Gluten Freebird

Sure, it’s easy to sometimes feel like D.C. doesn’t have it as good as NY, but my visit nearly convinced me of it — New York was the best eating I’ve had in ages.

Here are some snapshots of my bites apart from BabyCakes and Chinese food.

I like to think that the original yogurt at 40 Carrots in Bloomingdale’s launched the Pinkberry craze. I like to have mine swirled with coffee (ideally side-by-side, not swirled) to balanced the tartness. Piled so high! It’s a ludicrously refreshing break from the swelter.

I also want to shout out to Wild Ginger on the Lower East Side. The vegan Chinese restaurant doesn’t specialize in gluten-free, but they’re happy to work with you to provide options.

The portions were huge - each order came with delicious pumpkin, soup or salad, and a heap of brown rice. The woman who took my order talked me through all of the gluten-free options by phone. When I arrived to get my food, she spent 5 minutes making notes on the takeout menu to tell me what I could eat, what modifications would work and what she would recommend.

That sort of care and attention will certainly bring me back next time I’m in the city. (The fact that my tofu and veggies were full of really good, crispy veggies doesn’t hurt, either.)

Next time I visit, I’ll also stop by Risotteria, a West Village Italian spot that offers up all sorts of gluten-free pastas and Italian classics.