Here at Gluten Free Edmonton, we're always on the lookout for safe and delicious dining experiences, not just within the city, but in our fantastic surrounding communities too. That's why I was so excited to hear about Amanda's recent visit to Dulce Mexico (307 McLeod Ave, Spruce Grove). As many of you know, Amanda lives with Celiac Disease, so her insights are invaluable to our family here.
She had a truly delightful time, and I'm thrilled to share all the celiac-friendly details with you!
Stepping into Dulce Mexico: A Naturally Gluten-Friendly Vibe
Dulce Mexico, nestled in Spruce Grove, offers a vibrant and authentic Mexican culinary experience. What immediately stands out, and what Amanda loved, is their natural inclination towards gluten-free ingredients. Their menu prominently features corn tortillas for virtually everything, a huge win for us! In fact, they even charge extra if you request a flour tortilla, which tells you a lot about their commitment to traditional, corn-based dishes.
Amanda enjoyed a quick bite of their delicious Mexican Street Corn and classic Corn Chips with fresh, vibrant guacamole. These are fantastic naturally gluten-free starters that set a wonderful tone for the meal.
And for dessert? Amanda spotted a tempting gluten-free vanilla flan on the menu. While she desperately wanted to take it home, she knew it wouldn't survive the trip without melting – a true sign of a fresh, creamy flan! It's always a joy to find a dedicated gluten-free dessert option when dining out.
A Closer Look at the Menu for Our Gluten-Free Family:
Looking at their menu, here are some other items that naturally lean gluten-free or can be easily adapted:
Tacos (Beef, Veggie, Chicken Fajita, Cochinita, Chorizo con Papa, Picadillo, Mixed): All tacos are "ORDER OF 3 / ALL SERVED ON CORN TORTILLAS." This is fantastic news, making their entire taco selection a safe bet for celiacs, assuming proper cross-contamination protocols are followed for fillings.
Skillets: These come with a base of bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, and yellow corn, with your choice of protein. This sounds like a naturally gluten-free base, making it a promising option.
"Make it a Burrito Bowl!": While their traditional burritos are made with flour tortillas (important to note!), the option to "Make it a Burrito Bowl!" served with rice and beans is a perfect way to enjoy their delicious fillings safely. This is a smart adaptation for gluten-free diners.
Soup of the Day: Always ask your server about the availability and ingredients for the soup of the day, as soups can sometimes contain hidden gluten.
Celiac Safety & Cross-Contamination Protocols: What Dulce Mexico Does
Dulce Mexico clearly understands the importance of dietary needs. Their menu includes an "IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER" that states: "SOME OF OUR MENU ITEMS ARE GLUTEN FRIENDLY MEANING WE DO OUR BEST TO NOT HAVE CROSS CONTAMINATION IN THE KITCHEN AND HAVE PROPER PROCEDURES IN PLACE. WE DO NOT GUARANTEE ANY OF OUR MENU ITEMS ARE 100% GLUTEN FREE. PLEASE LET YOUR SERVER KNOW OF ANY ALLERGIES OR DIETARY RESTRICTIONS!"
This transparency is incredibly valuable. It means they are aware and take steps to reduce risk, but it also empowers you to ask the right questions for your specific needs.
What to Ask When You Visit: Even with their best efforts, a quick, polite conversation with your server can make all the difference, especially for those with Celiac Disease. Here are some specific questions I recommend asking:
"Are the corn chips fried in a dedicated gluten-free fryer, or is it shared with gluten-containing items like churros or flour tortillas?" (This is often the biggest cross-contamination risk in Mexican restaurants).
"For the taco fillings or skillet ingredients, are separate utensils used to prevent cross-contact with flour tortillas or other gluten items?"
"Are there any sauces or marinades that contain gluten that I should be aware of?"
Their commitment to doing their best to reduce cross-contamination, combined with your informed questions, can lead to a very safe and enjoyable meal.
Planning Your Visit to Dulce Mexico
Dulce Mexico is a fantastic spot to add to your gluten-free dining list in the Spruce Grove area.
Location: 307 McLeod Ave, Spruce Grove.
Hours: Open Monday to Saturday. Closed on Sundays.
What to Try: Amanda highly recommends the Mexican Street Corn and Corn Chips with guacamole. And if you're dining in, definitely consider that gluten-free vanilla flan!
Share Your Experience!
Have you visited Dulce Mexico in Spruce Grove? We'd love to hear what you've tried and your experiences! Share your thoughts in the comments below. Your insights help our entire Gluten Free Edmonton family discover more safe and delicious spots!
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