Gluten-Free LA

Drop that bagel and check out these fab eateries! No more bread! If that prospect makes you cry, or you've recently been advised to start a gluten-free diet, don't despair. Having a gluten-free diet doesn't mean a one-way meal ticket to The Cabbage Soup Diet. (Yes, that is a legitimate diet.) Luckily, since I live by the city where the next big food and diet trends begin, gluten free meal options are plentiful, and I've rounded up my fave fab culinary gems.  Breakaway Bakery 5264 W. Pico Blvd., Mid-City, 310-968-9380 We can’t believe it’s not gluten! This little gem of a bakery is tiny with just a couple of seats, but they serve a mean Raspberry Cranberry Crumble and Vegan Cherry Chocolate Cookie. And if you want to surprise a friend with some gluten-free goodies, Breakaway offers a delivery service within 50 miles of the bakery. Hooray! True Food Kitchen Santa Monica Place, 310-593-8300 Fashion Island, Newport Beach, 949-644-2400 Science meets gastronomy in Dr. Andrew Weil’s True Food Kitchen, a chain of restaurants based on the doc’s famous anti-inflammatory diet. Dr. Weil’s philosophy is that better food leads to healthier, longer lives. Pretty simple, especially when the food is delicious. Our fave dishes? Go for the Farmers Market Salad, Turkey Lasagna, or the Panang Curry. Pulse Cafe 1426 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, 310-394-6700 This cute Santa Monica cafe offers a menu full of gluten-free meals and smoothies, including a unique hot smoothie. (We still prefer cold ones.) It’s perfect for an afternoon date with a girlfriend or a quick bite after a grueling Bikram yoga sesh. Try one of their choose-your-own-adventure Energy Bowls with fun toppings such as kimchi edamame or kale beets. xx, CGP