Primal Food & Spirits in Durham

There is a new restaurant in town, and it is 100% gluten free!

Bone Marrow & Beef Short Ribs

I about died and went to heaven when I heard about the opening of Primal Food & Spirits in Durham several months ago (more information on the Primal Facebook page). Even though gluten free is a personal choice for me and my health, it is still frustrating to go out to dinner sometimes. I always hate being "that person" asking a million questions about the menu. The Hubby just laughs at me when the waiter/waitress comes around to me at the table during the order. Apparently I sound like I am researching for a thesis with all the questions I ask.

Daily Catch Special - Red Snapper with Zucchini Noodles and Potatoes

Primal not only operates with a 100% gluten free kitchen, they also are a farm to table restaurant, meaning they source most of their ingredients from local farmers and providers. I always feel good about eating at places like this. It provides me with a sense of community support!

Deviled Eggs with Jalapenos, Bacon and Smoked Paprika Aioli

The Hubby and I decided to get a little gathering together to try out the restaurant. I walked in, camera in tow, and instantly feel in love with the place. Very friendly and welcoming staff, open kitchen, rustic and primal decor. The place had completely transformed from its previous owner, which was a horrible chain restaurant (thank goodness).

36-Hour Braised Beef Short Ribs

We decided to order a few appetizers and hit the bar first for some specially crafted cocktails. I had a Farmer's Blueberry Fizz with fresh blueberry juice that was super freshening and just the perfect amount of sweet.

Farmer's Blueberry Fizz cocktail

We made our way to the table eventually and decided to each order something different so we could share tastes. The group was very patient, while I took pictures of the dishes when they first arrived....and oh, they smelled so good, so I feel really bad now that I made them wait!

Roasted Vegetable Gazpacho

We had the bone marrow dish, snapper special, deviled eggs, braised beef short ribs, bread and butter (gluten free of course), grilled vegetable gazpacho, shrimp and grits and kale salad. Between the six of us, we pretty much covered most of the menu!

Shrimp and Grits

Right now Primal is only open for dinner, but they just started a Sunday Brunch and plan on lunch in the future. Kettler Cuisine definitely recommends dining at Primal, gluten free or not!