Sushi Muramoto

As we were running our usual weekend errands, we decided to make a stop at one of my favorite lunch spots - Sushi Muramoto. This is somewhat strange to those who've known me for a long time, because before a few years ago, I steadfastly refused to eat sushi. However, as I've spent more time living gluten free, I've found that I'm far more willing to try foods that before I would never have eaten before such as quinoa, avocado and guacamole and yes, sushi. I now often get sushi cravings and this restaurant is my favorite place to get it in Madison.

What makes it my favorite? A number of reasons. They have wheat free soy sauce available by request which means that I don't have to go prepared with my little container from home which is what I used to do before a waiter mercifully told me that I didn't need to keep doing that since they always have it on hand...

I also like that the staff has a good understanding of gluten and I just have to make my needs known without having to explain what's involved.

The reason I particularly love going there for lunch is their special lunch menu. We always get the #2 which consists of three sushi rolls. Usually there is one inside out roll, one regular roll and one roll with a vegetable such as cucumber or avocado - all for just $10! Three sushi rolls for $10 is even better than what you could get at the grocery store and FAR more delicious. The rolls are the chefs choice, which I like, because I get to try things I wouldn't necessarily order, but if you're particularly picky about your sushi, this may not be a good option for you. I do always let the wait staff know that I'm gluten free when ordering it and they accommodate this request easily. The lunch menu is available between 11 and 3, so it's the perfect stop on a weekend while you're out looking for something delicious, inexpensive and relatively quick unless you get there in the middle of the lunch crowd, which we unfortunately did on this occasion.

These are pictures of our recent orders (mine is below, although they were both gluten free). I admit I can't remember what they were, but they did explain it when they brought it to the table. Mine had spicy shrimp and a cucumber roll - can't remember what the third one was. They were delicious though :)

Although I'm raving about their lunch menu today, I've also been there for dinner a few times and ordered from their regular menu as well as their special dinner menu and I've gone with friends who haven't ordered sushi and we always enjoy our choices. I think it's a solid choice if at least someone in your party enjoys sushi. Enjoy!

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

To celebrate the New Year, we braved the aftermath of the blizzard and went to Imperial Garden - West for dinner. In the past it's been challenging finding good Chinese food that's gluten free, but I've always been happy with the selections here and many of the menu items can be made GF as they use gluten free soy sauce and make other modifications by request. The staff seems to have quite a good grasp of gluten intolerance.

We ordered the Three Delicacies Sizzling Rice which is a mild dish of shrimp, scallops and chicken with some veggies in a clear sauce over sizzling rice.

I'm a sucker for food that sizzles or flames at the table and in addition to it being a fun dish, it's pretty yummy too! It was also a nice complement to the spicier Fragrant Pork that we also ordered which is a spicy pork dish with veggies and served with rice. There was more than enough food for both of us to have generous portions of each, and also have leftovers for another day!

I love having a variety of food when I go out to eat and with so many great options, everyone can order their meals GF to be shared family style and no one misses the gluten because everything's so delicious. They also have lots of dishes which remind me of home which makes it even more appealing.


Mmmm, can't wait to eat those leftovers...