Rosa’s adds gluten-free menu

Life is tasting just a bit better for those who have to eat gluten-free.

Whether its Texas roadhouse ribs, chicken enchilada or western wedges, those menu items are clearly marked on Rosa’s new menu, which was introduced in May.

Jill Summers, operations manager for the restaurant, told the Bermuda Sun: “People appreciate it as it makes it easier to read the menu and order from it. They know by glancing at the menu there’s at least 30 items that can be done gluten-free.”

Ms Summers said some items have been added like lettuce cups, to make the menu more robust for people eating gluten-free. 

She said Rosa’s has done gluten-free items in the past, but this helps bring awareness that the restaurant is trying to do it’s best for people who choose to live a gluten-free lifestyle or for those people who have Celiac Disease.

“They might have known they can have a few items with a corn taco, but now it’s so much easier.”

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder and people who have it have an intolerance to gluten which is found in wheat, rye and barley. 

She said Rosa’s will do its best to make sure all items are made gluten free, but the menu comes with a warning that states “this restaurant contains many gluten items and there is a chance, however remote, of cross-contamination during normal kitchen operations involving shared cooking and preparation areas”. 

Head chef Jaime Cota Sandez was heavily involved in developing the gluten-free menu.

“He’s very well aware of what people can and cannot eat when they have Celiac or need a gluten-free option. We went through the menu together and what we can clearly offer as gluten-free and what we can’t and what other options we can add.”

Amanda Harkness, who has Celiac Disease and belongs to the Gluten Free Bermuda Facebook group, told the Bermuda Sun: “There is only a few places that I feel comfortable eating at on this island. Rosa’s is great because our five-year-old is just getting the idea of eating out and it is the one place we are all happy to go. Trat’s okay but AJ hates pasta which is challenging.

“The carne asada tacos (at Rosa’s) are my fave. I have never been sick and AJ leaves happy too.”