CeliacChicks

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.

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

All Press is Good Press

Celiac disease has made it one step closer to Page Six!  Next time, I guess Kelly and I will have to make a big scene on the red carpet and demand gluten-free cocktails!  Thanks Chris Erikson for using your newspaper power to spread the word about celiac disease and gf lifestyle info.

Download NY_Post_5-9-06_Gluten_for_Punishment-1.pdf

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.

A Big Fat Honor

We find it to be a big fat honor indeed for having received the 2005 Editors' Award for Online Excellence from The Morning News. For some time now I've been a regular The Morning News reader for their interesting stories and handy news resource, but mostly because it makes me feel like a smarty pants. So, you can imagine my suprise when their smarty pants editors chose us for this award. Thank you, TMN.

Chicks in Energy Times

We are flattered once again by some unexpected press.  Energy Times magazine, which provides the latest research and information on supplements, herbs, organic foods, recipes, and health care, has printed a blurb about yours' truly under the media section of their March 2005 issue.  The magazine is a helpful tool for improving your overall health, including mind and spirit.  And we're not just saying that.  Energy times can be found in health food stores. For subscription inquiries call: 800-937-0500. Click on the tiny picture of the page below to see a larger version.

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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 ...

Gluten Free Living Magazine

Our favorite magazine about the gluten-free lifestyle has published a little article about our blog in their current issue. Kelly and I met Anne Whelan, GF Living's editor, at last year's Columbia University Patient Education Day (see December 1st archive) and we immediately connected with her great attitude about the lifestyle and loved the design and informative content of her publication.  So, we subscribed, stayed in touch, and bumped into Amy Ratner, GF Living associate editor, at the CSA Metro Regional Conference & Dinner in Virginia this past March, where we were speakers. (see April 20th archive) After a little interview and a couple of snap shots, your humble chicks made it to print in GF Living's Volume 9, No. 1 issue.

So ... if you want to stay educated and informed about Celiac Disease and the diet, we would advise that you check out Gluten Free Living.  It's the only publication just for us! With names such as Bette Hagman, Peter Green MD and John Zone MD among its large pool of respectable contributors and advisors it is a must read. Send an email requesting subscription information to:
info@glutenfreeliving.com