Now that there is a new chef at Las Canarias in San Antonio, I thought I should catch up on what is new there and see if there have been many changes. One of the best kept secrets downtown on the Riverwalk, Las Canarias is not only a great place for lunch, but is a fantastic experience for those of us dining gluten free. There are three areas of dining to choose from, including outdoors along the river. We were seated near a window overlooking the Riverwalk, yet we were actually dining in a quiet, secluded room, attended by several wait staff.

The menu changes daily and is seasonal. Las Canarias strives to offer local, fresh choices as much as possible. Because of these changes, it is not possible for them to tell you in advance exactly what you will be able to order, but you can ask the chef to make some suggestions from which you can choose.

Presently, the menu at Las Canarias is featuring New American selections from the finest farm and growing regions in Texas. They are committed to using the freshest seasonal and sustainable products.

On the lunch menu are Small Plates at $7 each or three for $18. These can be shared with your dining companions or just for yourself. About half of the choices will be gluten free; some of these will involve leaving off a toasted baguette or bread from the sandwiches. They will offer you an alternative to the bread products if you let them know you are interested. When the bread basket came to our table we sent it away, never thinking to ask for a gluten-free bread basket. Later, when talking to Chef John Brand, he told me that they do keep gluten-free bread in the kitchen for when their guests want something like Eggs Benedict with gluten-free toast. Some of the sandwiches could be made using this bread also. Always remember to alert your server that they should check with the chef because of your gluten issues.

The Large Plates include several salads and a chili burger. Another category which changes often is called Express Lunch. This includes two courses plus one non-alcoholic beverage. Today there were three choices of salads and then a choice of three entrees. Two were sandwiches which could be made with gluten-free bread on request. For us, the dessert menu offers crème brûlée or ice cream.

I hope to get to Las Canarias for dinner one of these evenings. There is a three course prix fixe menu for $39. With the wine pairings it is $54. The dinner menu will usually involve the chef making a few substitutions in order to keep you gluten free. This menu offers several appetizers, soups, and salads. These are created from local produce as much as possible. The Ocean Harvest and Farm & Field choices presently on the menu would need to be verified by the chef, but most appear to be easily modified to be gluten-free.

Recently one of our Bed and Breakfast guests asked me where to have a lovely dinner celebration downtown, and after studying my suggestions, they decided on Las Canarias. They were not disappointed. In fact, they called it one of their top gluten-free dining experiences ever!

At lunch or dinner, the restaurant will stamp your valet parking ticket at the hotel garage. (AB October 2009)