CeliacChicks

Photos From The Gluten-Free White Mountain Adventure In New Hampshire

It was really this beautiful!

Hi!

I’m Melinda Dennis, a registered dietitian specializing in celiac disease. I recently joined up with Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) to teach this weekend’s participants about celiac disease and the gluten free diet. Here are some photos that should help  recap the fun we had on the first Gluten Free Adventure Travel with Eastern Mountain Sports & Delete the Wheat in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

June 27 - 29, 2008

FRIDAY NIGHT
You know when you just know you’re going to like a group of people?!? That was our group. The first thing we did together was spot a bear cub cross the lawn by our inn – kind of a bonding experience. That kind of set the stage for our get-away weekend.  By the way, there’s an outdoor pool and hot tub here – the Cranmore Mountain Lodge in North Conway, NH.

Lemonade and delicious, gluten-free gougeres (cheesy balls)

The group drifted in on Friday night, coming from Massachusetts and Connecticut and was met by chewy, gluten-free cheese balls for an evening appetizer, made especially by the innkeeper. They got a big bag of gluten-free snacks, energy bars, and rehydration drinks - all donated by our kind sponsors. We ended up having our first class (Nutrition for Outdoor Adventure) in the living room after coming back from Katrina’s Organic Market – a fantastic, organic, gluten free dinner of grilled chicken, quinoa salad and super salad (yummy kale dish) with a pie that we fought over it was so delicious! Becky, the director of EMS Trek, ate dinner w/ us and shared stories about adventure trekking all over the world. No matter what we learned about in class tonight about whole gluten-free grains, balanced nutrient intake for endurance exercise (our upcoming hike),  fluids, protein and carb needs, nothing can stop us from looking forward to tomorrow’s breakfast – fluffy GF pancakes and French toast homemade by our innkeeper.

SATURDAY

Today we met our EMS guide, Sally, at 9:30 am (after breakfast –of course) and we ended up hiking about 6 hours together, with plenty of breaks for gluten-free snacks and lunch. New Hampshire has awesome hiking – we were helping each other over small river crossings, climbing sometimes semi-steep trails, sometimes leaf-covered easier walking trails, looking for moose, and checking out about 4 waterfalls all in one day . The most beautiful is Arethusa Falls. In winter, ice climbers love this spot.

Conversation this weekend has been all over the map from zodiac signs, to travel in Nepal and some of EMS’ great tours, to how much food we’re packing away, to scuba, to how people with celiac disease are finally taking over the world. It’s about time.

Katrina's gluten-free organic pie- it has avocados in it!

Guess what? Appetizers again when we got back – dates wrapped in bacon and GF cheese and crackers, lemonade and cocoa. This time dinner was at Rafferty’s, a family restaurant in town (North Conway) that serves GF pizza, ribs, chicken wings, onion rings – you name it.

Visiting the new EMS store in North Conway

Everybody wanted to see the newly opened, giant EMS store in town so we went there and took a group photo in front of the big sign saying “Ask about our Gluten Free Adventure Trips.” Some of us used our store coupons.

SUNDAY

Today is pouring rain with lightning and thunder, but as it often happens with groups who have an itinerary, the sun came out with no advance warning and we had another great hike (2 hours this time) with our EMS guide, George, to a summit where the mountains in the distance looked like Mt Fuji, partly shrouded in clouds. More food, more goofing off and a lot of appreciation for the amazing views. 

After lunch (organic veggies, homemade hummus, organic apples and awesome no-fuzz kiwis with an edible peel, again from Katrina’s) some people  took off for home to beat the traffic and the others came with me while I gave a lecture on celiac disease in town (Maximizing Nutrition on the Gluten Free Diet). We all hope that we will meet up again on another gluten-free outdoor adventure.

Costa Rica is our next trip this year over Thanksgiving week!! You can check out www.emstrek.com or www.deletethewheat.com for more info in the next few weeks.

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Gluten-Free Portland, Oregon: New Cascadia Traditional Bakery

Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and very tasty chocolate cupcake

New Cascadia Traditional
~the gluten-free artisans~
NW Glisan St. between NW 21st and NW 22nd Ave.
(next to Trader Joe’s and in front of Sammy’s Flowers)
Portland, Oregon

New Hours (effective July 1st, 2008)
Tuesday - Friday 11:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.
Saturday 11:00a.m. to 5:30p.m.
Phone 503.887.4392

Teresa Atkins & Chris Gumke, owners of New Cascadia Traditional

When I found out that Portlandia recently gave birth to a dedicated gluten-free bakery, which just happens to be right down the street from where my good friend lives, I put it at the top of my list of things to check out as soon as I stepped off the tarmac.

Well, I wasn't disappointed! (C'mon New York City- Where is your dedicated gluten-free bakery?!)

It turns out that three years ago Chris Gumke, an artisan bread lover, got very sick until he realized he was severely gluten-intolerant. Living without bread was not an option for him, so he started baking his own gluten-free breads at home. Soon he realized that his own gluten-free recipes were much better than most gluten-free items commercially available. Thus  the idea to open a dedicated gluten-free bakery, New Cascadia Traditional, with partner Teresa Atkins was born.

Last year they started selling their gluten-free baked goods at select farmers markets and now they have their own retail outlet in NW Portland. The couple figures that if 1 out of 100 people can't eat gluten due to celiac disease, and that doesn't account for all of the other people that have chosen a gluten-free diet without a celiac disease diagnosis, then the market for gluten-free foods is wide open for a gluten-free retail bakery.

These gluten-free chocolate chip cookies not only look delicious, but they taste amazing! AND they just happen to be vegan too!

Clockwise: Cinnamon roll, apple tart, and bread pudding

If you have additional food allergies there is a small amount of corn in the powdered sugar items along with corn starch based baking powder in some items. There are no bean or soy flours used and the only soy to be found is soy lecithin used in the chocolate items.

Uh, have you ever seen such a gorgeous looking gluten-free baguette? [drool]

It was a typical drab Oregon day, so I apologize for the dim lighting. I still think the gluten-free bread basket looks fetching!

Gluten-free pretzels anyone? YES!!!

These handsome dinner rolls were being shy at the bottom of the gluten-free bread basket.

Gluten-free seeded bread, the favorite at New Cascadia Traditional. Trust me, this made amazing sandwiches!

Chris Gumke takes his bread baking very seriously. He uses traditional bread baking techniques to make the best artisan bread possible. Soon the bakery will be using a new oven, a deck oven, which is most proper for bread baking. Now this type of oven is mimicked by baking stones. Even the bakery name describes the joining of new gluten-free baking techniques with old traditional bread baking practices along with the term Cascadia, which is just another interchangeable name for the Pacific Northwest.

You can also buy New Cascadia Traditional products at various farmer's markets around Portland.

So, if you are ever in Portland, Oregon you must stop by and check out what feels like your very own artisan style gluten-free bakery!

You won't be disappointed!

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Live From [Gluten-Free] Portland, Oregon

Kelly, Judy, and Don

I've been in Portland, Oregon visiting my family. The little lady above, my mom, had back surgery for the second time on Monday. I'm happy to report that there were no complications and she is now recovering at home.

I thought you might like to see the screws that they took out of her back. I'll use her favorite expression now, "Gads!" She'll have to feel better now that she's not carrying those around, right?! I hope so.

On a lighter note, I'll soon share with you some new gluten-free places I've discovered here in Portland. Surprisingly, there are a lot of gluten-free places to eat near my parents house in NE Portland.

Talk soon,

Kelly

Gluten-Free White Mountain Adventure In New Hampshire

Outdoor enthusiast Melinda Dennis, the Nutrition Coordinator at the Celiac Center in Boston, has teamed up with Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS Trek) as a gluten-free consultant in order to take individuals with celiac disease and gluten-intolerance on travel adventures. You can be part of this first adventure in the White Mountains and show EMS Trek that we have a desire for trips like these that will cater to our dietary needs.

Here is your official invitation with more details about this gluten-free New Hampshire hiking adventure!

Is it just me or do the words "hiking" and "hot tub" together make you snicker too? For some reason I keep thinking about Oregon hot springs with naked hippies hanging out at them. What was the name of that place? Oh yeah, Rooster Rock. No worries- I made sure that bathing suits are mandatory at these New Hampshire hot tubs. Clothing is optional on the hike, but bathing suits are mandatory in the hot tub.

Lighten up! I was just kidding!

Seriously, this sounds like a lot of fun.There will be gluten-free goody bags, gluten-free pizza, a visit to Rafferty's Pub, and you'll have a respected gluten-free dietitian in your midst all weekend.

Have fun!

Gluten-Free News

NEW YORK
Joans GF Great Bakes products are now being sold at The Health Nuts chain stores. They will be in Great Neck, Bayside, Westbury and the Manhattan store at 1208 2nd Ave. (btw 63 &64 street) Be sure to ask for them at your local health food store so that they will contact Joan and stock them. (If someone can find a link to the other Health Nuts locations, please post it in a comment below.)

Don't forget that the L. Lodico walk for celiac disease is coming up on Sunday, June 1st.

INDIANA
Holiday World and Splashin' Safari amusement parks, located in the town of Santa Claus, Indiana, are now serving gluten-free foods!

EVERYWHERE
Over 7000 of us have voted for gluten-free goodies at Starbucks! The Starbucks idea website now says that this is "Under Review". Yay!

The summer barbecue season is upon us and thank goodness that most barbecued foods are gluten-free. (Minus the buns, of course.)  I just learned something that I thought was worth sharing. Here is a quote from Wikipedia about how using a marinade may reduce carcinogens:

"Some studies have shown that a reaction between creatine in muscle meats and amino acids caused by flame-cooking at high temperatures produces cancer-causing agents known as heterocyclic amines (HCA). New research seems to indicate that marinades may discourage formation of certain HCAs in char-grilled meat.

Immersion in an acid-based marinade for as little as forty minutes resulted in a decrease of 92-99% of heterocyclic amines in recent tests by the American Institute for Cancer Research. More studies are being conducted, but the acidic component in marinades seems to be very effective. Marinating is currently the best known method of discouraging the formation of HCAs."

Anyhow, for what it's worth, enjoy your healthy BBQ!

DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS
We have some more fun gluten-free giveaways coming up. I also wanted to mention that I'm going to start putting in your email subject line what geographic area the latest info is for. I know a lot of you don't live in or near New York, so I don't want you to get frustrated due to information that is not relevant to you. At the same time I know there are people that like to read about what is going on in other areas. So, hopefully, if you see in the subject line of your email a state other than your own, you can just delete the email if you aren't interested. I'm getting more and more information all the time for gluten-free happenings all over the place and I'd like to keep you as a subscriber, but at the same time not annoy you. I hope this helps!

Gluten-free Italy

If you're like me, your Italian vocabulary is limited to a few indispensable basics , like "Gucci", "Fendi" or "Prada". And when I'm really showing off my multi-lingual skills I'll throw in a "Mama Mia, Pizzeria!" or  "Holy Cannoli!" with no doubt an American accent that Dean Martin would make fun of. (That's ok, Dean baby.)

So, as you can see, trying to eat gluten-free while traveling in Italy without a skilled translator might be difficult for someone like me. Well, thanks to Maria Roglieri, author of The Gluten-Free Guide To New York and The Gluten-Free Guide To Italy we can all relax and enjoy the gondola ride. Maria is going to share with us today some extremely helpful tips about how to fearlessly eat gluten-free in Italy.

Ciao!

LA BELLA ITALIA- IL PARADISO SENZA GLUTINE

You wouldn't think for a minute that Italy, the land of pasta, is a gluten-free paradise, would you? 

But it is . . .

As a professor of Italian, a musician, and an Italian-American, I have traveled all over Italy; I have even been lucky enough to occasionally spend long periods of time (six months to a year) in my favorite Italian city, Rome.  The country, the people, the art, the history, and the culture are fantastic.  The food in Italy is a delight, a feast for the senses.

Ah, L'Italia:  il paese della pasta (the land of pasta) . . . Most people imagine it to be a daunting destination for gluten-free tourists.  Some even travel through Italy "surviving" on snack bars that they brought with them and eating only salad and meat in restaurants.  And yet, since my daughter Sara and I have gone gluten-free (she has celiac and I have gluten neuropathy), I have learned that Italy is a gluten-free paradise!

Anyone on a gluten-free diet can get gluten-free croissants (known as cornetti senza glutine) in the local hotels and bakeries for breakfast, gluten-free pizza for a mid-morning snack, gluten-free lasagna with fresh-made gluten-free bread for lunch, gelato with a gluten-free cone in the afternoon, and, if you still have room for dinner, three or four courses of anything you want gluten-free for dinner.  (Save room for the gluten-free tiramisu for dessert!)  My biggest problem in Italy is deciding what to eat first and trying not to gain 30 pounds from eating all the delizioso cibo italiano (delicious Italian food)!

Italy is gluten-free heaven (although some Italians beg to differ since you can't get a gluten-free hamburger bun at McDonald's) in large part because everyone in Italy knows about celiac disease.  When you ask restaurant staff about gluten-free food (il cibo senza glutine), they automatically respond with the question "Do you have celiac disease?"

All Italians are tested for celiac disease at an early age.  The many who test positive receive great services:  a monthly stipend from the government for gluten-free food plus extra vacation time to shop for and prepare gluten-free food!  Also, the companies that sell gluten-free products have all worked to promote awareness and understanding of celiac disease.  It is a law that gluten-free food must be made available in schools, hospitals, and public places and that all pharmacy products and food labels must indicate the presence of gluten if present.  In Italy, you can even study for a Master's degree in "Celiac Disease:  From Diagnosis to Management."

When I ask restaurant owners, managers, and chefs if they can provide a gluten-free meal, sometimes they say "no" but much more often they respond positively with comments such as,

- "Come no?" (effectively, "Why not?  Why do you even ask?"),

- "Lei vuole gli gnocchi o le tagliatelle senza glutine?  Tutti e due sono stati fatti in casa stamattina" ("Would you like gnocchi or tagliatelle?  They're both gluten-free and homemade this morning."),

- "Anch'io sono celiaca e allora preparo tutto qui senza glutine" ("I am also a celiac and so I prepare everything here gluten-free").

This is music to my ears!!

So, what can you do if you are a gluten-free traveler to Italy?  First, it is a good idea to call first to make reservations and request a gluten-free meal.  You can say something like:

Vorrei prenotare per stasera per ___ persone alle _______ (time) .  Sono celiaco. Potete preparare per me del cibo senza glutine?

I would like to make reservations for tonight for ____ people at _____ o'clock.  I am a celiac.  Can you prepare a gluten-free meal for me?

If you call a few days ahead, restaurants will often acquire or make gluten-free pasta and bread for you if they don't already have it on hand.  Secondly, when you are in the restaurant, remind the staff that you require a gluten-free meal.  You can also ask to talk to the chef (Posso parlare con il cuoco per favore?).  Thirdly. keep the cuisine of the region in mind.  In northern Italy, Italians eat risotto (a creamy rice) much more often than pasta.  (Just make sure to ask if the broth the rice is cooked in is gluten-free)  In Venice, they eat polenta (a creamy cornbread of sorts) much more often than pasta; this polenta is almost universally gluten-free. 

Some great restaurants in Italy that offer delicious cibo senza glutine are:

ROMA (Rome)

Arancia Blu (restaurant); Via dei Latini 55-65; tel. 06/4454105.  Offers vegetarian cuisine and gluten-free pasta; reservations required.  Does not accept credit cards and is not open for lunch.

Boccondivino (restaurant); Piazza in Camp Marzio 6; tel. 0668308626.  Offers gluten-free pasta.  Reservations are required; English spoken.

La Terrazza (restaurant): Via Ludovisi 49 (at the Hotel Eden); Metro--Barberini.  Menu includes gluten-free pasta. Reservations required; English spoken.

** Vecchia Roma (Roman/Italian trattoria): Piazza di Campitelli 18; tel. 066864604; Metro--Colosseo; www.ristorantevecchiaroma.com.  The owner is a celiac; the restaurant offers everything you can imagine gluten-free, including bread and dessert. Reservations are recommended; English spoken; closed Wednesdays.

VENEZIA (Venice)

Corte Sconta (restaurant): Calle del Pstrin, Castello 3886; tel. 041/5227024; Vaporetto stop--Arsenale. Menu includes gluten-free pasta.  Reservations required; English spoken; closed Sundays, Mondays during the months of January, February, July, and August.   

Il Molino (restaurant):  At the Hilton--Guidecca 810; tel. 041-2723311; fax 041-2723308.  Advance notice is required for gluten-free meals.  Open 7 AM - 11 PM.  Direct line to food/business office is 041 2723316; email fb.venice@hilton.com

Osteria da Fiore (osteria):  Calle del Scaleter, San Polo; tel. 041721308; Vaporetto stop--San Silvestro/San Stae; www.dafiore.net.  Very open to gluten-free.

FIRENZE (Florence)

l'Toscano (restaurant):  Via Guelfa 70R; tel. 055215475.  Menu includes gluten-free pasta.  Reservations required; English spoken; open Wednesday-Monday, 12:30-3 PM, 7-11 PM.

Osteria Numero Uno (osteria):  Via del Moro 22R; tel. 055284897.  Menu includes gluten-free pasta.  Reservations recommended; English spoken.

Vecchia Firenze (Florentine/Tuscan restaurant):  Borgo degli Albizi 18; tel. 0552340361.  Menu includes gluten-free pasta; Dinner 5-15 euros; closed Mondays.

SICILY (TAORMINA)

Hotel Villa Paradiso (Hotel):  Via Roma 2; tel. 094223922; www.hotelvillaparadiso.com .  Offers gluten-free breakfast.  On the top floor is the restaurant Al Settimo Cielo del Paradiso, which can also cater to any dietary needs. 

Ristorante La Griglia (restaurant):  Corso Umberto 1, 54; tel. 094223980.  Menu includes gluten-free pasta; English spoken; reservations recommended.

BOLOGNA

Pizzeria Ristorante Pepperoni (pizzeria/restaurant):  Via Barbiano 3; tel. 3932465748; www.pepperoni.it . Offers a special gluten-free menu with gluten-free beer, pizza, and desserts.  Open every day.

Ristorante al Pappagallo (Bolognese restaurant):  Piazza Della Mercanzia 3C; tel. 051-232807; www.alpappagallo.it .  Restaurant serves many celiac clients but does not offer gluten-free pasta; English spoken; 10-20 euros price range.

E Pulera (restaurant):  Via Isabella Vainiches; tel. 09098111158; www.bernardigroup.it .  Menu includes gluten-free pasta; English spoken; reservations required in summer.

Filippino (restaurant):  Piazza Mazzinin; tel. 0909811002; www.bernardigroup.it .  Menu includes gluten-free pasta; English spoken.  Reservations required in summer.

Il Trittone (restaurant):  Via Mendolita; tel. 0909811595; www.bernardigroup.it .  Menu includes gluten-free pasta; English spoken; reservations required in summer.

BELLAGIO (AROUND LAGO DI COMO)

Here is one of my favorite picks, set in one of the most beautiful and romantic towns in Italy around Lake Como in Lombardia:

Hotel Du Lac (hotel):  Piazza Mazzini 32; tel. 031950320; www.bellagiohoteldulac.com .  Hotel includes 2 restaurants that offer gluten-free breakfast and dinner!

So go to Italy, leave your snack bars at home, and revel in your new-found gluten-free paradise!

Buon viaggio e buon appetito!  Ci vediamo a Roma!

Ciao, Maria

P.S.  While you're planning your trip, sit down and enjoy an espresso and some gluten-free biscotti or ricotta cheesecake!

******

Grazie, Maria!

And if you, our lovely readers, have any tips of your own about dining gluten-free in Italy, please let us know in the comments below!

CeliacChicks Around The World: Gluten-Free B&B In Newport, RI

Architect's Inn
Newport, RI
401.845.2547

 

Dear Kim and Kelly,

Had to share this latest travel experience with you as it was sheer gluten-free bliss. Just spent three days at the Architect's Inn Bed & Breakfast in Newport, RI and aside from being owned and operated by two of the nicest, most hospitable guys around—Brian and Nick, and exquisitely decorated with Victorian antiques, I was served a fabulous gluten-free breakfast! And we're not talking just toasted "Foods by George" English muffins, oh no—try baked apples, cored and filled with dried sweetened cranberries and drizzled with maple syrup, followed by feather-light gluten-free pumpkin pancakes dusted with confectioner’s sugar and topped with apple syrup (seriously, I almost cried), with a side of turkey bacon; next morning: pear parfait—pear chunks topped with Greek yogurt and honey, followed by Breakfast Risotto: risotto tossed with scrambled eggs and sautéed sugar snap peas with a side of turkey bacon (I polygamously asked Brian to marry me within earshot of my current husband).

It was heaven and if that wasn’t enough, would you believe they left a plate of freshly baked gluten-free chocolate chip cookies in my room at turn-down?! They also recommended an excellent allergy-sensitive restaurant in town, Tucker's Bistro, that accommodated me with a special appetizer (on New Year's Eve, no less)—and I've almost run out of adjectives here—velvety rich, perfectly seasoned butternut squash soup (all stocks are gluten-free). They also made adjustments to my other menu selections as needed, to make them gluten-free. They do vegetarian, with advance notice. And don't let me get started on the gluten-free chocolate toffee crème brulee.

 When I made my reservation and requested the GF breakfast, I found out that Nick was misdiagnosed with celiac and had spent a year on the gluten-free diet (and later learned that Brian trained as a nurse) so I felt totally safe in their care. Brian and Nick are absolutely terrific guys and deserve recognition for offering all celiac chicks (and dudes) a glorious and "normal" B&B experience.

http://www.architectsinn.com/; http://www.tuckersbistro.com/.

Many thanks and warm wishes for a happy and healthy New Year. Keep up the wonderful work.

Maria

******

Thank you for sharing this, Maria!

 

CeliacChicks Around The World

Guess who contributed a story about their gluten-free travels? Janet Dalziel, the president of the Canadian Celiac Association, wrote to us sharing her gluten-free adventures in Prince Edward County, Ontario!  She stayed at the Merrill Inn (above) and was pleased with how they went out of their way to accommodate her gluten-free diet. You can read all about it here.

I managed to get some photos of the gluten-free treats baked by the nearby Schroedter's Farm Market, Bakery and Cafe.

These muffins look really good, eh?

Ok, I want one of these pumpkin tarts right now!

Meet Suzanne, the baker at Schroedter's Farm Market.

Schroedter's makes it's own brown rice pasta!

Ok, the knife is a little scary looking, but the bread looks very good! Check out that crust!

******

If you'd like to take a gluten-free tour of Tuscany, check out Catherine's Italian adventures at Gluten-Free Guide.

The Holy Grail Of Gluten-Free

Grolla
2930 NE Killingsworth
Portland, Oregon 97221
503.493.9521

Have you ever driven through a neighborhood that reminds you to lock your doors and say a little prayer that Ol' Betsy doesn't suddenly break down? When I lived in Portland, Oregon nine years ago, that area had a street appropriately named NE Killingsworth. A lot has changed since I've been gone, and now the area is surprisingly cute and family friendly. You can imagine how strange it was, in a good way, to intentionally return in order to visit the fantastic gluten-free Grolla restaurant.

Grolla was easy to spot with its rustic artsy sign and doors open, as if reaching out to welcome us. The decor is made up of charmingly mismatched antiques and a backdrop of rich velvet drapes. We enjoyed a glass of champagne at one of the sidewalk tables as the owner, Christopher Lachman, explained the story behind Grolla while exchanging waves with neighbors walking by...

"Grolla means grail in Latin and in old school Rome hand blown glasses for wine were very expensive. A family would buy one grolla and use it for special occasions, but never in sorrow." Thus, the Lachman's like to think of the grolla as a symbol for memorable times accentuated with fine food and drink.

Lachman's wife and two daughters both have celiac disease, so the gluten-free menu at Grolla was a natural response to their diet while also fulfilling the requests of a few regular customers. (Nightshade allergies, vegetarian and kosher diets can also be accommodated.) After consulting with French-trained chef James Healey, they realized that cooking gluten-free was fairly easy since they cook from scratch. The chef started steering more towards gluten-free menu items, so when they suddenly got a rush of people due to a GIG recommendation, the decision was made to go totally gluten-free. They reasoned, "Why not go gluten-free to the point that no one would ever notice a difference?", and realized that by removing the need for a separate gluten-free menu, it was easier to train the waitstaff. The restaurant is technically 100% gluten-free, aside from the regular wheat bread they have available. The kitchen is free from possible cross-contamination since the bread is cut elsewhere.

The Lachmans like to consider Grolla a fine dining establishment that just happens to be gluten-free. The seasonal menu centers around Pacific Northwest cuisine with a Mediterranean influence using local ingredients, including those from their deer-fenced 16 acre family farm. They grow plums, figs, apples, cherries, heirloom tomatoes, all of which are organic.

One of my favorite statements of Lachman on this evening was, "All the credit goes to my wife Angela, who insisted on local NW ingredients and reminds me that, 'California is not a season.' "

Since Lachman spent many years as a wine distributor, he knows his vino.  With New York City prices in mind, we opted for the reasonably priced five course tasting menu with wine. (Where else do you get a table side interview as a guest to determine your tastes, allergies and/or intolerances?!) The food was superb and the perfectly paired wine was intoxicating both to my brain cells  and to my senses. If you are a lightweight drinker, you'd better keep an eye on your glass, because the pours are generous and go down with a slickness. Pictured above is our starter of tomato artichoke gazpacho paired with a 2005 Chilean Sauvinon Blanc. I loved it, and I'm a girl that usually wrinkles her nose at gazpacho.

Our appetizer was a choice of shaved asparagus and orange salad or stuffed peas with walnut chevre goat cheese (above) paired with a 2001 Idylwood Pinor Noir. As you can see, presentation is just as important as taste at Grolla.

Pan seared Albacore tuna with rice and asparagus resting on an apricot reisling coulis (foreground) and Washington blue mussels (background) were served with a 2003 Los Planos Shiraz from Spain.

Are you full yet? Well, too bad, because there is more! A lot more! So take a little wine break, exchange some witty banter with your table neighbors (this is allowed in Oregon) and get ready for more food.  Here is some Strawberry Mountain flatiron steak (foreground) and lamb stew over jasmine rice with roasted asparagus (background). Okay, this is where my notes get a little spotty and hard to read, no doubt due to the effects of the wine. Please bear with me.

Dessert was vanilla creme brulee (left background), dark chocolate almond frozen custard (left front) and a mango avocado vegan ice cream (right front). This was paired with R.C. Buller & Sons Victorian tawny port from Australia.

So, as you can see from our sensual feast, Grolla has it going on when it comes to scrumptious and delectable food and drink. The regular menu would be perfect for a leisurely night out, while the tasting menu lends itself to a most toothsome celebration.

Gluten Free Gidget

Bambi lives on Fire Island!

So, I don't know about you, but I have this sense of urgency to try to get my fill of fun in the sun activities before the summer draws to a close. Last Saturday, John and I decided to check out Fire Island, which neither of us had ever been to before. We drove to Robert Moses State Park and then took the 30 minute ferry to the section of the island called Ocean Beach. There are no cars allowed on the island and you can walk the width of the island in about ten minutes. Cute little shops, restaurants and little beach cottages abound along golf cart size streets. Very quaint! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, mostly sunbathing, and plan on going back to explore the different sections of the island. It really made for a quick getaway that actually made you feel like you had a mini beach vacation somewhere!

Packing for the beach inspired me to write about beach food.  I thought we could all share our favorite get-out-of-town foods. Here are some of my favorites when it comes to quick and easy gluten-free beach food.

First and foremost you'll need plenty to drink. Why drink corn-syrup, artificial sweeteners or food coloring when you can make your own iced tea that is not only delicious, but jam-packed with antioxidants? I know this sounds simple, but I just realized I could make this in my sunny apartment window sill. Make your sun tea in an empty plastic liter bottle and then freeze it.*
My favorites are:
Mint
Orange Spice
Green Tea
*sweeten with agave nectar to taste before freezing.

If it's going to be blazing hot, fill the plastic bottle almost full and freeze. This will provide the perfect amount of slowly melting ice cold drink all day and double as an extra ice pack for your food. If it's moderatly hot then only fill it halfway and freeze. Then reserve the rest in the refrigerator in order to add it upon departing.

An easy option for food is to take sliced deli turkey (Thumann's and Boar's Head are gluten-free) in a small tote cooler and eat it with rice crackers. Or, I'll have Moondoggie stop off at Sahadi's in Brooklyn the day before to pick up soom baba ghanouj and hummus to use as dip with crackers and or/baby carrots.

If I'm not rushed I like to make millet tabouli.  I prefer millet tabouli to quinoa tabouli. The taste of tomatoes, mint and parsley all make tabouli so summery, healthy and refreshing. My friend Ivy, who has syrian bloodlines, has a great tabouli recipe. I just substitute the bulgar wheat (or should I say "vulgar" wheat?) with millet.

*****

Smurf Sisters Tabouli

2 c. cooked and chilled millet grain
2 bunches parsley hand chopped (Ivy feels that a food processor chops it too fine.)
1 cup of fresh mint finely hand chopped
1 large cucumber peeled, seeded and diced
2 tomatoes seeded and diced
1 bunch of green onions chopped

Toss the above ingredients.

Dose with the fresh juice of two lemons or add to taste.
Drizzle with 2 to 3 TBSP. of olive oil
Sprinkle 1 tsp. of salt
1/8 tsp. pepper

Serve in cored out tomatoes for edible bowls if desired.

*****

For treats I just throw in some Lara Bars (my favorite flavors are lemon and cherry), fresh fruit and some dark chocolates.

What foods do  you like to take on your summer excursions?

If you are heading to a beach in Long Island, NY one of the easiest options is to go to Cornucopia Natural Foods store in Sayville. There is a local beach and also the conveniently located Sayville Ferry that can take you to...guess where? Fire Island!

Cornucopia Natural Foods
39 N. Main Street
Sayville, NY 631.589.9579
Hours:
M-F 9-7
Saturday 9-6
Sunday 11-5

Not only does Cornucopia have quite a large selection of gluten-free groceries, but they also have a sit down deli section with pre-made gluten-free foods. Their salads are always a hit at the gluten-free vendor fairs. They have special selections every day along with the regular daily items of:

3 varieties of seasonal vegetables
Quinoa Salad with cranberries, almonds, etc.
Brown Rice Salad with a Meditteranean flavor
Chicken Waldorf Salad
Garden Tuna Salad
At least one dairy-free/gluten-free chicken dish, such as Artichoke Chicken or Balsamic Chicken
Wild Salmon with spicy ginger marinade

So, it couldn't be easier, just throw your ice pack in your travel cooler, make a stop at Cornucopia and you are ready for some Beach Blanket Bingo!

deli case

gluten-free aisle

gluten-free freezer section

CeliacChicks Around The World

Here is the first story (complete with pictures) I received as a response to my request for gluten-free finds from our readers. This sweet story will warm your heart.

A little over a year ago, my parents decided to open a restaurant in North Conway, NH. Around this same time I was diagnosed with celiac disease. My parents witnessed first hand how difficult it was for me to have a pleasant dining experience at most restaurants, so it became their mission to learn how to cook gluten-free for me and their other customers. My uncle is the head chef at the restaurant and went above and beyond to learn how to cook gluten-free and avoid cross contamination. I live in the Boston area, so I don't get to North Conway as often as I would like, but it is one of the few places that I can get fried foods, pasta dishes, pizza and dessert all in one place!  I am not simply writing this to plug my parents restaurant, but I am writing this because this is one of the very few places that I truly feel comfortable and confident that I am getting a safe gluten-free meal. I cannot thank my parents or uncle enough for all of the research and hard work that they have done in order to make this happen.

So if anyone is ever in the North Conway area I strongly suggest you check out Rafferty's Restaurant & Pub. They have TVs to watch sports, it's family friendly, and they are happy to accommodate other dietary needs.

Sincerely,
Jenn Rafferty

You can almost hear them saying, "We love you, Jen!"

Anyone else been to Rafferty's?

CeliacChicks In La La Land

Pictured above is an assortment of Almond Glory products.

I had a great time at the Celiac Disease Foundation's Annual Conference in the City of Angels. Well over 300 people attended and over 50 vendors participated. Here are some photos of the interesting vendors that I met and the tasty new products that were featured.

Gayle Meyers (above) is the baker behind Almond Glory.  Low carb, sugar-free, soy-free, good for you and delicious! Even my gluten glutton relatives liked the almond based pizza crust!  Almond Glory is based out of Los Angeles, but you can still buy from any location online.

Here we are:  Me (I'm not sure where the hand-on-hip attitude came from at that moment.) , Eugenie from The Sensitive Baker, and my sis-in-law Traci who filled in as an honorary CeliacChick for the event.

Are you ready L.A. for your first gluten-free and kosher retail bakery?!!  The Sensitive Baker will be opening it's doors soon sometime in June! They ran out of their delicious waffles before I had a chance to photograph them. I can't wait to sample more of their goods next time I'm in town.

Cameo, of Crave Bakery based in San Francisco, poses with her pumpkin pies. She told me to look for her new lemon tarts coming out soon. (Some might say she's quite the tart herself!)

Mrs. & Mr. Tom Sawyer of Tom Sawyer Flour are the people responsible for Pizza Picazzo serving gluten-free pizzas. Thanks again!

Sergio models the latest lollipops at Yummy Earth Candy which is very Kelly-friendly!! No corn-syrup and no artificial nothin'. Double Yay!!

The GlutenFreeda girls pose with their delicious Real Cookies. My gluten glutton brother fell in love with their chocolate mint cookies.

Jigsaw bars contain 12 grams of protein. These are especially great if you are avoiding soy. Kim loves'em. These would be a handy snack to carry around in case you get in a gluten-free food scarcity bind. They come in coconut almond and chocolateflavors.

The Montina Man poses with , well, what else but Montina! I have yet to experiment with my Montina grain. Any comments or recipes?

Those friendly Canuck's at Kinnikinnick actually found something without corn in it for me! The animal cracker/cookies are corn-free.

Here are those silly Xocai "the healthy chocolate" guys grinning with the CeliacChicks buttons they snagged! Ashton (far right) is modeling the CeliacChicks Seitan Is Evil tshirt.

I'd like to give a big "Thank You!" to Deborah and Elaine, the ladies behind the Celiac Disease Foundation , for all of their efforts in making this event a success for everyone! You look fabulous girls!

Triumph Over Gluten

Triumph Dining
The Essential Gluten-Free Restaurant Guide
How And Where To Eat Gluten-Free
2006-2007

Ross Cohen and his fiance, Kay, put together what could be the closest thing to Zagat, but gluten-free. If you're not into combing the internet for restaurant ideas and you travel a lot, this will be a very useful guide for you. With the help of fellow celiacs like you and me, they've collected an extensive listing of restaurants. The listings are categorized by state and there is a seperate section for gluten-free chain restaurant menus.

There are four different symbols used in the book. Here's how they work:
-A star means that a gluten-free menu is available.
-A star within a circle means that there is an extensive gluten-free menu available.
-A little open book is a chain restaurant with a gluten-free menu or list which is included in another section of the book.
-A check mark means there is no gluten-free menu available, but management has been helpful to celiacs in the past.
Wherever possible, there are additional notes about the restaurant that offer more details on what to expect.

And then there are listings without a symbol at all, where it's up to you to call ahead for more information and/or bring along your Triumph Dining Cards to help navigate the menu. Ross and Kay also illustrate, by means of several cool techniques, all the ways we need to prepare for a night out of dining, from preventive measures before you even leave your house to respectable methods of conducting ourselves at the restaurant.

The only suggestion I would have for the next edition is that each state's section also be broken down by city.  Not a big deal, but it would make navigation a little easier.

An Oasis In Central Phoenix

Gluten Free Creations
Best Little Bistro
2940 Thomas
Phoeniz, AZ
602.522.0659

*GLUTEN FREE CREATIONS BISTRO IS NO LONGER OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS OF NOVEMBER 2006. YOU CAN STILL ORDER VIA ONLINE, PHONE OR AT LOCAL ESTABLISHMENTS.

Central Phoenix is not usually at the top of your sightseeing list when visiting Arizona. Hidden like the bat cave behind a barber shop and nestled between a wings joint and cabaret club is the curious entrance to a top gluten-free bakery. As I opened the door apprehensively I was pleasantly surprised to find a cute-as-a-button little bakery inside.
                                   

LynnRae Ries, who you could call a "famous celiac", met me graciously with her posse made up of Gaye, Joanne, Tanya and culinary graduate, Terry. These cute ladies evidently worked almost all night using my visit as an excuse to complete all of the finishing touches to the adjoining bistro room. This was the first official Saturday that the bakery was open.

Me and Smurf trying to decide what to order.

If you are not familiar with Lynn Rae Ries, here is some background: This now hearty Swedish lady was of short stature and sickly when diagnosed with celiac disease seven years ago. After her second doctor's visit she decided to write a book, since she found no readily available information about the disease. Thus, the creation of the handbook What? No Wheat Ries also helped launch the Phoenix celiac support group. She started baking and taking goodies to the meetings and people kept encouraging her to write a cook book. This led to the birth of her second book, Delicious Gluten-Free Wheat-Free Breads. She now has authored a third book, Waiter, Is There Wheat In My Soup? which is a guide to gluten-free products, dining and travel. This has all led to her business of consulting, along with research and development for gluten-free enterprises.

Breakfast: Quiche, bacon maple waffles, buttermilk bisquits, muffin tops (bread basket contains hallah and almond flax). The bacon maple waffles were my personal favorite.

Now this tireless contributor to the gluten-free community has opened the first totally gluten-free bakery and bistro in Arizona. On May 30th they became the first and only bakery to be certified by the Gluten Intolerance Group and now they are also recognized by the Celiac Sprue Association. As of June 1st they had the first enriched gluten-free breads for sale. For now you can either drop by in person, order online or by phone. Eventually they plan to go wholesale, nationally. Special orders are always welcome.

Gyros- I bet it's been a looong time since you've eaten one of these!

Knowing how kids have different temperaments when it comes to food, Ries innovatively came up with tastings just for children. Call ahead and for twenty dollars your kiddie can sample the goods, so you don't waste money again on food your little peeps won't eat. The twenty dollars goes toward whatever you end up purchasing. Susan, one of the regular customers I met, told me that her daughter's favorites were the hallah for french toast and the euro bread, since it makes a perfect homemade Egg McMuffin.

Ready-made meals to stay or to go (clockwise from top left): Lasagne, pizza, tuna noodle casserole, chicken pot pie, gyro, and children's pizza. I enjoyed the pot pie and my friends said the gyro and lasagna were very good.

Ever wanted to enter a club and couldn't get past the velvet rope? Well, Gluten-Free Creations will soon be introducing Cheesecake of the Month, Bread of the Month, and Cookie of the Month Clubs that anyone can join. We'll let you know when they are ready to accept members.

So, now there actually is a tourist attraction in central Phoenix! Like the welcome mat says, "The happy place to be is here."

   

...It's A Dry Heat

Roosevelt Lake, AZ

Earlier this summer I made my annual visit to see Smurf in Arizona. The trip started out on an exciting foot right at JFK when I noticed that the little snack shop in the Jet Blue terminal had rows and rows of gluten-free snack bars! Most of the packages even had 'gluten-free' printed on them. This spot also had naturally gluten-free foods such as hard boiled eggs, certain packaged deli meats, salads and even Carol's Soy Crunch.

 

Then, as I was browsing through Psychology Today in the bookstore, I found a little article on celiac disease! Dr. Green from Columbia University was quoted. (Sorry, I couldn't get a clearer photo and it's not available online.)

Upon arrival, I requested Smurf's amazing guacamole, as I always do. I managed to get her recipe so I could share it with you. It may be the best guacamole you'll ever taste!  You can thank those college days when she worked at Chevy's restaurant!

Smurf's Guacamole
4 to 5 medium avocados mashed
1/2 c. chopped white onion
1 large tomato chopped and seeded
1/2 c. chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 to 1 jalepeno to taste and seeded and chopped
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. sea salt to taste
Juice of one lime

Mash avocados in a bowl by criss crossing two forks. Mix remaining ingredients. Garnish with a sprig of cilantro. Enjoy!

*Here is some gratuitous cuteness for you .. photos of a baby hummingbird we visited in her neighbor's backyard.

Tomorrow, I'll share with you our trip to a super yummy gluten-free bakery.

 

Arizona IV: Get Baked In The Matrix

*WE ARE SORRY TO REPORT THAT AS OF JANUARY 2006 ASPIRE MARKETS HAS OFFICIALLY CLOSED. THEY WILL BE MISSED!*

Aspire Markets
16455 N. Scottsdale Road
Suite 107
Scottsdale, AZ
480.348.9124

Isn't this little puff pastry lovely? They spoiled me at Aspire Market with
their special order service. I always know my request of something gluten-,
dairy- and corn-free will be the  true test of techique, flexibility and creativity
for a baker. I think the pictures demonstrate how eager they are to show off
their skills.

The fruit puffs had some sort of marvelous creamy consistency.
The jam puffs were accompanied by a super yummy custard.

This is the Viennese cake that even passed my gluten eating friend's taste test.
The presentation alone is impressive. These cakes had fine layers of pastry
alternated with vanilla custard. Mmmmmm.

This is just some of the bread available at Aspire Market. These particular
loafs were crafted by the hands of celiac author Lynn Rae Ries. The hallah
was AMAZING and the other loafs available are a mock rye and multi grain.
They all were excellent.

Debbie Shapos, co-owner of Aspire Market, informed me that since my
visit they have even more of a variety in their baked goods department. She
bragged about the new  gluten-free doughnuts, Heavenly Bars, Montina
bread from Outside The Breadbox, and a new fresh baked garlic focaccia
bread!! Remember, special orders are welcome and they will ship to almost
anywhere.

As you can see, Aspire Market's bakery department alone will so severely blow
your mind that you may want to steer clear of any rabbit holes!

Arizona: The Matrix

*ASPIRE MARKETS HAS OFFICIALLY CLOSED. IT WAS A GREAT CONCEPT AND WE WISH THEM THE BEST.*

Aspire Market
16455 N. Scottsdale Road
Suite 107
Scottsdale, AZ
480.348.9124

Newly opened Aspire Market is the creation of husband and wife team Keith Kosco and Debbie Shapos. They have brought together several new dimensions of dietary shopping in order to elevate this usually burdensome experience to one of pure pleasure. Imagine shopping where the tagline is "where diet means delicious!"

Upon arrival you'll enter a space with the slick interior of a snazzy health food megastore yet on a smaller more customized scale. There is a concierge desk where someone either well informed or with a background in nutrition will help you with your special diet shopping spree. There you will be shown a code for whatever diet needs you have. For example, gluten-free is #5 and dairy-free is the letter D. Then all you do is look for products with those codes! As if that isn't enough to get you excited, there is a nutritional analysis matrix label system so you can really know what you're eating. You can even bring in favorite family recipes, have them give you a nutritional analysis, convert the recipe to suit your diet needs and then receive it back with the new and improved nutritional analysis! Most people may think this is above and beyond what they need, but for certain diet situations that either complicate gluten issues or for other health needs, in particular let's say diabetes, this service makes dieting a lot easier.

With close to 1800 gluten-free items to choose from you will be overwhelmed with celiac-friendly choices. They boast the largest selection of gluten-free pasta you've ever seen. There are products there that I have never even heard of or that are so new I have not been able to try them yet. Hard to get products such as Queen Elizabeth Cake from Canadian Glutino, Fabe's Vegan Apple Crumb Cake, and even  a brand of gluten-free muffin tops tempted me from the shelves! A really big bakery case filled mostly with fresh gluten-free baked goods shines in the front of the store.

Of course a gig this together has many other offerings to make you smile such as catering services, cooking demonstrations and samplings, along with foods made to order.  You can rest assured and eat in peace knowing that Michelle Richter-Dudash a registered dietician and Cordon Bleu chef made your food! They even can flash freeze meals for shipping that will last for 90 days with no nutritional compromise! Aspire Market is such an exciting concept and reality that I have to write a separate piece just about their baked goods! Let's hope they go national and in the meantime you can order via phone and as soon as this fall you can order online.

Below are some of Debbie's gluten-free specialty food recommendations:

• Bionaturae pasta

• Sassy Sauce

• Cherith Valley Sauces -"Wonderful! Especially the Tamarind Bourbon BBQ."

• Yarra Valley Cheese- a trinagular shaped pear hazelnut cheese spread

• Vino de Milo - spaghetti sauces that won the 2004 NNFA Fancy Food Award

• The Art Of Spice- rubs that with blow your mind

• Cuisine Perel- vinegars that celebrate the marriage of food and wine

• GF Pantry Crisp and Crumble

• Dietary Specialties brand- ravioli's, ravioletti, dinosaur chicken nuggets (these are now cheaper to buy from Aspire Market than directly from Dietary Specialties!)

written by Kelly

Arizona: Enter The Dragon

Lee Lee Oriental Supermarket
2025 N. Dobson Road
Chandler, AZ
(480) 899-2887

Lee Lee is the dragon of all asian food stores in Arizona. You may expect to find more midwestern snowbirds here than Asian Americans but Lee Lee is proof that Arizona is fast becoming home to this growing population. This is good news for celiacs in the area since there are many naturally gluten-free products at very reasonable prices!

You could come here just to be entertained by all the different food sections and trying to figure out what some of the items are.

The Great Wall of Rice	Unknown fruits and vegetables await your arrival	These boys want you to take them home	Crouching Soy, Hidden Rice Papers
Think of all the things you can do with a cassava pancake!	Big Booty in Little China! There were several yummy rice cookies to choose from, dried fruits, a whole aisle devoted to every kind of rice noodle, and interesting coconut products.		Don't forget your Peanut, Taro Root, and Green Bean Ice Pops! heh heh

Arizona: A Trilogy In Four Parts

A recent trip to the otherworldly landscaped Grand Canyon state led to the discovery of many gf treats! For those with a short attention span (usually beings with a strong penchant for science fiction and the only ones that will get the dual meaning of the above title) I'll be breaking up my discoveries into four days worth of readings.

PART ONE
Today I will introduce Smurf. Yes, Smurfette, is her alias. She is the best friend a girl could have and with her interesting background of German/Syrian blood quite a cook too!

Having been my roommate once upon a time, Smurf is always on the lookout for foods that are "Kelly-friendly".  She was excited to cook for me one of her favorite recipes she'd discovered in "The Rice & Noodle Cookbook".  This cookbook had many recipes in it that used either rice or rice noodles and could easily be adapted with gf soy sauces or Bragg's Liquid Aminos. There are only a few copies left on Amazon.  If they sell out then I may post the recipe guilt free!

Before

After

I know you are wondering, "What is that extremely refreshing looking libation in the picture?" Well, we created a drink during our own special happy hour:

Banana In A Cave*
1/3 Coconut Rum
1/3 Dole Banana, Pineapple, Orange Juice
1/3 seltzer water

*the name comes from a silly heat stroke inspired joke while hi