Allergy-Friendly Eatery Unveils New Menu Bursting With Creative Dishes

BEL AIR, MD — The allergy conscious restaurant known as Burtons Grill and Bar will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday at its Tollgate Marketplace location, celebrating the newest addition to Harford County's lineup of eateries.

The restaurant officially opens to the public Tuesday. A portion of the proceeds from their first day of operation will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Harford and Cecil County.

Twenty years ago, Burtons opened first in the New England region with seafood items such as crab-encrusted haddock and lobster rolls. But there's also a New York strip steak, superfood salad and Mediterranean chicken risotto on the growing menu.

Bel Air was selected as an ideal location as Burtons Grill and Bar expands into the greater Baltimore market, chief executive officer and president John Haggai told Patch. He used to live in the area and expressed excitement about returning.

“We couldn’t be more excited to open in Bel Air. Having previously lived in the area, I am very familiar with the greater Baltimore market and thrilled to be joining it again," Haggai said.

Burtons founders battled celiac disease, which prompted them to take into account their own customers' dietary issues when they developed the menu.

Some of the signature menu items on Burtons menu includes their crab-crusted haddock, lobster roll served warm with butter or chilled with aioli, the Maxx Burger piled high with all the fixings, the superfood salad and Mediterranean chicken risotto.

"The menu offers a wide range of options, from burgers and salads to premium steaks and fresh seafood, along with a curated beverage program featuring wine, craft beer, cocktails and mocktails," Haggai told Patch.

The gluten-free menu happens to be just as impressive.

"Guests really appreciate the freedom of ordering from a wide-ranging gluten-free menu inclusive of pasta, sandwiches, fried foods, and dessert. Menu favorites include General Tso cauliflower, cheesesteak spring rolls, pasta Bolognese, any of our burgers, and our seven-layer chocolate cake. Our bread service, which includes a shareable focaccia served with pesto, herb and garlic butter, and olive tapenade, is always very popular. We’ll be launching weekend brunch on May 16, and we’ve become known for our house-made donuts that are only available during brunch," Haggai said.

So how can a bustling restaurant keep so many different dietary dishes apart? They follow very strict protocol, Haggai told Patch.

"The restaurant follows extensive protocols designed to safely accommodate guests with food allergies and dietary restrictions. This includes careful ingredient handling, the ability to customize any dish and a strong focus on preventing cross-contamination, part of what has earned Burtons recognition for allergy-friendly dining," Haggai said.

Burtons has posted a behind-the-scenes kitchen video and step-by-step details about their process on their website for customers to watch.

The dining room and bar area can seat up to 218 guests. There's also 1,194-square-foot covered outdoor patios with lighting and ceiling fans that can seat up to 58 guests, while the private dining room can accommodate up to 38 guests. That area will be equipped with audiovisual capabilities for special events, business meetings and family celebrations.

Burtons also offers carryout and delivery. Patrons are encouraged to order directly through BurtonsGrill.com to save on fees, Haggai said.

The 7,046-square-foot Bel Air eatery can be found at 609 Belair Rd. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Photos below courtesy of Burtons Grill and Bar, Brian Samuels and Whitlock Design Group