EVO Dining Offers Food for Those With Dietary Challenges

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Thursday, May 03, 2012

Joe Parello, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

While it has become a trend lately to offer a “gluten-free” menu, EVO Dining in Worcester has been making food for those with special dietary needs fresh and delicious for years.

“It’s always been something that we’ve been doing,” Evo General Manager Celeste Maykel-Zack said. “I think a large portion of our customer base has always been those with special dietary needs, and we do our best to create fresh and new foods for them to enjoy.”

With the recent trend of eating gluten-free, many forget that there is a very serious medical condition associated with that dietary lifestyle. Celiac disease affects those with it when they consume gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. So, as you might imagine, eating out can be a challenge.

“The fact that gluten-free diets have become kind of trendy has made ingredients and things more available,” Maykel-Zack said. “It’s allowed us to do a lot of different things and offer a lot more variety in the menu. Those that come in with dietary needs, I think, are very appreciative of all that we have to offer.”

Though her restaurant gives those with dietary needs someplace to eat out, Maykel-Zack still believes that there is a need for more health-conscious restaurants in and around Worcester. The Gluten Intolerance Group of North America estimates that one of every 100 Americans are affected by Celiac disease, so, obviously, there is a need.

But Evo offers options for more than just those looking to avoid gluten. Their menu features several soy-free, dairy free, vegetarian and vegan  items, as well as dishes that cater to specific allergies. The restaurant is even a member of the Chef to Plate program, which aims to raise awareness about Gluten Intolerance.

Evo has received numerous awards, and Executive Chef Albert Maykell III (Celeste’s brother) refined his skills in several impressive kitchens before the restaurant’s opening in 2008. Maykel-Zack says that Evo strives to cater to those with dietary needs, but welcomes anyone that wants to enjoy a gluten-free lifestyle.

Still, she believes that it is important to differentiate desire and necessity, and every server that joins Evo's staff must pass an exam on diet and allergy needs.

“I think the popularity of the gluten-free diet is a positive thing,” Maykel-Zack said. “But whenever someone orders something that is gluten-free, we ask them if it is because of personal preference or dietary need. If it’s a dietary need, then we can make sure that if they have ordered something else that isn’t gluten free, we can either make it that way or tell them.”

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