Mitchell's Fish Market: Dining Gluten Free in Winter Park, Florida

Winter Park, FL is a beautiful city directly north of downtown Orlando.  I remember distinctly the first day I drove up Aloma Avenue curving around to reach Park Avenue....I thought I had found a bit of home.  It reminded me of New Orleans with the sprawling oaks over hanging the streets and well groomed St. Augustine lawns with beautiful southern homes.  I was in my early 20s, newly married and a new Florida resident. Thus far Orlando had appeared to be a city of Disney theme parks, apartments and two kinds of houses, pink stucco cookie-cutter and old flat roofed 60s homes. I had been feeling homesick and Winter Park was the remedy I needed.  I was attending The University of Central Florida and worked part time at Jewett Orthopaedic Clinic.  Driving to work at Jewett gave me the opportunity to have my daily dose of  "home" a few times a week. 

Fast forward 20 years.....Winter Park has not changed much other than updating some older shopping areas and adding new restaurants.  It is a beautiful town and a wonderful place to go for an outing whether you want to browse the shops on Park Ave., walk through the park or have a beautiful lunch indoors or out. 

Gluten free has forced me to reexamine old familiar places and find new ones within.  Recently I was driving through the Winter Park Village shopping area and had passed by Mitchell's Fish Market.  It looked like a great place to eat with outdoor dining and "Fresh" caught my eye.  I like fresh and that often can easily lead to an easy to do gluten free meal.  I quickly googled it and immediately came up with Mitchell's gluten free menu, which includes appetizers, meals and desserts.  It was going to be one of my next lunch outings with my husband when we had a day off. 

My drive by spotting!  Glad I took a turn towards the back of Winter Park Village this day.



 This Friday we had the opportunity to try it out.  And I was pleasantly surprised to see after my last rant about Jason's Deli's "Gluten Free Statement" that Mitchell's was one of those restaurants that definitely "Got It".  They will do their best, they have trained staff, designated gluten free utensils, and a clean work surface to prepare your meal!  Yea!  While going out to eat always will put us in a position to get "glutened" these simple precautions can lessen that chance almost entirely.  Thank you Mitchell's!  I did not feel like I had to pray before my meal today, a true blessing.

Mitchell's Gluten Free Menu

I



Grilled Shrimp and Scallops



I ordered the Grilled Shrimp and Scallops and my only complaint is that it did not come out with fingerling potatoes, but a rice with vegetables and sliced almonds. Still the seafood and rice was delicious and fresh and best of all I had no symptoms erupt.

Before our meal the staff brought bread out and just beware it is crunchy and crumbs will fly a little.  Had my husband work on containing it as he scarfed the delicious bread up!  : )  He also ordered a burger and reported that it was delicious.

Mitchell's is located on one of the corners within Winter Park Village.  It has a covered patio, outdoor sofas to relax while waiting and outdoor seating, while the interior contains comfortable, elegant booths under warm lighting.  The staff were friendly and attentive throughout our meal.

So definitely if you are searching for a safe and delicious gluten free meal ~ Try Mitchell's out!

 
Mitchell's Fish Market
460 North Orlando Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32789
407-339-3474

Hours: 

Sun	11am–9pm
Mon-Thu	11am–10pm
Fri-Sat	11am–11pm

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