CeliacChicks

Gluten-Free Drug Deal

Yesterday Kim emailed me this article about Dr. Fasano's pharmaceutical drug deal.

I wonder what most of you think about this. I immediately joked with Kim, "We should have flirted more with Dr. Fasano!"

When the day comes to start advertising this wonder drug, I think they should definitely leave the part about cholera out of the ads, otherwise people might think, "Didn't they see I Am Legend?!?! [btw, this movie will scare the jeepers out of you, but I still prefer the 70's version, Omega Man, starring Charlton Heston. The modern one has all the special effects and Will Smith's abs. The older version has more of a story, talking, organized zombies, and an overall campy feel with a groovy soundtrack, but I digress.]

I have to admit that I'm probably not going to be taking a pill until it's been out on the market for several years, but I'm one of those people that still hasn't had LASIK surgery. Don't get me wrong though, I understand this (if it works) might be a very good thing for many people. Well, maybe not for the owners of gluten-free businesses.

What do you think?

Celiac Disease Mentioned On Oprah

Even those of you who have a love/hate relationship with the Big O will appreciate the mention of celiac disease on today's show as a known link to autism.

This information reminded me of a little girl I met named Cassie. This summer I was at a large event, we're talking 1200+ people, and at lunch all of a sudden this little girl runs up to me and gives me a big bear hug.  The person I had been chatting with asked me if I knew her and I just shrugged and said, "No, but isn't it sweet?" The little girls mother quickly approached us and apologized. I didn't initially understand why she would be apologizing for such a cute gesture, but then she explained to me that Cassie was autistic and gave out random hugs to strangers all the time.  I asked about the gf/cf diet and she said she'd heard about it, but that while working full time and just trying to cook for the family and deal with the autism itself she hadn't tried it.  At that moment I realized what a challenging situation this would be for any parent. 

I offered to help her get started by pointing her in the right direction for gf/cf diet resources.  I also told her about a friend of mine that works with special needs children and how she didn't know much about the diet either, but she did know that even with the extreme cases of autism, where they will only eat the same foods over and over again ( interestingly enough these are usually gluten and casein laden foods) that when on a gf/cf diet they are open to eating a wider variety of foods. It's as if a cycle is broken.  The lack of understanding that both parents and educators have in regards to autism is unfortunate. It seems with autism, like celiac used to be, you have to be overwhelmed at first and figure everything out by yourself .

Hopefully, with more awareness this will change soon. This is is why today's Oprah show on autism was very exciting. I'm also hopeful that if a disorder that affects as little as 1 out of 150 people gets O's attention that she'll do a show someday to help the 1 out of 100 that are affected and undiagnosed with celiac disease. Until then, the mention of "gluten-free" several times and even a "link between autism and celiac disease" will help all of us not to look like we are making this stuff up.

 

Newsweek Article On Celiac Disease!

Well, It's here!! The much anticipated Newsweek article has hit the stands. I tried to buy a copy at several locations this morning on my way to work only to find fashion magazines, gossip rags and porn. ARGH! Doesn't anybody really read anymore?! Then a friend of mine sent me a link to the online article- I'm hoping the graphic that was supposed to be included with more gluten-free resources (GFGoddess, Meetups, etc.) is in the print version.

This latest situation I found myself in stemmed from the recent New York Times article on dining out with celiac disease. Burnt out from that day of excitement , I came home to this email: "...I'm working on an upcoming article about celiac disease for Newsweek magazine and I'd like to interview you."

My heart palpitated.

One thing led to the next, and eventually we all secured a date to meet at Bistango. Of course, on that day there was a major storm prompting endless phone calls about flight delays. We weren't sure if Heidi Collins, the official spokesperson for the NFCA, was ever going to make it on time from Atlanta. At Bistango, waiting for Heidi to arrive, the photograper needed to start shooting. "Take another sip of your drink...yes, that's great!" At 10:30pm Heidi came through the door to the rescue, looking absolutely amazingly fresh considering her long day of travel frustration. Great! I was more relaxed now knowing they would be able to get a better photo than just lonely me with my martini looking like a lush!

Bistango restaurant already holds special memories for me. The first time I went there was to meet up with the dedicated Alice Bast and Vanessa Maltin of the NFCA to brainstorm for the first NYC Cooking Spree fundraiser. The second time I went there was to be interviewed by Jennifer Romolini, the free-lance writer with celiac disease that has worked very hard to further celiac disease awareness with her great coverage in TONY magazine and the recent New York Times article. And now I found myself at Bistango sitting unnaturally close to Heidi Collins of CNN and reporter Ann Underwood with a Newsweek photographer snapping away from various angles!

Do I sense a pattern here? Maybe it's because of the cozy exposed brick walls, or the candles and roses on the tables. Perhaps it's because of the great service. More than likely it is all of this combined with the many tasty menu items that can be converted to gluten-free upon request, that makes this the place for diners wanting an environment conducive to conversation.

Dinner, of course, was delicious. We had several dishes, including my favorite, the naturally gluten free salmon di sedano.

The manager, Anthony, told me (when I first interviewed him several months ago) it's been about three years since they began offering gluten-free options as a GFRAP member. Back then the owner was curiously hesitant about the whole gluten-free thing, but because of the family nature of the restaurant they wanted everyone to be able to enjoy a meal there. The most popular item is Fusilli Bistango which includes sauteed chicken, olive oil, roasted tomatoes, broccoli and marinara. Now upon your arrival they even serve bruschetta with gluten-free baguettes from Everybody Eats (not corn-free) and even dessert!

I'm really excited to see more publicity for these great restaurants that have reached out to accommodate our special needs. I'm especially happy for the incredible amount of awareness this Newsweek article is going to bring to many people here in the United States.

Thanks again, Anne, for the great coverage! And thanks again, Heidi, for coming all the way from Atlanta for dinner!

Bistango
415 3rd Avenue
(At 29th St. & 3rd Ave.)
New York, NY 10016
212-725-8484

The New York Times!

Wow! What can I say? I am so happy that unlike the other recent NY Times article that portrayed those with gluten issues as head cases, Jennifer Romolini's article will hopefully stir up empathy in others as well as help further awareness.

Thanks, Jen!

Oh...and btw...the boy  in the article that I mention "rolling his eyes" is quite the supportive trooper and we had a BIG laugh about that quote.

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Does anyone know how to get in touch with Danna Korn?  Danna, if you're reading, please email me.

Interesting Tidbits

Erin McKenna of Babycakes bakery was on the Martha Stewart show yesterday and shared two of her gluten-free recipes.

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I received this hot tip in an email from Dr. Doug Hertford:

"Blue Smoke has fantastic food and a separate dedicated GLUTEN FREE MENU. The portions of ribs are huge and a tremendous bang for the buck. No need to take my word for it; RUN there and check it out ASAP. The massive succulent ribs speak and taste for themselves.

There is also a great jazz club below the main room with the same spectacular food.

I have met the co-owner, Ken Callaghan, who is in partnership with Danny Meyer - the renowned NYC restaurateur. Ken is very nice and congenial; he is usually there on weekdays. His travels throughout the USA in search of the perfect rib have been documented in magazine articles.

I will speak to Ken and encourage him to join the Gluten Free Restaurant Awareness Program. (GFRAP) Not that Blue Smoke really needs more business - this is the one downside - it is usually packed and hard to get last minute reservations, so it's best to go at off times. "

Wow! We haven't had a chance to check it out yet, but thought you might like to know. Sounds like Dr. Hertford is a serious rib connoiseur! Thanks Dr. Hertford!

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Having trouble finding the new Redbridge gluten-free beer? You can search here by zip code.

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The Gluten-free Bread Basket Cafe permanently closed December 30th, 2006. We'll miss this great contributor to the gf bakery scene. We'd like to thank them for all the good times and sweet treats! If you'd like to share your sentiments with them you can send an email to info@gfbreadbasket.com.

Celiac Disease Discussed On CNN

The buzz from the XII International Celiac Disease Symposium this weekend is that Dr. Peter Green of the Celiac Disease Center At Columbia will be interviewed on CNN!

Here are the details:
CNN Newsroom with Heidi Collins
Monday, November 13th
11:30 am EST (the show runs from 9-12 am, but Dr. Green is slotted for 11:30 am)
   
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Don't Miss It Tonight!

CBS Evening News with Katie Couric will have a segment on celiac disease including an interview with Dr. Greene at 6:30 Eastern Standard Time. Whoo! Hooo! This is much needed national exposure for awareness, and so timely, considering October is National Celiac Disease Awareness month.

Yeah, well, I've been interviewed by Katie Couric too. Ok, well, it was for a nanny position, but...hey, I thought it was so cool.

The Daily News

We had always hoped for "Page Six", but hey ...  we'll take "On The Town"!
Thank you Heather, for writing a cool article about celiac disease and dining out gluten-free in New York ... and for inviting us along.

Download DAILY_NEWS_Wheat_Watchers_for_the_web.pdf

Tree Hugging And Gluten Free Dining Co-Exist

The Oregonian's popular FOODday section had a great article recently titled "Dining Out Get's Easier For Gluten Intolerant."

Here's a handy restaurant and resource guide that was listed in addition to the article.

Celiac Gets AP Coverage!

Here's the recent AP article about Walmart requiring it's suppliers to identify gluten in their house brand products. Even if you don't shop there this is good news regarding clear labelling going mainstream!

Dr. Peter Green Appearing Live

Our favorite gastroenterologist, Dr. Peter Green, will be featured on NPR's Science Friday tomorrow! As most of you know, Dr. Green is the Director of The Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University and an all around excellent guy. We were given the tip off by Erica Ilton, a cool registered dietitian chick who is producing the show. Ok, here's the scoop: The program runs from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Celiac disease and Dr. Green will appear during the top or bottom of the 3:00 to 4:00 hour. And they'll be taking calls! Unfortunately, New York public radio no longer airs Science Friday, but you can listen to it live online, or a few days later when it will be available in their archives. For those outside New York, click the 'Stations' tab to find a station near you.

Dr. Green, a microphone and a radio transmitter = great things for awareness!

Celiac Meetups Gang Gets A Nod

Even though we can't fit more than a few words at a time in our rusty blog, we can't resist informing all you Meetups peeps that the Thursday night gatherings at Risotteria made the DailyNews Health section! It's a small mention at the very bottom of the page (no photo spread, unfortunately), but we're still so proud. Anyone have connections at the DailyNews?

Even More Cool Celiac Media Coverage

The Whole Foods Gluten Free Bakery opens! Article includes interview with us and the owner of The Gluten-Free Pantry in The Herald Sun newspaper of North Carolina ... click here.

USA Weekend
Look for the title Can't Stomach Wheat?

TimeOutNY Article Arrives Online!

While we finish up touches for the exciting unveiling of more gluten-free dining options, we thought we'd pass on the good news that the now infamous TimeOutNY article on celiac disease is now archived. Against The Grain by Jennifer Romolini (a celiac chick), gives a simple breakdown of the disease along with an upbeat outlook on the lifestyle that eases villi damage. Ok, Kelly and I are sorta mentioned in there too, but it's not the only reason we're bringing it up again ... the article gives celiac disease good exposure and for that we can always jump for joy!

Celiac and Chicks in the News

We are very pleased to announce our appearance in a fantastic article about celiac disease in the current issue of Time Out New York magazine. Jennifer Romolini, editor of the magazine's Chill Out section, and a fellow celiac chick, was determined to cover it like she's always wanted to see it covered ... an accurate, understandable description of the disease coupled with a positive spin on the diet that stops the damage and restores our quality of life. She's totally succeeded. We were honored to have been involved at all .. and like, really freaked out at seeing our names in print! So, it's on newstands until this Thursday and will be archived on the TONY website in a couple of weeks ... we will post it then. As for you NYC celiacs, go and check out this great article. We can only hope for more coverage like this ...

Low Carb Living Mazazine CD Article

A fellow co-worker's magazine titled Low Carb Living floated past my desk last week. I was browsing through it checking out all of the interesting ads for low carb Frankenfoods until an article titled "Is Gluten Sabotaging Your Health?" by Melissa Diane Smith caught my attention. The title and an intro took a full page each in large bold type and the article itself was two pages long! It was pretty balanced and celiac disease was well explained. There was an especially interesting reference to a study in the medical journal The Lancet claiming, "diets high in wheat gluten can alter the normal lining of the small intestine and cause intestinal lesions in healthy people. This might mean that very few people are safe from the damaging effects of gluten if we eat enough of it."

I tried to find this magazine at a Barnes & Noble but to no avail. Perhaps you can scrounge up a copy of this hard to find magazine from a low carb friend? I called customer service (1-800-669-1559) and was told they don't sell individual copies, only subscriptions. Just for the record it's Volume 1 #4. Well, they don't know what they are talking about because I spotted one in the checkout line at Whole Foods...so scope around.

Time Magazine Article

We have to give props to our co-worker, Pete, who brought us the page from Time Magazine on Celiac Disease! It's from the July 19, 2004 issue and if you don't feel like finding it at the newstand you can read part of it here. In summary, it basically explains some symptoms of celiac disease and how it is the "great pretender" and dr.'s often assume it is irritable bowel disease. It takes an average of 11 years to diagnose and some 3 million Americans may be suffering from this illness. It's great how they mention that "the trick now is to teach primary-care doctors to recognize the symptoms and test for the disease." Amen.

CD Press on NPR!

As a loyal NPR member, I am pleased to announce that a quality Morning Edition story about Celiac Disease was broadcast this past Wednesday. Lately, we have noticed more and more that the subject of the disease is popping up in the mainstream media. These little drips can only lead to an eventual flood of information which leads to widespread awareness which can only lead to an easier time for us to function as gluten-free people! Yay!