French Cuisine and the Vegetarian and Gluten Free Diet

Eating international cuisine when following a vegetarian and gluten free diet doesn't have to be a challenge. When at a French restaurant, consider ordering Salad Nicoise (without the tuna), Mesclun de Salade (Mixed Green Salad) Asperge a la Vinaigreet (Asparagus salad) or Artichauts a la Vinagrette (Artichoke Salad). Some salads may come with croutons (the French are big on bread) so be sure to ask your server to leave them off your salad!

Many French restaurants also offer vegetable soups such as Bisque (Cream Soup) and Vichyssoise (Potato Leek soup) and vegetable stew (Ratatouille) as well, but they could be made with chicken or beef stock, so ask your server. Another option may be Les Omelettes (Omelettes), which can be made with fresh vegetables and cheese.

Also, most French restaurants serve a cheese plate for dessert called Assiette de Fromage that you can order as an appetizer or as part of your main course. Finally, there are Haricots Verts (French Green Beans) and Pommes Frites (French Fried Potatoes). For fried foods, remember to ask your server if the fries are cooked in the same fryer as the breaded items -- if so, your fries could end up contaminated with gluten!

Bon appetit!