Little Ruby's East Village

The food was very tasty. However, I ordered gluten free pasta, which is only available in one shape at this location, fusilli, and found two pieces of spaghetti in my dish. This means that there was severe cross-contamination, likely cooking the GF pasta in the same pasta water as regular, full-gluten, pasta (I have worked in restaurants, I know how pasta is typically prepared in these environments). There is no point offering gluten free pasta if they are going to clearly and irresponsibly cross contaminate like that, especially since they're charging extra money. It's great that they offer the GF option so people with Celiac disease, like myself, can have more options to eat out with friends, but you endanger customers by using the same pasta water - the dish is no longer gluten free. Luckily, I did not get sick, but that's not a reason to continue with this unsafe practice. If changes are not made, there is no point offering, or claiming that there is, the GF pasta option.

This is one of two of my go to spots for breakfast/brunch in Manhattan. The food is consistent and is able to accommodate a gluten allergy, the vibe of the restaurant is lovely, and there is a food option for everyone. There are many “Australian brunch” restaurants in lower Manhattan and I’d say this is the epitome of that experience. I also feel like I am always likelier to get a seat with a later minute reservation than some of the other Australian brunch spots. They also have multiple locations which are all just as great, although this one has to be my favorite.

Brunch: Ruby's cafe, Gramercy Kitchen (these places are not strictly GF, however, hubs has Celiacs and had no issues eating at these two places.