I’m always on the lookout for cozy, cool restaurants that also offer gluten-free and possibly low FODMAP eats and treats. This week I want to introduce you to the Cornerstone Café in Guelph. Our team member Trista paid a visit to this lovely place to check out their menu and find out more about the delicious and nutritious vegan options available. The Cornerstone décor is a cozy and unpretentious vibe with brick walls, dim lighting, hand-written signs, and friendly, unique staff – it is sure to make you feel at home and relaxed.
The wide selection of food was also impressive. In addition to the baked goods offered at a cafe, the Cornerstone also serves meals. Now shall I mention the yummy gluten-free muffins they offer? There was a delicious-smelling tray of moist blueberry and mixed fruit muffins. Chatting with the staff, Trista found out they’re made fresh on the daily and the flavours change depending on the day – adding much more variety. Absolutely perfect if you’re grabbing a snack on the go.
Low FODMAP Lunch
Asian Rice Bowl
Trista decided on trying a Cornerstone Rice Bowl – both vegan and gluten-free as an almost low FODMAP option. It came as a generous serving packed with brown rice, tempeh, shredded carrot, romaine lettuce and cucumber – all low FODMAP ingredients, hooray! This dish is usually accompanied with a sweet chili thai sauce – but to make it low FODMAP, the friendly kitchen staff created a peanut butter paste for us instead. It was wonderful and delicious.
Spinach and Asiago Dip
The second dish was the Spinach Asiago Dip, with a side of corn tortilla chips. Mmm. This dish is also gluten-free, and although it contains cheese, the great thing is that it’s feta cheese. Feta cheese actually has a lower content of lactose than other dairy products, which is good news, since lactose is one of the culprits in producing IBS symptoms AND it’s also low FODMAP up to ½ a cup. This dip does have other FODMAP ingredients like garlic, so make sure to not overindulge.
Other Low FODMAP Lunches
Since most items at The Cornerstone are made-to-order, right in front of you with their small “open-kitchen” concept, you can easily modify your meal to make it Low FODMAP, like Trista did with the Rice Bowl. Here are a few general guidelines to make sure you can dine without digestive distress:
- Ask for no garlic or onions. Unfortunately, the Spinach Dip was already made with garlic, but you can request other dishes to be prepared without. Ask the friendly servers!
- Choose Low FODMAP toppings. The Cornerstone offers several gluten-free sandwiches, and make sure you exclude toppings high in FODMAPs, such as red onion and avocado (in high amounts).
The Cornerstone is a great restaurant to visit if you’re on the hunt for some good for your gut meals. Gluten-free snacks for you to grab on the go and big meals – it’s like hitting two birds with one stone. Absolutely lovely.
Much love & good eating,
Stephanie & the Team