Recently my 10-year-old daughter, a celiac, and I spent a “girly weekend𔄭 in New York City. We had many fun things planned, but one event that we both looked forward to was eating at an Italian gluten-free restaurant named Risotteria, a quaint restaurant located in west Greenwich Village. Our visit did not disappoint, and we had two great meals there (one lunch and one dinner) while in the city. We were staying near Times Square and a subway trip to the restaurant took about 20 minutes. Luckily, we met a woman on the train who lived near the restaurant, and she led us right to it when we arrived at our stop!

As the name implies, Risotteria specializes in risotto, a creamy flavored Italian rice dish. There are over 40 varieties on the menu, and almost every one is gluten free. The menu also features gluten-free (and non gluten-free) pizza, over 20 fresh salads, and many varieties of gluten-free grilled panini. All of the salad dressings are gluten free, but what really makes the salads are the delicious, crunchy, large croutons! My daughter had a large Caesar salad with croutons for the first time ever. When you are seated at your table, the waiter brings a tall glass with five wonderful, chewy, salty breadsticks. She ate three of them in about five minutes – and they are about nine inches long! On the first evening we ordered the classic risotto with Parmesan cheese, risotto with lemon and toasted pine nuts, and a mozzarella and sausage pizza! All were delicious. For dessert she got a large chocolate chip cookie. There was a gluten-free cheesecake available that evening also, but I was too full to indulge. On our second visit, I tried a chicken, mozzarella, and pesto panini. My daughter got another pizza and of course many breadsticks. The panini was good, but I think the risotto was better. On my next visit I would try one of the many varieties of risotto available and one of the many salads.

When we went to the restaurant for lunch, there was an 11-year-old girl having a birthday party at the restaurant. I visited with her parents at the table next to ours and when the birthday cake was served, they graciously sent two large pieces to our table. The cake was a dessert that the restaurant is known for, a “fudgie”. The cake is two large chocolate chip cookie layers with a thick layer of chocolate frosting in between. It was delicious, but very rich. We could easily have shared one piece.

The restaurant offers several frozen foods that can be taken home, including pizzas, focaccia, pizza, chocolate chip cookie dough, soups, sauces, and holiday pies, both sweet and savory. I bought two bags of the croutons to bring home, and we have been enjoying Caesar salad! If you find yourself in New York City, a visit to Risotteria is worth your time! (OM October 2006)