G is for gluten-free, greasy spoons

G

gluten-free, greasy spoons

Bake Me Happy co-owners Letha Pugh, left, and Wendy Miller Pugh Tom Dodge | Columbus Dispatch

Gluten-Free

Expert local bakeries show you can still have fun without the gluten. Merion Village’s Bake Me Happy brings back all the nostalgia treats in GF form: cookies, oatmeal creme pies, Rice Krispies Treats and Ding Dongs. Cherbourg Bakery in Bexley bakes both gluten- and nut-free confections like zucchini bread, muffins, madeleines, doughnuts, scones and cream puffs. Looking for GF waffles? Lopaus Point does steady business online for its gluten-, dairy-, soy-, nut- and corn-free waffles. All four varieties—wild blueberry, banana flax, pumpkin spice and chocolate chip—are available frozen at Bake Me Happy and in local stores like Weiland’s, Hills Market, Huffman’s and Lucky’s.

The No. 1 Breakfast Platter from Stav’s Diner Barbara J. Perenic | Columbus Dispatch

Greasy Spoons

You need four things for a memorable diner: tight quarters, budget-friendly prices, generous portions and most importantly, great community. Long-running eateries often serve generations of families who visit. You’ll find them huddled in the red vinyl booths at the Pappas family’s Tommy’s Diner, at the intimate German Village Coffee Shop with its pressed bacon and giant pancakes. Or at the new-but-feels-like-it’s-been-there-forever Stav’s Diner on the East Side. George Cela and his team welcome regulars for corned beef hash and burgers at his Beechwold Diner.