When it comes to Murray Hill, I’m the first to bash the area. I did my two years and now I am GONE and not going back. Unlessss it’s to go eat sweet potato fries at Banc Café. Up until recently, Banc’s menu was my FAVROITE kind of menu. No need to ask your waiter if an item was gluten free! All entrees that were Gluten Free or Vegetarian were marked with a “g” or “v”. Unfortunately, Banc’s new menu doesn’t have the ‘g’ or ‘v’ listed. Well, good thing I saved a copy of the old Banc menu! The dishes on the new menu are essentially the same so I still know exactly what to order!…
People unfamiliar with gluten free living tend to assume that gluten free= no carbs, and they are shocked when they see me devour a bag of chips or a side of fries. Thankfully, potatoes aka french fries, ARE gluten free. The trouble with french fries arises when the fries are cooked in the same fryer as other foods that do contain gluten, such as fried chicken. This results in cross-contamination. To my delight, the sweet potato fries at Banc are gluten free and lightly salted to make one of the best sweet potato fries in NYC.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve ordered Banc delivery and JUST ordered the sweet potato fries. They are the perfect hangover cure, appetizer when out with friends, and side to an entrée. Other favorite Banc items: grilled avocado with quinoa, scallops, curry chicken satays, blackened shrimp, vegetable plate, ANY of their salads, and the salmon. The food is great- good portions, great environment and ambiance for groups/parties, and a drink menu that seals the deal.