Carraba's - Review of Gluten Free Dining Options in Wichita, KS

The first stop on my journey was in response to a celebration.  We had worked hard and accomplished a lot lately and I wanted a nice meal out.  The two gluten-free places I'd been told about were already closed, so I googled to see what would come up for gluten free in Wichita.  First up was a restaurant that unfortunately had closed down. Carraba's showed up on the list and I called to confirm that they had a gluten free menu and were open.

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After waiting half an hour to get in, we were finally seated.  Kelly got the regular menu while I had the Gluten Free version.  I confess, I was pretty disappointed.  The whole point of my journey was to get to eat things without having to just order the baked chicken.  What was on their gluten free menu was basically the options on the regular menu that just happened to not have bread product involved.  In addition, there were notes on most things on specifically how to order them (Order without Grill Baste).  Instead of getting food made to be gluten free, you were getting the regular food, unmade.  So I figured it'd be pretty bland.   I ended up ordering just an appetizer - shrimp scampi (Please Order Without Toast for Gluten Free) and a side of mashed potatoes.  So much for a nice meal!



The kid's menu was just as bad - the only Gluten Free listed option was a baked chicken breast (Order without Grill Baste). 

To top it off, and this may just be a personal issue for me, the Gluten Free menu lists NONE of the prices.  So unless you went with someone who got the regular menu, you'd have no idea how expensive the food was.  And believe me, their food is not cheap.  The most prominently placed item on the Gluten Free menu was a steak, that when I correlated with the regular menu, turned out to be a $23 steak. 

I'm not a chef, a professional reviewer, or a foodie.  So as far as the quality goes, I can't say much beyond that what I had tasted just fine and quality wasn't an issue.  My dear husband did order that fancy pants steak to see what the fuss was about, and it was melt-in-your-mouth tender.  I found the potatoes a bit peppery, but I really don't like black pepper, so I'm biased. 

Atmosphere wise, it was fine.  The booth table was roomy enough for our entire family, so that was nice.  It was very noisy, but we were there on a Friday night.  There was a waitress that sang Opera mid-dinner, but I don't know if that's a regular occurence or not. 

All in all, I wouldn't go again just to get a Gluten Free meal.  Basically, it'll be like any other restaurant trip - order the blasted chicken or steak.  My husband did immensely enjoy his meal, and the kid's activity books kept them quite entertained, better than many other restaurants. 

Hmmm.... Where Next?  Tips have pointed me to Wild Thyme in Maize, where when I called to find out that they unfortunately had just closed, did confirm that they have Gluten Free food, including a panini! I think I know where I'm headed!


*** I was absolutely not paid, provided with anything, bribed in anyway, or otherwise compensated for this or any other restaurant review.  I am doing this out of my own personal struggle and the hope that I can help other GF'ers find someplace to eat besides home! ***