My non-Celiac friend Ali has been ranting and raving about Soda Jerks in Edmonton's West End since it opened up this Summer of 2011. He and his wife seem to eat there as often as Amanda and I eat at Red Robin for gluten free hamburgers. Well, the other day Ali told me he thought he saw something about 'gluten free' on the menu the last time he was in. So I decided to visit the Soda Jerks website and gave them an email. More specifically, I emailed Ryan Bennett, their kitchen manager. Good news, their beef patties are gluten free, their french fries are fried in a dedicated fryer and they keep gluten free buns in stock! Here is what Ryan wrote. Ali also said to sign up for their news letter and follow them on Facebook and stuff because they always have great promotions.
Our menu was designed to provide gluten free options for those with celiac's disease as well as those with dietary restrictions involving gluten. Although our turkey and veggie burgers do contain bread crumbs and soy respectively, our beef burger patties are made in house without any bread crumbs or fillers containing gluten. We have sourced out a tapioca based gluten free bun which we have available as a bread option, we also have a bed of greens (salad) option available as a substitution on our build your own burger menu. Our side menu as well provides several gluten free options, our fries are cut and prepared in house without breading and we also serve sweet potato fries, house salad and garden vegetables gluten free. We do have a dedicated deep fryer for our fries, and we will prepare all of our guests with allergies food away from our main kitchen line to prevent cross contamination of our products. I know that many of our customers as of late are choosing to visit our restaurant because of our gluten free options and would like to thank you for helping raise awareness through your website. I hope that I have been able to answer your questions, please feel free to contact me if you need any additional information. Looking forward to seeing you and your readers soon.
Thanks,
Ryan Bennett
Kitchen Manager
Soda Jerks Restaurant
ryan.bennett@sodajerksrestaurant.com
Thanks for letting me know. I was in the west end Sunday night and had to check it out. They have really good food. I tried the Traditional Burger and fries. The Gluten-Free bun was a bit spongy but it tasted really good. Im trying to find out what buns they use so I can buy them. I wish I lived closer so I can have it more often. Anyone know if more locations will be opening any time soon?
ReplyDeleteWe tried it last night--within an hour of eating, my 9 year old celiac was feeling terrible; we brushed it off as something else she must have had because the kitchen and wait staff were so accomodating but she had the leftovers for lunch today and within an hour she was sick again :( We might give it one more shot but want to hear positive stories from other celiacs about their experiences before going back.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your experience. You should contact them to let them know about experience. They need to know for next time.
ReplyDeleteI've been there two times, and I've been blown away by the great food. Haven't had any bad reactions to contamination. They currently serve Kinnikinnick Tapioca Rice Hamburger Buns, but will hopefully be offering the new soft buns soon. I know it's my favorite place to stop when I'm in the West End. -Dani
ReplyDeleteAre they still using Kinnikinnick buns? If so, have they switched to new buns Kinnikinnick is making?
ReplyDeleteI went there with friends a couple months ago and it was delicious! Our waitress was very knowledgeable and if there was anything she wasn't certain about, she went to the kitchen and found an answer. It was a very good meal, with great service and a fun atmosphere. I didn't feel left out as I was able to eat everything I wanted in a GF form.
ReplyDeleteLove Soda Jerks, the food is amazing. I live by the one in St. Albert which I have been to 5 times so far (and counting). I love their burgers and soda options. I have never had any bad reactions to any of the food I've eaten. The staff is also very friendly and helpful. I tell people all the time about Soda Jerks and their Gluten free options. Would rate Soda Jerks 5 out of 5.
ReplyDelete