To the Editor:
After living away from Alexandria for three years, I recently returned and rented a home in Old Town while my nearby home was renovated. I ate out at many Old Town restaurants and was disappointed at the lack of knowledge and offerings for diners who are gluten free. I have traveled all over the world and even in some of the most remote places, I have found an understanding of what foods are gluten free.
However, Alexandria restaurants seem to be challenged by this concept and it makes people who have to eat gluten free feel unwelcome. There are a couple of exceptions. La Tasca and Los Cuates, both on King Street, have done an excellent job in training their staff about what is gluten free and offer many options. But, many of the restaurants I visited in Old Town did a terrible job of offering options. Most of the time the best they could do was offer an uncreative salmon and salad.
That gets old for diners who are gluten free. Alexandria is a major tourist destination and should feel welcoming to all who visit. As a resident of Alexandria, I no longer feel welcome in Alexandria restaurants. I have to explain too much about gluten free to poorly-trained staff and I'm bored with most of the dining options offered at local restaurants for people who are gluten free. I hope restaurant owners will revisit training their staffs on a regular basis about dietary restrictions facing people entering their businesses.
Ines Alicea
Alexandria