Gluten-Free Road Trip: Aruba, One Happy Island

Poolside at the Aruba Marriott

The more things change, the more they stay the same. When we honeymooned in Aruba 21 years ago, I could hardly envision that if we returned it would be with kids in tow, let alone at the same hotel. Part of the "A-B-C" island chain off the coast of Venezuela (also comprised of Bonaire and Curacao), Aruba has fabulous year-round weather and is particularly popular given its proximity outside the Caribbean hurricane belt.

We joined many Americans from the Northeast U.S. last week who fled the frigid conditions back home for some sun and relaxation on "One Happy Island," as license plates in Aruba proudly boast. Though American Airlines flies direct from Philadelphia, we left and returned out of Baltimore on Southwest, whose fares were substantially less than American's. Our base was the Aruba Marriott in the Palm Beach resort area, located on the island's northwest coast. The hotel was one of several with small in-house casinos, while water sports are plentiful along the beach and there are off-road adventure tours as well. Mainly, though, Aruba is a place to unwind, whether by sitting poolside or wading in the sea.

The gelateria at the Aruba Marriott
(Photo Credit: Aruba Marriott)

I had emailed the hotel concierge in advance of our trip to see what options were available for our son on site. He referred me to the executive chef, who told me about the gluten-free section at the breakfast buffet, complete with dedicated toaster, cereal, bagels, donuts and muffins. In addition, the Starbucks at the Marriott has gluten-free egg sandwiches and marshmallow rice crispy treats, the pool bar serves salads and burgers with gluten-free buns, and the sundry shop sells gluten-free cookies and chips. There's also an on-premises gelateria with many gluten-free gelatos and sorbets (each flavor has its own scoop).

News & Notes: April 17, 2015

(Credit: Honeygrow.com)

Gluten-free-friendly stir-fry and salad spot Honeygrow opened last week in Cherry Hill (1602-1610 N. Kings Hwy., 856-520-8122). Owner Justin Rosenberg just announced plans to open area locations this fall on Penn's campus in University City (3731 Walnut St.) and in Wilmington (5609 Concord Pike) and Newark (58 E. Main St.).

Short Hills Deli will be opening a Jersey Shore location in Ventnor (5000 Boardwalk) in time for the beach season. The kitchen will keep a separate toaster for gluten-free bread. (Thanks Jared G.)

Colonial Diner in Woodbury (924 N. Broad St., 856-848-6732) notes gluten-free items on their breakfast and lunch/dinner menus. Management says that gluten-free orders are prepared to avoid cross-contact.

Where's the Beef?

Compared to grains like brown rice and corn, quinoa (pronounced "keen-wa") doesn't appear much in gluten-free products. Quinoa originated in the Andean region of South America and was known as the "mother of all grains" by the ancient Incans. Perhaps the unlikeliest of foods in which to find quinoa is a veggie burger. One only has to look as far as the frozen sections of local stores to discover organic vegan burgers from Asherah's Gourmet.

The Doylestown company blends protein-packed quinoa with such vegetables as potatoes, carrots, peppers and onions to make its burgers. The quarter-pound patties are free of gluten, soy, dairy and nuts. One burger has just 180 calories and 5 grams of fiber.

You can order an Asherah's burger on a gluten-free bun at Basically Burgers in Doylestown. Four-burger packages are sold at all local Whole Foods Markets and many local natural-foods stores in the Delaware Valley. The burgers also can be ordered from the company online or by calling 215-489-9815.