Mad Donna’s has been on my list of restaurants to try for a while now, and I can’t believe it has taken me this long to head out to East Nashville to give it a try. I’d heard that Mad Donna’s uses gluten-free bread from Aunt April’s Bakery, so I was really excited to check it out.
I was glad I tried Mad Donna’s late on a weeknight, because the
place wasn’t busy, and I could ask the waiter as many questions
as I needed. When I called, I learned that they don’t have a
gluten-free menu, but they assured me that they could make
almost anything on the regular menu gluten-free. But when
we arrived, I found out that my options were far more limited
than I was lead to believe. Yes, I was disappointed, but I knew
that I’d be satisfied with anything that they could make safely
with April’s bread.
We ordered the chips and salsa as an appetizer. I was a little
apprehensive as the chips are made in-house, and they do not
have a dedicated fryer. But apparently, I was living on the edge
that night. I tried them and did not get sick.
I was impressed with the side salad that I ordered. Most side
salads ordered at a bar restaurant consist of limp lettuce and
shredded carrots. But this salad actually had vegetables,
specifically green peppers and mushrooms, and a wonderful
dressing.
It’s always a special treat to be able to order a sandwich when
you are gluten intolerant. I ordered the Turkey Melt complete
with Applewood bacon, artichoke dip, and cheese.
Wow! April’s gluten-free bread can stand alone, but the
combination of the decadent turkey toppings was so delicious –
not so low fat, but delicious nonetheless!
The Husband ordered the BAS Burger (bacon, avocado, and
Swiss), on gluten-free bread so I could try it. (I love that man.)
Can you go wrong with a burger with avocado and cheese? He
also got the sweet potato fries, which were as good as they look
in the picture. Again, the fries are not made in a dedicated
fryer, but I didn’t seem to have any trouble.
There are certain restaurants whose extensive gluten-free
offerings are worth making the trip for. I’m glad I tried Mad
Donna’s, because I did really enjoy my meal, but I’m not sure
I’d head to East Nashville just to eat there again. There isn’t
enough variety for this gluten-free diner. However, I give them
props for having gluten-free bread, and AMAZING homemade
gluten-free bread at that. If you find yourself in the area,
definitely pop in for a salad or sandwich. But if you're sensitive
to gluten in a shared fryer, stay away from the chips and fries.
See www.glutenfreecat.com for meal photos
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icon are DEDICATED GLUTEN FREE ESTABLISHMENTS.