Fried Food Fest

Unfortunately, fried foods and a gluten free diet just don’t mix. But wait….this relationship just might have a chance. Our matchmaker….UNCLE TYKIE!
Driving in my car one day I heard a radio ad for a place that states all fried foods are gluten-free. I almost didn’t believe it. You know how you have a memory of something so great you think it might almost be a dream…that’s how this was for me. Then….confirmation. My husband heard it too and immediately called me. Where was this place? We did some hunting and found it just up the road in Athens.
So, with our very supportive and hungry husbands with us, Amanda and I set out for a night of fried foods. After looking at the menu and not seeing anything about gluten-free items, we were a bit scared until Uncle Tykie himself told us that “anything” fried on the menu was gluten-free. Seriously? Yep. Come to find out that although he does have some relatives that have celiac disease, he just thinks fried foods taste better fried in a corn meal mix than in flour. The corn meal doesn’t absorb the oil like flour does, therefore the flavor of the food comes through. WE AGREE! To hear him talk about it, it seems so simple. Can more restaurants in the Springfield area do this? Please! We then commenced a celebration of sharing all-things-fried. Fried dill pickle spears, fried mushrooms, chicken tenders and fried walleye and catfish. Yum on all accounts. We are definitely going back, especially to try their gluten-free pizza.
It’s a great place for those who aren’t in need of gluten-free food to dine with those who do. No one has to make concessions. Thanks to Uncle Tykie’s Prairie Fire Grill & Pizzeria for making it look easy. Springfield restaurants please take note, 1) if you have gluten-free items, advertise them. Advertising works! ... and 2) offering gluten-free items doesn’t have to be difficult, just think outside the box a bit.