Last year’s Gluten-Free Weekend guests stretched across the spectrum.  Some were newly diagnosed with Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance, while others old pros.  Some were parents contemplating going gluten-free for their children’s autistic spectrum disorders, while others jumped on the gluten-free diet bandwagon for other wellness reasons.  And, of course, we had visitors that had no idea we were gluten free for the weekend!   So let us help you in planning the perfect gluten free vacation – we’ll take care of breakfast and afternoon snacks, and guide you on allergy friendly restaurants in Kennebunkport.  As a fellow gluten-free eater, I’ve got the inside scoop on what’s in-the-clear in tons of area restaurants. I’ve done the dirty work, so sit back and enjoy your gluten free getaway to Kennebunkport Maine!

For whatever reason, we look forward to welcoming you to our Kennebunkport bed and breakfast inn for a phenomenal weekend – packed with gluten free foods, and, of course, fantastic guests!

Off the beaten path in downtown Kennebunk, you will find the Kennebunk Inn, an unassuming building on Route 1.  At Academe, the restaurant, you will find casual decor with comfortable ambiance.  We find ourselves seated at the bar most often – with one television and bartenders chatting up regulars – in an attempt for expedited food and excellent company.  If you’re looking to get the scoop from locals, the bar is the place to be! Nevertheless, on a recent visit, I asked if they had any special soup. They did – haddock chowder (I know, still not New England clam, but still good) – and, certain I would know the answer, asked if they would find out if it was gluten-free.  It is!  I was flabbergasted.

And, boy, was it good!  It may be slightly thinner than old fashioned clam chowder, it is excellent, even by non GF standards.  The potatoes are perfectly tender and not crumbling to bits, with large pieces of haddock submerged in an opaque (and perfectly safe!), creamy broth.

After campaigning for its place on their permanent menu, I was told that they offer haddock chowder 70% of the time.  So before trekking into Kennebunk, call ahead to find out for certain that gluten free chowder is on the menu.  Or better yet, have one of us at your Kennebunkport bed and breakfast inn check for you!

So gluten-free eaters look no further for a safe and oh-so-delectable chowder that won’t disappoint – even without the clams!

Beautiful Breads!

fish were done just right. The scallops?  Out of this world.  Despite being filled to the brim (the fresh, homemade bread – and it really is homemade, not just baked there – didn’t help matters), we couldn’t resist sharing the crème brulee.  With a distinctly salty undertone, it was the perfect end to an already perfect meal.

So for one of the best values around, make sure to add Joshua’s to your short list when visiting Kennebunkport, Maine and the Maine Stay Inn.

Enjoy gourmet gluten-free breakfast at the Maine Stay!

The prospect of going on vacation can be very nerve-racking for someone following a gluten-free diet.  Will I be able to eat anything?  If there are gluten-free options, will they be any good?  Will there be anyone who can help me figure out how to eat safely?  Rest assured, the Maine Stay is here to help!

The innkeepers of the Maine Stay Inn, Judi and Walter, have over a decade of experience with gluten-free eating, because their daughter, Johanna, also on staff at the Maine Stay Inn, has a gluten allergy. For that reason, guests of the Maine Stay Inn following a gluten free diet can eat without worry – but please let us know in advance!

But breakfast is only the foundation of a gluten free vacation – what about lunch and dinner in Kennebunkport.  Not to worry – we’ve got you covered!

Bandaloop, a favorite of everyone at the Maine Stay Inn, offers a multitude of gluten-free options.  As part of their menu, you can pair any protein source with any of their signature sauces, and most of these are gluten free.  Make sure to ask your server, just to be safe!  My personal favorite “safe” option at Bandaloop is grilled salmon with their caramelized chili coconut curry sauce.  It comes paired with a medley of the freshest vegetables and turmeric rice in a bath of Thai-style curry sauce.  Delish!  But the truth is, everything on the menu is incredible, and many of the options are Celiac safe.  Their salads offer great options for lighter fare.  If you’re looking for something a little richer, try their bone-in pork chop with caramelized onion-gorgonzola cream sauce.  But the gluten-free options don’t stop here – Bandaloop’s Creme Brulee is always incredible, and a recent discovery – their raspberry-lime crisp – is also wheat-free (their oats aren’t certified GF, but if you regularly handle rolled oats, then this is a tasty treat that is normally a no-fly zone).

For more casual fare, try Pier 77′s The Ramp – this small restaurant takes excellent care of all its patrons and is attentive to the needs of gluten-free eaters.  Their hand cut French Fries are out of this world, and their Beet and Spinach Salad is just as delectable.  Add perfectly seared salmon, and you have a healthy meal safe for gluten-free eaters.

But even gluten intolerant people sometimes want ultra casual food in a fun environment. And you normally wouldn’t even consider a Brew Pub, but Federal Jack’s, the local pub (which serves lunch and dinner daily), offers quiet a few gluten-free options.  But the most important thing about gluten free dining there is to tell your server. Tell them what you would ideally like to eat and have them ask the cooks what your best options are.  As a frequent eater at Federal Jack’s there are good options.  Salads, as you well know, are good choices, and they have a variety of GF salad dressings.  They key to eating as safely as possible here is to ask for dressing on the side – that way there is no contamination from crouton crumbs or other ingredients – they’re packaged separately from other foods.  Usually safe, french fries and potato skins are out, but sweet potato fries are in.  Their house rice is Celiac friendly, and a great side to their safe meats – even burgers (not the buns, of course) are safe, as they are filler free.  Looking for something lighter?  Federal Jack’s vegetarian chili is safe and fantastic. Even their dessert menu has choices for Celiacs – check out their Crema (similar to a creme brulee, but no burnt sugar on top, with flavors varying weekly) or even their brownie sundaes – they keep gluten free brownies in the freezer.

Some other area restaurants that easily accommodate gluten free patrons include The Cape Arundel Inn, Pier 77, Mekhong Thai, The Kennebunk Inn, Nunan’s Lobster Hut, and On The Marsh. As with any restaurant, make sure you server knows that you cannot eat gluten and that they convey this to the chefs.

The Maine Stay Inn, with its experience in gluten free cooking, is the perfect bed and breakfast inn for a safe and healthy getaway. So book your vacation at the Maine Stay Inn and Cottages in Kennebunkport, a small town unlike any other, offering a plethora of dining options for those with gluten intolerance,  and treat yourself to a safe and healthy getaway.

• gluten-free sweet potato and pecan pancakes
• stuffed, baked apples and scrambled eggs
• signature Maine blueberry muffins made from a gluten-free blend of flours
• crustless quiche (sometimes our signature Anne and Roger’s style)
• gluten free granola (not always available, so make sure we know of your restrictions!)
• gluten free chocolate chip cookies and brownies for tea time
• breakfast creme brulee (or traditional for those requesting our delivered dessert)
• fresh fruit, cheese, and rice crackers (for our romance packages)

We’re always coming up with fresh ideas to satisfy our ever-increasing gluten-free guests, and want them to always feel comfortable and safe during their experience at the Maine Stay Inn.  Innkeepers, Judi and Walter, have been cooking gluten-free for the last ten years, because their daughter, Johanna, is gluten-free, so never fear, our staff is incredibly knowledgeable on how to keep gluten-free guests healthy and happy during their stay. Bon Appetite, gluten-free eaters!