Behind the Kitchen Door: Mike’s Bistro, where the whole menu is gluten free

For most gluten free diners, eating out starts with a scan of the menu for the one or two dishes they might be able to order. At Mike’s Bistro in New Plymouth, that scan has a new problem.

“We actually see ‘decision paralysis’ from coeliacs,” says Ron, “since they’re not accustomed to being able to select anything or everything off the menu.”

That’s because Mike’s Bistro runs a completely gluten free kitchen. Ron describes it as a “friendly, casual, inclusive, completely gluten free dining environment that caters to several different dietary requirements”, which turns into a live music venue after dinner three nights a week.

Friendliness over efficiency

The Bistro’s motto is “Friendliness over Efficiency”, and Ron and Carol say they welcome regulars and new diners as they would their own family. Ask what gluten free diners should order, and the answer is simple: “Everything!”

Head Chef Vijayasujin says this is his first time in a 100% gluten free kitchen, with everything from fried chicken to pizza to pasta made gluten free. “Challenging at first, now my favourite kitchen to cook in.”

Why they went all the way

The decision to take the whole kitchen gluten free came from experience. Carol has worked in the kitchen for the past 18 months, and before the change she saw how easily cross contamination can happen when a busy kitchen is under pressure. Trying to keep gluten separate, they decided, wasn’t an option.

The team also has a personal reason. Bierta, their front of house superstar, is gluten intolerant and has felt the effects of cross contamination when eating out herself. “It has been an eye opener for us, realising how the smallest amount of gluten affects a person,” Ron says. Seeing first-hand how sick she gets has made the team even more passionate about keeping the kitchen safe for her and for every diner who walks in.

How it works day to day

Because everything is gluten free, a gluten free order is business as usual. The care goes further than the menu: staff don’t bring any gluten items into the kitchen, even for their own lunch.

When you book, Ron suggests letting the team know you’re gluten averse. They’ll tag you in their booking system, so it’s noted for future visits too.

Why it matters to Ron and Carol

“Carol and I have heard so many horror stories from diners that have been ‘glutened’,” Ron says. “Conversely, we feed off the sense of amazement and gratitude from coeliac diners that have enjoyed a meal and the whole dining out experience without the usual stress of navigating a ‘gluten’ environment.”

Their message to gluten free diners is short: “Relax, we’ve got your back (and your gut).”

Find Mike’s Bistro on Eat Choice

You can find Mike’s Bistro on Eat Choice, where venues list their own dietary information so you can check before you book. Thank you to Ron, Carol, Vijayasujin and Bierta for opening the kitchen door.

Restaurants: would you like to share how your kitchen caters for dietary requirements? Get in touch at choice@eatchoice.nz.