Though there are countless delicious destinations for Italian food in NYC, Senza Gluten, located in Greenwich Village, is the only Italian eatery that is completely gluten free. Urbanites who are gluten intolerant generally have to skimp on pizza, pasta and decadent desserts. But this unique eatery’s menu includes everything from homemade pizza, gnocchi and pasta dishes to traditional desserts like tiramisu; all completely free of gluten.
Chef Jemiko Solo, who has had 25 years of cooking experience, opened Senza Gluten, which means “without gluten” in Italian. Though he himself is not gluten intolerant, he has many friends and relations who suffer from various food allergies, hindering them from enjoying certain cuisines. He created the restaurant to prove that food allergy sufferers can still have access to delicious, desirable dishes.
“I made a promise to all of my friends that one day I would do something to make it safer for them to eat out,” explains Chef Jemiko.
The restaurant leaves no details untended to in their mission to maintain a completely gluten-free environment for diners. The pastas in the dishes are made with many gluten-alternative ingredients like rice and corn. They also prohibit anyone entering the restaurant with outside food to ensure that the environment is completely safe for allergy sufferers. The personable Chef Jemiko is also happy to speak to customers throughout the night to get to know them and get feedback about their dishes.
As their client base expands, Chef Jemiko dreams that the brand will eventually grow to other locations in the city and the U.S. so that more people can enjoy their gluten-free offerings.
He says, “Our family of clients is becoming bigger and bigger, I just need more space to host them!”
Downtown Magazine CEO/ Publisher Grace A. Capobianco, who also deals with gluten intolerance, had rave reviews for the space.
“It’s refreshing to see that we do not have to suffer through. This county, along with our chefs, are becoming even more tuned into our allergies,” explains Capobianco, “Thank you, Chef Jemiko!”
Senza Gluten will also be offering a Christmas menu, available to enjoy for the holidays.
-by Johanna Silver
