GF Friendly Breakfast in Olathe, KS

On the weekends, the husband and I tend to eat out for breakfast. Lingering over our meal, which includes doing the daily crossword puzzle together, is a ritual we've continued even after the birth of our daughter.

First Watch is our "usual" (favorite) breakfast destination. They offer a broad breakfast and lunch menu which can be customized in anyway, without any up charges -great news for those of us with food allergies.  The First Watch staff are very knowledgeable and allergy-aware. While the restaurant is not gluten free, the staff strives to make the dining experience as enjoyable, and safe, as they can make it. My favorite dish is a Sensational Skillet- the avocado, bacon and tomato to be specific. I always customize it by adding fresh spinach and dropping the tomatoes. First Watch generously substitutes extra fresh fruit for the English muffins that typically come with the meal.  The skillet, the service and the coffee all comes together for a wonderful weekend (or any day) treat!

Breaking from the traditional, we tried a new place today: the Downtown Diner in...wait for it...downtown Olathe. The Diner's been in place for about 5-6 months in what has previously been a liquor store, a Chinese restaurant and a bail bondsman.  The local Olathe experience begins in the entryway when you're greeted by a floor to ceiling pictorial of downtown Olathe. The home town tribute is carried through the restaurant in other photos that take the diner on a trip through Olathe's past.

Before sitting down, I had a chance to talk with one of the owners, Susie, who was acting as hostess and part of the waitstaff. And although it was the Sunday morning rush, Susie took the time to address my dining needs. Once she confirmed with her husband, the chef, that they keep one side of the grill just for eggs, she showed us to our table. Service was a little slow at times, however the staff's friendly approach and a spot-on meal more than made up for it.  My special made home fries (potatoes sauteed with onions) and 2 ingredient omelet was delicious!  While I don't consider myself a coffee snob, the joe was a little weak. All in all, we are very excited to have a new place for breakfast that is only minutes away from the house!