Fly Like an Eagle

Local Tavern opened last month at Philadelphia International Airport
(Photo courtesy OTG Management)

This year nearly 15 million travelers will fly out of Philadelphia International Airport, which, like most U.S. gateways, will see heavy traffic during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Business and leisure fliers using PHL lately have seen upgraded dining options, including several added as part of the Terminal F makeover.

(Photo courtesy Legal Sea Foods)

With the improved restaurant choices at the airport, gluten-free options are more accessible than ever. The gluten-free menu at Legal Sea Foods (Terminal B/C Connector, 267-295-9300) has many grilled fish and seafood choices, but the kitchen also maintains a dedicated fryer for the restaurant's fried clams and popcorn shrimp appetizers. Salads can be ordered with gluten-free croutons and warm Gillian's rolls are served upon request.

Not only does Vino Volo (Terminal A West - Gate A17, 215-365-8696; Terminal B - Gate B9, 215-365-8600; Terminal B/C Connector, 215-365-8600; Terminal D/E Connector, 215-365-8686) have several gluten-free menu options, a curated wine list is available. Among the gluten-free items are braised pork tacos, cured meats, a cheese plate and salmon rolls. The D/E location serves gluten-free crackers to accompany several dishes.

Grilled salmon and roast chicken, sandwiches and burgers (hold the bun), and a crème brûlée dessert are some of the gluten-free options on the menu at the new Local Tavern (Terminal F - Gate F11, 917-485-4371), designed by celebrity chef Jose Garces. Diners can call up a gluten-free menu and order through an iPad located on each table.

Gluten-free appetizers at modern Mexican restaurant chain Cantina Laredo (Terminal E - Gate E12, 215-492-1160) are noted on the menu; these include chili con queso and a salad with grilled chicken.

Saladworks (Terminal A East - Gate A2, 215-365-3655) has an interactive allergen menu that can sort by gluten-free ingredients.

Sweet Note Bakery's gluten-free bagels are available
at the airport's three Guava & Java locations
(Photo courtesy Sweet Note Bakery/Facebook)

Sweet Note Bakery's locally made gluten-free bagels are sold at all Guava & Java locations (Terminal A East - Gate A4, 215-365-1098; Terminal B - Gate B1, 215-687-7222; Terminal E - Gate E3, 215-365-1098); if needed, request that the bagels be sliced with a clean knife on a clean surface and that spreads come from a new container.

Pop Chips, Top Banana plantain chips, Kame rice crackers, and Good Eatz chocolate chip cookies and vegan rice crispy treats are available at the airport's three Good 2 Go outlets (Terminal D/E Connector, 215-492-7770; Terminal F - Gate F6, 215-492-4999; Terminal F - Gate F24, 215-492-1171). CIBO Gourmet Express Market (Terminal C - Gate C19, 215-937-1558) also stocks gluten-free snacks.

All of the frozen yogurt flavors and fresh fruits at Pinkberry (Terminal B/C Connector) are gluten free, as are several toppings. Gluten-free fro-yo is also available at the new Red Mango (Terminal F - Gate F8).