We’re sorry to break it to you, but your vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free friends called, and they’re tired of being served salads all the time. But don’t worry! Groovin’ Gourmets offers some unique, tasty options to fit their needs that will help them restore their culinary faith in you. Here’s exactly what the dietary restrictions mean, and the entrees we have available that will satisfy your guests’ special diets *and* taste buds.

Vegetarian: As the most common dietary restriction, you’re probably aware that vegetarians do not eat any kind of meat product, including seafood. What you may not know, however, is just how tasty, and hearty, these meat free options can be. Here are some of our favorite offerings:

Ramen Pad Thai: If your college roommate’s microwaved noodles come to mind when you read that, think again. A balanced mix of both American and exotic, this traditional Thai dish is modernized with caramelized ponzu, lots of creamy coconut milk, and fresh, chewy ramen noodles. Balanced with the classic lime juice and cilantro, this dish is definitely a *huge* upgrade from Maruchen.

Farfalle with Sherried Honey Cream Sauce: A sophisticated cool weather favorite, this pasta dish includes rich wild mushrooms, and a buttery bechamel sauce spiked with sherry, cayenne, and clove honey. With so much incredible flavor, you won’t even realize there isn’t meat involved.

Stuffed Acorn Squash: This squash dish is literally a dish in a squash; an entree squash...stuffed with stuffing - cornbread stuffing. Did we mention that there are apples and raisins in the stuffing? No? Well, there are, and we think this entree will go over with your vegetarian guests much better than that garden salad you always serve them.

Vegan: To simplify it, vegans are vegetarians that refrain from consuming meat as well as any kind of animal product, including eggs and dairy. Even certain candies are off limits. Groovin’ offers some crazy tasty options that will definitely prove to your vegan friends that you love them:

Avocado Pesto Cavatappi: Here at Groovin’, we like to think of avocado as nature’s butter, and it adds the perfect creamy (yet cream free) element to this dish. With added basil, this entree is bright and refreshing, and the swirly cavatappi noodles add a whimsical touch that is guaranteed to make everyone smile.

Sweet and Spicy Szechuan Vegetables with White Rice: Vegan Chinese food? Basically...and who doesn’t like Chinese? Nobody except maybe that one picky guy in your office, but even he’ll probably enjoy this sweet and spicy dish.

Vegetable Curry with Basmati Rice: The warming spice in this entree, with the coconut milk and the nutty, long grain rice, will make your friends feel like they’re being treated to something special.

Gluten-Free: For the most part, most people who stick to a gluten-free diet have celiac or an intolerance that causes them to feel uncomfortable when they consume it. Gluten, which is a protein, can be found in most foods containing wheat, rye, and barley. Luckily, the majority of Groovin’s entrees can be modified to be made without gluten, and we even have gluten-free bread available for sandwiches. Here are just a few of the many awesome entrees we can create:

Rustic Italian Cod: This crazy healthy dish is simple, fresh, and won’t leave your guests feeling weighed down. We bake our cod with a hint of lemon, rosemary, and black pepper, and serve it with roasted fennel and bell pepper. Bonus - this entree is also a wonderful option if you have health-conscious guests in the crowd. It’s simple, yet sophisticated, so you really can’t go wrong with this one.

Grilled Chicken with Apple Ginger Chutney: A favorite of much of the staff at Groovin’, we may have to crash your party if you order this dish. Perfectly grilled chicken is topped with a unique chutney made with mangoes, ginger, green apples, raisins and crushed red pepper, making a one-of-a-kind flavor combination. It’s light enough for summer, but the warmth from the spice makes it fabulous for cooler months as well.

Smoky Beef Tenderloin with Blue Cheese and Walnuts: Serve this to your gluten-free friends and we guarantee you they’ll forget all about those delicious looking rolls in the corner. Roasted and smoked to medium, served room temperature, and topped with rich blue cheese crumbles and walnuts, it’s anything but boring.

You see? Accommodating the dietary restrictions of your guests does not have to mean settling for a humdrum menu. Serve them something they, and all your other guests, will enjoy, and leave the salad as the side dish.