Toothsome Chocolate Emporium -- Appetizers -- Table Service -- City Walk -- Universal Studios Orlando

*This dining experience took place in October 2016. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast is Universal Studio's latest table service at Universal City Walk outside of the Universal theme parks. Set to resemble a steam-punk chocolate factory, much of what is served there has some chocolate inspiration. From chocolate drinks to even chocolate sauce burgers -- if you are a chocolate lover, the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast will help you get your chocolate fix.I had heard from some blog readers that the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium could accommodate gluten free and special dietary needs diners. On this particular occasion, Brandon and I stopped by for drinks and appetizers before Universal's Halloween Horror Nights.Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is insanely popular and very busy. We stopped by at 4:30 p.m. on a Sunday, and it was over an hour wait for a table, so we decided to go upstairs to the bar area (which requires no reservations). Thankfully, we found two spots at the bar to order.The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium does not carry a gluten free menu. Servers will go over options with you, though I have heard that a chef and/or manager may come to your table. At the bar, I was advised of a few safe appetizers and that they have gluten free buns.While looking over the extensive regular menu, I did order a Peach Smash, one of the few non-chocolately drinks. It is normally served with whiskey, but I opted to swap out whiskey for gin. The drink itself was OK, but I think I would order something else on my next visit.The bar area is really cool, and I love all the vintage touches. They have an impressive amount of options to choose from on the bar menu, so no matter what your special dietary need is, chances are you'll find a drink that works for you on their menu.For my appetizer, I opted for the harissa spiced pork tenderloin kabobs wrapped in bacon and served with a pineapple slaw and creamy dip. I asked them to omit the dip, but it came out on the plate anyway. Even though I have been reintroducing dairy back into my diet a bit, I opted not to eat the dairy filled dip.The pork itself was very flavorful and tender. The bacon, of course, was delicious, and the sauce on the pork was quite spicy. I was glad to have the mild pineapple slaw as a side because it really helped cool down the spice from the pork.The appetizer was filling and tasty, though I would probably opt for a sandwich (which was nearly the same price) on my next visit.I have heard from some blog readers after this meal that they were able to get a dairy free shake. I have no more information on the type of dairy free/vegan ice cream or cross-contamination standards in place. I've also heard there's a dairy free chocolate cake, but will have to visit again to find out more info on both of these.Overall, we loved the theming of the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and the food was OK. For options, it seems like gluten free may be a bit limited, but I'm hoping they work to add more in as guests request them. I'm also hoping to go here for a full meal so I can see how special dietary needs are handled in the main dining room.Have you been to the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium? What were your thoughts on this restaurant at Universal Studios Orlando?

Margaritaville -- Dinner -- Table Service -- City Walk -- Universal Studios Orlando

*This dining experience took place in October 2016. Margaritaville, located at City Walk in Universal Studios Orlando, is a table service restaurant filled with cheeseburgers in paradise and, you guessed it...margaritas. If you're a Parrothead, you'll recognize this as a chain restaurant associated with Jimmy Buffett. The restaurant as a decidedly South Florida vibe. It's filled with bright colors and huge meals and drinks.On this particular occasion, Brandon and I ended up here for dinner during Universal's Halloween Horror Nights. We initially tried to go to the newly opened Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, but it had a 2 hour wait!Because I knew that Margaritaville had a dedicated gluten free lunch and dinner menu, we decided to go there instead.Before ordering, we opted for gin and tonics, which were delicious but very strong. If there's one thing I've learned from the various Margaritavilles I've been to is that Jimmy Buffett's team sure knows how to make strong drinks. Wow!As a quick aside on drinks, according to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center and many others, scientifically pure spirits that may have been made with grains are, in fact, gluten free because the protein is removed during distillation. I do look for gins that are gluten free, like Aviation Gin, but have never had an issue personally with gin-based drinks. That being said, I do from other alcohol like Whiskey beacuse that does make me feel a bit sick. Trust your gut when it comes to liquor and avoid those that causes you difficulty.Luckily, at Margaritaville, you can find a ton of options, including hard cider!For my entree, I ordered the classic Cheeseburger in Paradise, served on an Udi's Gluten Free bun and a side of sweet potato fries (which are made in a dedicated fryer). Brandon also got a burger and enjoyed his a lot.I thought mine was OK -- good but not amazing. If you're dairy free, you can simply order without the cheese. What I do wish is that I had ordered was the Volcano Nachos appetizer, because it looked amazing and was huge! Still, there were plenty of gluten free options to choose from on the menu, and the burger was decent enough. I actually wish there was a Cheeseburger in Paradise (another Jimmy Buffett chain restaurant) in the area, because I used to love their burgers!Overall, we both enjoyed our dinner at Margaritaville. I won't say that it was gourmet, but it was exactly what we needed for a solid meal. The drinks were strong, food portions large, and the prices reasonable -- all in all a good combination. It won't be our first choice at Universal Studios City Walk, but we'd definitely go back again.Have you been to Margaritvaille? What did you order when you dined there?

Krusty Burger -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Universal Studios Orlando

*This dining experience took place in September 2016.Krusty Burger is a quick service dining location in the Simpsons Area of Universal Studios Orlando. I recently had dinner there while attending Halloween Horror Nights.Originally, we had planned on getting tacos at Bumblebee Man's Taco Truck, as I had heard that they had gluten free and dairy free tacos. Sadly, this ended up not being the case, as the team members there advised me not to get anything due to cross-contamination, so we ended up across the way at Krusty Burger.On a previous visit, I had the Krusty Burger, and I wasn't all that impressed. I loved the tater tots, but found the burger itself to be just so-so.During this visit, I spoke with a chef and asked if I could get a grilled chicken sandwich. Thankfully, he advised me that the chicken was gluten free, so I was able to get something other than a burger.The grilled chicken sandwich I had was served on an Udi's Gluten Free bun (which is also dairy free), along with bacon and lettuce. It also came with tater tots made in a dedicated fryer.The sandwich itself was nothing to write home about. It was good, but nothing special. I did add some pre-packaged mayonnaise from the condiment area to my sandwich, which helped a bit. The real star of the meal was the tater tots. What can I say? I just can't enough of tots!Overall, I would stop by Krusty Burger again in a pinch. It's not really my favorite place, but at least I have a few options. I would definitely get the chicken sandwich over the burger though on any visit.Have you been to Krusty Burger at Universal Studios Orlando? What did you think of the gluten free options?

Emeril's -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Universal Orlando

*This dining experience took place in June 2016.Emeril's Orlando located at City Walk at Universal Orlando is a table service location that offers a taste of celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse's take on classic New Orleans dishes. I recently had the opportunity to dine at Emeril's Orlando during a work conference.None of my friends had dined here gluten free, but Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures as been to Emeril's Tchoup Chop at the Loew's Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando with mixed experiences. So, when I visited Emeril's Orlando, I figured I would have some options but that it wouldn't be as amazing as it is at Disney World.After arriving, I did enjoy both a glass of red wine and a cocktail. I absolutely loved the New G&T which is a take on classic gin and tonics, one of my favorite drinks. Emeril's Orlando uses a small batch gin and tonic water along with black currant and lime. It was so refreshing and a popular drink at our table, as nearly half of the table ended up ordering these.Emeril's Orlando does not have a gluten free menu, and I was walked through some options with our server, as a chef does not come out to the table. Sadly, many of the starters were not options for gluten free (let alone dairy free), and I opted to get a classic Caesar salad, since I've been reintroducing a bit of dairy back into my diet.I wasn't very impressed by this salad. It was rather plain and certainly nothing special.For my entree, I asked if the BBQ Salmon was safe for me, and I was told they could make it gluten free by removing the crispy onions. I later learned that they also removed the BBQ sauce. Talk about a bummer.The salmon itself was very spicy (as it had blackening seasoning on it). There wasn't a lot of texture in the dish, as the andouille sausage and potatoes underneath were pretty mushy. If I had known I wouldn't get the BBQ sauce, I probably would have ordered something else.Sadly, most of the entrees contained a lot of sauces that contained gluten, so I was steered away from most dishes.For dessert, there are two gluten free options - the Flourless chocolate cake and a fruit plate with sorbet (which is also dairy free). I ended up taking a bite of the flourless chocolate cake, which was very rich and decadent. It's also very dairy heavy.If I were going to order a flourless chocolate cake, I would get one from another restaurant rather than the version here, which seemed pretty basic in every way. It couldn't compare to the amazing version I had at Fulton's Crab House (soon to be reopened as the Paddlefish).Overall, I wasn't wowed by Emeril's Orlando. It was just OK and definitely not something I'd paid out of my own pocket (I was hosted by a vendor at work). The prices didn't justify the quality of food served.As a celiac and gluten free diner, I'm surprised and disappointed that Emeril's Orlando doesn't have a gluten free menu given that two of Emeril's daughters are gluten free (including one celiac) and huge GF advocates.I don't think I'll be making a visit to Emeril's Orlando or Tchoup Chop anytime soon again. I'm glad I got to try it, but it's definitely not worth a repeat visit for me. I'd rather go to Antojito's next door at Universal Orlando City Walk for some amazing Mexican food.Have you been to Emeril's Orlando? What did you think of the options? 

Leaky Cauldron -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Universal Studios

*This dining review took place in June 2016.The Leaky Cauldron, located at Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Orlando, is a quick service location that serves up British inspired dishes that muggles and wizards alike will love. As a special diets diner, this is one of my go-to spots when visiting Universal Studios Orlando. The menu here for special diets is limited but I absolutely love their chicken sandwich.On this particular visit, I also ordered a Tongue Tying Lemon Squash that's tart but sweet (if you like a lot of lemon flavor you will enjoy this version of lemonade). Diagon Alley has a lot of unique non-alcoholic drinks, and I love that so many are safe for me to drink. I keep meaning to try them all, but the Tongue Tying Lemon Squash is so good (and perfect on a hot summer day).You can check out all the of the drinks and their allergens on The Gluten & Dairy Free Review Blog.Sadly, Leaky Cauldron is limited on its menu options, but I do really enjoy their chicken sandwich on a gluten free and dairy free bun (at the time of this review, it was Udi's Gluten Free). The sandwich can be made dairy free by removing the cheese and apple butter mayo. I did opt to have cheese on my sandwich, as I have been re-introducing a bit of dairy back into my diet, mostly in the form of cheese. The wedge fries at the Leaky Cauldron are not gluten free, so this sandwich is served with a side salad and a choice of Ken's dressings. I went with the Italian dressing, which is just OK.You can read a gluten free and dairy free review from The Gluten & Dairy Free Review Blog along with more information about menu options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.Overall, I really enjoy the atmosphere and the chicken sandwich at the Leaky Cauldron. There may not be a ton of options, but I have enjoyed dining here safely when I visit Universal Studios Orlando.Have you been to the Leaky Cauldron? What did you think of their options? 

Mel's Drive-In -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Universal Studios Orlando

*This dining experience took place in October 2015.Mel's Drive-In is a quick service restaurant located at Universal Studios Orlando and offers burgers and fries. Themed after the original Mel's Drive-In in the movie American Graffiti, Mel's is completely 50s themed, with juke-box tunes to keep you going.On this particular visit, I stopped by during the 2015 Universal Halloween Horror Nights. Brandon and I had Frequent Fear passes for the entire Halloween Horror Nights season and had dinner in the park several times. I had great luck with the Leaky Cauldron at Diagon Alley and not so great luck at Louie's Italian Restaurant, so we were hoping that Mel's Drive-In would at least have a safe burger option.When I arrived, a Team Member told me that I could get a burger on a gluten free bun and French fries. At most Universal locations the French fries are not safe (as they are not fried in a dedicated fryer), and I was told that the ones served at Mel's Drive-In are considered safe.Because I've been re-introducing a bit of dairy in my diet, I did get cheese on my burger. The cheeseburger itself was not very good. And the bun was absolutely dry and crumbly. Universal Studios uses Udi's Gluten Free buns, so I was surprised at how dry it was.The French fries were just OK but really nothing special.Unfortunately, I did end up getting sick from Mel's Drive-In. I'm still not sure what made me sick, though I do suspect that it was the French fries. I'm guessing they don't have a dedicated fryer, despite the assurance that they were safe.Because there are some other great options in the park, I will definitely skip Mel's Drive-In in the future and head to the Leaky Cauldron or other locations with safer options.Have you been to Mel's Drive-In at Universal Studios Orlando? 

Louie's Italian Restaurant -- Dinner -- Quick Service -- Universal Studios

*This dining experience took place in October 2015.On the mean streets of New York at Universal Studios Orlando sits Louie's Italian Restaurant, a quick service dining location that serves up pizza by the slice. With some additional salad and pasta offerings, Louie's Italian Restaurant is mostly gluten-filled but does have a few options for those who are gluten free.During Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, we stopped by Louie's Italian Restaurant, as the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley had closed, and our group was not thrilled with the idea of getting burgers again (and I'd recently been glutened by Mel's Drive-In at Universal Studios). I wasn't sure if I'd have any options but was surprised to learn from the manager that the restaurant carried gluten free pasta. Oddly, they didn't have gluten free pizza for those who consume dairy. The only options were a salad (Caesar, which contains cheese) or plain pasta (without cheese).A little leary of gluten-free pasta, I confirmed that they cook it in separate areas and containers. The manager told me the wait would be a bit longer but offered to bring it directly to my table so I didn't have to wait at the counter the entire time.Once it arrived, I knew it probably wasn't going to be the best thing I'd ever eaten. The chicken was tender and somewhat flavorful (tasting mostly of Italian herbs), but the pasta was overcooked and bland. The marinara sauce didn't add much to the dish either. Unfortunately, it just wasn't very good at all.Universal Studios Orlando does have some tastier options throughout the parks (especially in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and City Walk), but this at least filled my stomach, safely, with something to eat. Knowing how limited the options are at Louie's Italian Restaurant, I wouldn't dine here again. Still, I was glad to see the precautions that the manager and team took to ensure that my dish was safe for me to eat.Have you been to Louie's Italian Restaurant at Universal Studios Orlando? What did you order there?