8.13.2012

Toronto - Il Fornello Gluten-Free Review

Antipasto

I was honoured to be given the opportunity to visit Il Fornello (Danforth location) a couple weeks ago with my boyfriend to sample some of their gluten-free menu options.  Il Fornello was the first restaurant in Toronto to recognize the dietary needs of those with Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance by offering gluten-free pizza and pasta.
Antipasto platter for two
First up, this beautifully displayed antipasto platter was filled with a delicious assortment of grilled vegetables, olives and cheese.  The perfect start to any meal, if you ask me!
Gluten-free Pizza Melanzane
I am somewhat of a pizza fanatic.  Sure, everyone loves pizza... but I think I have an obsession.  The above pizza did not disappoint.  It was topped with mozzarella, spinach, tomato and eggplant which combined to make a yummy addition to the meal.  The pizza base, created by Molly B Gluten Free, is perfectly chewy and crunchy at the same time.
Gluten-free "Penne Capri"

On the advice of Shawn, the manager at the Danforth Il Fornello location, we ordered the Penne Capri (with gluten-free fusilli noodles subbed in) to split.  It is normally supposed to come with chicken but we added goat cheese instead.  Amazing!  My boyfriend exclaimed that it was the best pasta he has eaten and he's probably right.  It was delicious and I can't wait to go back for more!
Desserts: Panna Cotta and Creme Brulee
After antipasto, pizza and pasta I couldn't imagine having enough room for dessert but I absolutely had to try their Creme Brulee.  And why not the Panna Cotta while we were at it?  I originally stated that I would only have one bite of each just to say I had tried them.  I ended up eating my fair share!  They were too hard to resist.
Creme Brulee

Hint to anyone looking to visit Il Fornello:

Go to their website and on the Mailing List page, sign up to receive their Gluten Free Club Card.  With the card, you do not have to pay the extra fee for the gluten-free pizza crust or gluten-free pasta!  Save $2-$5 on your meal ;)

Another hint... if you love Il Fornello (or if this post and these pictures have made you realize you have to visit) stay tuned to my blog for something special soon!

3 comments:

  1. I recently enjoyed lunch at the Il Fornello in Richmond Hill (Yonge & 407 area) and loved every bite! I was totally stuffed after having the risotto and GF pasta, but had to have the GF brownie for dessert....absolutely delectable!!

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  2. My wife and I recently had almost the exact same meal at the Bayview location, except we shared the 'penne capri' and the italiano GF pizza.

    It was probably the best meal I have ever eaten.

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  3. Hi Jax - just to let you know that I don't think they accept the GF card anymore (despite what is said on their website). I went to the Richmond Hill location in September for my birthday and they refused the card and ripped it up. They told me that they don't accept it anymore. I emailed head office because I was quite upset and they never bothered to get back to me. Very disappointing. I won't be going there anymore.

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