I have a hard time eating out, when on vacation, due to gluten intolerance. This place was one of three restaurants where we could eat during our overnight stay. We were there for the Western Washington University tour, as I suspect many of the people staying there were as well. We didn't really want pizza, as we always have leftovers. The second place was mostly only breakfast food we could eat, and that left Fiamma. We walked by, after checking out the farmers market for a couple hours first...just a couple blocks over (get there early if you don't want to park a ways away). They have gluten free buns and are very informed and helpful regarding food allergies in general...a refreshing change of pace.
You walk in the door, and there is a path direct to the cash register, as you order first and then sit. You also bus your own table. I've come to expect when I go anywhere, there may be one, two or if I'm lucky...three menu items half my family can eat. In Fiamma, there was one menu item they told me was not able to be made safe. That was it...just one...on the whole menu!
They have locally sourced meats and produce, as much as possible. They also have elk and bison burgers...not all that common. We didn't have any, but I noticed cider, beer and kombucha were available. My daughter and I both ordered the elk with gluten free buns. They did ask if we were ok with milk or eggs, as both are used to make the bun. No problem. The fries are separate. I ordered one large, and my husband went to order another. Thankfully the cashier let us know the large would be more than large enough for the three of us. My husband eats a lot, so he was doubtful. We figured, if they cashier was mistaken, we could always make a second order. So, one regular burger, one large fry and two elk burgers later...our total was just over thirty-five with tax. We all ordered water, as we had plans for ice cream later. There are several small tables, with a long wooden bench backed to the railing separating the seating from where people order. On the far side of those small tables are backless chairs. They aren't comfortable for long, but they work for their purpose, sitting long enough to eat lunch or dinner. Perpendicular to this seating arrangement is two long, wooden tables with bench seats for large group seating, or several smaller groups to sit together. Near the exit, the waste and recycling center is up against the glass wall. I like the ability to separate our waste into recyclable and compost and trash. They brought our food to us, and the cashier was right. The large fry was more than enough. We tossed a good quarter of them. We had a five hour drive home, or I would have kept them. We had the garlic ones and they were delicious. The elk burgers were on the dry side, but delicious. I couldn't try his, as my spouse had a gluten bun, but he said it's one of the best burgers he's had. The gluten free buns were eggy. They weren't bad, but I'd probably do what I typically do, and go without next time. Although, their upcharge for a gluten free bun is much less than most places. I don't know if I'll ever be up there again, but if I go to Canada in the future, or decide to take a vacation up that way again, I will definately pop in for a delicious burger.
On the way out, we popped in to the bathroom. It's all curved walls, with small, square, blue tiles...rather unique, but brightly lit and clean. On the door, from the inside, is a sign about gift cards that made me laugh, so of course I snapped a photo to share. So, in short: recycles, keeps up on food allergies, friendly, excellent quality and flavor food. read more