The past few weeks have had an air of déjà vu for me. It’s been hot and muggy in San Diego, and without air conditioning, it’s typically hotter indoors than out. And when that happens, I head for the beach, picnic basket in hand. Which means, much like last summer, there’s zero chance of me standing behind the stove and 100% chance of me assembling pre-made what-have-you, from sandwiches to salads to snacks.
That’s why I’m excited to be in the air-conditioned bliss of my parent’s home in Lincoln, California – just a hop, skip and a jump from where I went to high school. My family had a camp-out on the beach this weekend, so here I am, in NorCal, enjoying California’s Gold Country, gluten-free style.
Eating out gluten-free is easier than you think, especially if you move beyond the big chains and look for independent restaurants with local pride like this one, The Club Car in Auburn, California (836 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA; (530) 887-9732). Nestled between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento, Auburn is a quaint little town filled with antique stores, clapboard court houses and town squares with clocks that ring out the hour.
I found The Club Car on Yelp and the reviewers were right: great food, friendly service and a welcome respite from the late summer heat. I had a curry chicken salad that was sweet but not cloyingly so; just the right marriage of spicy curry and sweet raisins. I shared a plate of “fat” fries with my parents, which for me are literally a delivery system for ketchup which I cannot get enough of lately. Top that off with home-brewed iced tea and I’m one happy camper.
Especially because I don’t have to do dishes. Let’s eat out!
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