F&B NY 2019

Maria Carlino

La Riviera Trattoria Fine Italian Cuisine


Maria Carlino of La Riviera Trattoria in Clifton, NJ has been known for its Old World Italian home-style cooking for more than 40 years. However, in 2009 Maria daughter of the owner & executive chef, Franco Carlino, was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Upon diagnosis the Carlino family created a separate and expansive gluten-free menu, complete with everything from stuffed breaded artichokes to penne Bolognese. Maria worked very hard to get the restaurant certified and approved. In addition to a full dinner menu, Antonio Carlino, Maria’s brother, started a gluten free dessert company, called “Dukes Gluten Free Desserts.” “We are meticulous about avoiding cross-contamination with our gluten-free foods,” Maria Carlino said. “We use separate grills, pots, pans and strainers, and our gluten-free utensils are specifically marked in red.” “I also train our kitchen and serving staff in the special handling methods and best gluten-free practices required, in four different languages.” Maria enjoys speaking about Celiac and what it takes to make a restaurant a safe environment for gluten-free customers.

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