ALONG COMES MARY

I’ve been lucky to have had so many great gluten-free pizzas since going gluten-free a few years back, but, I am still always thrilled to find a new place to try that offers it. So, when I was invited to come try out all that Red Brick Pizza Cafe in Ventura had to offer, I was excited, but had NO idea how over the top DELICIOUS this dinner would be!

From the second we arrived, each & every staff member treated us (& all other guests, for that matter) like royalty. Answering any questions, giving their recommendations & assuring me that I am in good hands as they use separate kitchen equipment, utensils & oven for all gluten-free orders. They also have Daiya Cheese for Vegan patrons.

The interior décor of Red Brick is inviting from the get-go, they feature a collection of local artists gorgeous paintings on their fire-red walls, all of which, are for sale, as well as a rotating screen of inspirational quotes from many of the greats out there.

With so many options to choose from, I, of course, went right to their Vegetarian menu. From The “Desi”, which boasts an eclectic mix of toppings from pineapple to cashews, to The Chef’s Special of the day, “Farmer Kyle” which had an array of veggies & herbs like pepperoncini & jalapenos, I was really drawn to their Veggie Gourmet Works, featuring all you expect on a veggie feast; artichokes, tomatoes, onions, olives, etc.

Our Chef, Harley, offered us beers & when I reached for my usual, Gluten Free Redbridge, he recommended that The Greens Gluten Free Amber Ale was also great. I went with that one & guess what?! I am finally not just drinking a beer because its gluten-free! 😉 This Amber Ale was absolutely perfect for me; it’s a dark ale & reminded me much of the dark, French Roast coffees I love. Michael thought it tasted much like a wheat/barley beer, too.

While we sat down, they had one of the best touches I have seen in ages for a restaurant: A TV at each table! We were treated to Nickelodeon’s iCarly going, perfect if you have kiddos in tow 😉

When we were served our pizza, I was so anxious to try it that I nearly forgot to snap a picture; it was delicious. The cheese was easy to pull apart, the red sauce classic & rich & the veggies tasted so fresh. When we got down to 2 pieces; 1 quite large, the other, small, Mike tried to leave me the bigger option as he could tell I was in gluten-free heaven, but I made him take it as I needed room for…GELATO!

Red Brick gets authentic, creamy goodness gelato from an Italian company & also offer cookie gelato sandwiches….are you sitting down for what I am about to tell you? The cookies used for these treats are also GLUTEN FREE! I decided on sharing a cup of gelato with Mike; Sea Salt Caramel for me, Chocolate Chip for my man. Now, this goody was too good to stop & get a photo of…I am sorry…but, this just means you must try it for yourself!

While there are nearly not enough locations yet, the ones out there are a must-try. You can find them in California & Texas, check out their web-site & make it a priority to get your pizza from Red Brick Pizza Café pronto!

(*Disclosure: A huge thank you to James & Staff at Red Brick for welcoming me into their café for a wonderful dinner on behalf of this feature. All opinions, as always, are my own.)