Review of Catch 35

I came to Catch 35 on an impromptu dinner date with friends, and I hadn't even cared to look it up on FMGF beforehand -- so while I knew the restaurant had a great reputation for its fresh seafood and high-quality ingredients, I had zero expectations that it would cater reliably to gluten restriction. I was delightfully surprised to be proven wrong.

First and foremost it had a gluten-free menu -- predictably smaller in size than the main menu, but not significantly so. It also had it where it counts, what with every major meat, mollusk, salad, soup, and fish dish represented. This may sound like common sense, but not every restaurant is this considerate of their gluten-avoiding customers, and often they seem to be content with just labeling a token salad or steak as GF and calling it a day. The menu here was more than adequate and allowed me to comfortably order my meal [oysters and salad] with the full satisfaction that I was being catered to.

And also welcomed as well! Our table received the customary loaf of free bread with butter -- a typical gesture in fine restaurants, and one I couldn't partake in (but the generosity was certainly appreciated). Completely unexpected, however, were the slices of free GF bread with butter given to me personally a few minutes later -- and this despite no one ever asking if I wanted it, or without me having to specially order it as a "me too" indulgence. They simply judged on their own, possibly based on my order, that I might appreciate having some bread of my own just so I could properly accompany my friends as we waited. It was remarkably considerate on their part, and it was then I realized that, of all the GF-friendly restaurants I had gone to, Catch 35 was the first to give me any free GF bread of their own volition! Granted the bread itself was only slightly above-average, but the joy of being properly cared for served as the best condiment, and I managed to eat it all fondly despite not being a keen bread eater!

The main course was superbly flavorful and delicious as expected, although at least from a GF-standpoint it was no-contest since I ordered naturally-GF dishes. If you are looking for seafood, this place does not disappoint; and if you need something more terrestrial, the lamb dish is bountiful and impressive! Even the salads have a character all their own!

The dessert, however, offered another amazing surprise. It was a flourless chocolate lava cake listed boldly and prominently near the top of the dessert menu! My friend and I were very interested, and we ordered it not knowing what to expect; and the results, to say the least, were mind-blowing! A gorgeous, lavish, and delectable little dessert that could only be described as a thick flan married to a cascade of rich chocolate and hazelnut cream. It was firm to the touch, silky in texture, decadent in its bountiful flavor profile, and yet surprisingly light on the stomach! Whereas most grain desserts leave you with a very evident and sometimes discomforting bloaty-fullness, this flourless lava cake left me happy and satisfied, and yet so delightfully satiated at the same time that I felt I could end my dinner on a perfect high note!

Was there any room for improvement? Probably so if my intention was to be stricter -- I didn't get a chance to ask about cross-contamination and the like. But I feel Catch 35 deserves to be recognized for what it is... a high-end restaurant that had no reason to offer gluten-free options -- it certainly could have coasted away on its naturally-GF dishes. Nevertheless, it chose to embrace gluten-free options anyway, and FAR above and beyond anything that would have been expected of it! It made me feel welcomed, it fed me well, it charmed me with its bold flourless treat, and it inspired me to keep an extra eye out for other hidden gems such as this! I feel it has earned the 5-star rating here on FMGF, and I hope to be back again soon, possibly with more friends!