For Those with Exceptional Taste

Dinner has always been an adventure for me and my roommates. In an apartment of six people, we have one with Celiac's Disease (a severe gluten intolerance, meaning she cannot eat wheat), one vegetarian, two with lactose intolerance, and one with a pork allergy. It's a miracle that we manage to cook and eat together five nights a week. Dining out, however, can often be problematic, as finding a restaurant that caters to such different needs is difficult, to say the least. If you and your friends are plagued by similar difficulties, check out these Providence-area restaurants where you can dine "like a normal person."

Indian: Kabob and Curry, 261 Thayer Street; Rasoi, 727 East Avenue Not only do these two Indian restaurants have incredibly friendly service and deliciously unique ethnic food, they also both clearly label which menu items are gluten-free and vegan (Kabob and Curry also denotes its dairy-free items, for those of you averse to lactose). Much Indian food is naturally sans-wheat/meat/dairy, so it doesn't taste like anything is missing or poorly substituted. At Rasoi, vegetarians and those with Celiac's can try the Vegetable and Berries Kofta, which are cheese and vegetable balls soaking in a creamy, slightly sweet sauce of nuts and dried berries. At Kabob and Curry, an excellent choice for those seeking to avoid wheat and/or dairy is the Chicken Xacuti, a flavorful dish featuring 20 spices and coconut.

Italian: Walter's Ristorante d'Italia 286 Atwells Avenue; North End Café, 1058 Charles Street With its emphasis on pasta and bread, Italian cooking can often seem off limits to those with Celiac's. But even they can enjoy a dinner out on Federal Hill at Walter's Ristorante d'Italia, and experience the trademark Italian hospitality at North End Café. The pan-seared scallops with vegetable risotto at Walter's have a creamy texture and a refreshingly light flavor, and not a speck of gluten. The pumpkin ravioli is a rich autumnal option for those who like wheat but not meat. North End Café also offers an extensive Celiac's-friendly dinner menu, but perhaps most impressive are their dessert options. You won't be missing the wheat with the gluten-free tiramisu or chocolate cake. If you do not have Celiac's, I recommend the sinful blueberry bread pudding. These treats coupled with an extensive martini list and full espresso bar make for a sweet evening out.

American Bistro: Twist on Angell, 500 Angell Street; Waterplace, 1 Finance Way These two restaurants feature eclectic menus of gluten-free items that would tempt any diner. They both belong to the Pinelli-Mara restaurant group, which oversees eight restaurants across Rhode Island, all boasting of gluten-free menus. Attractive options include even gluten-free pizza and pasta, but if you're feeling extra fancy, try the port-wine glazed pork tenderloin at Twist on Angell. Both restaurants have plenty of options, but vegetarians would probably fare better at Twist. However, if you eat fish, you'll certainly find something to suit your fancy at Waterplace, which offers entrees of halibut, scallops, tuna, and a catch-of-the-day.