Spontaneous Road Trip Eats

      My best friend Ashley asked me Thursday afternoon if I wanted to take a road trip to the beach the next day, and I of course said yes! I looked forward to tanning and splashing in the ocean. This was Foxx's first trip to the beach, so I was excited to see him enjoy the ocean.
​     Ashley's also gluten free, so agreeing on places and things to eat was easier than going out with non-gluten free friends. I packed up food for us to enjoy in the car and we found a pretty cool eatery along the way... 

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Asian Food Court in Barstow 

      On the way into Barstow from Las Vegas we saw a Billboard advertising an Asian Food court and I got as giddy as a kid on Christmas Day. Having lived in Singapore for some time, I loved going to the food hawkers, aka outdoor food courts, where there was always a plethora of options to choose from. Managing my expectations, I knew that there probably would not be quite as many options, but I always love me some Asian cuisine. 
​      The billboard said to take the Lenwood exit, but didn't provide any directions after that. After a futile effort of asking Siri where the Asian Food Court was, and getting results in the continent of Asia, I asked Google to find the Asian Food Court, and of course Google found it. It's a small strip mall looking building with only two eateries opened, a boba shop and a restaurant called Ate 8 Dumpling and Noodles. We ventured into the noodles shop and it we were surprised that it was such a big place. 

The outside of the Asian food court

Inside Ate 8 Dumpling and Noodles

 Menu at Ate 8 Dumpling and Noodles

      Aptly named, Ate 8 featured eight main menu items for $8.88 each, featuring soups, rice dishes, and dumplings. We asked the kind cashier for gluten free options, and he said we can swap the noodles in the soup for the gluten free veggie noodles at no extra cost. SCORE! Usually places charge more for the gluten free option, and I loved that they just offered it for free. They even have a sign in front of the cash register featuring this option. Ashley ordered the clear broth while I went for the braised beef noodle soup.

Verdict 

      Delicious! I give this place a 5 out of 5. It was delicious, inexpensive, and a great stop for those going from Las Vegas to Southern California or vice versa via car. I found it to be Celiac friendly, even for those with extreme cases. Check it out on your next road trip to Las Vegas.