From our friends at Macon Bistro & Larder...
The French and Southern-inspired restaurant, Macon Bistro & Larder, located at 5520 Connecticut Avenue, NW is pleased to introduce a selection of gluten- free beers on its beverage list, as well as gluten-free menu options on the lunch and dinner menu. General Manager Andra Johnson (known to all as AJ) is the resident beer expert at Macon Bistro. She is curating a beer list featuring gluten-free craft brews that are in line with the restaurant’s of-the-moment beer list, highlighting American craft beers of quality and exclusivity. Macon aims to provide a unique and diverse experience for those who wish to enjoy a cold brew while adhering to dietary restrictions. Macon Bistro & Larder plans to add the gluten-free symbol to the menu so guests can easily reference which items are appropriate. AJ’s gluten-free beer picks and comments are as follows:
Potter's Craft "Hop" Cider from Virginia, is very unique in that it uses whole cone Amarillo and Citra hops to give some structure and really beautiful aromas to the Albemarle and Pippin apples grown on the Potter's Farms in Free Union, Virginia. It is perfectly balanced and is an excellent complement to spicy dishes; Rogue Farms "19 Original Colonies" Mead from Oregon is not something that every gluten-free drinker has access to, especially in a restaurant or bar setting. Mead was the very first fermented beverage and is generally an all-natural product. Rogue honeybees pollenate and sample the pumpkins, corn, rye, lavender, woodruff, and other farm-grown produce, including the seven varietals of hops. The mead is finished with a steeping of jasmine tealeaves that shine through on the finish. It is super refreshing and it has been a really cool way to get gluten-free drinkers excited about their drinking options; Omission American Pale Ale from Oregon, actually tastes like beer. Omission actually produces a "true" beer and then adds an enzyme that naturally eats the gluten compounds while not jeopardizing the flavor of the beer, and Etienne Dupont 2012 Vintage "Cidre Bouche" Organic Cider from France, one either loves or hates this. I personally think that is great throughout the meal, but feel that it shows the best with funky cheeses and nutty desserts. It is made in the Methode Traditionelle so there is a secondary fermentation to create these great bubbles that last throughout the entire beverage. It is elegant with a healthy dose of farmhouse, almost Burgundian funk. Seasoned Cider drinkers gravitate right to it. Additionally, guests can enjoy by-the-glass pours from Macon's 22-25.4 ounce larger format bottles in order experience something new without committing to a whole bottle. Macon Bistro's gluten-free beer list is priced from $7 to $35.
Guests adhering to a gluten-free diet will find classic dishes with a Southern twist throughout the menu created by Executive Chef Daniel Singhofen and Chef de Cuisine Jenna Pool at Macon Bistro & Larder. Diners can begin their meal with snacks and starters such as Deviled Eggs with bacon bits, red pepper marmalade, and smoked oil; Duck Fat Popcorn; Heirloom and Seafood Salad; Wedge Salad with butter lettuce, summer vegetables, and green goddess dressing, and Local Greens with summer berries, pickled onion, and buttermilk-cayenne vinaigrette. Stand out gluten-free entrees include the current Market Fish with shaved fennel, filet beans, and citrus vinaigrette; Amish Chicken Breast with black-eyed peas, country ham broth, and bright lights chard, and Braised Pork Shoulder with charred onion BBQ vinaigrette, cheddar grits, and broccoli rabe. Additionally options include hearty side dishes such as Hoppin John with sea island red peas, smoked pork, and Carolina gold rice; Collard Greens with bacon, garlic, and white wine, and Blistered Peppers. For a sweet ending, guests can enjoy an enticing gluten-free dessert created by Pastry Chef Jameela Hassan, Almond Custard with cherry compote and almond crunch. Guests with restrictions are not limited to these menu items as Macon Bistro has several dishes that can be made gluten-free with modifications. Gluten-free menu items are priced from $5 to $30.
Macon Bistro & Larder is located at 5520 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC. The restaurant is open for dinner, Tuesday through Thursday, from 5 PM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday, from 5 PM to 11 PM, and Sunday, from 5 PM to 10 PM. Brunch is served on Sunday, from 10 AM to 2 PM. The Larder opens at 2 PM daily, and the bar opens at 4 PM daily. For reservations please call (202) 248-7807 or visit www.maconbistro.com
