El Corazon YEG

Their new menu (June 2023) and updated staff training on allergens has really made this restaurant a really great place for GF (read on as to why)! We will be back -

There aren’t too many places that are situated west, which have GF options beyond a salad, fries, or a main protein - so I was extremely excited to try El Corazon.

Our first experience was in March 2023, and we had a great experience - with the exception of finding out a couple of items that appeared to be marked as GF on the menu, no longer were.

Being the type of person I am (advocate/scientist/food industry experience), and not wanting to lose this restaurant option, I reached out to the restaurant, and had discussions with their senior management on the menu, and expressed my concerns - which they took seriously.

After speaking with one of the owners (who has a serious allergy herself), they rapidly identified the potential issues, did a staff re-training, and revamped their menu - even adding a GF dessert!

Turns out from the previous menu, the supplier had been unable to guarantee fulfillment of GF soya sauce for the marinade in the Carne Asada tacos - so they were no longer GF (as another reviewer mentioned from earlier in the year)- and that the frijoles could only be made GF (in a pan) when the plantains were delivered firm (couldn’t guarantee all year how ripe they are on delivery).

So, following the changes in menu/processes at the restaurant, my husband and I returned in July 2023 to give it another go. And our experience was fantastic!

I had the Pera Pear to drink, and my husband had the Frida Fashioned. We also had the featured wine with dinner.

We had the Argentinian Provoleta and substituted their GF tortilla chips instead of the chapa bread. Because the plantains were delivered firm that week, they were able to make the Frijoles Queso Canoa GF for us (the plantains need to be firm to survive being cooked in a pan to be GF - so they can’t do this all the time). We also shared the Blackened Chicken Tacos which are GF (half the order depicted here cause my husband snagged one before I took the photo), and a half order of the Ensalada Verde. And for dessert, we had the Grilled Pina Colada.

I want to thank this restaurant for taking my concerns to heart, and for really doing something about it. El Corazon is a “gem” of a restaurant, and I am so happy to have them as a GF option. We will be back. Sooooo good!

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• 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

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

I tried to order the gluten free tacos after first emailing the restaurant and confirming gluten free options as well as with the server. I was informed after 20 minutes the tacos are marinated in soy sauce and are not gluten free as well as many other items listed as gluten free on the menu or they are made in shared fryers. Gave one star because they caught it before I ate. Overall very expensive and few reliable options for celiacs.

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

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

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

— Poor

Many items on the menu are marked as GF… lots of options to choose from. Very tasty !

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

— Very

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