Green Gourmet (VERY GF-Friendly Deli on UES)

Last Monday night, we had a New York City Celiac Disease Meetup dinner at Lilli and Loo, on NYC's Upper East Side (UES). On the way there, I checked out the deli just next door, at the suggestion of our group's lead organizer. She had heard from a friend (isn't that the GF way!?) that they carry a lot of GF items.

"A lot" is a massive understatement. Though I had walked by the Green Gourmet organic deli at least 2 dozen times, this was the first time I noticed the signs outside stating:

Then when I walked in, the first thing I saw was:

If that isn't GF-friendly, I don't know what is!

Then you can't help but notice that shelves containing GF products are CLEARLY LABELED, so there's no need to root around for what's safe to eat: 

This is just a small sample of what they carry. I was particularly impressed by the frozen food section - pierogis, TWO brands of GF donuts, and they even had the little Pamela's cheesecakes!

So if you're GF and on the UES, you can now stop in at Lilli and Loo for some of this:

Sushi sushi sushi!

 and

Beautifully fried GF chicken entree

Oh, and:

Fried spring rolls! (Yep, in a dedicated GF fryer!)

Then go right next door to Green Gourmet for some GF groceries!

Care for Sushi, Dumplin'?

Please tell me you know about Lilli and Loo, that you've had their gluten-free this:

Oh yes indeedy: DUMPLINGS!

and gluten-free that:

Sushi gorgeousness.

Never been?!? Get thee to 61st and Lexington Avenue ASAP.

The sushi and dumplings are just the tip of the iceberg. Lilli and Loo has an extensive GF menu that includes old favorites like kung pao chicken and tempura. They even do a gluten-free lunch special M-F from 11-4 for $10.95. The staff is gluten-free savvy and communicative about it (i.e. when serving the meal: "THIS is gluten-free sauce and soy sauce. THAT is not gluten-free." Like that).

And keep in mind: this isn't some generic Asian food place. Lilli and Loo is a lovely space, relaxing and welcoming - casual enough for a quick lunch or dinner, but definitely special event/date-worthy.