Celiac-Safe Travel: Pelican’s in Wichita Falls, TX
August 27, 2023
Hello and happy Saturday! Welcome to my Celiac-safe travel restaurant review! I’ll give you the whole scoop on where you can safely eat as someone with Celiac (or simply where to enjoy gluten-free food whatever your reasons) and what gluten-free meals are available that truly stood out to me for flavor, texture, and taste.
If you happen to be in or near Wichita Falls, TX, I highly recommend stopping at Pelican’s for dinner. While not required, it is recommended to make a reservation; this restaurant is very popular in the area and there’s no wonder!
The atmosphere is nice-casual; there are tables, booths, and high-top tables near the bar. The menu is surf and turf and includes a daily specials menu, a separate gluten-free menu, and an alcohol-pairings menu.
The owner of Pelican’s was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2016 and has educated her staff well on cross-contamination and menu substitutions. Our waitress Robin was knowledgeable and competent and truly made me confident in the safety of the food I ordered. Their gluten free menu items are clearly marked and each option is individually described with what is omitted or substituted to make it entirely gluten-free.
Our waitress Robin assured me that my food would be cooked separately and she made specific notes on the order card for the cooks. Although it was on the appetizer portion of the menu, I ordered the sesame-encrusted seared Ahi tuna and a side of grilled vegetables. I had informed Robin of my need for my meal to also be dairy-free and she immediately knew that I would need the vegetables to be grilled in a separate pan (not on the grill where they would become cross-contaminated with gluten) and with olive oil instead of butter. The grilled veggies were seasoned with Montreal seasoning and they were delicious! The seared tuna came with pickled ginger and wasabi paste; this meal was among the most delicious meals I’ve had to memory.
I paired the seared Ahi tuna with a glass of Riesling and it was perfect! The only gluten-free dessert on their menu is Crème Brulée. Unfortunately there are no dairy-free desserts available yet, but don’t be afraid to ask when you’re there; they may have updated and expanded the dessert menu to include dairy-free options.
I trust this review will help you make good, safe decisions during your travels. Living a gluten-free (and dairy-free) lifestyle doesn’t have to be devoid of flavor, texture, and taste! Follow me for more recipes, product reviews, and Celiac-safe restaurant reviews!
