and in the gift guide) if you’re ever looking for something new..
Shameless: I was so incredibly proud and humbled to be included in this Boston magazine article online which featured Boston-based healthy food bloggers. Honored to be included in this great group; so happy to be recognized for my little corner of the gluten free world.
And I contributed to this piece as well. Meatballs are magic and balance is key. I promise you that.
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Overall, I think it was a pretty great year. 2019 was complete with lots of hard work, lots of fun, and most important, plenty of positivity. 🙂
My hope for 2020 is that it will be filled with even more of the good stuff, the hard work mixed in, and plenty of smiles. And of course, delicious, delicious (gluten free) food.
Happy New Year!
Mollie and Seth