James L.
Yelp
I consider myself fortunate that I do not have any food allergies, since it would be anxiety inducing to constantly read labels and inquire at establishments if the ingredients to a meal or dish contained any known allergens.
I was recently attending a birthday party, and the invite had in bold capital letters: "This will be a GLUTEN FREE celebration! If bringing any food items, ensure that all items are prepared without any type of gluten."
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, approximately 2 million people (https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease/definition-facts#:~:text=Many%20people%20who%20have%20celiac,the%20world%20have%20celiac%20disease) in the US have been diagnosed with Celiac's Disease.
Celiac disease is a digestive and autoimmune disorder that impacts the small intestine. The disease is triggered by eating foods containing gluten, which naturally are found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Opened in 2015, I found the Happy Tart via Yelp, and what a find it was! Located in a small nondescript storefront with limited signage, there is street parking, or a nearby garage for longer visits. Once you walk in, the interior is has a warm and inviting feel with muted earth tone color schemes. There is also plentiful seating which many patrons were utilizing as they enjoyed their coffee and pastries.
The outdoor patio will also re-open in the warmer months.
Being a novice to the world of GF foods, I stood in line waiting to order and was very impressed with the wide variety of baked goods. Cookies, macrons, cakes, muffins, and of course, cupcakes. It was this last item which I thought was the "safest" choice. When I got the to the head of the line, I asked directly, "Everything in here is GF, right?" to which the friendly staff member replied, "Sir, there is absolutely no trace of any wheat gluten in the entire facility."
There are also many savory items such as sandwiches, pizzas, and quiches. As a side note, check out the freezer off the side near the drink condiment station where you can purchase frozen items for reheating at home.
I got a few different cupcakes, and quite the selection the Happy Tart sells. Red Velvet, chocolate, vanilla, lemon, etc. Take my advice and order the vanilla salted caramel and the German Chocolate cake flavors. Arriving at the park where the event was held, I received kudos for (1). I following directions and purchasing something GF and (2). Getting the items from the Happy Tart, since apparently this bakery is well known in the GF community.
Can I tell you, the cupcakes were amazing! So moist and flavorful, and the the frosting was decadent. The entire box of cupcakes was a hit, but especially the birthday recipient. Are the prices a bit higher than what you would find in a "conventional" bakery? Yeah, but then again any type of wheat flour alternative is going to be more pricey since they aren't as common. Each cupcake was between $4.50-$6...which honestly is what you'd pay at so-called "specialty cupcake shops"
Since 2021, I've been reducing my intake of wheat and grains, in general, as part of my wellness program. I'm not a dietician, nor should do my OPINIONS constitute medical advice. Choices to limit gluten were undertaken in conjunction with a desire to moderate intake of carbs, but at least in my case, I actually feel less "heavy" nowadays and managing weight has been more consistent.
Do I still eat bread, cookies, croissants and other wheat products? Yes, because I don't want to be a hypocrite and declare otherwise. But it's nice to know that when the carb craving hits and I'm seeking a gluten free alternative, I can go to The Happy Tart.