Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

We just returned from a big family vacation at Nemacolin. Although the resort is totally crazy and seems a bit like a vanity project for the family that owns it, they do do a great job of catering to GF. Because we were such a large group, we stayed at one of the homes on the resort property and had our own kitchen which we used for breakfasts. Nearly every other meal was from one of the Nemacolin restaurants or from their private chef-- Chef John.

My son who has Celiac enjoyed dinners at Aqueous, Rockwell's Bistro, and Barattolo, lunch at the Peak, and ice cream from PJ's Ice Cream Parlor. Although most places did have some "GF" language on their menus, it seemed inconsistent, but our servers were always knowledgeable about what would be safe and what wouldn't. Aqueous, Rockwell's Bistro, and Barattolo all offered my son GF bread and butter when the rest of us were given bread. GF cauliflower pizza was available at Barattolo as well as GF pasta. It was definitely a splurge, but our meals with Chef John were all incredible and all safe for my son. The restaurant at the Peak offered GF buns for burgers and GF chips, no dedicated fryer. The ice cream parlor opened a fresh tub of ice cream for my son and used a clean scoop when scooping him a bowl of ice cream.

We did have one mistake/scare at one of our lunches at the Peak where servers gave my son gluten chips and salsa. Even though we stressed that he needed to be GF and questioned if the chips were GF (and were told they were) when they put the plate down, the servers came up a minute later and said they were the wrong chips. Amazingly, my son didn't get sick. He'd only eaten 4 and my guess is that it might have been fresh oil in the fryer and he somehow managed to avoid getting glutened by cross-contamination. This happened on our first full day at the resort and they were extremely apologetic and generous in reimbursing our day at The Peak, dinner & drinks for 14 that night, and another day at the Peak. Annndd, my son never got glutened for the rest of the vacation. All of this is to say that mistakes can always happen and you really have to do your due diligence.

Would I go back to Nemacolin? Eh, probably not. It's just a really really crazy place and not my style. That said, if I did go back, I would feel very comfortable having my son order from and eat at all the restaurants.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Dog friendly
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers outdoor seating
• Reservations recommended

My husband has celiac disease so we notified Nemacolin Woodlands in advance of his dietary needs when we made our reservation. He has been so pleased with his options for our three-day stay. Delicious gluten-free bread had been available at every restaurant, numerous gluten-free options are available on every menu, and the chef at Rockwell’s adapted an appetizer to make it gluten free. Highly recommend.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The sit down restaurants were accommodating with warm bread, pastas, and full explanations.

The pantry does not have any warm Breakfast options, but they do sell rates gluten free and offer macaroons.

The servers at the Peak were woefully unprepared for questions about GF options on the kids menu specifically.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

I have eaten at Aqueous several times over the course of being Celiac and Rockwell's once and have not been disappointed. Staff is very accommodating and will give you as many options as they can. I highly recommend calling ahead of time and letting them know you are GF so they aren't blindsided and they will bake you fresh GF bread!! :)

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Overall I would say gluten free friendly but very limited options. The Staff was aware of the issue of cross contamination but had very limited choices for kids. GF pizza is available. But in the restaurants only a couple of things available. Mostly hot dog and chicken. I was told on the phone by staff that they would fry the fries in separate oil in any of their restaurants but when we asked they were not offering that to us in person.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Wonderful gluten free menu with many choices. As soon as I informed the staff I have Celiac, they were extremely accommodating throughout the entire dinner. They served pita chips with hummus to everyone else and brought me pineapple. When they brought bread out for everyone else they brought me gf rolls with herbed goat cheese and cranberry jam- it was all delicious. Very pleasant dining experience and the food was amazing. At the end they brought out truffles for everyone and brought me a gf sweet treat.

Celiac friendly?

Yes