KFol and WillB, I actually have a restaurant questionnaire about to mail out to chefs to create a handy resource for celiac vacationers in our area, PM me your email and I'll send you what I find out, but it could take a month or two since so many restaurants are closed right now. After finding out from my doctor earlier this year that I had to omit gluten, it is surprisingly more of a challenge to dine out here at home (South Walton) than anywhere else we have traveled. Many local restaurant staff members are not properly trained - on more than one occasion (lost count, actually) I have been told by wait staff or the person answering the phone that a dish is "gluten free" only to find out later when ordering (after I ask for them to double check with the chef that the salad dressing, spice blend, etc. is truly gluten free), that, in fact, dishes I was initially told were safe, were not. Many people tend to think if it doesn't have "bread" it is safe... which as you know is not true. This is what has led me to go straight to the chefs to get the information and then put it together to give to area websites/media in case it is helpful for other locals and guests in the same boat. Hope to get that finished by March.
Some highlights from GF meals over the last few months...
The
Raw+Juicy Airstream in Seaside is the easiest place to order, to my knowledge everything they serve is gluten-free. Their new RJ Life store across the street has some tasty desserts that are all gluten-free.
The Bay has several options, but staff are hit or miss in accuracy in relaying options from the kitchen. The more tenured staff seem to have a better grip on it. I've been told most consistently that the regular burger without bun is GF, grilled seafood with rice and braised greens is too. Unfortunately they only have one fryer also used with flour-coated items, so their French fries are not gluten free. This is too bad because they have the best burger and fries around (in my opinion) - we used to eat there every week!
The Terrace Restaurant has been the most accommodating. The good news is that they are able to make almost everything gluten-free, and their Greek salad dressing is GF. The only downside is that the last two meals I have had there have been strangely not at all up to their normal par. I think they may have hired someone new in the kitchen. I'm hoping after the off season they will get back on track - because up until recently it has been a tried and true option, and my favorite place to go to feel like I am eating normally and not missing anything.
Edwards in Rosemary has several satisfying options.
Restaurant Paradis too - their gulf coast snapper dish is one of the best GF dishes I have enjoyed since the summer. They omit the gnocchi, but leave the ginger brussel sprouts, zucchini, and a flavorful lobster coconut curry cream sauce.
George's used to be our favorite place for lunch, but recently they updated their lunch menu and now only have two lunch options - neither memorable. I'm hoping when they reopen in the new year perhaps it will be updated again.
In most cities Mexican food is a tried and true gluten-free option, but unfortunately at La Cocina they fry everything in the same oil as flour-coated options, so the tortilla chips are out, entree orders are limited; you can order the fajitas made GF but sides like the refried beans are out (not sure how/why there is gluten in them).
If you don't want to dine out or cook,
For the Health of It in Blue Mountain stocks some of Chef Rich's premade foods in the cooler case as you enter the store. You can also get on Rich's email list and order directly for pick-up on Sunday afternoons. He releases a list of weekly options such as shepherd's pie, grilled salmon, chicken wings, taco meat, etc. His website is:
SUN MOON & SPOON FOOD CO. | Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Also
Vintji near the outlet mall can make several dishes gluten-free if you ask. Their chicken dish is strong with chutney and cheese grits.
Cafe Thirty-A has a menu with GF labels on it - several entree options but very sparse on the appetizers.