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Food For Thought Williamsburg
Food For Thought Restaurant should be a destination for any Williamsburg VA trip. The décor features biographical pictures of inventors, scientists, and social leaders while the walls display thought-provoking quotes used to set the tone for a positive and enjoyable dining experience. Discussion cards are placed upon the tables to help spur thought-charged conversation. Food For Thought’s menu is as diverse as the great thinkers themselves. Our diner’s choices vary from classic American dishes, to more ethnic dishes to healthier vegetarian, vegan or one of our nightly seafood specialties. We also provide a gluten-free menu, a kid’s menu with healthy options, and our “Magic 55” senior’s menu.
In 2018 People magazine named us as the best place to eat breakfast in Virginia and Buzzfeed called our Coastline the best grilled cheese sandwich in Virginia.
Come visit us at 1647 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Food for Thought Review
When passing through Williamsburg, Virginia last month I stopped by Food for Thought after reading amazing reviews about their gluten-free menu and know-how when accommodating gluten-free diners. Usually I debate about where to stop when traveling, but to me the choice was clear.
Located just outside the historic district, Food for Thought is a restaurant with an ethic that gluten-free diners deserve a seat at the table- and the same experience when dining out as those without food restrictions. With a focus on good food and thought provoking conversation, it’s a change from many dining experiences where the focus on speed and fascination with smart phones change the dynamic.
Food for Thought has separate gluten-free menus on hand (see those here) which are several pages long. From appetizers to entrees, and even dessert, there’s an abundance of options. While other allergens are not marked, the staff are aware of co-occuring allergies and will indicate celiac/allergy status on your order to ensure the kitchen takes extra precaution to prevent cross contamination.
While musing over the menu, I was surprised when the wait staff brought out a gluten-free roll for bread service. In 99% of my dining experiences, I have to watch my dining companions eat bread without me, so it was extra special to be able to partake in the simple, but so often denied experience.
The roll arrived with my choice of butter or vegan Smart Balance. The roll was warmed to perfection and was soft and bready- not crumbly or dense at all. It had a wonderful whole grain flavor, and the melted “butter” spread was downright heavenly.
After much debate, I decided to order the lunch portion of cilantro lime chicken, which is dairy-free. As a side, I chose jasmine mushroom rice and steamed green beans. The latter are usually cooked with butter, but mine was prepared with non-dairy “butter.”
The chicken was absolutely delicious, pounded flat and cooked to juicy, tender perfection. The cilantro lime sauce was flavorful but not spicy, and I made sure to soak up every drop with every bite of chicken. The rice was fragrant and complemented the chicken and the green beans were plump and flavorful- buttery and delicious.
Together the whole meal was satisfying and filling. I was glad I ordered the lunch portion because it was enough but I didn’t leave totally gorged. I was hoping for a good meal going into the experience, but this totally knocked my socks off!
With good food and great service, I will definitely stop by Food for Thought whenever I return to the Williamsburg area. I was very impressed with the whole experience and atmosphere, and am so glad I found them through positive reviews. If you’re local or playing tourist, stopping here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner is a no-brainer that will please every member of your dining party.
Food For Thought Restaurant – Williamsburg, VA
Today, we drove from Charleston, South Carolina to Williamsburg, Virginia. We arrived right around dinner time, and headed straight to Food For Thought Restaurant after unloading the car. I first learned about Food For Thought on the Find Me Gluten Free App. All 24 reviews were positive, and the app showed that Food For Thought is GiG trained. You can read more about the Gluten Intolerance Group (GiG) here.
I love getting a full size, multi-page gluten free menu when entering a restaurant. I recently received a large menu like this at Cooper’s Hawk in Orlando. There was almost too much to choose from at both restaurants, which is a good problem to have.
When our waitress saw that I had a gluten free menu, she offered to bring me gluten free bread. It was perfectly heated, and very tasty. I have never had anything like it in a restaurant. I would say it was some sort of multi-grain roll. If we go back before we leave, I will ask what brand they use.
For dinner, I ordered the Down South, which is described as creamy cheese grits smothered with lots of sauteed shrimp, bell peppers and mushrooms in a zesty pan gravy. Hands down, this was the best shrimp and grits I have had in a long, long time. The grits were just divine! They were perfectly creamy and cheesy, and were heavenly with the pan gravy. I was asked if I wanted my Down South mild, medium, or spicy. I chose a medium spice level, and my dish had the perfect kick to it. My shrimp were cooked well and tasted fresh, and I loved the addition of the mushrooms and bell peppers. I highly recommend this dish if you love shrimp and grits like I do.
For dessert, I chose the Time for Chocolate, a chocolate torte with vanilla bean ice cream and whipped cream. It was a fudgy, dense cake served at room temperature. I enjoyed it, but if we go back on this trip, I might try the vegan chocolate cherry brownie or the creme brulee instead.
After dinner, we enjoyed a walk around Colonial Williamsburg, one of my favorite places in the world. I have such fond memories of my parents bringing me here when I was growing up, and my husband and I took our first vacation in Williamsburg.
You can view Food For Thought’s gluten free menu here. The restaurant is located on Richmond Road, a short drive from the historic area.
What are your favorite gluten free eats in the Colonial Williamsburg area?