Digest the Feed
Yum, Brussels Sprouts and Bacon!, March 5, 2014
Nothing like a friend’s birthday dinner to stroll out of your comfort zone. Where to? Tamari restaurant. Tamari has two locations in the Pittsburgh area, one in Lawrenceville and the second up north in Warrendale (dined here). It features an Asian Latin Fusion menu chock full of fare that I’d guess most non-foodies have never experienced before and they have a gluten free menu. This was one of the rare times I was grateful to have one help me narrow down my options! But I must admit, Tamari’s gluten free menu was still a bit daunting as I’m accustomed to simply seeing some steaks and salads on them. Here is what I ended up with.
This was Tamari’s gf menu. While I was ordering, I inquired about the safety of their sushi and was informed that they could do any of them for me that did not include their eel sauce. Please let me know if you discover different.
Click To Enlarge Tamari’s Gluten Free Menu
I didn’t order any sushi tonight, however, my friend did so I took a picture.
Tamari Sushi and Sashimi Platter
This was my Kale and Brussels. I noticed that Brussels sprouts were actually featured in at least a handful of items. Despite plenty of people avoiding them, I happen to enjoy them in limited amounts… especially with bacon. Pair that off with the fact that it had kale and I knew I was going to try it. The halved Brussels picked up the smoky bacon flavor and sweetness from the pinto beans. The kale wasn’t cooked into it, but rather it was topped with crunchy kale and shredded manchengo cheese.
Tamari Kale and Brussels
Another food I order about as often as I spot a shooting star is mussels. It was a nice helping that were thoroughly cleaned and swimming in a spicy broth with chorizo, garbanzo beans and Hon shimeji mushrooms. It wasn’t just mouth-watering but nose-watering as well. The heat of the spice actually made my nose run a touch, but it was worth it. The dish was undeniably delicious and warming.
Tamari Mussels
Plenty full but unwilling or possibly unable to stop, I ordered a creme brulee. Of the desserts it was the only one I was allowed, which is a common happening in gf and they rotate their flavors. I should have listened more closely, but can tell you it was tea infused with a piece of candied jalapeno. It was mellow, even the jalapeno amazingly enough. You could taste the pepper, but not the heat of it.
Tamari Crème Brulee With Candied Jalapeno
All I can say is I’d go again. It will be a while if I do simply because I’m trying to diversify my gf dining experiences to write about them, but if you are a gluten free foodie, consider adding this to your list of restaurants to visit.
