Gluten free at Soda Jerks Restaurant

So Friday night after my guy and I met up after work - ran a few errands ~ we looked at each other and said now what? as in "what shall we have for supper?" ha ha ~ and since we were fairly close to their west side location I said "Let's go to Soda Jerks" and try out their gluten free burgers.  :)  In truth it is because of great and awesome "heads up" of others like this one on Gluten Free Edmonton we decided to give this restaurant a go ~ at times I do love to be the "first" one to write up a gluten free review of a restaurant (have to admit that) but it is very nice to days have a "safe" pointer about an eating establishment in Edmonton, already looked up and you can roll in with some confidence (in saying this we always have to make sure we do our own due diligence and never just expect that because you just say oh I need to eat gluten free doesn't mean you have to check and make sure others check to keep your meal safe.  :) But I do want to say Thank you to Gluten Free Edmonton for all you do for us Celiacs in Edmonton ~ very much appreciated.

On to our experience at Soda Jerks Restaurant ~ We had a great experience right from walking in, it still gives me a little shiver of happiness when I walk into a restaurant for the first time and when I mention being a celiac or having to eat gluten free ~ all the staff are accommodating and knowledgeable right from the hostess to the waiters and waitresses ~ it makes for an enjoyable dining experience right from the front door.  This was the kind of experience we had at Soda Jerks ~ our hostess didn't hesitate or miss a beat when we inquired about how we go about eating gluten free at Soda Jerks ~ she confidently said that our waitress would be able to explain and assist us in making sure our meals were safe.  Our waitress when advised that we needed to eat gluten free and that celiac - therefore cross contamination is an issue ~ again was confident that the kitchen was knowledgeable and that all items chosen would be double checked to make sure they were safe, and if not then we could make alternative choices.

Even in getting our sodas ~ she checked before bringing them to the table and then brought them to the table to let us double check them before she opened and poured them into a glass for us.  Her consideration and simple concern was admirable.  It was notable that I never felt "different" or "strange" for needing gluten free requirements, and find it uplifting that restaurants in the Edmonton area - that there are more dining establishments all the time that are understanding or acknowledging what eating gluten free means and the importance of areas like cross contamination, and we are not made to feel like a nuisance, but as a patrons that simply wants to dine, spend our hard earned money with them and not be ill afterwards.  :)

So our burgers - we decided to go with the "Build your own" burger idea ~ which is a superb selection I think most people would be hard pressed not to be able to build a burger or sandwich of their liking, the large and varied selection actually makes it a challenge of what you can put together.

Kevin's creation

Kevin's creation: (beef patty on a gluten free bun, with caramelized onions, pickles, sauteed mushrooms and a tomato salsa)

And for myself I created ;)  (beef patty on a gluten free bun with caramelized onions, iceberg lettuce, roasted red peppers, sauteed mushrooms with both the roasted garlic mayo and the Dijon mustard sauces) - honestly the picture did not do it justice it was awesome ~ the bun was pretty good, a Kinnikinnick Tapioca Rice Hamburger Bun (I read that they also may soon be offering the new soft buns and I think that would be an awesome addition) - the patty cooked well - all the topping made for a delicious combination ~ and and the side order of french fries were great, Thank you Soda Jerks for the dedicated fryer so that this is an option on your menu, much appreciated.  :)

My Delicious Creation :)

So a two thumbs up for Soda Jerks Restaurant - West End - for an enjoyable experience from the service, drinks and delicious food ~ a definite add to somewhere not only that we will recommend but that we shall be visiting for the nights when we just have to have "an awesome burger".  :)