Bridgehead

Over the past few months, I've been noticing a slow influx of new GF foods trickling into my beloved Bridgehead. This warms my heart.

A few weeks ago, I noticed they added a GF spice loaf and GF biscotti to their repertoire. They are both good, but the biscotti is fantastic. I am hooked. I love having something sweet to dunk into my tea. The spice loaf is tasty enough, but tends to crumble apart a bit.

They also have a fruit and cheese plate with nuts and GF oat crackers. This makes a really great little lunch in a pinch. I like that they use Quebec cheeses and a variety of nuts in the pack. The oat crackers are also very tasty and oat-y, which I love. But, Bridgehead NEEDS to add one more oat cracker to the pack or make them bigger - I always run out of crackers before cheese, despite my repeated attempts at rationing the crackers. The cheese by cracker ratio is definitely off (I'm a nerd).

There are also a few other GF options in the salad department and I'm told the breakfast oatmeal with fruit compote and maple syrup is also made of only oats, though I suspect these may not be specifically GF oats.

If ever you see a gal dunking GF biscotti into Earl Grey tea, come over and say hi, will ya?

Bridgehead
Various locations

The Daily Grind

I am writing this post from the interior of The Daily Grind, a funky little cafe nestled in the heart of Chinatown. I am pretty happy here, steeped in great music, reclaimed furniture and interesting art. Also, they have a pastry case full of delicious-looking GF goodies. Not to mention a full menu of GF things. ALL food is gluten-free here. As a result, it took me an embarrassingly long time to pick out a simple sandwich. I am really not accustomed to so much selection anymore. This is nice.

I am munching away at a pear, onion and brie sandwich which came with a side of plain chips. The sandwich is nice and warm and the fillings are tasty and generous. The bread is good, but has a tendency to fall apart a bit. Good thing the melted brie is acting as a binder, holding the whole thing together. Somehow it works, and I am pretty satisfied with my lunch, despite the fact that it took a little long to make.  The flavours are really nicely balanced.  Not too much onion, just enough pear and lots of brie.

From my understanding, this place is fairly new. To me, it looks like it is experiencing a slight identity crisis, which might smooth itself over time. They have this indy-cool vibe and serve up beer and live music in the evenings. They also have all-day breakfast. And a tex-mex section in their menu. And a kid table with drawing supplies. All good things, but evidence of multiple personalities. I am wondering how this will work out in the long run. Maybe people will love it. Or, maybe it is trying too hard to please everyone, and it will end up pleasing very few. For my part, I hope it works out! I will be back for the excellent music and wifi, surely. Plus, I want to try some of their sweets and meet some fellow gluten-avoiders.

As for the service, it was really friendly and attentive, but I was asked to settle my bill in the middle of my meal because of a changing shift. The same happened to the table across from me. It was a bit annoying. I would have preferred to pay upfront or have the option of waiting until I was finished. Nonetheless, I think this place is worth a try and I recommend a visit if you're in the area.

The Daily Grind
601 Somerset Street W.
613-233-2233
Map