Lactose-Free Nashville

Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant

Friday, October 28, 2005

Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant is a Nashville staple. With multiple locations, this local chain features a huge menu of Mexican standards: tacos, chimichangas, burritos, enchiladas, and much more. Of note to lactose-consumers, Las Palmas is a white cheese Mexican restaurant, not a cheddar "Tex-Mex" restaurant. Beyond the standard combinations, there are several specialty entrees, some old-Mexico-style, and some more tame such as their new shrimp cocktail. Their lunch menu (probably their most popular time of day) offers nine specials plus the "speedy gonzales," a $3.85 taco, enchilada and beans or rice.

The Lactose Line

Like those at most Mexican restaurants, many of the dishes involve a fair amount of cheese and/or sour cream. However, due to the made-to-order (or at least "assemble-to-order") nature of the food, almost any meal can be ordered "no queso." And when the dairy is omitted, the dishes do not suffer. Ordering without cheese in many cases reveals the hidden flavors, especially their well-seasoned ground beef. In the many times that we have been to the restaurant, every time we have special ordered with dairy omitted, the order has been correct, and delivered without delay. The only exception has been certain times when the refried beans have arrived with the cheese garnish not omitted. Also, the menu is fairly comprehensive in offering descriptions of the food including whether they include dairy ingredients.

Best Lactose-free options:

Take your pick from the menu and order without cheese. For an even easier experience, choose the fajitas. Reasonably priced and well prepared, it's an a la carte way to enjoy Las Palmas and control your own experience.

Map and Directions:

via Google or via CitySearch

Rating:

4 out of 5 lactose-free stars, only because there are few ready-to-order lactose-free dishes... but many easily and willingly adaptable ones.

posted by Patrick @ 6:03 PM