Healthy Street Food Takes Bethesda
Everyone in Bethesda, MD is abuzz about the new GFFS-Validated Gluten-Free Safe Spot on the scene. It’s not just a local crowd that is excited, visitors have been spotted from New York City, Austin, Denver, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
What: Josephine GF Where: 4927A St Elmo Ave, Bethesda, MD
Josephine GF offers healthy street food unlike anything you’ve ever seen or tasted. Specializing in artisan gluten-free waffles-to-walk-with, their food is made with mostly organic ingredients, is non-GMO, and is always gluten-free. Whether you’re in the mood for a savory waffle filled with fresh vegetables and protein, or a sweet waffle topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream, Josephine GF has something for everyone. As a GFFS-Validated Gluten-Free Safe Spot, guests can rest assured that the Gluten Intolerance Group has worked with Josephine GF and verified that they have the standards and procedures in place to serve food that is safely gluten-free.
Recognized as warm and welcoming in personal reviews on FIND ME GF, Chef Jean Charles Essame’s passion for delicious gluten-free food is evident. Trained as a Crepe-maker Chef at the EMC2 School Master Crepier and Cook in Renne, France, Chef Essame brings a touch of France’s diverse and flavorful cuisine to this specialty shop.
While Chef Essame had always dreamed of opening a bakery, his wife’s high sensitivity to gluten took him down a different path. After questioning why, it was so difficult to find tasty fresh gluten-free treats for those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, he decided to do something about it. Gaining inspiration from others sharing innovative gluten-free techniques on social media, the idea for Josephine GF was born. Initially envisioned as a Crepe Shop, Chef Essame decided to put an American spin on crepes and was pleasantly surprised to discover that his unique idea was easier to produce, leaving room for even more creativity. Once Chef Essame took the leap to open this new store, he lovingly named it after his beautiful daughter Josephine.
At Josephine GF you can indulge in an array of hand-crafted (and vegan) buckwheat waffles, crunchy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside. Pairing your waffles with a variety of sweet and/or savory ingredients is sure to delight you.
For breakfast, you can say HASS WE CAN to enjoy their best seller, a waffle with bacon, eggs, avocado, and tomatoes, or go KEEP IT SIMPLE and sweeter with a strawberry chocolate spread, or fresh fruit. If you opt for the QUEEN BEE you’ll enjoy your waffles with Greek yogurt, blueberries, honey, and roasted almonds. Don’t forget the double Espresso Macchiato or any of their specialty coffees or teas.
For lunch or an early dinner, you’ll want to try one of Chef Essame’s favorite savory selections, CALL ME SPICY (a waffle packed with bacon, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, jalapenos, green leaf lettuce, chips, and barbecue sauce), or his other favorite… OKEY SMOKEY (a waffle loaded with salmon, cream cheese, cucumber, baby spinach, and lemon juice). Or SAY FROMAGE to go with one of Josephine’s own favorites (a waffle with bacon, Swiss cheese, sliced egg, onion, green leaf lettuce, and cheese sauce.) With six savory choices to choose from, there’s sure to be one you’ll call your favorite.
For dessert or a sweet treat any time of day, you may want to GO BANANAS or simply BERRY ME for waffles filled with fruit, whipped cream, and more. The possibilities are amazingly delicious.
In addition to Josephine GF’s street food, they also offer catering services for all types of events. From corporate lunches to family parties, they can provide an assortment of healthy and flavorful food that will impress all who partake (whether the guests are gluten-free or not).
What’s next for Chef Essame?
Josephine GF will be baking up fresh, delicious bread.
From baguettes to brioches, you’ll want to take a loaf.
So, if you are in Bethesda, MD, or looking to make a quick lunch stop on your next journey to Washington D.C., visit Josephine GF for their healthy street food. Learn more at: josephinegf.com